Easy Clean Water Bowl 9' Heat Cable (Bowl Not Included)

We purchased this to keep us from not having to keep refilling our dog's water. It has worked flawlessly so far. A few weeks ago it got cold enough for to need the heater. It took maybe twenty minutes or so to install it and get it all taped up. The temperatures have reached into the teens and so far it has kept the water flowing. *UPDATE* We had temperatures reach down around zero degrees and the water froze. It did not damage the bowl, but it apparently cannot handle really cold temperatures. Once the temperature went back up we removed the ice and it went back to operating as normal. Wish it prevented freezing at a colder temperature.

I like the fact that my dog, cats and horses ( I bought 2 of these) get fresh water each time they drink. They also are very easy to clean.

Great idea, but there are still some refinements needed here, both with the heat cable installation and with the bowl itself. The following is intended as feedback for Easy-Clean, as the "contact" link on their website allows very limited input.First - bowl design: I strongly suggest adding 1/4 to 1/2 inch in height to the base of the bowl, and using more plastic material around the underside heat cable screw-mounts. While they haven't failed yet (I only received it today), I note that there are signs of stress in the mounts after putting in the screws, and signs of near-penetration in the bowl itself from the points of the screws. If the screw mounts had a more solid foundation, they would also direct the screws more reliably - some of the self-washered screws skewed a bit on insertion, reducing the security of their hold. The higher base would also allow more clearance for the doubled heat cable as it exits the valve area.About the heat cable:I have used this kind of cable before, and it works just fine - when properly installed. The manufacturer states quite clearly that the visible black button on the orange thermostat segment should be FACING the pipe (or in this case, hose). Yet the imaging on all of Easy-Clean's literature shows the button OUT. If there is a specific reason to alter the manufacturer's directions, please clearly state it.Regarding overall installation procedures:If it's already cold outside (as it is here), I strongly recommend doing a "proof of concept" setup - in a warmed area - prior to placement. Use an easily removable temporary tape and do a preliminary placement and pressure/fill test. This allows you an easier adjustment if necessary if your water pressure requires it (see Easy-Clean's discussion of shimming the valve to adjust). It's easier and cheaper to use masking tape for this - and you'll be securing the cable better a bit later.Once you're satisfied with your in-place setup, disconnect from the water, bring it inside (if necessary) and dry the hose/cable thoroughly. Then use tape (as shown) to secure the cable properly.Although the heat cable manufacturer warns against "insulating the pipe" to avoid overheating, if your critters like to scratch/chew at things, I recommend wrapping the entire length of the hose/cable assembly with something like self-bonding silicone wrap tape (you'll find this in either both the electrical and plumbing repair supplies). While the hose is armored, the heat cable is not, and this not only provides a bit more protection, but keeps the cable securely against the hose without overinsulating it, and can be removed easier and cleaner than electrical, friction or duct tape.I am still testing this out, and will update this review with my results.