How to Apply Heat Tape to PVC

Improperly installing heat tape can lead to a fire.

PVC is a common material used for residential plumbing systems. In areas where outside temperatures fall below freezing, it's necessary to protect your plumbing system. The expansion of water as it freezes increases the pressure within the plumbing system, and often the PVC pipe is the weak point in the system. This can lead to broken piping and costly repairs. Taking the time to apply heat tape and insulation to PVC piping will keep your plumbing from freezing, and prevent damage.

Things You'll Need

• Dry rag
• Fiberglass pipe repair kit
• Aluminum tape
• Thermostatically controlled heat tape
• Plastic tie straps
• Fiberglass pipe insulation
• White insulation tape
• Insulation knife
• GFCI adapter

Instructions

1. Wipe the PVC piping with a dry rag, checking for water leaks as you clean the pipe. Fix any water leaks before installing the heat tape with a fiberglass pipe repair kit. Water can short out the heat tape, creating a fire hazard.

2. Wrap aluminum tape in an open spiral around the PVC pipe where the heat tape will contact the surface of the pipe.

3. Secure the thermostat for the heat tape per the manufactures installation instructions.

4. Set the end of the heat tape near the thermostat onto the PVC pipe. Secure the heat tape to the PVC pipe with a plastic tie strap.

5. Wrap the heat tape around the PVC in an open spiral fashion, keeping the heat tape on top of the applied aluminum tape. Keep the heat tape tight to the pipe by placing plastic tie straps every 8 inches. Do not allow the heat tape to overlap. Overlapping the heat tape creates a fire hazard.

6. Place a length of fiberglass pipe insulation over the heat taped PVC pipe. Pull the two halves of the pipe insulation together and seal the halves with a piece of white insulation tape. Cover the length of the PVC pipe with the insulation, cutting the insulation as needed with an insulation knife.

7. Plug the heat tape thermostat into a GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) protected outlet or plug a GFCI adapter into an electrical outlet, then plug the thermostat into the adapter.

References

• TLC Direct: PGE Frost Protection Heat Tape Installation Instructions