Trace Heating Frost Protection Contractors

Frost protection trace heating works by installing an electrical heating element cable which is wrapped around your pipework or storage vessel, along with the appropriate insulation material. The cable is heated by using an electrical current to keep the pipework or storage vessel at a constant temperature for the purpose of preventing freezing and heat loss.

There are two main types of trace heating cabling: self-regulating and constant wattage. Constant wattage cabling is designed to maintain a constant power supply per linear section of wiring, regardless of its environment. Self-regulating cabling systems are designed to respond to changes in their environmental temperature and adjust their heating output to maintain a given constant temperature.

As well as providing freeze protection for pipework systems, trace heating also helps prevent condensation on pipes, extends their lifespan and maintains constant temperatures in sensitive processes.

Rather than waiting for things to go wrong, and for the inevitable hefty repair bills and costly downtime, we always recommend regular preventative maintenance. We can attend your site regularly and inspect your system for any issues, allowing us to address them before they escalate. That being said, we understand things can still go wrong, and our expert team will be with you whenever you need them if you have an emergency. Whether you need an emergency repair or would like to discuss a cost-efficient ongoing maintenance plan, just drop our team a line today.

The freezing point of water is 0°C (32°F) and the UK experiences sub-zero temperatures 31 to 93 days of the year. Any water exposed to an atmosphere of this temperature will freeze but there are a few factors that can vary the temperature needed to freeze a pipe. The location of the pipes makes a huge difference, as an exterior pipe is much more at risk. If it is uninsulated then they are extremely liable to freeze in winter conditions. To keep pipes above freezing point, even when the external temperature is below, ensure they are properly insulated and consider trace heating cables on vulnerable areas of piping.

Just like other materials, plastic pipes can freeze, and PVC and CPVC are more susceptible to freezing when compared to metals such as galvanised steel or copper. PEX pipes offer more resistance than PVC or CPVC but can also freeze in certain circumstances so installing trace heating is highly useful for plastic pipes.

As copper is a metal with good thermal conductivity it can quickly conduct heat from the surrounding environment to slow down the freezing process of water contained within. Copper also has a degree of flexibility that allows the pipes to expand slightly if the water inside freezes meaning they are less likely to burst. However, copper pipes are still capable of freezing and it is recommended to install a trace heating cable to prevent this.

An empty pipe shouldn’t freeze but pipes are rarely empty. If there is any residual water left within a pipe, when not in use, cold weather can cause it to freeze and a lack of flow from being dormant makes the pipe more susceptible to freezing. Ensure the water is drained properly from any pipe that is unused or disconnected.

If your pipes freeze, it is extremely important to act fast to prevent any bursting. Locate the frozen pipe and open the hot and cold taps it supplies to relieve the pressure built up in the system. Using a heating pad, portable heater, hair dryer or warm-soaked towel, thaw the affected pipe until normal water flow resumes. Never use a blow torch or naked flame as it can cause the pipe to thaw too quickly causing it to burst.

Many factors can vary the time it takes for a pipe to freeze including the surrounding temperature, the level of insulation, the flow of water and the type of pipe. The surrounding temperature would need to be at least 0°C (freezing point) and even lower to counter the resistance offered by the insulation. The pipe’s material would also make a difference in the time taken to freeze, as would the flow of water. Running water creates friction and heat, taking it longer to freeze than stagnant water.

It is generally recommended to maintain a temperature of 12.8°C (55°F). This is the amount accepted as the threshold at which most pipes are less likely to freeze. Keeping a building’s interior temperature above freezing is important as the heat helps to warm the walls and spaces where pipes are located.

A condensate pipe is part of a boiler or furnace that is used to carry acidic water and other byproducts to a drain. If the temperature drops below freezing the pipe is at risk, but using a trace heating cable can reduce the risk along with using a wider pipe, rerouting the pipe indoors or using heat tape.

To prevent your outside pipes from freezing, and keep your building operational, it is strongly encouraged to put preventative measures in place such as insulation, cladding, and trace heating cables. Installing a frost protection trace heating system with a good level of insulation and cladding material would be the best solution to avoid pipework from freezing in the UK. Get in touch with one of our experts who can advise and assist you in installing preventative measures to help protect your above-ground piping from the colder weather.