pipes freezing in northeast

[David K.]

This has been a rough winter for my rentals.  Tenants are keeping the units warm, letting things drip and sometimes still things are freezing.  What gives!!!!!

[Mike McCarthy]

Before you use heat tape, see if there’s another solution. A bit of insulation between the wall and the pipes, or sealing a gap or window where cold air is coming in is a much easier solution (if possible).

Heat tape is just one more thing in the house or malfunction or break. Or not be plugged in when needed, or left plugged in all summer.

Of course there are some locations that need it (ingested crawlspace), but I like trying simpler options first.