In-wall Pipe Heater

[drop45]

Hey folks, I'm looking to heat some water pipes that are in a wall before the cold gets here. Any suggestions? I thought of using a 24" Drirod that is used for humidity control in safes, but not sure if that would be wise. The manufacturer claims that they run at 125*--not sure if that would pose a fire hazard. Help???

 

[churchmouse]

Enclosed wall....????

can you wrap with a low watt heat tape and insulate....???

 

[Cameramonkey]

While I wouldnt recommend using a dri rod outside the scope of its intended use, 125 is low, and not a fire hazard when it is operating properly. 125 is really hot, uncomfy bath water. I can move my dri rod easily in my safe. Its not pleasant to hold but for a few seconds, but its not going to cause burns or catch something on fire.

I vote for what da mouse suggested. Can you also open the wall up on the inside to allow airflow?

 

[smittygj]

low watt heat tape and insulate

I agree with this. It's what I have on the pipes in my uninsulated garage.

 

[Pharaoh]

I'm going to side with the do it right guys. Open up the wall, insulate, and add heat tape if necessary.

 

[HoughMade]

I'm going to side with the do it right guys. Open up the wall, insulate, and add heat tape if necessary.

"doing it right" would mean not having water pipes in an outside wall, but yeah the ship has sailed on that one. What he ^ said.

 

[churchmouse]

A lot of the homes in the older section by us have outside wall plumbing. If it gets stupid cold and you do not put the kitcen sink on a steady dribble you will need a plumber.

 

[HoughMade]

A lot of the homes in the older section by us have outside wall plumbing. If it gets stupid cold and you do not put the kitcen sink on a steady dribble you will need a plumber.

Yeah, I seen them and lived in an 1880s house that had this. It was dumb then, it's worse now.

 

[drop45]

Yes enclosed was behind the shower control valves. It's a double wide cavity (11 inches) so there will be tons of insulation. I will look for the low voltage tape with a thermostat control and go that route. Thanks for the replies.