What Is Heat Tape for Pipes?
An electric cable you wrap along a pipe that warms it when the temperature falls toward freezing.
A flexible electric heating cable, sold as heat tape or heat cable, that runs along a pipe and gives off a small amount of heat. Good ones have a built-in thermostat that switches the cable on only when the pipe falls near 38°F, so it does not burn electricity all winter. It fits the one pipe that keeps freezing despite insulation, like a line through an unheated crawl space.
Buy a UL-listed cable made for the pipe material, follow the instructions exactly, and never cross or overlap it on itself, since the cable can overheat. Plug it into a GFCI outlet, and replace any cable that is cracked or more than a few seasons old. It works best under foam insulation, which holds the heat against the pipe.
Fixes that use this
Outdoors & Seasonal
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing: 7 Fixes Before Winter
Insulate exposed pipes, seal air leaks, open cabinet doors, and drip a faucet on the coldest nights. Low-cost steps that keep the water running all winter.
Time1–3 hours Cost$15–$80 easy