How Freeze Protection Cables Can Save Your Pipes - Gear Up With Gregg's

[@glennzanth858]

When installing heating cable this is absolutely the best video to watch for information. All other videos I watched left out the thermostat which is very important, also tells you bout foam insulation which im using. Very informative!

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

We're glad this was helpful for you, thanks for watching!

[@mohdissa1093]

What happens if we use heat cable without thermostat?

[@petep.2092]

@@mohdissa1093 Heat cable is different from heat tape. Make sure you are using the right product for the application.

[@ThrasherGnar]

Best video on KZbin about this product! Thank you

[@Speeglelookingglass]

Great video. I have a different brand of heating cables and I was about to throw them away not realizing there was a thermostat in them and that the temperature relates to when the cables heat up. I'm thinking he indicated 35 degrees Fahrenheit the cables will heat up. Also I put the cables on the outside of this thick tubular insulation so I have to take all of that off and put it actually on the pipe

[@Minimalist11Guy]

Thank you very much for such a well-presented guide to pipe trace heating systems.

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Glad it was helpful!

[@thomasbrown7728]

Why play background music when you’re talking? Makes it hard to understand what you’re saying.

[@roofingtips]

I could hear him just fine

[@nomansland4811]

I know. Annoying as hell.

[@nephilimninjaofnibiru2907]

It's like a music video...lol not.

[@mstallard]

When installing heat trace you are supposed to put it on the bottom where the water flows. Just think of it as a water slide and you should place the trace where the water will flow.

[@colton5bucks]

The pipe is generally full and pressurized with water... hence making that not necessary

[@petep.2092]

@@colton5bucks … but when it's not … 😇

[@samshare2146]

This looks like a great system, but...can it be used for pipes that are hidden behind walls/ceilings? I have pipes that are prone to freeze/burst and they are not easily accessible. I would like a system that monitors temperature and automatically heats the pipes in case the temperature gets too cold and prevent water in the pipes from freezing.

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

As far as we are aware, a system that you have described (while it would be nice!) does not exist. Thanks for watching our video!

[@samshare2146]

​@@GreggDistributorsLPThank you for the quick response. Alas, disappointing to hear. I had a pipe that broke last night (ergo, how I found your video looking for a long-term more reliable solution) that was repaired this morning. Last time this happened was during the 2021 "Big Freeze" in TX. This time, we found that a soldered joint in an elbow joint in a pipe failed when the water expanded while freezing. The location is a bedroom and bath above a garage that is reached from a walkway over a port-cochere. This exposes the pipes going to the bathroom through the access hallway to cold temperatures under it. The pipes are, obviously, hidden which is why I asked. Fearing the response was "no", I asked my repair guys of the possibility of making a panel in the garage to gain easy access to a pipe heating system and he said that it would be possible. The pipe is fixed, so now time for the repair guys to finish cutting out the ceiling, remove all the (wet) insulation, and drying everything for the next couple days before they start putting everything back together. This will give me time to continue to explore pipe heating systems as well as installing a heater in the garage as a backup.

[@rickrolllinks109]

excellent presentation

[@MrLjarroyo]

Do I wrap the heat tape on the cold water inlet pipe ??

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

It is suggested to apply this tape to water pipes where there is a potential for the water to freeze due to external temperatures. For more information on heat protection cables check out our blog greggdistributors.ca/pages/blogs/how-to-install-pronghorn-heating-cables

[@lawrencedominick4999]

How to know if the heat strip is working be a good to know. Installation isnt a issue just doing all that work and not knowing it works!

[@petep.2092]

Many models come with an indicator light in the 3-prong plug, but read the instructions carefully. For some the indicator shows that there is power to the unit, others light up only when the thermostat turns on the heater element in the tape. The latter may have a pre-installation test whereby you immerse the sensor in iced water and ensure the light turns on when chilled. That said, the reliability of heater tapes leaves much to be desired, some are dead on arrival, some fail after a few hours of operation. It depends on the manufacturer and even the batch that was manufactured.

[@josegnz4763]

If only houston knew about these feb/2021

[@Jeremiah-TwistedTrucker]

Dallas-Fort worth needed these too

[@davemTX2023]

Agree - I have them now

[@anthonyhewetson5086]

If you have two pipes (hot water and cold water) running parallel can you spiral a cable around both (without overlapping) to prevent freezing of both pipes with one cable ... or do you have to use two cables?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

No, that is not the correct installation method. You would require one per line.

