Real Railroad Question

They were insulated in the norther climates, plus all the piping from underground to and thru the pump house was insulated. The pump house would have had a potbelly coal stove, maintained by the Water Service personnel.

In really cold climates the base would be enclosed and a small stove keeps it warm enough not to freeze.

Thanks for the information.

Very interesting question, and one I never considered. Maybe they kept ready made steam in them!

Don

Nope. THAT would have required a complete steam plant and appropriate operating personnel. That would not be logical.

hello

I worked in water treatment for years up north and all of the water towers had a pump to supply  air to make bubbles this kept the water moving, so it would not freeze up.

The tanks we had had two pumps and where on timers and had alarms in case of a break down.

Other tanks had pumps to keep the water moving.Just moving water around will keep thing from freezing up.

With 1000's of gallons of water in a tank it would take a long time to freeze up. Pipes on the other can and will freeze before 32 F. 

In this case a 100 watt light bulb can keep stuff from freezing.

Ask me how I know  

They only used hot water so it wouldn't freeze.

Maybe ask that same QUESTION in the "REAL TRAINS" portion of the Forum!!!

That is an interesting comment.  As you heat water, the dissolve air that occurs in water naturally is removed.  There is a certain amount of freezing point depression, (water freezes a lower temperature) related to air dissolved in water.   I believe there has been some mention of that, adding air bubbles.  While heating water would certainly prevent it from freezing, the airless water would freeze quicker.   You would think even in the late 30's, 40's, 50's there would have been electric cable heat.