Tell me more ×
Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 3 down vote favorite

Background/Problem:
The p-trap for a drainage line (PVC) from one of my showers happens to be outside the house in an area that isn't protected from the cold/wind (yeah, I know) so when it freezes outside the water in the trap tends to block the drainage and back up water into the shower. I am considering installing thermostatically controlled heat tape to the pipe during the winter to the U part of the pipe to prevent this.

My Question: I'm a little concerned about the risk of melting the PVC pipe, especially since it won't typically have running water going through it to dissipate the heat. Also, the shortest heat tape I could find was 3' which is probably going to mean some of the tape is going to run past the part of the trap that will actually have water in it.

I'm considering heat tape with a thermostat, so in theory it should cut off before it does any damage, but I just wanted to check with the home improvement experts to see if that application is a good idea, or if you guys have alternate suggestions.

So what do you think? Will this work out and do you have any suggestions for how to use heat tape correctly in this scenario?

enter image description here

share|improve this question
How much space do you have round the pipe and p-trap? How cold does it get and for how long? – Walker Feb 4 '11 at 16:22
I added a photo to demonstrate. I'm down in Texas so we usually don't get more than a few days of freezing weather per year, so I have just been living with it when it happens. However this year has been brutal with whole weeks where it doesn't get above freezing. – JohnFx Feb 4 '11 at 16:27
You might need heat tape at this point ... but for normal conditions, you might just be able to get away with insulation, if it's only spending short periods below freezing. – Joe Feb 4 '11 at 16:31
1  
I just have to ask. Why is that outside? And why don't you reroute it inside (the way it probably should be)? – Tester101♦ Feb 4 '11 at 17:48
There is nowhere to put it inside, unfortunately. It was this way when I moved in, and I assume it was an add-on after the fact. Also, it is a log home so most of the walls don't have interior space. – JohnFx Feb 4 '11 at 18:00
show 1 more comment

2 Answers

up vote 8 down vote accepted

I would build a small insulated enclosure around the trap and drain. Could easily be constructed with a couple pieces of lumber or some left over log siding. (see you have log siding on the wall) Heat tape could scorch the PVC and be hard to regulate.

share|improve this answer
That's not siding. Those are actual logs. It is a log home. – JohnFx Feb 4 '11 at 20:35
2  
maybe you can make the drain a little log cabin! Don't forget to chink it. hehe – shirlock homes Feb 4 '11 at 22:01
1  
I second the idea of a small enclosure. When it gets insanely cold - this is something full time RV'ers do... use a trouble light (drop light) with a 40-60w incandescent bulb inside that enclosure to keep the temp above freezing. – kkeilman Feb 5 '11 at 5:24
up vote 0 down vote

Heat tape will work fine, it doesn't get hot enough to melt things. There are thermostatic ones that are designed for the sole purpose of keeping things from freezing. PVC is rated for a minimum of 140 deg F. and in non-pressure applications like DWV as is your case can probably handle a little higher temperatures than that before they deform.

share|improve this answer

Your Answer

 
discard

By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.