I posted this on regular forum but thought there might be a little more experince on the subject over here. :

We currently draw water from the lake with a jet pump for our Canada cabin. Ditching the jet pump for submersible next spring. Plan on keeping cabin water seasonal but want to be able to have water in new building for when we go up in winter.

Old neighbor had in line heat cable that could freeze in the line without being damaged then thaw line in half hour or so after they would get there and plug it in. They did this several times a year. The “Heat line” brand is crazy expensive, but they say its ok to freeze. I know the neighbor didn’t have that brand years ago.

If anyone uses an in line heat cable that’s able to freeze/thaw without damage I’d appreciate knowing the brand. Need aprox 250’

I would use the stuff for gutters and roof eaves. Run it in the pipe you are using for water supply.
My concern would be water lines bursting when full of water and freezing.
I am assuming the heat cord you are asking about is for the supply line from lake to building. Why not just drain it before leaving?
Just Google Gutter Heat Cable, and you will find what you need.

I use the Maxkosko brand from the Amazon.com. mine is 200'. No problem with it. Had it a couple of years now works good.

Thanks guys.



I was looking at Maxkosko. I emailed them and they told me the cable could be damaged if aloud to freeze and thaw frequently. Do you ever turn yours off and let it freeze or is it on all winter? Also, did you install the thermostat kit?

I can drain it all except where it goes into the lake. Only drains to water level there. It’s 1 1/4” poly pipe so freezing doesn’t normally bother it. The cable designed for inside the pipe self regulates so it gets hotter where pipe is colder but never hot enough to melt the poly. Also, it’s safe for drinking water. I’m just worried about cable damage where it freezes going into the lake.

Trapset,
I don't have it plugged in all the time. Usually when my water freezes its during the -30 to -40 days and nights. I'll plug it in and leave it for a couple of days till we hit the -25ish mark & knock on wood my water usually doesn't freeze around then.
I do not have an extra thermostat, just whatever it is set at from the factory in the end of the cord. When my water freezes solid it'll only take bout 5 mins for it to start flowing normal again. Just ordered another one for my overflow pipe.
I will say its a pain to get it into the pipe if you have an elbow but it is possible but you have to have both sides of the elbow exposed/ no pipe on it to finagle it through..