6 Best Water Tank De-Icers For Livestock In Winter Old Farmers Swear By
Keep livestock water from freezing with these 6 farmer-approved de-icers. We review top models for safety, reliability, and efficiency in winter.
There’s no sound quite like an axe hitting a frozen water trough at 6 AM when it’s five degrees out. It’s a winter ritual many of us know too well, and one that gets old fast. Keeping livestock hydrated in the winter isn’t just about convenience; it’s critical for their health, digestion, and overall well-being. A reliable de-icer is one of the best investments you can make on a small farm, saving you from back-breaking labor and ensuring your animals always have access to the water they need.
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Farm Innovators Submersible De-Icer: The Workhorse
This is the de-icer many of us started with, and for good reason. The Farm Innovators submersible model is a simple, effective tool that does its job without any fuss. It’s built from cast aluminum, which is durable and conducts heat very efficiently.
You just drop it to the bottom of the tank, and it goes to work. Because it sits on the floor, it’s less likely to be bothered by curious horses or cattle than a floating model. The built-in thermostat means it only kicks on when the water temperature drops near freezing, which is a big deal for keeping the electric bill in check. It’s a solid, reliable choice for most metal and plastic stock tanks.
K&H Ultimate Deicer: Top Safety Features
When you’re mixing electricity and water, safety is the top priority. The K&H Ultimate Deicer is designed with this in mind. Its most important feature is that it’s certified as safe for use in both plastic and metal tanks. Not all de-icers can make that claim, and using the wrong one in a plastic tank is a serious fire risk.
This unit is thermostatically controlled and has an automatic shut-off feature that detects if the water level gets too low, preventing the unit from overheating and damaging itself or the tank. The cord is also typically wrapped to discourage chewing. If you have particularly "busy" animals or are using a plastic tank, the extra safety features built into this model provide significant peace of mind.
Allied Precision Drain Plug De-Icer for Steel Tanks
For those with galvanized steel tanks, the drain plug de-icer is an elegant solution to a common problem. Instead of a floating or submerged unit with a cord dangling over the side, this device screws directly into the tank’s drain hole. The heating element sits inside the tank, and the power cord runs out from the bottom.
The biggest advantage is that the unit is completely protected from livestock. They can’t nudge it, chew it, or pull it out of the tank. This makes it a fantastic "set it and forget it" option. However, this type of de-icer is for metal tanks only. The concentrated heat at the point of contact can easily melt a plastic or rubber tank, so it’s crucial to match this tool to the right equipment.
API Floating De-Icer: A Classic, Simple Solution
The floating de-icer is as basic as it gets, and sometimes, that’s all you need. You simply place it in the trough, and the styrofoam float keeps the heating element suspended just below the surface. It’s often the most affordable option and requires zero installation.
The trade-off for this simplicity is durability and security. Horses, in particular, often see these as a toy, and it’s not uncommon to find one bobbing in the middle of the pasture after being "fished" out of the tank. The exposed cord is also more vulnerable. A floating de-icer is a great choice for a temporary setup, a smaller tank that’s checked frequently, or as an emergency backup to have in the barn.
Farm Innovators Heated Bucket for Small Herds
Sometimes, the best de-icer isn’t a de-icer at all—it’s a heated bucket. For those with just a few goats, sheep, or maybe a single horse in a stall, keeping a 100-gallon stock tank ice-free is overkill. A 16-gallon heated bucket provides a much more efficient solution.
The heating element is concealed within the bucket’s base, so there are no exposed parts for animals to mess with. The cord typically exits from the bottom, making it easy to secure. Like larger de-icers, these are thermostatically controlled to save energy. It’s a perfect, self-contained system for small-scale needs, ensuring a few animals have reliable water without the cost of heating a massive trough.
Ice Chaser Cast Aluminum: Heavy-Duty Durability
If you’ve had livestock destroy lesser de-icers, the Ice Chaser is your answer. This is a heavy-duty, submersible unit built for maximum durability. Its solid cast aluminum construction not only ensures excellent heat transfer but also makes it tough enough to withstand being stepped on or nudged by large animals.
This is a premium product, and it comes with a higher price tag, but it’s an investment in reliability. It sinks to the bottom and stays put, and its robust design means you’re less likely to be replacing it every few years. For large tanks in harsh climates or pastures with rough stock, the Ice Chaser is the professional-grade tool that won’t let you down.
Choosing the Right Wattage for Your Climate Zone
You wouldn’t use a snowblower in Florida, and you don’t need a 1500-watt de-icer for a mild Virginia winter. Matching the unit’s power to your climate and tank size is key to both effectiveness and efficiency. Overspending on wattage just pads the electric company’s pockets.
Here’s a simple framework to guide your choice:
- Mild Winters (rarely below 20°F / -6°C): A 250 to 500-watt unit is usually sufficient for most standard tanks.
- Moderate Winters (consistent freezing, occasional single digits): Look for something in the 750 to 1000-watt range. This is the sweet spot for much of the country.
- Harsh Winters (prolonged deep freezes and high winds): For large tanks or extreme cold, a 1250 to 1500-watt de-icer provides the power needed to keep water open.
Remember, a smaller or better-insulated tank will require less power than a large, exposed metal one. Don’t just buy the most powerful unit available; buy the right one for your specific situation.
De-Icer Safety: Grounding and Cord Protection
This is the most important part of the entire discussion. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, and cutting corners on safety is not an option. Your de-icer must be plugged into a properly installed GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. This device will instantly cut the power if it detects any stray voltage, which could save an animal’s life—or your own.
Protect the cord. Livestock will inevitably step on, rub against, or chew on an exposed power cord. A frayed or damaged cord is a massive fire and electrocution hazard. The best practice is to run the cord through a sturdy PVC pipe or metal conduit to shield it from damage. Secure the conduit firmly to a fence post or the side of the tank so it can’t be pulled into the pen. Check your cord and connections regularly throughout the winter.
Ultimately, the "best" de-icer is the one that fits your tank, your climate, and your animals’ temperament. The right choice eliminates one of winter’s worst chores and provides a critical element for livestock health. No matter which model you choose, make checking its function a part of your daily routine—a quick glance to see clear water is all it takes to know your investment is paying off.
