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Boozecamp's avatar
Boozecamp
Explorer
Sep 24, 2014

Frost King Electric Cable Heater

I've been reading a lot about the Frost King Heat Tape or Heat Cable, the kind that's sold at Home Depot.
I'm getting mixed messages about using this product on RV water hoses (the white ones). One site for Frost King said, it can be used on metal or plastic pipes, but plastic pipes need to be Schedule 40. Garden hoses are not sch. 40. We are staying in our RV 5 days a week. Temps won't get real low in Georgia, but will be well below freezing many nights.
Question: has anyone used the Frost King product on their hoses? if so, does it work, does it melt these hose, how do you insulate the hose, any suggestions would be appreciated.
If Frost King is not recommended, then what is?
  • westend's avatar
    westend
    Explorer
    Sep 24, 2014
    Those Frost King heat cables put out a lot of heat. I install them for folks up here in MN who have gutter and roof problems with icing. I have one I use in one gutter here, at home. A 60' Frost king cable can melt a frozen 4" gutter of ice in a few hours at 0f.
    I wouldn't use one on a plastic water hose. They make thermostatically controlled heat tapes for small pies that would be a better choice. Enclosing the heat tape is sometimes desirable like in well pits and outdoor locations. You'd have to check the instructions. In GA, I'd think wrapping the hose with a good amount of insulation would work for occasional overnight low temps. You could also disconnect the hose and drain it, operating off your onboard tank for the few nights that are below freezing.

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