Heated Water Bucket Freezing?

[LilDucky85]

I bought a heated water bucket last Fall to get ready for Winter. This is my first Winter ever with my ducks so I wanted to be prepared for anything. I live in Illinois and its been anywhere from 20 degrees to below zero. My heated water bucket was doing great then suddenly stopped working. It actually doesnt even heat the water, it just prevents it from freezing. For the past 4 days I have had to defrost the ice in the bucket and refill it with fresh water. The bucket says it withholds -20 degrees but now it started freezing at just -1. Ive checked the plugs and they are working because other things are plugged in as well. I've noticed the past few times that the ice has only formed less than half an inch on the surface. There is this tiny ledge around the bucket and any water above it freezes. I will include a picture of the bucket, and another with an arrow where this groove is. I'm so frustrated and ready to return the thing! I dont want to put more money into this by adding heaters or anything because this bucket was already $40 as it is. Has anyone else had this problem? All advice welcome!!

This is the evil water bucket...

The ledge where anything above it freezes. In person it's actually like 4 inches lower than it appears here...

 

[Cindiloohoo]

Try only filling to the line. It probably only has the heating element up that far. Worth a shot

 

[LilDucky85]

I finally did that today. It defeats the whole purpose of having a 9 quart bucket. I didn't want to try that because I'd have to fill it more often. Then tonight I said forget it because its better than carrying a heavy bucket full of ice across my yard and inside everyday anyway.

 

[Cindiloohoo]

HEHE at least you have a heated bucket. I'm still hauling water. Well this way they will be able to get to it before you go out too bc there will be no ice to break. It does defeat the purpose of a big bucket...that would really make me mad. ALMOST false advertising!

 

[LilDucky85]

It sure is! It clearly says "HEATED" Water Bucket, the word "Heated" of course being in huge capital letters. It definitely doesnt heat anything. I have to drag that bucket in my house and use scolding hot sink water to defrost it. Not fun!

So what do you use?

 

[Cindy in PA]

If it's good to -20, I am surprised it's not working. I HATE the heater base I bought last year! It's only rated to 10 degrees, my old one bought in 1993 didn't say that, but it kept my water from freezing, even when it was -22 in 1994. We have only gotten to 15 degrees this week and my metal waterer had ice between the two pieces! Made it real hard to get it apart to fill. I am definitely not impressed with the current offerings.

 

[Akane]

9 quarts is a bit over 2 gallons. I have the 4gallon version of those buckets and another brand that we've used in the stable for years. Mine make it down to about -20F before freezing at the top. They even melt snow or a solidly frozen one will thaw again when plugged back in while it's in the negatives out. I tend to pile shavings and/or straw around the ones in the coop to help insulate. The ones in the stable just sit on concrete but with the horses in there is stays a bit warmer than outside over night.

 

[LilDucky85]

Quote:
I didnt mean I thought 9 quarts was 16 gallons, lol sorry, I meant I wasnt sure which size I had. These come in at lest 3 or 4 differet sizes and I cant remember which size I grabbed. I tried throwing some snow in there last month thinking it would melt it, but instead the entire thing froze solid where the snow had been lol. Oops!

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I have these buckets I use for my horses and haven't had any problems with them doing this! Do you have the receipt, I'd take it back and get a different one! We've had very cold weather here lately and not had any issues with them! Sorry you are!

 

[LilDucky85]

It still froze after filling it below that line! GRR! Im taking the stupid thing back this week. There must be something wrong with it!