My fresh water tank froze up. I had a heat gun for 30 mins to valve to empty tank just to open it and found frozen water all the way up. Not sure how far in it is. Any suggestions on unfreezing while RV is outside in freezing weather? I was hoping to unfreeze it to prevent further damage since winter is just starting.❚ Did you read the FTS "Announcement : READ BEFORE POSTING HERE"?Forum Technical Support (FTS) is reserved for questions related to the use of the Open Roads Forum sites,member profile and photo testing, and for reporting account issues. Please avoid using FTS for RV relatedquestions. Instead, select the Sub-Forum which corresponds to the subject of your topic. Thank-you!Moved from FORUM TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Four season coaches have insulated tanks. You can insulate the bottom of your RV is you don't have one.

Today's weather in Naples, Florida, has a high of 80 and a low of 65. That should melt the ice. See https://www.bing.com/search?q=weather+naples%2C+fl&form=EDGTCT&qs=PF&cvid=a9b440202a5c487b8f8b68d755ba744c&cc=US&setlang=en-US

I guess it depends on where the tank is located. Mine's underneath so I'd try to rig up some skirting, to keep the wind out and the heat in and then put an electric space heater under there.

A few thoughts though I don't know how much access you have to the tank:-wrap with electric blanket-heat the camper (electric space heater maybe)-add as much RV antifreeze to the tank so as it melts the antifreeze will aid it some from refreezingGood luck!

DABZ where is the trailer located, is it Naples? Where is the water tank, under a bed or someplace else?To keep this from happening again, if you're someplace warm like Florida is skirt the trailer with plywood or heavy foam, and run a space heater under there.

Frozen fresh water tank | Good Sam Community

22 Replies

2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 29, 2017
I guess he's gone. One and only post.
MEXICOWANDERER
Explorer
Dec 28, 2017
My thoughts...
Naples is due west of Miami. If the rig was in Naples, you would read and hear screams...

EVERY FRUIT AND VEGETABLE CROP IN FLORIDA TOTALLY DESTROYED!

The first order is to prevent a disastrous flood when the tank and lines unfreeze. Even if the pipe has to be destroyed the outlet from tank to water pump has to be blocked. The water heater needs to be leak neutered as well.

I do not envy the OP
MrWizard
Moderator
Dec 28, 2017
coolmom42 wrote:
SidecarFlip wrote:
Mine is an ice cube (half full FW tank) and the unit is inside a marginally heated building. Never have gave it a thought. All the plumbing is evacuated (air purged plus RV antifreeze) and low point drains, drained. Solid frozen FW rank is a non issue in reality.

Only an issue if you think it is....

Or if you need to use it.

Depends on how much water is in there
Near empty?
Near full?

Near full frozen solid, could expand enough to crack the tank
Farmboy666
Explorer
Dec 28, 2017
rockhillmanor wrote:
DABZ wrote:
My fresh water tank froze up. I had a heat gun for 30 mins to valve to empty tank just to open it and found frozen water all the way up. Not sure how far in it is. Any suggestions on unfreezing while RV is outside in freezing weather? I was hoping to unfreeze it to prevent further damage since winter is just starting.

Your sig says Florida. Is that where you are at now? :?
Do you live there or snowbird?

If so we have yet to have freezing temps for more than a 'couple hours in one night' right before dawn. And come morning its back up to the 70's.

The lines will thaw all by itself come this afternoon!:C

I drain the fresh if they predict freeze temps and then just fill it back up if needed.

If it took 30 min with a heat gun to unthaw I doubt he's in Fl.
1320Fastback
Explorer
Dec 28, 2017
They make oil pan heaters for Diesel engines used in cold weather. They aren't much more than about 10"x10" and some are 12V/125v. They don't get hot enough to melt plastic and are self adhesive!

Probably would be enough heat to keep things liquid.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2017
A severe reprimand is appropriate IMO. I’ve had a couple.
2oldman
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2017
Awaiting the moderator's reprimand post.
Dennis12
Explorer
Dec 27, 2017
Find a warm garage to put it in. Maybe a service station would let you park it in it overnight. Throw him a few bucks.
coolmom42
Explorer II
Dec 27, 2017
SidecarFlip wrote:
Mine is an ice cube (half full FW tank) and the unit is inside a marginally heated building. Never have gave it a thought. All the plumbing is evacuated (air purged plus RV antifreeze) and low point drains, drained. Solid frozen FW rank is a non issue in reality.

Only an issue if you think it is....

Or if you need to use it.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Dec 27, 2017
Mine is an ice cube (half full FW tank) and the unit is inside a marginally heated building. Never have gave it a thought. All the plumbing is evacuated (air purged plus RV antifreeze) and low point drains, drained. Solid frozen FW rank is a non issue in reality.

Only an issue if you think it is....