Installation of internal and external heating cable for sewer pipes. Heating cable for sewer pipes: types, advantages, installation Self-regulating heating cable for sewer

In order for the sewer system of a country house to function efficiently and effectively, it is necessary to adhere to strict rules when arranging it. Particular attention should be paid to how sewer pipes will be insulated. If you do not perform insulation, you may encounter a number of unpleasant problems, such as freezing of pipes, the formation of traffic jams, and an unpleasant odor in the area and in the house.

There are several options for protecting sewer pipes from low temperatures. You can lay them below the freezing level of the soil, but it is not always technically possible to do this. Most often, sewer insulation is performed using insulating materials. For this purpose, mineral wool, basalt fibers, and other polystyrene foam are used.

One of the most effective ways is to heat the sewer pipe with a cable. It is also considered the most expensive, since it involves costs not only for installation work, but also for maintenance. The cable requires electricity to function. If it's frosty outside, it consumes electricity constantly.

Heating a sewer pipe with cable

Cable operating principle

Using a heating cable, sewer pipes are heated from the inside. The operating principle of the cable, which is used to heat the sewer system, is significantly different from how conventional cables that conduct current work. During its path, the current in the heating cable spends a minimum of energy, saving it in order to do its main job, that is, heat the sewer pipe.

The cable takes the load simultaneously with the release of heat necessary to heat the pipe. In order for the cable to do its job effectively, care must be taken to ensure that it is wound correctly onto the pipe.

Note! Considering that there is an increased risk of freezing at the junctions of sewer pipes, the insulation of these areas must be done with high quality.

The cable constantly heats the pipes, protecting them from freezing, the formation of frost or ice plugs inside. As a result, the functionality of the sewer system is maintained even at very low temperatures.

Heating a sewer pipe using a heating cable

Types of heating cable

During operation of a conventional heating cable, temperature regulation is carried out using a control system. This is not very convenient, so engineers and technologists have invented another type of cable that does not require the owner’s attention, since it can regulate itself. Based on the principle of operation, there are two main types of heating cables.

• The resistive cable works without interruption. It emits the same amount of heat along the entire length of the sewer pipe, so a control system is needed in order to regulate electricity consumption.
• A more modern, efficient and safe heating cable for sewer pipes, which is called self-regulating. It is equipped with a matrix that is capable of changing the cable temperature depending on the soil temperature. This cable costs much more, but it consumes less energy.

Note! The self-regulating cable heats the sewer automatically. To bring it into working condition, you need to connect it to an outlet. A heating cable is installed inside the sewer pipes. If you use it for the first time, you may encounter that the temperature will be higher than stated, but then it will normalize.

Attaching the heating cable

Cable installation

You can install the cable for sewer pipes yourself. You will need some knowledge and skills related to working with electricity. The process of performing work consists of several stages.

1. Clean and dry the surface of the sewer pipe.
2. Now you need to wind the cable around the pipe or attach it on both sides using special elements.
3. We wrap the pipe together with the cable with special foil to prevent exposure of the cable and the pipe itself to moisture, microorganisms, and aggressive compounds.
4. The pipe should be wrapped or lined with insulation to prevent heat loss.
5. You can lay the pipe in a pre-dug trench and bury it.

Note! To make the connection between the foil and the pipe more reliable, you need to wrap the pipe with tape around the foil.

Heating cable installation

Insulating a sewer pipe with a heating cable is an effective, practical solution to maintaining the normal operation of the sewer system in winter. Using a cable will help prevent problems with the sewer system during sudden temperature changes, and will also prevent pipes from freezing.

Heating sewer pipes using cables: effective and practical

Using an electrical cable to insulate a sewer system. What cables are used for heating sewer systems? Operating principle and installation rules

Which pipes are better to choose, their types, applications and installation

Heating sewer pipes with a heating cable

Heating of sewer pipes with a heating cable is used when the system is located in areas where the soil freezes. It is not always possible to extend the drain line below the mentioned level. This can be prevented by:

• swimmer;
• laid other communications and much more.

Therefore, there is a need to heat the sewer system. For this task, the industry offers a large number of insulation materials. All of them are distinguished by excellent performance characteristics and high quality.

