How To Use Heat Tape
- Measure length & diameter of pipe
- Use electrical tape to attach Heat tape to pipe
- Never use Heat Tape with an extension cord
- Attach Thermostat directly to the cold end of pipe
- Loop heat tape around the pipe without overlapping
- Wrap tape around Elbows
- Test Heat tape by plugging it in & push the test button ...
Can pipe insulation go over heat tape?
Manipulate the end of the wrap so that the end cap is not touching the ground, where it could collect moisture and short out. Insulate the pipes over the heat tape if allowed by the tape manufacturer. Some tapes cannot be covered. Others can but only if the pipe insulation is made of fiberglass or other nonflammable materials.
How do you install heat tape on roof vent pipes?
You will start by determining the length of heat cable you need:
- Measure the length of your roof line.
- Measure the depth of the eave overhang from the edge of the roof, not the gutter, straight back to the outside wall.
- If the eave overhang is 12 inches deep, multiply the roof-line measurement determined in Step 1 by 4. ...
- Measure the length of each downspout and add this measurement to the previous computation. ...
Can you put insulation around heat tape?
You should find instructions for using the heat tape. Most manufacturers will indicate clearly if you can put insulation over the heat tape. Never insulate over a heat tape of cable that is not expressly identified as intended for use under insulation. Some heat tapes are rated only for indoor use.
How do you install heat tape?
How to install heat tape
- Check pipes. Do not install heat tape over leaking pipes. ...
- Attach to pipe. Use only automatic heat tape, with heavy rubber insulation around the wires. ...
- Attach heat tape. Space wraps according to the manufacturer's guidelines. ...
- Insulate. It's a good idea to cover the water pipe and heat tape with pipe insulation or pipe jacketing. ...
- Plug it in. ...
What is the proper way to install heat tape?
2:484:50How To Easily Select and Install Heating Tape - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDevice your heating tape must be connected to an external temperature. Control device to prevent theMoreDevice your heating tape must be connected to an external temperature. Control device to prevent the product from overheating. And burning out for proper heat control secure a thermocouple RTD.
Will heat tape keep pipes from freezing?
Electric heat tracing, heat tape or surface heating, or trace heating maintains and raises the temperature of pipes to prevent freezing.
How long does heat tape last on pipes?
three yearsHeat tapes can only last for three years because they are always exposed to water and electricity, and so you should replace them at least every three years.
Can you put heat tape on hot water pipes?
Common uses of heat tape include roofing tiles and gutters to melt snow and ice, as well as water pipes to prevent freezing during colder times of the year. Heat tape is better than pipe insulation due to its warming abilities, as opposed to helping keep heat in.
Does heat tape use a lot of electricity?
Typical heat tape burns electricity at six to nine watts per foot per hour. That means each 100 feet of heat tape operating 24/7 can translate to an added monthly cost of $41 to $62 to operate heat tape, says Eileen Wysocki, energy auditor for Holy Cross Energy.
How do you know if heat tape is working?
0:117:33Is my Heat Tape Working? How Do I know? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd see that the snow is melted around where you know the tape is or two you've got to physicallyMoreAnd see that the snow is melted around where you know the tape is or two you've got to physically get up there and touch it feel the heat tape.
When should you not use pipe tape?
An important thing to remember is that PTFE tape should not be used when connecting PVC fittings or valves with a female (FPT) thread. If the tape is used on female connections, a wedging action can occur which will cause major stress on the joint during assembly. PTFE tape does not guarantee a leak free connection.
How do you keep pipes from freezing without heat tape?
If cold weather settles in and you notice temperatures beginning to drop, start a small drip of both hot water and cold water in the kitchen, bath, laundry areas and any other faucets in the home. A small water drip is all that is needed to keep water moving through the system and prevent frozen pipes.
When should I turn on my heat tape?
Is Heat Tape Safe? Self-regulated heat tapes don't get very hot at all which is why they aren't helpful to unfreeze pipes. In fact, they should be installed on your pipes long before the first freeze. The new self-regulated heat tapes will turn on when the temperature gets below 40 to 38 degrees.
How long does it take for heat tape to thaw pipes?
It is important to note that the time it takes for heat tape to thaw your pipes will vary depending on several factors, such as the size and thickness of the lines, the outside temperature, and whether or not the heat tape is wrapped correctly. That being, it could take 45 minutes to a few hours.
How effective is heat tape for pipes?
Will heat tape keep pipes from freezing? No method to keep pipes warm is foolproof, but heat tape does well to prevent freezing and bursting pipes. As the temperature drops, the heat tape will warm to stop the water in the pipes from freezing.
