Would doing basic insulation on a spare garage be worth it for outdoor water storage?
Posted by One_Dragonfruit_7556@reddit | preppers | View on Reddit | 17 comments
Thinking about longer term preping for the future of my small family. The winters where I am can be intense and if I wanted a larger place for longer term water prep would it be worth the time and effort/cost to put basic insulation in a spare garage?
Achnback@reddit
If your garage isn't climate controlled, I don't think it will help much.
NotAmusedDad@reddit
Have you thought about simply using dark painted storage containers for passive solar heating?
IlliniWarrior1@reddit
let it freeze - it's still potable water >>> if utilizing the water during a SHTF is necessary the container just needs space to thaw in the heated living area - if thinking bulk storage like a IBC tote - the tote might have to be sacrificed and chunk ice moved for thawing ......
the importance is to have the water available >>>>>
Soff10@reddit
There are designated heaters for 50 gallon barrels.
55 Gallon Drum Heater, Steel Drum Barrel Heater Band Pad 55gal Kit with Thermostat for Metal Bucket Oil Lube Water 120 Volt 1200 Watt, 5'' x 68.5''
On Amazon
Neoliberal_Boogeyman@reddit
Can you dig a cistern?
Ginger123456788@reddit
If you dont have any other place for storage than sure why not. But think if its really worth it to you.
Fit-Sort-1690@reddit
Just do your research on how best to do it. Using vapour control layers etc. in the right place to avoid cold damp spots that can lead to mould.
If you have the spare cash to do it why not, it'll be a more usable space throughout the winter. If it's purely to stop your water freezing there's more cost effective solutions noted by others.
Ryan_e3p@reddit
The more water mass is there, the less likely it is to freeze over. In other words, a small bottle of water will freeze long before a 55 gallon drum will. If you're concerned, you can always get a 55 gallon drum (or even better, a 275 gallon IBC tote, since that will stay liquid longer) and add a 12V water pump to keep water moving. Moving water isn't as likely to freeze.
WhereDidAllTheSnowGo@reddit
Northern Canada, no
Southern Florida, no
Somewhere that’s rarely dips into 20F, maybe
Jacobaf20@reddit
IMO, totally worth the effort. Insulation stops water from freezing in brutal winters, which is make or break for long term prep. You will thank yourself if you ever need that supply :)
AlphaDisconnect@reddit
Did you mean... a hot water heater? Or two? If you start hot. And it is insulated. There is 40 ish gallons. Wrap that in a water heater blanket. All the better. Find a way to tap into it with no services. Run of shifty (city) natural gas. When that goes out. A propane tank. Propane can freeze so mind that limitation. Know how to light the pilot light after the propane switch.
IndianOcn@reddit
Worth it for slower freezing, but add a temperature monitor in the garage to track conditions, helps adjust your prep plan.
Wonderful_Edge5674@reddit
Yo creo que si valdria la pena . podes buscar un aislamiento que sea economico hay algunos queno son caros pero muy funcionales . y si vivis en un lugar con inviernos intensos el agua es primordial . Todo lo que aporte algo bueno vale la pena saludos
Pando5280@reddit
Can you create a dedicated water storage space inside the garage with increased insulation? Cheaper than insulating the entire garage. Run a low voltage heat source in that space and it shouldn't up your electrical cost much. (used to have an exposed water pipe in my garage at 7200 feet with temps of -20, ran heat tape around it with an insulation cover and it never froze once and I didn't notice it in my electrical bill)
robinhood_glitch1@reddit
Insulation only serves a purpose if you also heat/cool the space
PlanetExcellent@reddit
Insulation will slow down the cooling of the garage, but it won’t stop it from equalization with the outside temperature unless it is connected to a heated space that provides some heat bleed through.
In other words, the water will still freeze; it will just take a little longer.
Reasonable_Action29@reddit
Depends on the environment. 1 example is my parents who live in NY, where it's snows alot anf is cold garage built in the 80s with only only the thinest r-3 fiberglass insulation. They store a few 5 gallon water jugs in it and have never had 1 freeze.