Also, a distinctive characteristic of these materials is their low cost. The most effective of the heat insulators is the heating cable for drain lines.

Heating inside the system

Heating cables inside sewer pipes have been used for quite some time. In terms of its structure, it is an electrical cable where resistance regulates the temperature within the network. It uses a well-known property of metal conductors, which is heating when electricity passes through it. At the same time, with increasing resistance, the heating level rises.

From the above, it becomes clear that the heating cable for sewer pipes must be equipped with good waterproofing, because it is constantly in water.

The cable that is laid inside is arranged like this:

1. metal conductor for heating;
2. conductors enclosed inside heat-resistant insulation;
3. another layer of fluoroplastic insulation;
4. copper screen;
5. outer layer of insulation.

In addition, the device for pulling inside the drain structure contains a temperature regulator. It prevents overheating of the mechanism and saves energy.

Advantages of sewer heating

Heating sewer pipes with a heating cable from the inside has a number of advantages:

• Wires that heat up from the inside make it possible to maintain the desired temperature level so that the liquid in the system does not freeze.
• High safety of cables pulled from the inside and their regulators.
• Such devices can be used not only from the inside, but also on the outside of the highway.
• Simple and convenient use.
• Possibility to save electricity due to automatic regulator.

The only drawback of devices installed from the inside is the dependence on the supply of electricity. For these reasons, additional sources have to be installed on important pipelines, which will come to the rescue if the main source is interrupted.

Types of devices that can be bought in Yakutsk

You can buy the following types of heating cable for sewer pipes in Yakutsk:

Resistive options that are offered in Yakutsk are divided into the following types:

Linear type products generate heat when electrical energy hits the conductors. They can be single-core, or consist of several metal strands, which are often shaped like a spiral.

To buy quality products from this line in Yakutsk, you need to know that they differ in type of application. Low-power types are recommended for installation on household pipelines.

ADVICE. Most often, in country houses and cottages, an option with a power of 50 watts per meter of pipe is used to heat the sewer network. For a small drainage structure this is quite enough.

For an important trunk route in Yakutsk, you can purchase a cable system with a higher power; it will effectively protect pipes from freezing even in this cold region.

You need to understand that the heating power of the cable depends not only on the diameter, but also on its length. Since the climate in Yakutsk is cold, preference will have to be given to more powerful options, and this will affect electricity consumption.

Self-regulating heating wire

The information presented above makes it clear that in winter, heating sewer pipes is simply necessary. For this, special devices are used.

A self-regulating heating cable for heating sewer pipes is distinguished by its ability to warm up or cool down depending on the ambient temperature. There is no need to apply any additional regulatory mechanisms.

With the internal installation method, self-regulating heating is installed on drain networks with a volume of up to 50 mm, which cannot be reached directly.

A heating device in the middle of the line is installed along its entire length. For this, a stuffing box assembly is used, and all work is carried out in accordance with safety regulations.

Here are some quick conventions that you need to adhere to:

1. When entering, all parts of the edges and threads of the fittings should be covered.
2. Do not damage the outer shell of the heating device.
3. The cable installation location must be marked on the outside of the trunk.
4. The length of the heat pipeline must correspond to the length of the main line.
5. Passing a self-regulating heating device through shut-off valves is not allowed.

This type of installation makes it possible to achieve the highest heating efficiency and is used for commissioned structures. Before this, precise measurements are taken of the area that will be heated.

A self-regulating wire for protection against short circuits is equipped with a device automatic shutdown. To the above, it must be added that a self-regulating heater inside the network is not recommended for highways, supplying drinking water, but for drainage systems this option is very suitable.

Features of external installation

A self-regulating heating cable for heating sewer pipes is very often placed on the outer part of the main.

There are several options for this work:

• Laying in the shape of a wavy line.
• Placement along the tubular product straight.
• Several heating wires running parallel to the main line.
• In the shape of a spiral.
• On elbows and taps when installing a heat pipe, combine the previous methods at the same time.

