When the cold winter weather sets in and starts attacking our unprotected water pipes, many will do whatever they can to keep from having burst lines. A very common homeowner solution is to install heat tape on the water lines that could freeze. There are advantages to using heat tape, but the disadvantages can be serious.
Heat tape is an inexpensive option to what could be a costly bill. With the economy in the shape that it is, everyone wants to save their money. Any homeowner can install a heat tape system, it consists of the actual heating wire, straps to attach the wire to the pipes and the 3 prong plug. So by following the directions most anyone can wrap their pipes with the heat tape.
The heat tape is to be wrapped around or strapped to the pipes, never to be overlapped on itself. So that means each section will have to be adapted for the length needed. This is a bonus for a homeowner, as long as you know about how much you need, you really can’t go wrong with the material list.
So heat tape is relatively cheap, quick and easy to install, sounds like the ideal homeowner repair.
On the negative side, incorrectly installed heat tape can create a dangerous situation. Some people see the easy installation as a job that doesn’t have to be taken seriously. All precautions and instructions must be followed.
Improperly installed or damaged heat tape can cause a fire. Usually the homes that have plumbing that is prone to freezing are older and with more flammable material around them.
If there is heat tape already installed in your property it should only be kept in place only if you re sure it has been installed properly and that it is safe. The tape should be checked regularly, any pieces that are in questionable condition should be removed.
There are better ways to keep your pipes from freezing. Any exposed piping can be covered with foam insulation or fiberglass pipe insulation. Make sure all piping is covered. If you need to cover the pipes immediately they can even be wrapped with loose fiberglass insulation.
If the water pipes are in an area that has drafts, you can seal all the holes or close off the spots where the air is entering. Just stopping the air from moving near the piping may be enough to keep them from freezing.
If you are caught off guard by a night of cold air and not able to weather proof the water pipes, you can always shut the water off to the area. Better to go a night without water in your powder room than to have your pipes freeze and burst.
The last, and from my experience as a plumber, the most unpopular choice, is to actually call a plumber and have the water lines moved to a safer spot. The cost of installing the pipes to a new area is usually much less then the cost of a flooded basement.
The cost of the plumber is definitely less than the damage improperly installed or damaged heat tape can cause.
So as a homeowner, choose the right options for keeping your piping safe during the winter by being informed. Think twice before installing heat tape, use only as a option of last resort.
