Heating Water Supplies at an Animal Shelter

The Goal

The Derbyshire branch of The Donkey Sanctuary needed a dependable frost protection system. The goal was to stop the animals’ water troughs and supply pipes from freezing during harsh winter conditions.

The site’s outdoor water network froze frequently in sub-zero temperatures. As a result, staff had to manually de-ice pipes and refill troughs throughout the day. This disrupted care routines and posed safety risks to both animals and workers. Therefore, the sanctuary needed a low-maintenance, automatic pipe frost protection system. It had to keep water flowing at all times and withstand the demands of outdoor installation on a busy animal sanctuary.

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Our Solution

Through its subsidiary Heatmat, Heatcom Group designed and supplied a trace heating system. The system keeps all critical water supply pipes operational during freezing temperatures.

The system uses self-regulating trace heating cables. These cables deliver targeted, controllable heat along the pipework to prevent freezing and maintain water flow, even in temperatures as low as -15°C.

In addition, Heatmat installed heating cables inside selected water troughs in exposed outdoor areas. This design ensured the animals could not damage the cables and removed any risk of injury. Animal welfare was a key consideration throughout.

The system also uses fully programmable thermostats for precise temperature management and automation. Once installed, it removed the need for staff to manually de-ice pipes. Because of this, staff can now focus on animal care instead of maintenance.

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The Result

The new pipe frost protection system 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. As a result, 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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