A self-regulating cable when pulled externally requires constant monitoring for damage. The heating wire is attached to the top of the sewer pipes using adhesive tape. It is allowed to use only special aluminum tape, and plastic tape is not allowed for this task.

At first, the device for heating the drain network is fixed with small pieces of tape. They are placed at a distance of 0.3 m from one another. Then aluminum tape is passed along the entire length of the heat pipe. In this way, a strong attachment is created to the upper part of the highway.

ADVICE. The minimum bend volume for a heating wire is equal to the sum of its six volumes.

If this installation is carried out on a plastic system, it must first be glued with adhesive tape; you can also use aluminum foil for this task. This will allow the heat to be evenly distributed throughout the entire pipeline area.

After installing the heating device, it is recommended to thermally insulate the pipe system using special materials.

Heating sewer pipes with a heating cable is easy to perform effectively, thanks to such manufacturers as Raychem, Esto, Lavita, etc. And the products of the Devi company received the highest ratings from the craftsmen. All of them help to extend the life of the system, because this directly depends on the quality of heating in the cold winter.

Heating sewer pipes with a heating cable: consider the types of devices, their advantages and disadvantages, installation features

Heating of sewer pipes with a heating cable is carried out both inside the main and outside. The heating cable inside the sewer pipe must have good waterproofing, since it is constantly in water

Heating of sewer pipes: external and internal

Taking into account the climatic characteristics of most regions of Russia, when laying external sewerage systems, it is necessary to ensure heating of sewer pipes. More recently, to prevent water from freezing in pipelines, the technology of laying pipes below the soil freezing level and insulating them with various heat-insulating materials was used. You can learn about more modern technology from our article.

Sewer pipes need heating

Electric heating of sewer pipes

Today, this method is considered obsolete; it has been replaced by the latest developments in the field of heating technology, which make it possible to provide heating for pipes laid above the soil freezing line, and even external ones.

Of course, installing electric pipe heating systems is an additional material investment, but if electric heating is available, there are no costs for laying pipes in the ground.

Electrical cables for heating pipes are made by many different manufacturers. According to the installation method, heating systems are divided into:

Example of external pipe heating

External heating systems for sewer pipes

Outdoor heating methods

External heating of sewer pipes can be film or cable.

Film type external heating systems are the most common and relevant. The fact is that the cost of such a system is quite acceptable, and its installation does not cause difficulties. The material for the production of film heating is heat-radiating film. The film system has the following advantages:

• heat is distributed evenly over the entire area of ​​the pipe;
• The system has low power, which allows saving money during operation.

Film heating for pipes

Another option for heating sewer pipes is possible - using a heating cable. In this case, a cable laid along the heated pipe, when the system is turned on, heats it to a predetermined temperature.

Electric heating cable is available in various types:

1. Self-regulating cable – the most promising of all existing types of heating cable. It is able to “adapt” to climatic conditions: when the outside temperature rises, the cable resistance automatically decreases, which leads to a decrease in power consumption and, consequently, to a reduction in energy costs. Moreover, the heating power may be different in different sections of the insulated pipe. When using a self-regulating heating cable, you can do without thermostats.

Self-regulating cable diagram

1. Resistive cable It is cheaper, but the power and resistance in such heating systems are not regulated when the ambient temperature changes, so the cable may fail due to overheating. To prevent breakdowns, sensors and thermostats must be installed in the heating system.

Resistive cable diagram

1. Zone cable the principle of operation is similar to resistive, but unlike it, it does not release heat along its entire length, but only in certain zones. Thanks to this feature, it is possible to cut and redistribute the cable to any place in the sewer system. The use of zonal cable is advisable for insulating metal pipelines and tanks.

Zone cable diagram

Installation of heating cable outside pipes

When laying an electric heating cable, take into account the following rules:

1. The cable is pulled strictly along the pipe - this is the only way to avoid possible installation errors, prevent various damage to the cable and significantly save time.
2. The electrical cable can be laid out in a spiral laying, but only if the project requires it.
3. When laying, crossing the cable on supports and in other places is not allowed.
4. Cable installation must take into account dead-end and bypass lines.

