For many people, the freezing temperatures of winter will wreak havoc on their home's pipes. To minimize this risk, precautionary measures must be taken before, as well as throughout, the colder months. According to Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing in North Pole, AK, one of the most efficient ways to prevent freezing and to aid in pipe thawing is to use heat tape. As the authority on plumbing and septic systems in one of the coldest areas of the country, their advice and expertise has proven to help families get through winter without a hitch. 

Sometimes called heat trace cables, heat tapes are applied directly to the pipe or water lines. Not only does this facilitate pipe thawing, but it also works to prevent freezing. Because pipes are made in many different diameters and materials, there are a variety of heat tapes available on the market. However, the basic premise remains the same, regardless of the design; most heat tapes either wrap around the pipe in a spiral design or they run along the length of it.

Regardless of the type of heat tape you use, proper application is critical. As it is with any home appliances and features, you need to perform routine maintenance checks for the best results. If you want to protect your pipes and water lines, always check to ensure that your heat tapes are properly plugged in and turned on. An annual inspection should suffice.

The longevity of heat tapes is also highly dependent on their upkeep, giving you another significant reason to examine them regularly. According to Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing, five years is the usual lifespan of most heat tapes. After that time period, it’s likely that they’ll become broken down. When the time does come for a replacement, always remember to remove the old tape completely before putting on the new one.

If you reside in the North Pole area and need help, call Bigfoot Pumping & Thawing today at (907) 488-9855. In addition to pipe thawing, they also provide septic tank pumping, drain cleaning, and other plumbing services. For a full list of their services, please visit their website.