Reviews Of The Best Heat Tapes For Exposed Water Pipes

Exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing and bursting during cold winter months. Using the right heat tape is crucial for protecting water pipes from damage and preventing costly repairs.

Overview of Using Heat Tape on Exposed Pipes

Heat tape, also known as pipe heating cable, is an electrified thermal wrap that maintains a steady temperature to prevent pipes from reaching the freezing point. When properly installed, heat tape keeps water flowing safely even when temperatures plummet below freezing.

For exposed pipes, heat tape provides vital protection against elements like cold winds, snow, and ice that can lead to hazardous freeze-ups. Choosing the best variety involves considering key factors like the tape's self-regulating features, energy efficiency, and durability.

Main Features to Evaluate When Selecting Heat Tapes

Here are the most important criteria to evaluate when picking the right heat tape for your exposed water pipes:

• Self-regulating or constant wattage heat output
• Maximum heat temperature to prevent overheating pipes
• Flexibility and ease of wrapping around pipes
• Waterproof and weatherproof construction
• UL safety certification for reliable performance
• Manufacturer warranty period

Reviews of Top Heat Tapes for Protecting Exposed Pipes

With a variety of heat tape models on the market, we narrowed down the choices to the top-rated self-regulating, parallel cord and constant wattage heat tape options ideal for keeping exposed pipes from freezing.

Self-Regulating Heat Tape

Key Features : Self-regulating heat tapes automatically adjust their heat output based on ambient temperature conditions. This smart temperature control prevents energy waste from overheating.

Our Top Picks : Frost King HC6A-25, WarmlyYours TEMP-20, Heatline Zmesh-25.

We recommend self-regulating heat tapes because the built-in thermostats offer maximum energy efficiency. As temperatures drop, they output more heat. But during warmer spells they automatically dial back, using less energy.

Pros : Consistent temperature regulation, adapts to changing conditions, prevents pipe overheating.

Cons : Generally more expensive than basic constant wattage models.

Parallel Cord Heat Tape

Key Features : Parallel cord heat tapes have two long heating wires embedded in a fiberglass cord. This special heating element configuration provides uniform coverage for consistent pipe heating.

Our Top Picks : Frost King HC10A-2, Heatline Zmesh-PC-2X25, WarmlyYours TempTape.

With twin parallel heating cables running through their core, these tapes maintain balanced temperatures across their entire surface. Their flexible cords are easy to install on uneven or oddly shaped pipes.

Pros : Even heating without hot or cold spots, flexibility for wrapping pipes securely.

Cons : Relatively short lifetime compared to self-regulating and constant wattage models.

Constant Wattage Heat Tape

Key Features : Constant wattage heat tapes provide continuous heating. Their power output stays fixed and does not fluctuate with ambient temperatures like self-regulating models do.

Our Top Picks : Heatline Zmesh-Jacketed-5X50, Frost King HC-6A, DeWalt DCHT8.

For exposed pipes in consistently frigid northern regions, constant wattage models ensure pipes stay warm despite bitterly cold winds or heavy snow. These basic heat tapes are more affordable, but use slightly more electricity over time.

Pros : Very energy efficient for extremely cold regions, lower purchase cost.

Cons : Risk of overheating pipes if not monitored/controlled properly.

Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Heat Tape

Keep the following critical factors in mind when deciding which variety of heat tape works best for your particular exposed pipe situation:

Pipe Composition and Configuration

The length of exposed pipe and material such as copper, PVC, iron, PEX and more all impact ideal heat tape selection. Measure your linear pipe footage needing coverage and reference application guides to match the tape technology to your pipe type and layout.

Climate Conditions and Annual Temperature Range

Consider your geographic region's normal high and low temperatures when choosing heat tape. In very cold northern areas with consistent sub-zero temperatures, constant wattage may maintain warmer pipes. For fluctuating climates, self-regulating tapes adjust better.

Ease of Installation Based on Pipe Exposure

Factor in the tape's installation requirements and physical design when determining the best variety for your particular pipes. For example, some exposed pipes have irregular shapes or many turns requiring flexible heat tapes that conform and adhere securely.

Safety Certifications

Verify the heat tape carries certification by safety standard organizations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL), European Conformity (CE), and Canadian Standards Association (CSA). These validate strict, reliable manufacturing and performance quality controls.

Cost Considerations and Product Warranties

While advanced self-regulating heat tapes cost more upfront, their energy efficiency pays off in the long run through lower electrical bills. Also confirm warranty duration should repairs or replacement become necessary.

Proper Installation of Heat Tape on Exposed Pipes

Avoid safety hazards and ensure optimal heat tape effectiveness by properly installing the heating cable on your exposed pipes using the following guidelines:

Fully Expose Pipes Requiring Heat Tape

Remove any existing insulation or wrappings that cover the pipes. Thoroughly exposing the pipes allows securely attaching the heat tape flat along the length of the pipe to transfer heat efficiently.

Select Proper Insulation Materials

Pair the heat tape with compatible insulation like fiberglass wraps. The insulation traps the heat from the tape, preventing heat loss to ambient air for optimum pipe warming and energy savings.

Apply Insulation and Tape Using Correct Techniques

Wind insulation wraps smoothly around the pipe, then apply heat tape directly on top following product specifications. Finally, finish wrapping any remaining insulation over the heat tape, securing everything snugly but not too tight.

Install Vapor Barrier or Moisture Membrane

Wrap pipes with a vapor barrier facing outward, covering insulation and heat tape. This waterproofs and weatherproofs the system, preventing moisture damage to insulation.

Test Heat Tape Functionality

After installation, plug in the heat tape for at least 15 minutes and feel with bare hands to confirm the full length is heating up as expected before winter sets in.

Safety Precautions When Using Heat Tape

While incredibly useful, heat tapes also introduce electrical and fire risks if specific precautions aren't followed:

Follow All Manufacturer Guidelines

Meticulously adhere to the product literature instructions covering proper installation, use, and maintenance recommendations to avoid hazards.

Inspect Tapes Frequently For Damage

Check heat tape at least monthly for any cuts, frays, cracks or excessive wear since bare wires can cause short circuits and heightened fire danger.

Use Only Compatible, Non-Combustible Insulation

Select insulation products like fiberglass specifically rated as fire-retardant. Avoid flammable materials like plastic foams next to hot heat tape surfaces.

Prevent Heat Tape Contact and Crossing

Don't allow heat tapes to overlap or touch each other. Maintain at least 1" separation between runs to prevent overheating failures.

Connect to GFCI Protected Circuits

Only connect heat tape to electrical outlets protected by ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) on a dedicated circuit to allow automatic shutdown during shorts.

Installing top-quality heat tape designed for exposed pipes combined with fire-retardant pipe insulation provides reliable protection against frozen pipe disasters. Just be sure to select the right heat tape variety matched to your climate, pipe layout and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for safety.

For extreme northern regions with consistent sub-zero temperatures, we recommend constant wattage heat tape like the Heatline Zmesh-Jacketed-5X50 . The Zmesh stands up to brutally-cold winds without risk of overheating plastic pipes.

For areas with fluctuating seasonal temperatures, choose an efficient self-regulating heat tape model like the Frost King HC6A-25 to prevent energy waste from overheating. The HC6A-25 automatically adjusts its heat output down during warmer winter spells.

Properly installing heat tape lets you rest easy knowing your exposed pipes stay safe, despite old man winter's freezing wrath. Just take care when handling and inspect tapes routinely so they reliably deliver years of flawless freeze prevention.