I had heat tape around the pipes that worked well until Sandy flooded the pipes and shorted the circuit. I was told the ground fault failed and exposed the house to a potential fire hazard, so I am reluctant to just replace the heating tape and its connections. Am wondering if something that has an in-water application, like units that prevent ponds or bird baths from freezing might be adaptable. I’m also aware that there are in-the-pipe systems that prevent freezing and wonder about these too.
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For systems that use electricity as the source of power for heat to the water pipes, you will always be subject to a potential freeze even with power outages. The exterior piping can have better insullation applied as well as a slight constant water flow through the pipes will assist in prevention up to a point.
Either the water must drip (run) or it must be insulated properly enough, or have heat tape around the pipe so it does not freeze when subjected to frigid temperature conditions. Do you have a frozen pipe in Massachusetts? need a burst pipe repair? call us @ James N. Zaharias Mechanical Services @ 339-293-2451.