Heat Tape Question

Question

Hi, getting ready to set up my trailer for the first winter use and am looking at heat tape for my drain line. Have a question that I thought I would put out to those with more experience.

EDIT: Based on some of the comments so far, thought I should clarify this. I am currently using my trailer and there will be standing water in this line between the grey tank and the drain valve.

My trailer has about a 12 ft section of drain line from the rear galley grey tank that is exposed and I want to put heat tape and insulation on it. My question is - is there a preference between the heat tape with a thermostat and the self regulating type?

Thanks for the feedback, I have really learned a lot from reading this forum.

Terry

bobbo · Answer

Umm, I wouldn't use heat tape on anything that doesn't stay FULL of water. The water is a heat sink that evens out the heat. I think you will end up melting some of the plastic of your drain line.

A far safer answer is to keep the drain hose in the basement till you need to drain, install it, drain, remove it and store it again.

sdcampowneroper · Answer

Consult with the camp operator for the method best suited for your location.

old-biscuit · Answer

As long as there is no standing water in that section of drain line.......nothing to freeze.

When draining.....flowing water in drain line will not freeze

Don't overthink it...........protect your plumbing lines, waste tanks/drain valves and you will be fine.

greginsp · Answer

I have never had any trouble using heat tape on my sewer lines that are "not" normally full of water.

One thing that I do to even out the heat is to wrap my water hose and sewer with aluminum foil before attaching the heat tape to the hose. That spreads out the heat around the hose heating all the way around once it is insulated.

I am very careful not to let the tape cross over its self though.

This has worked for me for numerous winters.

flyfisherman128 · Answer

I wrapped my lines with heavy duty aluminum foil then taped them. The aluminum evenly distributes the heat.

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Heat Tape Question

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