The principle of installing the cable outside the pipe

Fastening the heating cable to sewer pipes

The electric heating cable must be attached to heated sewer pipes. Fastening is carried out at intervals of at least 200 mm with heat-resistant tape or synthetic cable bandage. If the heating cable has mineral insulation, fastening is done with tie tapes or a steel cable tie.

The principle of fastening the heating cable

When choosing fasteners, take into account the following recommendations:

• the preferred means of fastening is adhesive tape;
• when using a cable band, its resistance to chemicals and elevated temperatures is taken into account;
• if the heating cable is placed in a polymer sheath, the use of metal fasteners is prohibited;
• when gluing aluminum-based adhesive tape onto a heating cable, its thermal power increases, so the use of such tape must be justified by the requirements of the project;
• If it is necessary to insulate synthetic sewer pipes, the best way to secure the cable is with aluminum adhesive tape or passing foil under the cable (in some cases, under and over it), as this provides effective heat transfer and evenly distributes the heat.

It is better to additionally insulate the structure from the outside

Internal heating systems for sewer pipes

The use of internal heating systems occurs in small sections of the sewer pipeline, most often at street pumps. Internal systems are similar in operating principle to external systems, however, when inserting the heating cable into the pipe, preliminary installation of a tee is necessary. Through it the heating electric cable will be introduced into the pipe.

Laying heating cable inside sewer pipes

Inserting a heating cable into the sewer system

There are times when it is necessary to lay an electric heating cable inside a sewer pipe. Then the cable is placed into the pipe through a special coupling - nipple. However, this comes with disadvantages:

• due to the insertion of a tee into the sewer pipeline, its reliability decreases;
• the internal diameter of the pipe decreases;
• the likelihood of blockages increases;
• if the pipeline is installed with numerous transitions, bends, and also has a significant length, installation of the heating cable inside the pipe is very complicated and time-consuming.

Installing the cable inside the pipe

In conclusion, I would like to say that high-quality heating of sewer pipes is an important condition for the efficient operation of sewerage systems in the cold season. And although heating systems consume a certain amount of electricity, they can be economical, even with constantly rising electricity prices. After all, the system can be supplemented with switches or controllers and thermostats that will monitor changes in temperature in the pipes and regulate energy consumption.

Heating of sewer pipes: external, internal, film and cable

Heating of sewer pipes can be either external or internal. The most popular heating of sewer pipes is with a heating cable, thanks to which the pipes become heated.

Heating of sewerage with electric cable

The performance of the sewer system in the winter season depends entirely on compliance with recommendations regarding the deepening of the collector to a depth below the soil freezing mark. However, it is not always possible to adhere to such recommendations at the installation stage due to the characteristics of the soil on the site or other conditions. Common reasons are:

• Wetlands that do not allow pipes to be lowered below the groundwater level;
• Part of the external collector, which is responsible for connecting the system to the septic tank;
• Pipes leaving the house;
• Pipeline running from filters to drainage fields, etc.

In this case, the sewer cable will help to heat the collector.

It is important to know that the average depth of the sewer collector varies between 1-1.4 m. The pipeline laid higher is prone to freezing. This means that peculiar icicle growths will form inside the pipe, which will subsequently gradually collect wastewater, thereby forming a large ice plug from the inside in the drainage system. As a result, the sewage system will simply fail.

Important: a heater in the form of a special cable will prevent possible freezing of the sewer system pipeline.

Methods for heating sewer systems

Heating of sewer pipes can be carried out and arranged at the stage of collector installation in two ways:

• By using special heated pipes, which have a sandwich structure and are equipped inside with a special heating element. This collector is made of plastic. A heating element is placed on top of the plastic collector, and the pipes are wrapped with a special heat-insulating material on top. The cost of such a sewer collector will be several times higher than the standard one.
• You can also heat the sewer pipeline using a special heat cord. Such a device is a sealed and waterproof heating element, which in most cases is located outside the pipeline. It is not recommended to install such an electrical cable from the inside. There are only a few situations when the heating cable is installed inside. One of them is the insufficient cross-section of the collector.

