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Protect Your Most Vulnerable Pipes with WarmlyYours Heat Tape

Are your pipes protected from the freezing temperatures that winter can bring? Our heat tape for pipes can protect your home from frozen pipes. Protecting your water pipes from freezing can prevent restricted flow and the dreaded burst pipe. Heat tape should be the critical part of your pipe freeze protection system.

By installing heat tape for pipes, you will be able to keep non-flowing water pipes in poorly insulated perimeter walls flowing despite harsh winter temperatures. We offer two different versions of heat tape for pipes. The first is a self-regulating heat tape for pipes which helps keep running costs down by adjusting the wattage output per linear foot in direct response to the ambient temperature. The second is a constant wattage heating cable for pipes that is a DIY-friendly and economical alternative.

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Heat Tape for Pipes

Attaching a heating cable to the exterior of the pipe will keep it from freezing. Also known as heat tape for pipes or pipe freeze protection cable, this small, flexible cable can be attached to the pipe and it will maintain the temperature of the pipe, keeping water flowing.

WarmlyYours line of PRO-Tect Pipe Freeze Protection Heating Cables are the ideal solution to protect pipes from freezing. We offer both a DIY-friendly constant wattage option and a self-regulating heat tape for pipes that is more energy efficient.

Pipe PRO-Tect: Trace Heating Plug-in Cable
Constant wattage fixed-length pipe freeze protection cable

These plug-in heat tape cables will keep your pipes from freezing in low temperatures.

  • Easy plug-in operation with indicator light and integrated thermostat
  • Available in 3′, 6′, 9′, 12′, 15′, 18′, 24′, 30′, 40′, 60′, and 80′ lengths
  • Stops pipes from freezing at temps as low as -40°F/-40°C
  • 7 watts per linear foot (constant wattage)
  • Safe: cCSAus listed
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Pipe Tracing Cable (Square)
Self-regulating cut-to-length pipe freeze protection cable 3 Reviews

These self-regulating heat trace cables can be trimmed to exact size by the installer.

  • Cables spools length available in 50′, 100′, 250′, 500′ and 1,000′
  • Options for 120, 208, 240, and 277 voltages
  • Automatically varies wattage for optimal energy savings
  • Can be overlapped or criss-crossed
  • Safe: cUlus Listed
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Pipe Freeze Controls
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We offer a wide variety of control options for our pipe freeze protection heating systems so we’re sure you’ll be able to the find the best option for your project.

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Provide us with measurements of the pipes that you want to protect and receive a free quote within one business day.

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A pipe with a heating tape installed.

Why Install Heat Tape for Pipes?

  • Avoids Costly Damage

    Heat tape prevents pipes from freezing and bursting, which can save you from expensive repairs and damage to property.

  • Keeps Water Flowing

    Frozen water can’t flow through a pipe. Heat tape is designed to help regulate pipe temperature, allowing water to flow freely through your pipes.

  • Easy to Install

    Installing heat tape on your pipes is a snap. There is no need to remove pipes, just install the heating cable onto existing pipes while they are already in place.

  • User Friendly Controls

    Our self-regulating cable product can be easily operated with our control options. The constant wattage cable product comes with an integrated thermostat that will automatically turn the cable on and off.

  • Affordable

    Most systems are inexpensive to run and require no regular maintenance.

  • Safe

    Both of our heating cable for pipes products have been rigorously tested. Our self-regulating heat tape for pipes is cULus listed. The constant wattage pipe tracing product is cUL listed, CSA listed, and cETLus listed.

Why Choose WarmlyYours?

The PRO-Tect Pipe Freeze Protection system is uniquely tailored to prevent ice buildup on your pipes. To ensure the best installation, WarmlyYours provides free design services to make sure that customers purchase the heating system that best meets their project requirements.

  • Free Installation Plan

    We provide a free, no-obligation SmartPlan™ with every quote, often within 1 day.

