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Location: Derbyshire, UK
Project/Case: Donkey Sanctuary – Water Supply Frost Protection
Year: 2014
The Derbyshire branch of The Donkey Sanctuary required a dependable frost protection system to prevent the animals’ water troughs and supply pipes from freezing during harsh winter conditions.
The site’s outdoor water network frequently froze in sub-zero temperatures, leaving staff to manually de-ice pipes and refill troughs throughout the day. This not only disrupted care routines but also posed safety risks to both animals and workers.
A low-maintenance, automatic system was needed to keep water flowing at all times and withstand the challenges of outdoor installation on a busy animal sanctuary.
Through our subsidiary Heatmat, Heatcom Group designed and supplied a trace heating system to ensure that all critical water supply pipes remained operational during freezing temperatures.
The system used self-regulating trace heating cables that deliver targeted, controllable heat along the pipework to prevent freezing and maintain water flow — even in temperatures as low as –15°C.
In addition, heating cables were installed inside selected water troughs located in exposed outdoor areas. This design ensured that the animals could not damage the cables and eliminated any risk of injury — a key consideration for animal welfare.
The system was equipped with fully programmable thermostats for precise temperature management and automation. Once installed, it eliminated the need for staff to manually de-ice pipes or disrupt daily routines, allowing them to focus on animal care instead of maintenance.
The new frost protection system successfully keeps all water pipes and troughs at the sanctuary ice-free throughout the winter.
The Heatmat solution, delivered by Heatcom Group, provides reliable, hands-free operation and long-term durability, ensuring that the donkeys have continuous access to fresh water — no matter how cold it gets.
This practical and safe installation now serves as a model for other animal welfare facilities across the UK seeking simple, energy-efficient frost protection.
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