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More
tips on safe heat tape installation
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The life expectancy of heat
tape ranges on usage.
Many tapes now have a thermostat
that when the temperature drops below a certain
degree, it will kick on.
A few additional issues
to watch:
- Heat tape should not
be used over the thermal insulation or near
flammable materials.
- Check heat tapes at least
once a year, paying particular attention to
older tape which may develop cracks in the insulation.
- When you purchase a new
tape, get the correct size for the intended
job. Do not overlap heat tape over itself. Do
not wrap tape at a 90 degree bend.
- Install according to
the instructions. Not all heat tapes can be
used over plastic pipes. Check the recommended
usages.
Words from Foremost Claims
Department:
"If you do not check your heat tape regularly,
you may eventually find that it has deteriorated
to the point that it may actually melt plastic
pipe. This kind of thing has led to fire and water
damage in the home. Because your safety is most
important, check with the manufacturer or dealer
to see if a certain heat tape will work on your
pipes. Like anything, maintenance is necessary,
but if used properly, heat tape can save many
headaches during the winter months."
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How To Install Heat Tape
Don't run the risk of letting your water
pipes freeze. It's relatively easy to install heat tape and
it's a good way to prevent major damage to your manufactured
home. If your freshwater pipes are already wrapped in heat
tape, check that the heat tape was properly installed, and
periodically check the heat tape to make sure it isn't worn or
frayed.
To check existing heat tapes, use the
directions that follow. It's an important safety check of
your home. Many manufactured home fires are the result of
improperly installed heat tape.
You should apply heat tape to all exterior
water supply piping and shutoff valves. Also protect any interior
water pipes that run along outside walls or anywhere that
the temperature may drop below freezing.
How much heat tape you will need depends
on the length, size and type of the pipe. You need to know
the pipe length and diameter and the number of valves or faucets
along the run. To determine how much heat tape you'll require,
consult the manufacturer's guidelines.
CAUTION!
Because you are, in effect, wrapping an electrical wire around
your water supply pipes, it's very important that you:
- Read
all the directions.
- Use
only laboratory-tested heat tape, authorized for use with
manufactured homes.
- 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.
For this job you'll need automatic heat
tape (the kind with a thermostat), electrical tape, and pipe
insulation (which could take the form of a waterproof insulated
pipe jacket, or pipe insulation with vapor seal cover). Some
heat tape kits combine several of these items.
 STEP
1: Check pipes
Do not install heat tape over leaking pipes. Not only will
a slow leak damage insulation, but it may also short out the
heat tape. Pay particular attention when you check the pipe joints
for leaks.
STEP 2: Attach to pipe
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. 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. 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.
 STEP
3: Attach heat tape
Space wraps according to the manufacturer's guidelines. Use
electrical tape, not electrical wire, to hold the heat tape
in place. It is very important that you never cross the heat
tape back over itself: this creates a real fire hazard.
STEP 4: Insulate
It's a good idea to cover the water pipe and heat tape with
pipe insulation or pipe jacketing. If the insulation does
not have a weather-protective outer surface, you will need
to cover it with a waterproof wrap.
 STEP
5: Plug it in
Don't forget to plug in your heat tape before the onset of
cold weather. Do not use an extension cord. The heat tape
must plug directly into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
(GFCI) receptacle. You should find a GFCI protected outlet
underneath your manufactured home, near the water inlet. If
not, you will need to install one.
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