Can One Valterra W01-1573 Self-Regulating Cable Be Used on Water Supply Line and Holding Tank

Updated 12/27/2019 | Published 12/24/2019

Question:

any suggestion on how to attach to fresh water tank, would be nice to use one cable for both supply line and tank rather then separate pad for tank. Would temperature control be messed up if portion of cable along hose and portion attached to bottom of tank.

asked by: Bob C

Expert Reply:

You could certainly install the # W01-1573 heating cable in the manner you described. It would do a great job on the supply line, but how effective it would be on the tank will depend on the tank's capacity and size. Unfortunately, Valterra couldn't provide a 'rule of thumb' on the size of tank this particular set up would be best with.

I'd run the line straight against the supply line, and run the element serpentine fashion on the underside of the tank, keeping the loops about a foot apart. I'd do a mock up first to determine the length of element needed. Run a piece of sting along the supply line, then in a side to side pattern on the underside of the tank, keeping the spacing to about 12 inches. Then, pull the string off and measure the length.

If you decide you need a longer length, a 50 foot length is available as part # W01-1574.

expert reply by: Mike L