Forum Discussion

D_and_A_plus_6's avatar
Jan 07, 2015

Is it safe to use heat tape on inside water lines?

Just wondering if it was safe to use heat tape on inside water lines when camping inthe wwinter. Done some camping over Christmas and had a small issue on water freezing. Also being the 1st time, hind sight open a few draws and doors might help. Only would need this over Thanksgiving and Christmas.
  • We left the heat set at 70, have 2 ceramic heaters and 1 oil heater going, our LP furnace hardly ever come on. Our TT has the All weather package, but no heated tanks like the Polar ones do.
    Like I've said before, not doing the winter camping a lot except Thanksgivings in OK and Christmas in IA. Just like the challenger of not freezing while we are their.
  • Some of the heat tapes are self-regulating and can be used with plastic pipe. The heating compound in the tape will only get so hot. Even when crossed over itself, the section under the cross over will not over heat. Some of the thermostatic models are not built that way.

    The package will usually say if it is safe for plastic pipe.
  • some of those heat tapes are not recommended for plastic pipe but many people use them for it. Make sure the thermostat is touching and not hanging is the air like I've seen.
  • This was our 1st time camping in the cold and realize have lots of tricks to learn. Next time for sure a must will be a heated water hose, instead of a regular water hose with heat tape and foam wrap.
  • Yes, that would have helped with doors opened and get up a few more times during the night and run the water. The main place I had issues was just inside the camper where the water come from the outside and no door to open to get heat in there. I unscrewed the acess hloe in the floor of my bedroom closet to find this area. Has also thinking placing a lightbulb in a shield in that area.
  • Sure would be a pain putting it on. Just keep the heat on.
  • Inside the camper wouldn't be the biggest problem, especially if you leave a couple cabinet doors open. I'd worry more about the lines underneath the floor.