Tools needed
- Non-contact voltage tester
- Scissors
- Tape measure
- Work gloves
Materials needed
- Electric self-regulating pipe heat cables
- Fiberglass pipe insulation wrap
- Thermal insulation tape
Step-by-step
- 1
Measure the vulnerable runs of copper or PEX in the crawlspace and unheated walls.
- 2
Run the self-regulating heat cable straight along the bottom of the pipe, not spiraled, securing it every foot with insulation tape.
- 3
Keep the cable's thermostat end exposed and away from the pipe so it reads air temperature correctly.
- 4
Wrap fiberglass pipe insulation over the pipe and cable to hold the heat in.
- 5
Seal the insulation seams with thermal tape so there are no cold gaps.
- 6
Plug it in and confirm the built-in thermostat energizes the cable when it's cold, testing before winter hits.
Common mistakes
- • Spiraling the cable (self-regulating cable must run straight)
- • Burying the thermostat under insulation
- • Overlapping the cable over itself and overheating it
Maintenance & next steps
Each fall, check the plug and casing for cracks and confirm the cable still warms up on a cold morning.
For any wiring that needs a new dedicated circuit or GFCI outlet in the crawlspace.