Can heat tape get too hot?
Most cheap heat tapes can't be overlapped or insulated because they overheat and pose a real risk for fire. Heat tapes must be plugged into a GFCI circuit. The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates about 2,000 fires, 10 deaths and 100 injuries involving heat tapes occur each year.
What material is best to prevent pipes from freezing?
The Best Pipe for Freezing ConditionsCopper in Freezing Conditions. Copper is a great material for plumbing. ... CPVC in Freezing Conditions. CPVC pipe, a type of plastic pipe, is rigid with thicker walls than copper. ... PEX in Freezing Conditions. PEX has the best chance of surviving low temperatures because it is so flexible.
What can I put on my pipes so they don't freeze?
Exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be. Use heat tape or heat cables. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to wrap pipes.
What is the best pipe wrap to prevent freezing?
For many residential plumbing applications a PE pipe insulation product like Tubolit® and Tundra® is the perfect option. Economical and easy to install, PE foam insulation will prevent pipes from freezing and keep hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.
What can I wrap my pipes with to keep them from freezing?
Wrap pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions. Seal leaks that allow cold air inside, near where pipes are located (i.e. around electrical wiring, dryer vents, other pipes), with caulk or insulation.
How long is a heat tape?
Consider a heat tape kit: In addition to the raw heat cable that is sold by the foot and fitted with plugs, you can also buy heat tape kits in just about any length you might need—from 3 feet to 100 feet.
How do heated water hoses work?
Heated hoses come in many lengths and are designed with electrical conducting wires embedded into the rubber or vinyl walls of the hose. When these hoses are plugged in, electrical current heats the hose all the way to the end. These hoses shut off automatically in warm weather to save on electricity and prevent overheating.
Can heat tape be used on pipe?
Many types of heat tape are just attached to the underside of the pipe and can be attached to the pipe with electrical tape or zip ties. 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.
Can you insulate pipes from freezing?
Insulating your pipes is essential and will prevent pipes from freezing in many situations, but it is not always enough when the temperatures stay cold for days at a time or when temps plummet into the sub-zero range. This is where electric heat solutions come in handy.
Can heat tape be covered with insulation?
However, read the package directions carefully to make sure that the heat tape can be covered with insulation. And make sure the thermostat is in the coldest area and directly on the water pipe itself to give an accurate reading.
Can heat tape be used on metal water lines?
Most heat tapes are approved for use on either plastic or metal water lines, but it is best to make sure that this is the case before you buy. Also, make sure it has the features you want, such as a power indicator light and a built-in thermostat.
Can heat tape be purchased by foot?
Another type of heat tape is quite similar to the self-regulating type, but it is regulated by a separate thermostat. It, too, can be purchased by the foot or in a roll, but it requires a separate connection kit with a thermostat to control the temperature. The heating tape can also be custom fit to your application because it can be cut ...
How to attach heating tape to surface?
Attach the heating tape to the surface by either using built-in tie straps [select models] (Figure C), high-temperature adhesive tape (Figure D), or mechanical clamping devices that will not cause damage to the heating tape.
How to prepare a surface to be heated?
Prepare surface to be heated: Wipe the surface making sure there is no foreign material, like liquid, on the surface . Foreign material inhibits heat transfer and liquid can damage select models of heating tape (i.e. HighTemperature Heating Tapes).
How to secure thermocouple?
For proper temperature control, secure a thermocouple, RTD, or other sensing device with one strip of adhesive tape so that it is in close proximity to the heater to prevent overheating.
How far apart should you wrap a spiral?
The distance between spiral wraps is dependent on the uniformity requirements and the amount of available heating tape. A minimum distance of 1/8” is required between spiral wraps to avoid damage to the heating tape.
Can you use heating tape without a controlling device?
DONTs. Do not overlap the heating tape over itself. Do not use heating tape without a controlling device.
Can you replace heating tape?
Make a visual inspection of heating tape: We recommend that you replace the heating tape if it becomes torn or damaged. Damaged heating tape is a safety hazard and will not operate correctly.
Do you need a ground fault circuit interrupter for heating tape?
Your heating tape must be connected to an external temperature control device (Figure H). Ensure your temperature controller is protected by a properly sized circuit breaker or fuse. Use of a ground fault circuit interrupter is highly recommended and may be required for your installation.
How to install heat tape on a pipe?
There are two ways to install heat tape to a pipe. The first is parallel where the heat tape is applied in a straight flat line against the pipe. If you use this method under your mobile home be sure to position the heat tape on the side most exposed to the weather. Parallel heat tape on a water line. #affiliate.
