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.
Should I wrap insulation over my heat tape?
Materials Needed to Install Heat Tape
- The proper amount of heat tape, or braiding, needed to wrap around your water lines at a 6″ to 8″ interval.
- Power supply (GFCI outlet, extension cord)
- PVC/electrical tape
- Fiberglass pipe insulation
- Vapor seal wrap
- Tape measure
- Scissors and Knife
- Mask, gloves, and eye protection
- Supplies to clean your pipe (rag with cleaner)
Is foam insulation worth the price?
Spray foam is worth its high price as it seals surfaces. Property, especially old ones, might develop cracks between the boards that make up its walls and ceilings. There may also be small gaps around pipes and electrical cords. These spaces let in water and air. Spray foam insulation will effectively fill these gaps, saving you time and effort.
Is foam a good conducter of heat?
Styrofoam is made mostly of air, meaning it is a poor conductor of heat, but an excellent convector. This reduces both conduction and convection and makes Styrofoam a good insulator. On the other hand, conductors such as metal are poor insulators because energy flows through them. What is the best insulator?
Can you use heat tape on plastic pipes?
Can you use heat tape on pipe insulation?
Is heat tape a fire hazard?
Can foam pipe insulation be used with heat tape?
What kind of insulation do you use with heat tape?
Can you use rubber pipe insulation with heat tape?
How hot does heat tape get?
Higher power densities and temperatures, ranging from tapes with a maximum of 305° up to very-high-temperature tapes rated for up to 1400°F (760°C).
Is foam pipe insulation flammable?
Can heat tape thaw frozen pipes?
How long does heat tape last on pipes?
What can I do with extra heat tape?
Can you leave heat tape plugged in?
Will heat tape be warm to the touch?
Is heat tape a fire hazard?
Can you shorten heat tape?
foam insulation around heating pipes.
Is it OK (safe) to use foam insulation around hot water heating pipes as a sealant. from a pressurized can. The intent is to close off any "cracks" for mouse to travel through.
A Safety Alert on Heat Tapes - The Washington Post
A Safety Alert on Heat Tapes. By Mike McClintock Thursday, January 20, 2000; Page T19 . Heat tapes look like electrical extension cords. But unlike all other wiring that can become hazardous if it ...
My heat tape is too long - Home Improvement Stack Exchange
I have about 2 extra feet of heat tape, after I installed it. What do I do with extra length? The directions say not to coil or double back. My question is with extra length leave it hang o...
heat tape check - mobilehomerepair.com
greg thanks for your thoughts--my heat tape is not exposed to weather 8-9yrs old. I've been told by my reputable mobile home repair person that put on my insulated siding and who has replaced many a heat tape---not to worry? foremost insurance ,a major insurer, does not recommend a time schedule---only to check for detoriation. i tend to agree with you but at 73 not looking forward to a "belly ...
Can heat tape be overlapped?
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.
Can you use heat tape on pipe insulation?
Heat tape is most effective if it is covered with pipe insulation after installation. A good choice is long tubes of foam insulation fitted over the pipes and heat tape. However, read the package directions carefully to make sure that the heat tape can be covered with insulation.
Is heat tape a fire hazard?
I would forego use of heat-tape altogether. They are a HUGE fire hazard.
Is a frozen burst pipe cheaper than a fire pipe?
A frozen/burst pipe is FAR cheaper and easier to fix the results of a fire.
Does heat tape work on PE pipe?
I am successfully using heat tape on the black PE pipe with no insulation. I sealed the basement further and it didn't get down too bad, even on a very cold day. Heat tape successfully prevents well pipe from freezing up.
Does a utility closet have a water heater?
Utility closet has the pressure tank and water heater and is in a heated space. Pressure tank and water heater are fully functional with pressure switch. PE has thick aluminum foil and new unused heat tape over it, no insulation.
Can you use rubber insulation on fiberglass?
If the manufacturer does NOT recommend rubber insulation but specs fiberglass insulation, it is NOT advisable to use rubber. Maybe it will work BUT... If there ever was a fire, or damage such as frozen burst pipes, caused by your heat tape NOT being installed according to manufacturers instructions (tested and approved), your homeowners insurance will very likely NOT pay any claims related to the improperly installed item. Just food for thought.
Can you use trace heat tape on a PVC pipe?
Hi, I am a professional pipe fitter and we use trace heat tape on pvc pipe, under insulation, with no problems. I would say however that rather than using pvc pipe you are best using ABS as it is not so brittle at low temperatures - it will happily go down to -40 deg C! (I think that is the same as -40F) - check out PVC Pipe and PVC Fittings. Delivered from largest UK stocks. ABS pipe and fittings. Pipe, fittings and valves. Economy and Industrial ranges. for more info on the plastics, Bob
Can you put insulation between pipes?
If the problem area is in a cold location, ie passes through an unheated area, then wrapping it with insulation and adding a heat source may be correct. But if the problem area is on the fringe of a heated area, insulation may be best when just added between the pipe and the cold. That would allow the heat that is there to protect the pipe.
How long is a heating cable?
Heating cables (see advice above in this article) are readily available in lengths up to 60 ft. so you won't have trouble finding one long enough. Don't buy a heating cable longer than you need and be sure it is connected according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Can you use heat tape outside?
Yes you can do that provided the heat tape is rated for outdoor use and wrapped and insulated as instructed by the manufacturer. Some tapes can be crossed over themselves safely, others not.
Is insulation a fire hazard?
They said that more insulation is not a fire hazard, but while it will keep the heat in, will cause the cable to regulate the heat downward and can then allow the pipe to freeze. The system is designed to keep the pipe from freezing within the engineered temp range without extra insulation.
Does insulation stop freezing?
But it cannot stop it completely.
Can heat tape be used on plastic pipes?
If your heat tape was not intended for use on plastic pipes you risk melting the pipe, flooding the building, and causing thousands of dollars of damage before any fire hazard.
Can you bury a heating cable in concrete?
Watch out: do not bury a heating cable or any other electrical component in concrete before checking with the manufacturer that that application is approved.
Can you fire a tape?
Yes in some circumstances and with the right tape but else there's a risk of fire.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you use heat tape on plastic pipes?
Use only automatic heat tape, with heavy rubber insulation around the wires. Do NOT use non-automatic heat tape, as this could damage plastic pipes. Some types of heat tape wrap around the pipe, some run along one side of the pipe. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Can you use heat tape on pipe insulation?
Heat tape is most effective if it is covered with pipe insulation after installation. A good choice is long tubes of foam insulation fitted over the pipes and heat tape. However, read the package directions carefully to make sure that the heat tape can be covered with insulation.
Is heat tape a fire hazard?
Heat Tape Fire Hazards on Heating Oil Storage Tanks or Piping May Be a Fire Hazard. On these systems the oil piping is sometimes fitted with a heating tape in an attempt to avoid freeze-up in the oil line itself. This is a potential fire hazard. Heat tapes should not be used on heating oil lines.