  • 24/7 Installation Support

    We're here to answer your questions every day – year round – round the clock.

  • Fast Shipping & Simple Returns

    With same day shipping nationwide, we're committed to getting your order to you on time. Plus, we don't charge restocking fees for unused products.

  • Warranty

    Our self-regulating heat tape for pipes product is warrantied for 10 years while the constant wattage product is warrantied for 2 years.

How to Install Heat Tape for Pipes

The installation process will differ somewhat depending on which type of heat tape for pipes you select (constant wattage vs. self-regulating) so you should always defer to the specific installation instructions for that particular product type. However, here are some general steps:

  • Measure

    It’s important to measure both the length of the pipe and the width/diameter to ensure that your heating element is the correct size for the project.

  • Test

    Check that the heating elements are working properly.

  • Clean

    Make sure that the pipe and the area around it has been cleared of any debris or obstructions that might interfere with the installation. Cleaning the pipe will also make it easier to adhere the cable with fiberglass tape.

  • Dry-fit

    It’s a good idea to do a test fitting of the cable to make sure everything lines up properly. The layout of the pipe will depend on the product type and the type of pipe so make sure to refer to your installation instructions.

  • Secure

    Once you’re happy with the layout, you can secure the cable to the pipe (typically with a heat resistant tape like fiberglass tape).

  • Insulate

    The next step is to wrap the pipe and the heating cable with insulation. This helps retain the heat generated by the tape, reducing energy consumption and ensuring more consistent protection.

  • Connect

    The final step is to connect the system to its power supply. For our constant wattage kits, this is a simple plug-in. For the self-regulating product, we do recommend that a licensed electrician make the final connections.

Types of Heat Tape for Pipes

There are two main types of pipe freeze protection cables: self-regulating and constant wattage. Here’s some information about how they compare to each other.

Self-Regulating Heat Tape

Automatically adjusts its heat output based on the ambient temperature, increasing heat as temperatures drop and decreasing it as they rise.

Ideal for pipes that require variable heat output depending on environmental conditions.

Benefits:

Energy-efficient due to its ability to adjust heat output.

Reduces the risk of overheating and energy waste.

Drawbacks:

Generally more expensive upfront than constant wattage tape.

Final connections should be done by a licensed electrician (which generally involves added project costs).

Constant Wattage Heat Tape

Delivers a consistent amount of heat regardless of the surrounding temperature.

Best suited for situations where a steady and uniform heat output is required.

Benefits:

Simple and consistent heating, making it reliable in stable environments.

Typically less expensive than self-regulating options.

Drawbacks:

Can lead to higher energy consumption as it doesn’t adjust to temperature changes.

May overheat if used in warmer conditions or improperly installed.

Choosing the Best Option for Your Needs

Consider Your Climate: For regions with fluctuating temperatures, self-regulating heat tape offers better adaptability and energy efficiency. In consistently cold environments, constant wattage heat tape might provide the steady protection needed.

Evaluate Installation Complexity: If you prefer a more straightforward installation process and consistent performance, constant wattage heat tape may be the best choice. For those looking for long-term energy savings and are comfortable with a more complex installation, self-regulating heat tape is ideal.

Assess Your Budget: Constant wattage heat tape is often more budget-friendly upfront, while self-regulating tape may save on energy costs over time, offering better long-term value.

Preventing Frozen Pipes: Additional Tips

In addition to installing a pipe freeze protection system, there is one primary action you can take to prevent a frozen pipe. Improve the insulation in the room that your pipe is located in. By improving the insulation, you will also help improve the efficiency of the heating system itself.

Upgrading a room’s insulation can take a lot of different forms including adding spray insulation (if not present) or replacing outdated windows with more insulative ones. But whatever form it takes, these extra steps can greatly improve the performance of your heating system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will heat tape really keep my pipes from freezing?

