![]() ![]() “If in the past you’ve had issues with certain pipes freezing-in the crawl space or attic, underground or outdoors-it’s only prudent to take steps to prevent a recurrence,” O’Brian explains. Photo: When to Consider Installing Heat Tape Rather, it’s a type of electrical cable that, when wrapped around or snaked through a pipe, applies a controlled amount of heat to prevent freezing. Despite its name, heat tape isn’t an adhesive at all. In the short term, however, if you’re looking for fast, inexpensive freeze protection, “heat tape really comes in handy,” says Daniel O’Brian, a technical specialist with. While there are several effective ways to minimize the risk, permanent fixes often involve the sort of work most people would hire a contractor do-rerouting a pipe, say, or outfitting an exterior wall with new insulation. Horror stories of devastating damage can trigger a fever pitch of anxiety, but frozen pipes are a rational concern for many, especially those who live in homes where the plumbing runs through unheated space. At the very least, a frozen pipe can block the flow of water through the house at worst, it can burst open and leak gallons upon gallons of water. Once fully bonded, Flex Tape cannot be repositioned.įlex Tape adhesives may resist bonding to some plasticized or waterproof materials, siliconized, greasy, oily, dirty, or porous surfaces.Ĭertain fabrics such as canvas, nylon, polyester, synthetics, cotton and some other materials may need up to 24 hours to reach maximum hold.Homeowners who live in seasonally cold climates dread having their pipes freeze. Continued firm pressure will help increase adhesion. ![]() Not intended for high pressure applications, such as garden hoses or engine repairs.įor maximum adhesion on porous surfaces, using a standard blow dryer will help the adhesives bond with the surface.įlex Tape’s bond will increase with time and pressure. May cause damage to the surface if removed. May not adhere to certain surfaces such as siliconized or water-repellent materials. Continue pressing firmly for 1 minute or longer to allow Flex Tapes adhesive to completely bond to the surface being sealed. These are areas are where water could seep through and create a leak.ĥ. Make sure all water, air pockets, creases and folds have been completely removed. Press firmly using your fingers, squeegee, credit card, roller and continue pressing firmly starting at the center and working towards edges.Ĥ. For best results, apply Flex tape to both sides of the repair.ģ. Once applied Flex Tape cannot be repositioned. Remove the liner and apply the Flex Tape firmly over the area being sealed. You can also round the corners of the patch to help prevent the corners from lifting.Ģ. Keep the liner on and cut Flex tape to create a patch larger than the area being repaired. Only use on smooth, clean non-porous surfaces and applied at room temperature.ġ. How To Use Flex Tape on Wet Surfaces or Underwaterįor best results, when applying on wet surfaces or underwater, make sure the area being sealed is clean and free of any grease, oil, dirt, debris or algae. *Flex Tape is a temporary, emergency repair and is not meant to be a permanent fix. Using your fingers, plastic squeegee or roller, press down firmly and remove any air pockets. ![]() Apply tape to a clean surface and press down firmly.Ĥ. Make sure to use a high quality utility knife with disposable blades or a razor blade when cutting.Ģ. Leave backing on tape and cut to desired dimension. ![]()
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