[@AZOVdefense]

I ran my wire from outside to were my cold and hot busted and got fixed not letting the wire touch and went back along the water line in n the side not touching the wires together so hopefully I get extra heat on me main water pipe going inside and underneath the restroom. Got one longer than needed but I guess extra will work better.

[@AZOVdefense]

Don’t spiral just taped it so it would not touch together on my hot and cold that busted and that’s because I had extra Long cord.

[@Horizon-m3l]

What if the thermometer sensor isn't actually touching the pipe? Will it still activate the heat from just the ambient air temp being cold?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

It would need to make direct contact with the pipe in order for it to work effectively. Read our blog for more info: greggdistributors.ca/pages/blogs/how-to-install-pronghorn-heating-cables

[@asclepioesculapio3522]

Good information

[@mariejohnson7575]

Great video I'll try this thanks.

[@MissCleo1953]

Can I use this on vinyl tubing?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

These freeze protection cables are typically used on rigid pipe, not really on a flexible material like vinyl tubing.

[@MissCleo1953]

Could I cover the vinyl tube with a larger pvc pipe then use the heat trace over the pvc pipe?

[@petep.2092]

@@MissCleo1953 The purpose of the heater tape is to heat the water in the pipe so it doesn't freeze because water expands as it freezes, which bursts the rigid pipe (which you'll discover only after the ice melts and water begins to flow again. Heating an empty pipe is a waste of energy but necessary if the pipe may hold water some of the time. The problem with a vinyl tube is it doesn't conduct heat very well to the water inside and also it softens and melts very easily with heat. PVC is a poor conductor of heat too and can soften with heat but not as easily. However, the combination of poor heat conductivity and the lack of water in contact with the inside wall of the PVC pipe to conduct the heat away, may result in dangerous hot spots where the heater tape makes good contact with the pipe. Covering the vinyl tube with a PVC pipe could work but wrap the PVC pipe with at least one layer of aluminum tape before applying the heater tape. The aluminum will spread the heat around the PVC pipe and reduce the chance of hot spots that would damage the PVC pipe.

[@mrink9818]

Extra tip!! the place of the cable does matter when the pipes gets thicker. Than you should place the cable at 4 or 8 o'clock on the pipe. You don't choose below (6 o'çlock) because if the isolation leaves water through your cable will be constantly in the wetness. (Cost more energy for same effect) You don't put it on top (12 oçlock) because most of the heat gets lost. (cost more energy for same effect) You should loop your thermostat at the end of the pipe to the top, this way the heat-tracing cable will reach the end of the pipe and the thermostat knows the perfect moment to shut of again. So 3 tips for better energy consumption.

[@barondavis5692]

Thanks😊

[@sly2599]

thks for the video I have to go in a crawl space under mobile home to install the heat tape I already have one installed but not sure how old it is... could I leave the one I have in place and install a second heat tape just in case one stops working during winter it is difficult to go under the mobile home

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

You should remove the old tape, as it is not recommended to have 2 heat tapes on a piece of pipe.

[@SLANKATAMILAN]

Can I used this in side the bucket for goats winter time getting frozen water bucket?? Is this can help??

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

This product is intended for Rigid Pipe; however, you may want to consider this bucket heater for your application: greggdistributors.ca/Tools-Shop-Equipment-and-Storage/Hand-Tools/flooring-tools/mst742g

[@benjamincrooker2533]

Is there a heat cable that I can put down the drain line I use for my washing machine hooked hose? I cannot get to the outside of the drain line for a conventional heat strap installation.

[@talon501]

Is it safe to put the Pronghorn heat tape on Pex Pipe & insulate it?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

This heat tape is suitable for use on both plastic and metal pipes, so that should be fine.

[@talon501]

@@GreggDistributorsLP Thank you!

[@mazinalbusaidi9384]

Thanks for the video, I have a question if the thermostat is setting at 40C and i want to increase the heat in the pipeline so i have to reduce the thermostat seat point ? To increase the temperature?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

These do not have an adjustable thermostat, it is an automatic thermostat that turns on at 3°C and turns off at 10°C.

