Question 1

What length of heat tape do I need for my pipes?

Accepted Answer

Measure the full length of pipe you want to protect with heat cable, including bends, valves, and fittings. Run Pipe Freeze Pro along every section that could freeze. Add a little extra to get around obstacles.

Question 2

Can I use Pipe Freeze Pro on plastic pipes like PEX?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pipe Freeze Pro is UL-listed for both metal (copper, steel) and plastic (PEX, PVC, ABS) pipes up to 6 inches across. The self-regulating design keeps it from overheating, so it’s safe for plastics.

Question 3

Will it still work if it gets wet?

Accepted Answer

Pipe Freeze Pro heat cable itself can get wet and work fine. Just keep the GlowCap, power connection and thermostat out of spots where they could sit in standing water.

Question 4

Will it thaw pipes that are already frozen?

Accepted Answer

No. Pipe Freeze Pro self-regulating heat cable is for prevention. If a pipe is already frozen, thaw it first, then install the cable to keep it from freezing again.

Question 5

Do I need to cover the whole pipe or just the bad spots?

Accepted Answer

Cover the whole run. Cold air will find the weakest link and one unprotected section can still freeze.

Question 6

How much electricity does it use?

Accepted Answer

At 32°F Pipe Freeze Pro draws about 5 watts per foot. At 50°F it’s closer to 3 watts per foot. Above 50°F, it shuts itself down. That’s far more efficient than constant-wattage heat tape.

Question 7

Can the cable touch or cross itself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pipe Freeze Pro can overlap or touch itself without risk of overheating or fire. That makes it easy to work around elbows and valves.

Question 8

Do I need to cover it with insulation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Use standard foam pipe insulation. It holds the heat in and makes the system work more efficiently.

Question 9

What kind of outlet do I need?

Accepted Answer

Any standard 120V outlet works, but it has to be GFCI-protected. Each Pipe Freeze Pro heat cable comes with a 40-inch cold lead to help you reach the outlet.

Question 10

What’s the warranty?

Accepted Answer

Pipe Freeze Pro carries a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty—the longest in the industry. It covers defects in materials and workmanship when installed correctly. Damage from misuse, burial, or submersion isn’t covered.

Question 11

How do I know if it’s working?

Accepted Answer

Look at the GlowCap. If the green light is on, the system is energized. You can also feel the cable in freezing weather. It will be slightly warm. Remember to keep in mind that this cable has a thermostat which will only be triggered at 37°F or below. If you think your heat cable is not working, you should take a gel ice pack straight out of the freezer and wrap it around the thermostat for 10 minutes.That will trigger the thermostat and the heat cable will start to warm up.

Question 12

Can it be repaired if damaged?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If something happens on the jobsite, you can repair the cable with one of our kits. No need to throw the whole heat cable away.

Question 13

Is it safe to use indoors?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pipe Freeze Pro is UL-listed for indoor and outdoor use. Safe for basements, crawl spaces, utility rooms, and outdoor lines.

Question 14

Can it be buried underground?

Accepted Answer

No. Pipe Freeze Pro isn’t rated for burial. Install it on exposed or accessible pipes and cover with insulation.

Question 15

How much does it cost to run pipe freeze protection cable?

Accepted Answer

Your operating cost comes down to four factors: how many feet of cable you install, the watts per foot the cable is rated for, the outdoor temperature and how many hours a day the system is energized. The calculation looks like this: Cost = Cable length in feet × watts per foot ÷ 1000 × hours of operation × your electricity rate. Pipe Freeze Pro is a self-regulating pipe heating cable, meaning its output rises as temperatures drop. At about 50°F it uses roughly 3 watts per foot, closer to 4 watts per foot around freezing, and in severe cold it can draw up to 5 watts per foot. Once temperatures rise above 50°F, the cable powers itself down because it has a built-in thermostatic switch. For example, a 40-foot run operating nonstop at 25°F will cost around $40 a month to run, 24 hours a day. Cheap insurance compared to the thousands of dollars in damage a burst pipe can cause.

Question 16

How quickly can I get my pipe freeze protection cable?

Accepted Answer

We keep them in stock and ship same day from Minnesota, don’t ‘cha know (assuming you don’t order too late in the day!).

Question 17

Where can I find the specs on Pipe Freeze Pro self-regulating heat cable?

Accepted Answer

Easy. Click here to view the spec sheet.

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