Benefits of using a cable

By using a special cable to heat the sewer with your own hands, the master receives a lot of benefits from this solution:

• Thus, the sewer collector is in working condition constantly, regardless of the temperature outside the window and the intensity of use of the sewerage system.
• The speed of transporting wastewater from the house to the septic tank (pit) increases significantly, which prevents stagnation in the pipes.
• The technological consistency of the aggressive environment remains in its original state, which accelerates the bacteriological treatment of wastewater in the septic tank in winter.
• In addition, there will be no condensation on the surface of the collector, which means that the risk of corrosion inside the collector is minimized.

Types of heating cable

You can use three types of cable to create pipe heating with your own hands. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

• Resistive heating element (heating cable). This type of device works on the principle of constant heating, regardless of the outside temperature. That is, the set temperature regime is constant, which means the current consumption will also remain unchanged. Resistive heating elements require constant monitoring.
• Zone cable. This type of heating element is identical to the operating principle of a resistive one. But it has a significant difference - the heating element works in zones, and not along its entire length. Most often, such a wire for heating the system is used in certain sections of the sewer network.
• Self-heating cable. This type of heating element for heating the sewer is more productive and economical. The wire is able to regulate the temperature of the collector heating depending on the ambient temperature. The operation of such a wire is based on a semiconductor matrix, which regulates the amount of heat. The self-regulating cable consumes only 33 W of electricity per linear meter. At the same time, the installation of the wire is simplified due to the presence of an adhesive aluminum side on it. The convenience of using such an element is due to the fact that it can be easily cut into pieces without losing its working properties. And the cable, which is 80 m long, can be plugged directly into a power outlet. Also, the self-heating cable can be adjusted according to temperature parameters at any desired section of the pipeline. That is, where the collector is located higher to the surface of the earth, the temperature can be made higher and vice versa.

Important: when connecting the heating system for the first time, you may experience a one-time energy consumption that exceeds the nominal one. But within 1-2 minutes the heating system levels out the current consumption and goes into normal operating mode.

Do-it-yourself heating cable installation

It is worth remembering that installing a heating element inside the system is not recommended. If there is an urgent need to install a high pressure pump inside the collector, then it is better to invite specialists to do it. It is quite possible to mount the wire outside the system with your own hands.

Work rules

If you decide to install a heating system with your own hands, then you should adhere to these important rules:

• It is prohibited to attach the heating element to any sharp or cutting surfaces;
• Before carrying out work, it is worth inspecting the collector for tightness and detecting possible leaks;
• It is forbidden to connect a cable wound into a ball to electricity;
• The finished heating system must be wrapped in hydro- and heat-insulating materials;
• If the collector is made of plastic, it is recommended to first wrap it with foil material to increase the thermal conductivity of the collector;
• When laying the heating cable, it is necessary to make 3-4 loops 1.4 m long throughout the entire pipeline (depending on the length of the collector) in case of emergency disconnection of the pipeline. The loops are attached to the valves or carefully laid along the manifold;
• Depending on the diameter of the cable, you can strengthen the heating system by winding the heating element outside the collector in a spiral in two steps in opposite directions relative to each other.
• The installation of a heating system for sewer pipes can also be carried out parallel to each other in a straight line. But in any case, it is necessary to use additional clamps that will not allow the wire to move away from the collector in the future.
• To avoid possible damage to the heating element, a mark is placed outside the pipeline indicating that the collector is equipped with an electronic heating system.

Important: laying layer upon layer or crossing a resistive type cable at the installation stage is unacceptable, since the cable may burn. The self-regulating wire can be intertwined during installation.

Carrying out installation work

If you purchased a cable in a reel and are planning to install it yourself, you will have to make a plug for the wire. To do this, you need to complete the following stages of work:

• Measure 10 cm from the end of the cable and remove the outer sheath on this section of the wire. To do this, we use a stationery knife or any other knife.
• Now carefully unravel the braid using an awl and twist it into a bundle. In the future, we will connect this harness to the ground wire.
• Again remove the outer layer of thermal protection to the same length. There will be a conductive matrix under it. To easily remove it, you need to heat the material with a hairdryer until it becomes plastic. When the matrix becomes pliable, remove it.
• We will have in our hands two copper current conductors, which need to be connected to the wires of the prepared plug.
• We reliably insulate all contacts of the heating cable after connection.