[@ericeisen7123]

The pipes in my kitchen under the sink seem to always freeze when it gets really cold. Does the size of the cable I choose also include the distance needed to reach the outlet or do I need to use a separate extension chord for the electrical connection?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

It all boils down to how far the outlet is from where you'll be installing the cable, but typically an extension may be needed if the outlet is further than usual, as the total length of the cable listed does not take into account the distance needed to reach your outlet since it varies per application. More info here > greggdistributors.ca/electrical/Freeze-Protection-and-Heating-Cables?resp_group=Default,Variations,ItemProperties

[@shostetler]

Can this be used to wrap around a well pressure tank in a small enclosure outside?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Depending on the type of metal your well pressure tank is, an option that would work better than freeze protection cables are drum heaters, which we carry in a variety of power outputs (check them out here: greggdistributors.ca/Material-Handling/Drums-Handling-Equipment/Drum-Heaters?resp_group=Default,Variations,ItemProperties), however for these drum heaters we would still recommend you check with the manufacturer of your tank for compatibility, just to be safe. Thanks for watching!

[@turdferguson8612]

This is a good video on installing it

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

We're glad this was helpful for you, Jason. Thank you for watching and supporting our all-Canadian channel!

[@MariaReyes-nz1tn]

Thank you 😊

[@peterc8021]

What’s that foil fiberglass tape called? Name brand? I can’t find it anywhere, thanks

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

It is called pipe wrap insulation, Check it out here. greggdistributors.ca/Maintenance-Repairs-and-Operations/Insulation-Products/dddrxspw02025?resp_group=Default,Variations,ItemProperties

[@OCOCOCism]

I have a well in my summer cottage, I drain the water out of the pipes in the house and under the house except for about 3 feet of the 1” plastic pipe coming from the well. Would I only put heat tape on that last 3 feet

[@tafiqsyed9614]

Can we use this inside the concrete wall

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Your safest bet would be to refer to your local plumbing & heating codes in your city, to ensure that where you'll be installing these cables will meet the safety standards. Thanks for watching!

[@shawngastiger3886]

It's 43 degrees outside does it have to be 32 to activate and feel heat?

[@ubacow7109]

I have a pipe that isnt straight and has a lot of 90 degree bends do you have advice for this? On the instructions in the box it usually says not to bend them but idk how i'm supposed to get around the 90 degree bends if i cant bend it.

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

You can get away with slightly bending these cables on a pipe, however a 90 degree bend would be unsafe for your application.

[@151dreamer]

Sense this video was some time back, I don't it will be answered, but here it goes. In my well house they used a rubber hose to go to the fauset outside the well house. Can I apply a heat cable if I apply a foil wrap to the rubber hose? Can a heat cable be used in this situation? what would work best in this case? thank you

[@Bearmeariver]

Can this be used on a heavy water hose?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

The intended purpose for this product is primarily for rigid pipe.

[@Ben-ww1zq]

How can I repair the thermostat in the cable?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

We wouldn't recommend replacing the thermostat in the cable, as this is a fire hazard. Instead, you would have to replace the entire cable assembly if the thermostat isn't working as it should. Thanks for watching!

[@rickellithorpe7428]

Can you use this heat tap on the well outside that's only 10 feet deep.

[@stephensoles3773]

The heat tape I bought at Can Tire instructions say not for use for a drain pipe ( not a constantly filled pipe, like a water line) Are these heat tapes different? The brand I bought also has a thermostat.

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

No, these are not intended to be ran inside of a pipe, they are for external use only.

[@stephensoles3773]

@@GreggDistributorsLP I did not mean inside a pipe, but on the OUTside of a pipe that only has water in it intermittently - specifically the drain from my high efficient forced air furnace. The thermostat will be outside all winter (northern canada cold) so I expect the heat tape to be warm ALL the time keeping the drain (3/4" pipe) from freezing. Will having this energized all winter damage it?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

No, using it in that application will not damage the product, that is what it is intended for.

[@petep.2092]

@@stephensoles3773 Yes, it will probably damage the PVC drain pipe! That pipe drains condensation water that is generated only when the air conditioner is being used, which is not likely in winter time, so no risk of freeze damage. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."

[@johncox1570]

can you tie it to pressure switch

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

No, to the best of our knowledge, that is not recommended.

[@gremlingirl101]

my pipe starts in house basement where it is warm then goes through wall into a location where i can not reach under the house..if i put cable on pipe will it warm it enough to keep pipe from freezing? about 15 feet away..also how will it come on in a warm location.

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Unfortunately, the cable only heats up the portion of the pipe that it sits on. Also, since it would be in a warm area, this would not trigger the thermostat to turn on the heat in the cable.

[@grumpycyclist3319]

Very helpful, thanks!