Where to put heat tape on mobile home?
Heat tape should be installed on an exposed pipe located outside of your home only. As stated above, water supply and drain lines in the area between the ground and the bottom of the mobile home is the most common place to install heat tape for mobile and manufactured homes.
How many watts does a heat tape use?
The most common heat tapes use either 2 watts per foot or 7 watts per foot and keep your water line from freezing down to an impressive -50F degrees. Newsminer.com explains that if an average heat tape draws 5 watts of electricity per foot then a 6-foot long heat tape will use 30 watts to heat the pipe.
Why does heat tape stop working?
A downside to using this type of heat tape is that it has no rubber coating, the heat tape tends to rust and stop working due to the lack of a moisture barrier. Most contractors like to use this type of tape as they can buy it in large quantities and use only what’s needed for any particular job.
Why is heat tape used?
Heat tape is used to prevent metal and rigid plastic water filled lines from freezing. In sub-freezing areas, heat tape is one of the most popular ways to protect pipes from freezing because it’s affordable and works remarkably well. Heat tape isn’t sticky.
How to make heat installation easier?
You can make heat installation easier by preplanning and making sure you have everything you’re going to need before you crawl under the home. Pre-cut the tape, ties or straps you’re using to attach the heat tape to the pipe. You want to tape or tie it at least every 10-12″ but closer is always better. You want the heat tape to make constant contact with the water pipe. Learn about mobile home repair loans here.
What is heat tape?
The first is the hardwired heat tape. These tapes are professionally connected to your home’s electric system and controlled with its own breaker. Most of us do not have the luxury of this type of installation because it requires a licensed electrician to install.
What outlet to use for heat tape?
In fact, for heat tape, O’Brian recommends using only ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) outlets , which are designed to sever the electrical current in the event of a power spike or loss.
Can a frozen pipe block water?
At the very least, a frozen pipe can block the flow of water through the house; at worst, it can burst open and leak gallons upon gallons of water. Horror stories of devastating damage can trigger a fever pitch of anxiety, but frozen pipes are a rational concern for many, especially those who live in homes where the plumbing runs ...
Is heat tape good for freezing?
In the short term, however, if you’re looking for fast, inexpensive freeze protection, “heat tape really comes in handy,” says Daniel O’Brian, a technical specialist with SupplyHouse.com. Despite its name, heat tape isn’t an adhesive at all. Rather, it’s a type of electrical cable that, when wrapped around or snaked through a pipe, applies a controlled amount of heat to prevent freezing.
Can you use heat tape on an outlet?
“You plug one end into an outlet and position the rest according to the manufacturer’s instructions.” Note that some outlets are safer than others. In fact, for heat tape, O’Brian recommends using only ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) outlets, which are designed to sever the electrical current in the event of a power spike or loss.
Can heat tape be used on metal?
While some heating tapes are expressly intended for galvanized or copper pipes, others can be used with either metal or plastic. Lengths and voltages vary as well.
Can you put heat tape on a GCFI receptacle?
Assuming there’s a GCFI receptacle in proximity to the pipe, installing heat tape can be a simple do-it-yourself project for the average homeowner. “It’s critical to read and understand the specifications provided by the manufacturer,” O’Brian says, but generally speaking, “it’s a straightforward job.” Most commonly, cables are wrapped around the pipe with a few inches of space left between each wrap, although some heat tapes are designed to run along one side of the pipe, affixed by means of electrical tape.
How to protect a pipe from a leaking pipe?
Cover all of the pipes wrapped with heat tape with a layer of foam insulation tubing to further protect them. Simply hold open the cut edge of the tubing and press it around the entire pipe. Cut the end of the foam tubing with a utility knife when you reach the end of the pipe.
How to prevent pipes from freezing in trailer?
One method that prevents this problem is wrapping the pipes with heat tape. Heat tape is actually a thin tubing material that plugs into an electrical outlet to heat up. The heat from the tape is transferred to the pipes, preventing the pipes from freezing.
How to connect water to trailer?
Crawl underneath the trailer at the end where the water connection is located. Wrap the exposed water pipe, using the same technique as before until you reach then end of the pipe. Secure the heat tape to the pipe with electrical tape placed at evenly spaced intervals.
Can heat tape cause fire?
Heat tape can cause a fire if it is not installed precisely according to the package instructions.
Can heat tape be used on PVC pipe?
Not all heat tape is approved for use with PVC pipe. Check the packaging for the heat tape to make sure it is approved for the type of pipes the trailer has.
