I have a cottage that sits on concrete columns, the waterline is exposed from the ground to the floor and freezes in the winter if not drained. What can I do to keep the exposed pipe from freezing? Heat tape is not an option since I am off the grid on solar power an heat tape draws to many amps. Do they make an insulated enclosure that can be installed between the floor and frost line?

Pipe Heating tape... thats electrically heated.


There really is nothing else that will work other than draining it. As any amount of insulation would still require movent of the water... if there was none it would eventually freeze no matter how much insulation was on it.

I'm assuming the cottage isn't in use during the winter.

Sounds like you need a valve deep enough in the ground to deter freezing, and that can be accessed with a rod, or maybe there are electrically operated valves available for that situation.
The plumbers (which I ain't) should be along soon.

I have a plastic water line coming from under ground. It is in the center of a 4inch pvc pipe. There is a heat tape on the pipe but the water line freezes lower down. What can I do to stop it from freezing

Is the line insulated? Heat tape doesn't do any good unless it is covered in insulation.

ADMTS,
I suggest excavating a large pit in the area of your water line, perhaps 6' x 6', and 4' deep. Install a large water tank ( @ least 80 gals ) in the pit, and connect the water line to it. Build a weather resistant, 2x6 frame from the outer edge of the pit on grade, and connect it to the bottom of the cottage. Isulate and sheath the frame to create a weather tight room, and add an access door.

The heat provided by the exposed below grade excavation, and volume of water in the tank, should be enough to prevent the water line from freezing...