[@paulkennedy9824]

I have HAVE AN 4" ABS PRODUCT . DO YOU HAVE AN DIRECT IMMERSIONS PRODUCT THAT WILL kEEP PIPE THAT HAS WATER INSIDE

[@1967odie]

i was wondering can you replace the thermostat on them or just buy another heat cable my plug end is lighting up but that's it

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

The thermostat can not be replaced on these Freeze Protection Cables, as they are built in. You would have to just replace the entire heat cable. Thanks for watching!

[@rodola647]

Did you put ice around the sensor for it to kick on and heat otherwise if you plug it in and it’s above 37° you won’t feel nothing and just have the light

[@ShawnShaddock]

Do I need freeze protection cables when running a buried pipe from my house to an out building?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Your safest bet would be to refer to your local plumbing & heating codes in your city, to ensure that where you'll be installing these cables will meet the safety standards. Thanks for watching!

[@paulmaxwell8851]

No, just bury below the frost line. Ask your local building inspection office what that is. It's often found online.

[@mrjoehimself]

How do I connect 12v heat cable to my RV's battery?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

The heat cables featured in this video are 120VAC, you cannot connect them to a 12V RV Battery.

[@leerein9818]

HOW often should you replace the heat tapes?

[@paulmaxwell8851]

When they burn out. Unfortunately, they don't tell you when they've failed. I've had heat tapes last ten years, but others have had them fail at five.

[@manuelgarcia9085]

Can the built is thermostat be removed to have continuous heat with an external digital thermostat plug in?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Unfortunately the built in thermostat can not be removed with these specific cables and would not be recommended to alter them, as this can cause a safety hazard. Thanks for watching!

[@paulmaxwell8851]

Manuel, I installed a heat tape on a water line, where it enters the crawl space. That's where it is vulnerable, where it passes under the footing. I installed a good-quality Honeywell manual thermostat very low to the ground, feeding a receptacle. Now the 4'C heat tape thermostat is controlled by the new thermostat, set for 2'C. This allows me to only run heat when absolutely necessary. It has worked well for fifteen years.

[@petep.2092]

The video talks about applying aluminum foil or tape over PVC pipe to better distribute the heat and prevent hot spots but shows the aluminum being installed over steel pipe. That would be bad as aluminum in contact with steel will cause dissimilar metal corrosion.

[@shannond4142]

If I only have 18 inches of pipe above the slab of an unconditioned garage, what should I do with the extra cable if I had a 3ft. length?

[@pjbrankin]

I have about the exact same situation - what did you end up doing in your case?

[@alanseager5279]

it didn't answer the question I asked tho can I use it on the actuators on my snow blower attatchment some times I hate Google

[@jeep79cj00tj]

Can this be installed inside a outside sump line?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

No, the product is designed to be installed on the outside of pipe.

[@josetan1524]

Where I can this heating cable in Philippines? Thank you.

[@mksiddiki]

Very helpful.

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Glad it was helpful, thanks for stopping by!

[@mfurtman1]

Our bathroom is over an unheated crawl space. Hot and cold pipes run to the bathroom, then split to shower, again to sink, and cold to toilet. If cable is place on each pipe, that's a lot of plugs to connect to the outlet. What do you suggest for such a layout? Would it be enough to just heat the two main lines and not worry about the off-shoots?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Without knowing all the specifics, it's hard to say for sure. Typically the two mains would enter the heated space and then tee off to the off-shoots so these would not need to be heated. Unless your hot water supply is on a heat loop, which we assume it is not, you would probably want to add a heat trace to both hot and cold main lines. Depending on how long the runs are in the exposed crawl space, you could use one heat trace line. For example, if both of your runs are 15ft you can use a single 30 foot cable which you can find below. Hope that helps! ohcanadasupply.ca/electrical/Freeze-Protection-and-Heating-Cables/pcr216018

[@bobbg9041]

by code this cannot be behind finished spaces, this kind of defeats the use of them in a garage with bathrooms over it.

[@Josh-mh3kl]

will this work on a 1" rubber hose?

[@GreggDistributorsLP]

Hi, Josh. For this product to be most effective, the manufacturer recommends the use of freeze protection heating cables only on pipes, metal or plastic. Thanks for watching!

[@sumerbc7409]

you're going to need the most heavy duty industrial sticky tape made for this... 10 years from now you don't want unraveling tape holding down the heat cable...

[@clonejones7955]

Buy Canadian!🇨🇦👍

[@jefffloyd3480]

Cable need to be put on Bottom

[@BobbyWilson-n7r]

😂

[@isabelamateo783]

Are wad ex

[@city8456]

Can you use this over pex pipe?