Ask an Expert    Around the Barn Q. I use a floating stock tank heater to keep my horses' water ice-free. I have noticed that they are reluctant to drink - could there by something wrong with the heater? Is it possible they are receiving a shock? A. Yes, you could have a faulty tank heater and yes, your horses could be getting a shock from the trough. This is a very serious problem for obvious safety reasons as well as for the horses' general health (they are probably not drinking enough). However, these two problems may or may not be connected. A perfectly good heater could cause problems if it is not installed properly - to manufacturers' specs (receptacle not grounded properly, use of extension cords, etc). Under certain circumstances other electrical devices (yard lights, electric fencers, etc.) or underground or overhead power lines can be the source of stray electricity being transferred to the trough. If there is a chance you think your horses are getting a shock - call an electrician immediately - and have them come and check things out. As an extra safety precaution most manufacturers recommend using a "ground fault interrupter" instead of a regular breaker on the heater's electrical circuit. This is a very sensitive device that cuts off the electrical current if there is any leakage of electricity in your water trough in the event of a heater malfunction. The floating heater should be checked over carefully on a regular basis for obvious damage to the cord and body. If the heating element becomes coated with scale or buildup it should be soaked in a shallow pan of lime and rust remover. If the coating becomes too thick, the element could overheat and burst, sending the electric current directly to the water. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: At westernhorsereview.com our 'Ask an Expert' page is not intended to replace diagnosis or treatment of your horse by your veterinarian or other professionals; westernhorsereview.com does not assume any legal responsibilty.