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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Plumbing Questions >> Trace heating https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1098380216 Message started by big-e on Oct 21^st, 2004, 6:36pm

Title: Trace heating
Post by big-e on Oct 21^st, 2004, 6:36pm

Hello all,
I need to run a hot, cold and waste pipe for 4m externally. I am planning to box this in and fill with insulation to hopefully prevent freezing. Will this be sufficient or do I also need to trace heat the pipes which is common practice for exposed pipework in industry?
All help appreciated.
Big-e

Title: Re: Trace heating
Post by billythekid on Oct 21^st, 2004, 6:44pm

trace heating is seldom neccessary, lag the pipes well and you should be OK. If you are really worried it cant hurt i suppose.

Title: Re: Trace heating
Post by HandyMac on Oct 21^st, 2004, 7:07pm

I suspect there are variables in this arrangement which make giving a clear answer difficult.

For example, are the hot/cold supplies running fairly continuously? If left to stand overnight or for several days without the water moving then freezing is a possibility regardless of the amount of lagging you put in place. Water in hot pipes cools down fairly rapidly once it has left the heat source.

No real harm putting traces in just in case surely? Could be expensive if you get a burst pipe.

Andrew

Title: Re: Trace heating
Post by big-e on Oct 21^st, 2004, 9:38pm

Thanks for the replies,
I think I will cost the Trace heating and compare to the cost of repairing a burst pipe, their shouldn't be any water damage if it happens as they will be outside.
Cheers,
Big-e

Title: Re: Trace heating
Post by HandyJon on Oct 21^st, 2004, 10:07pm

You could also dig a deep enough trench for the pipes so that's it below the frost level. I think it needs to be about a metre or more down to be frost free.