Hey everyone! I've got a 1960s cabin in Minnesota that was meant for summer use, but I'm trying to prepare it for winter. My big challenge right now is that the water heater is located in a small shed outside the cabin. I'm planning to switch to a tankless water heater inside eventually, but that's not going to be feasible this winter. I need some temporary solutions to avoid frozen pipes or a broken water heater this season.
So far, my plan includes installing insulated foam boards in the shed, using a heat lamp controlled by a thermostat to maintain the temperature, and adding heating cables to the exposed pipes running to and from the cabin. The area is pretty small, so I think I can manage the heating. However, I'd love to hear if anyone has better ideas or if I'm missing any major concerns with my current plan. Any advice would really help!
2 Answers
Hey, I can't give much advice on your setup, but you might want to look into exterior tankless water heaters. They could simplify things for you and reduce any plumbing issues. Just something to think about!
It sounds like you have a solid plan! The insulation and heat lamp should do well to keep things from freezing. Just make sure you monitor the temperature, especially during those really cold nights. One thing to consider is adding a space heater with a low setting in case temperatures really drop. Just a thought!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll definitely keep an eye on the temps and consider that space heater.
Oh, wow! I didn’t know those existed. I’ll definitely research that more. Thanks for the heads up!