How to Install Heat Tape on a Mobile Home

Most mobile home water pipes connect to the water service under the home where air is cold and damp. If these pipes are not heated, they will most likely freeze and break causing damage under the home. In order to prevent frozen water pipes on a mobile home it is important to install heat tape to all exterior pipes and shutoff valves including pipes that run against the wall. The best heat tape to use is automatic heat tape that is run by a thermostat.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Heat tape
• Electrical tape
• Pipe insulation
• Water proof wrapping
• Tape measure
• Knee pads
• Mask

1. Measure all pipes under the home including shutoff valves. If manufacturer's manual for the mobile has the length of heat tape that is required for the home you can eliminate this task.

2. Make sure that all joints are sealed and that there are no water leaks along the pipes under the home. Any leaks will cause damage to the pipe insulation and can short out the heat tape. Make any necessary repairs.

3. Begin by putting the plug next to the outlet. Run the heat tape along the entire length of the freshwater supply pipe. The heat tape can be placed along the side of the pipe or wrapped around the pipe. Use electrical tape to secure the heat tape to the pipe. It is very important that the heat tape does not overlap itself.

4. Wrap pipe insulation or pipe jackets over the entire length of pipe. When this is completed, wrap a waterproof wrapping around the insulation for added protection.

5. Plug the heat tape into a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter receptacle located under the mobile home for this purpose. Since there is a thermostat, the heat tape will come on as necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Check heat tapes once a year to make sure they are working. Also check for cracks or tears in the wire.
• Make sure to purchase heat tape that is recommended for the type of pipe that it is being used on.
• Never install heat tape over insulation.
• Never fold heat tape.
• Never plug heat tape into an extension cord.

Resources

• New Electric Heat Tapes Help Prevent Fires

[luvmyehow]

on 10/12/2009 Leaving the heat on in your home to prevent frozen pipes in a empty home is a gross waste of energy. A more reliable solution is to intermittently circulating warm water through your hot and cold water lines using a redytemp. Redytemp's temperature dial lets you select any temperature 40 - 118F you want maintained in your pipes. The stainless steel water contacting temperature probe can be located where your pipes are likely to freeze and connects with the supplied 1/2" compression fitting or simply tape it to the pipe. The system pump will cycle on and off to maintain the water temperature you chose. It's 60 watt intermittent energy demand is less than heat tape uses and easily operates with a uninteruptable power supply in case of power outage. It's the only system of its kind that I've ever found if someone knows of another kind please post it here.