rocfarm
Well-known member
Had a question about setting up a winterized/freeze proof water trough in central Texas.
Both my tanks have gone dry. Have installed multiple water troughs but didn't think the creek to my main tank would still be dry during the winter months (never not been running during November), so was planning on just turning the water troughs off during the coldest months.
If we don't get enough rain to start the creek running, I'm worried that I'll need to have at least one water trough with a heater in case of a freezemageddon like we had a few years ago. I do go weeks at a time without seeing the cows. Had folks say that they've never used heaters in central Texas, and, don't worry about it because the freeze won't last that long and the cows should be fine, especially if there's snow, they can just eat that.
But the internet info is a bit mixed.
Question: What is the cheapest reliable way to have a freeze-proof water trough suited to central Texas weather conditions?
BTW, I have 1" PEX pipe buried in the ground and use all brass fittings, caged floats, etc. So the equipment is already as sturdy as possible. Just want to know an affordable way to make sure liquid water is available for the cattle in cold conditions.
Both my tanks have gone dry. Have installed multiple water troughs but didn't think the creek to my main tank would still be dry during the winter months (never not been running during November), so was planning on just turning the water troughs off during the coldest months.
If we don't get enough rain to start the creek running, I'm worried that I'll need to have at least one water trough with a heater in case of a freezemageddon like we had a few years ago. I do go weeks at a time without seeing the cows. Had folks say that they've never used heaters in central Texas, and, don't worry about it because the freeze won't last that long and the cows should be fine, especially if there's snow, they can just eat that.
But the internet info is a bit mixed.
Question: What is the cheapest reliable way to have a freeze-proof water trough suited to central Texas weather conditions?
BTW, I have 1" PEX pipe buried in the ground and use all brass fittings, caged floats, etc. So the equipment is already as sturdy as possible. Just want to know an affordable way to make sure liquid water is available for the cattle in cold conditions.