Add Heat Tape (Heat Cable)
Pipe insulation alone, however, often isn’t enough for the coldest climates or the most exposed runs. If your water lines are particularly vulnerable, you may want to consider attaching heating cable — often called heat tape — to your pipes.
Here’s how it works:
- Heat cable runs along the pipe and gently warms it when temperatures drop.
- A built-in thermostat (or separate controller) switches the cable on only when needed, so it doesn’t waste electricity in mild weather.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some cables are designed for metal pipes only; others are safe for plastics. Make sure you buy the right type.
- Install correctly. Typically, you’ll run the cable straight along the pipe or wrap it in a spiral, then secure it with approved fasteners (never metal staples that can cut the insulation).
- Combine with insulation when allowed. For added protection, many manufacturers allow you to install foam pipe insulation over the heat cable. Always check the instructions first — some systems require specific insulation types or clearances.
Heat cable is more expensive than basic insulation and uses electricity, so it’s best reserved for:
- Critical lines that can’t easily be relocated.
- Vacation homes or remote buildings where you can’t always be present during cold snaps.
- Pipes that have a history of freezing despite other efforts.
Combined with good insulation and smart habits during cold weather, it can be the final layer of insurance that keeps your plumbing safe when temperatures plunge.
Bottom line: know where your vulnerable pipes are, prepare before the freeze hits, and consider upgrades in the off-season. A few hours of prevention now can save you from a flooded, frozen nightmare later.
