I can answer that, about the block heater ....... YES!! I have only used the types that fit into a freeze plug hole, but they work perfectly.

About the only thing that ever freezes up around here is the little pipe nipple under the pressure switch. It is easily thawed in a few seconds with a BernzOMatic torch. Anymore, if it is to get any colder than the low 20s I keep a heat lamp under the cover for the pressure switch and inline brass valve. That works perfectly.

SRH

May God bless America and those who defend her.