Frozen pipes are one of the most common plumbing problems faced by those living in colder climates. This issue can leave households without sufficient water for cleaning and cooking, and in some cases can even burst pipes wide open. Fortunately, a solution can be found in the form of heat tape. To learn more about how heat tape works and how to install it, have a look at the guide below.

What Is Heat Tape?

Despite its name, heat tape is not an adhesive, but one of several types of electrical cables that can be wrapped around pipes and plumbing fixtures to keep the water inside warm. Another use of heat tape is to thaw out snow and ice off of low-slope roofs, valleys, and eves to keep your roof from developing leaks during the winter months.  The most common type is self-regulating cable, which can be cut to length as needed or purchased in pre-cut patterns. It’s typically the easiest style to use, as it automatically adjusts its heat output to the surrounding temperatures. 

Thermostat-controlled cable is similar, but it is controlled using a separate thermostat instead of the built-in units in self-regulating heat tape. It’s also available in rolls to be cut to size or pre-cut lengths. 

How Should You Install Heat Tape?

Installing modern heat tape is relatively simple, requiring only power from a nearby outlet. Once the tape is wrapped around pipes and plugged in, it will keep your water fluid with minimal control or interruption.

To protect the tape from short circuits and power surges and outages, it’s usually recommended to plug it into a ground fault circuit interrupter (GCFI) outlet. After installing, you can increase heat tape’s effectiveness by wrapping pipes in foam insulating sleeves to retain additional heat and lower the tape’s power consumption rate.

When winter weather freezes your pipes and leaves you without a reliable supply of clean water, Ray’s Heating, Plumbing, Electric is here to help. Serving Salmon and Challis, ID, since 1971, the trusted technicians at this family-owned and -operated company are equipped to provide solutions to a wide range of plumbing problems, including burst pipes, clogs, system upgrades, and more. Call them at (208) 756-3649 to discuss your needs and visit their website to learn more about their services.