Options For Heating And Insulating 1/2" Pex Pipes

Question:

Which pad is recommended to use on 1/2inch pex pipes? Two of the pipes shown carry fresh water and need to be heated. Can I use pipe insulation over your recommended heat pad as well?

asked by: Kurt S

1/2" pex pipes
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Hello Kurt, about how long is that section of pipe in your picture? Both the 8 inch long # 277-000162 and the 13 inch long # 277-000161 are safe to use with 1/2" pex pipes. Using a larger pad will provide more heat so if you can fit the larger pad that will be your best bet. Keep in mind that these pads were made for a 3" diameter pipe, so you might need to get creative in order to fit it to a 1/2" pex pipe. Adding additional insulation is also a good idea, although we do not offer any such insulation here at etrailer.

Another good way to heat this kind of pipe is to use a heat cable. We only offer one such cable right now, the Valterra # W01-1574 which is 50 feet long. So this particular item may not be practical for this application due to the length, but if you could find a much shorter heat cable, it could potentially work for this application. I use a heat cable on some pipes at home that are susceptible to freezing during the winter and it does a great job keeping them thawed.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Kurt

3/15/2024

Jesse, The length is about 10” so the 8”. Would work best. I can potentially wrap the pad around the two water lines together then wrap the pair with insulation?

Jesse M.

3/15/2024

@Kurt Yes. Just make sure you use a heat resistant or heat-safe insulation. For mine I use the standard foam/rubber pipe insulation and I used like a mylar tape to secure and waterproof everything.