Ritchie Thermal Tubes provide the ultimate in added waterline protection.  While they are considered an optional accessory to your installation, some sort of riser tube will need to be used to prevent frost from carrying over to your waterline.  Why not use our fully insulated Thermal Tubes.

Waterlines should always be buried at least 1 foot below your frost line. Ritchie Thermal Tubes are available in a variety of lengths to accommodate your bury depth. Available in a 1 foot top, 2 foot top and 2 foot extension and 4 foot sizes.

Ritchie Thermal tubes provide 2 inches of fully sealed insulation which will help maintain a warmer temperature in the air surrounding your waterline.  Studies have shown that ground temperature is not significant enough to provide adequate freeze protection to your line or your waterer.  Allowing the warm water to provide the additional warmth inside the insulated tube will assist with performance of your waterer.

Frequently asked questions

1.  What side is up?  Bury the waterline with the writing UP.  Our 1, 2 and 4 foot sections will have a thicker surface on the top.  The Thermal Tube should be flush with the top of your concrete pad which will allow you to set your waterer directly on top of it.  This arrangement will create a good seal against the cold and wind.

2.  Can I cut or trim the tube to length? No.  The Thermal Tube is fully insulated and cutting or trimming the tube could potentially expose the insulation.  Overtime the exposed insulation will disintegrate and you will loose all insulation properties  of the tube.

3.  Will the waterer slip over the tube? I most cases the answer is no.  Our smaller units such as the OmniFount 1 and 2 or the EcoFount 1 or 2 are designed to sit directly on top of the Thermal Tube.  An all weather sealant will be placed along the base of the unit to prevent air gaps.

For more information about our the Ritchie Thermal Tubes, please visit our Thermal Tube page.

You can also watch our Thermal Tube videos on YouTube.