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How to Defrost and Protect Pipes

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DIFFICULTY RATING: (2 out of 5 - Easy)

Exposure to temperatures below 20 degrees can cause pipes to freeze and break. A few simple steps can help protect pipes from freezing or defrost them when they do.
Step 6: Protecting a pipe: Wrap the pipe in heating tape.
For pipes subjected to extended freezing temperatures, use electrical heating tape. Following the instructions that came with the tape, install the tape along the pipe. Use electrical tape to hold it in place. If the heating tape must be covered, use a non-flammable fiberglass tape. The plastic wrap that came with the kit should be used to cover the fiberglass to prevent condensation from forming and dripping to the floor. Always plug the 3-prong heating tape plug into a 3-prong outlet for proper grounding. If an extension cord must be used, be sure it is heavy-duty and rated for the same amperage as the heating tape. Frequently check the pipe on cold days to be sure the steps have solved the problem.
Hold the heating tape in place with electrical tape.

Step 6 of 6 (View Full Step by Step)


Aluminum foil (Buy) Electric heating tape (Buy)
Electrical tape (Buy) Heat gun (Buy)
Insulation (Buy) Insulation tape (Buy)
Never use an open flame torch to defrost pipes as this can damage the pipes or start a fire. Be sure to replace uncertified heat tape that is more than three years old with new tape that meets standards.

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Text by Benjamin Hardy
BobVila.com






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