Simply put, yes--the right type of heat tape will really keep your pipes from freezing. By applying gentle heat, heat tape can prevent the water in your pipes from turning to ice and blocking the flow of water--or worse. Combined with proper insulation, heat tape regulates the overall temperature of your water pipes.
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Can heat tape start a fire?

No, as long as it's properly installed. However, improper installation, use, and/or maintenance of electrical heating cable can cause fires, electric shock, and/ or frozen pipes.
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What is heat trace?

Heat trace, heat tape, or heating cable for pipes is typically an electric heating cable that can be attached to the pipe which helps keep non-flowing water pipes in poorly insulated perimeter walls flowing despite harsh winter temperatures.
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Can Pipe Freeze Protection be used indoors and outdoors?

Yes, it can be used for both application types to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting during cold weather.
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How does a heat tape for pipes work?

By attaching a heating cable to the exterior of a pipe, it will transfer the heat to the pipe to prevent frozen pipes. And with the use of pipe insulation the heat will be evenly spread and won't dissipate as quickly.
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How long does it take for pipes to unfreeze if heat tape is installed?

Unfortunately there's no set answer for this because it depends on many factors such as the diameter of the pipes, the installation density of the heating cables, the outdoor temperature, the installation of thermal insulation sleeves, etc.

There are too many variables to provide an accurate answer. Even though this product is designed to keep pipes from freezing, it is not designed to thaw pipes. If your pipe has frozen with the heat tape installed and energized, please check the placement of the built-in thermostat and verify that the insulation has been properly installed and waterproofed.
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Heat Tape vs. Other Pipe Freeze Protection Methods

Here’s how heat tape for pipe cables compare to other options.

Heat Tape

Provides direct, consistent heat along the length of the pipe, preventing freezing even in extreme conditions.

Available in self-regulating and constant wattage options to suit different climates and needs.

Advantages:

Directly heats the pipe, ensuring targeted and effective freeze prevention.

Works well in extremely cold conditions.

Disadvantages:

Requires a generally more complex installation process.

Higher upfront cost compared to simpler insulation methods.

Pipe Sleeves (Insulation)

Made from materials like foam or rubber, pipe sleeves provide insulation to keep pipes warm by trapping heat.

Best used in milder climates or as an additional layer of protection in combination with heat tape.

Advantages:

Easy to install and cost-effective for general pipe protection.

Provides energy-efficient insulation, reducing heat loss.

Disadvantages:

Less effective in extremely cold conditions without supplemental heat (like heat tape).

Does not provide active heating, making it unsuitable for the coldest environments.

Heating Lamps or Space Heaters

Used to warm the air around pipes, particularly in small, enclosed spaces like crawl spaces.

Can be effective but inefficient and less targeted compared to heat tape.

Advantages:

Easy to set up and useful in emergency situations or temporary solutions.

Provides ambient heat, which can protect multiple pipes in a small area.

Disadvantages:

Less efficient and potentially unsafe if not used carefully.

Can be costly to run continuously and less effective for targeted pipe protection.

Heat Tape for Pipes Customer Reviews

Rated 5.0/5 based on 3 reviews

We take pride in providing both exceptional service and great electric radiant heating products. But don't just take our word for it, check out what some of our customers have had to say.

Great Design Support

PRO-Tect: Pipe Freeze Protection Self-Regulating Heating Cable

Easy product to install. In stock and quick delivery. Great design support.

Dave R. in Woodstock, IL

Amazing Products and Customer Service

Waterproof Outdoor Thermostat

I have been a customer with WarmlyYours for about a year now, and i wanted to compliment the amazing products and customer service. Customer Service Representative, Troy, has been so helpful and prompt, it makes ordering a breeze

Anna H. in Elburn, IL

Roof heat cables, Yes!

Ice Shield: Self-Regulating Roof and Gutter Deicing Systems

Product works great. WarmlyYours terrific; prepared me with all the necessary information for the installation and back end support if we needed it at the time of installation. I’ll be back.

Gigi D. in La Grange, IL

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