Answered Question

angieh

M$2 January 22, 2009 03:10 AM

How do I install heat tape on PVC pipes?

I have 1/2" and 3/4" inch PVC pipe in my basement and first floor that I need to cover. Specifically the 3/4" inch cold water supply lines running across the basement to a hot water heater, and the 1/2" lines (hot and cold) running to one faucet, almost directly above the hot water tank.

What is the best way to determine what length of heat tape(s) I need? Will I need more than one? Any tips, tricks or advice is appreciated

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Best Answer Chosen by Asker

cyberangel

January 24, 2009 03:43 AM

No one can answer this accurately without knowing the exact pipe lengths and dimensions and which brand of heat tape you will be using.

Methods for attaching heat tape to the pipe vary. Some types of heat tape wrap around the pipe, some run along one side of the pipe. Follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly.

The most important things I can tell you...

Do not cross the heat tape back over itself. This could overheat the tape and start a fire.

If your water supply piping is plastic, only use automatic thermostatically controlled heat tape. Non-automatic heat tapes can damage plastic pipes, especially if the taped pipes are covered with insulation like the above answer suggested.

Do not use an extension cord. The heat tape must plug directly into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) receptacle.

Make sure you start with the plug end next to the outlet, and run the heat tape the entire length of the freshwater supply pipe.

Also wrap the water pipe below ground level, to the frost level.

Source(s):
Here are some of the available products:

http://www.acehardware.com/sm-heat-tape-and-accessories--fi-1259053_cp-2568...
http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/52-299-heat-tape.aspx

Consumer Product Safety Commission on heat tape:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5045.html

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Other Answers (1)

pazaq

January 22, 2009 04:12 AM

Since nobody else seems to want to touch this.

You'll need as much tap as you have length of pipe you want to protect. You really don't need to wrap the tape around the pipe if you use foam pipe wraps to secure it in place. That way you can minimize the amount of heat tape you use.

I just put the tape in the foam pipe wrap then snap the foam pipe wrap around the pipe. Since the wrap keeps the heat in and directs it toward the pipe it keeps the heat tape off more often.

You'll probably need several depending on how long the pipes are you want to protect. They tend to be very low amperage so you can usually string them along using only one outlet.

Good Luck.

Source(s):
Past experience.
This is just a link to an Amazon page that shows the product in the picture above. So you know what the pipe wraps look like.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LEAU3M?ie=UTF8&tag=pazaqorg-20&...

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cyberangel

January 24, 2009 03:47 AM - Fact Refuted

Do not cover the heat tape with insulation unless advised by the manufacturer.

Only use nonflammable insulation such as fiber glass. Do not use foam or vinyl insulation that could catch fire from a failing heat tape.

If heat tape has a thermostat, check instructions to see if the thermostat should be placed against the pipe and covered with insulation or if it should be left hanging and uncovered.

CPSC estimates there are about 2,000 fires, 10 deaths, and 100 injuries each year involving heat tapes.

http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/pubs/5045.html

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