Insulating your pipesis essential and will prevent pipes from freezing in many situations.
But it is not always enough during prolonged cold spells or when temperatures plummet into the sub-zero range.
This is where heat tapeboth the self-regulating and thermostat-controlled varietiescomes in to provide supplemental warmth as needed.
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What Is Heat Tape?
Heat tape is an electrical cable, not an adhesive tape.
Heat tape protects a vulnerable indoor or outdoor metal or plastic pipe to keep it from freezing.
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It is a flexible, flattened cable that typically plugs into a GFCI outlet.
There are more flexible varieties generally referred to as tape, as opposed to the stiffer cable-like varieties.
Both can be suitable for wrapping around pipes.
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But the products are not always interchangeable.
So be sure to read the package instructions to determine the approved applications.
The cable automatically varies its heat output according to changes in the surrounding temperature.
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No manual temperature control is required.
So it requires a separate connection kit with a thermostat to control the temperature.
It, too, can be purchased by the foot or in a roll.
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Thermostat-controlled heat tape is also available in kit form in various lengths with the plug and thermostat already attached.
Heated Water Hoses
A similar product to heat tape is a heated water hose.
When these hoses are plugged in, an electrical current heats the hose all the way to the end.
These hoses shut off automatically in warm weather to save electricity and prevent overheating.
If you’re doing it yourself, carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Other types are designed to be wrapped around the pipe in a spiral fashion.
And some can be installed either way.
Do not overlap the tape unless the manufacturer specifies that this is acceptable.
Heat tape is usually not used with pipe insulation, only if the manufacturer recommends it.
Another important point of the installation is the thermostat.
It should be in the coldest area and directly on the water pipe itself to give an accurate reading.
As the temperature drops, the heat tape will warm to stop the water in the pipes from freezing.
In general, heat tape only lasts for a few years.
Check your product manual to see when it recommends replacing the heat tape.
So heat tape can be applied to speed thawing and get the water running again.
However, heat tape works best if it is placed on a pipe before the temperatures take a dive.