Important: if there is no grounding barrier in the plug circuit, then you can simply cut off the remaining braid bundle.

We install the prepared cable on the pipeline in the intended position and insulate the pipes.

Cable selection

In order to choose the right heating system, you need to pay attention not only to the type of wire itself (resistant, self-regulating), but also to the power of the wire. Because a more powerful element is not always necessary in a particular case. Most likely, you will simply have to overpay for electricity.

• So, for water pipes with a diameter of 22 to 36 mm, a cable with a power of 16 W per linear meter is suitable.
• If the water pipe or sewer has a diameter of 50 to 110 mm, then a wire with a power of 24 W/linear meter is suitable.
• For pipes with a larger diameter, you will need an electrical cable with a power of 33 W per linear meter or higher.

In this case, heating any water supply or drainage system using a heating cable will be more effective than using standard insulating materials.

Heating of sewerage: heating cable for pipes

Methods for heating sewer systems and the advantages of using electric cables. Types of cables and installation methods. Choosing a cable.

Freezing of organic matter and the formation of ice plugs that disrupt the functioning of the wastewater disposal structure are common phenomena on individual farms. There are many ways to get out of a difficult situation. But in most cases they are technologically complex, capital-intensive (additional thermal insulation) or unsafe (open fire). Not long ago, scientists and specialists, through comprehensive R&D, managed to find an innovative method to solve the problem. It consists of using a heating cable, which ensures uninterrupted operation of the sewerage system and drains at low temperatures.

The heating cable for heating sewer pipes is an electrical wire device with adjustable resistance. Its values ​​depend on the external and internal temperatures of the pipeline.

The operation of the heating device is based on the conversion of electrical energy into thermal energy.

Structurally, the heating cable for sewer pipes consists of cores, their protective sheath and outer cover.

1. Veins – the main components of the product. The materials for their production are metal alloys with high electrical resistance values.
2. Protective sheath of conductors . Made from polymer composites with dielectric properties. Equipped with a screen made of copper wire or solid aluminum foil.
3. Polyvinyl chloride outer cover. Protects the cable from the negative influence of the external environment. Neutral to aggressive chemical environments, does not allow the formation of microorganisms. Durable, reliable, elastic and flexible.

Cable products come in single, double and triple core versions. Single-core products are easy to manufacture and therefore affordable. But they are inferior to other species in terms of quality indicators. Thus, they have strong electromagnetic radiation, which is absent in heating cables with two and three conductors.

Heating of the sewer is carried out due to the heat generated by the conductors when an electric current passes through them. The temperature effect spreads throughout the outer and inner parts of the drainage system.

Types of heating cables

Cables for heating sewer pipes are divided into two types:

1. self-regulating
2. resistive.

Self-regulating product . Usually consists of two wires of copper alloys. They are connected to each other by a matrix. It is this element that plays the role of a heater and regulator. All structural units are reliably protected from external thermal and electromagnetic influences by a special film and screen. The structure is equipped with a braided coating that has optimal strength properties that can withstand severe physical and mechanical pressure.

Heating of sewer pipes is carried out using temperature differences. The conductor section located in the zone of low values ​​has less resistance. Through the matrix, the current supply increases, the cable heats up and the pipe is heated.

If the pipe freezes, the self-regulating cable, when turned on, immediately begins to operate at full power until the structure warms up to the design temperature. When sensors, thermostats, and temperature relays are installed in the system, the cable is turned off and on automatically. In their absence, the heating device operates constantly, independently adjusting the power mode

The best qualities of a self-regulating heating cable for sewerage are associated with its cost-effectiveness. For stable operation of the structure, an electricity consumption of 150 W per 10 linear meters of drainage is considered sufficient. With a pipeline length of 50 meters, energy costs will be 750 kW. This is less than the average air conditioner. The device has a 50-year operational period. The unique features of the product include its resistance to system overheating.

External heating of sewer pipes is done in two ways: laying the cable along the pipe and winding it in a spiral around the drain.

The heating cable for sewerage inside the pipe is installed through a saddle. An insert is mounted into it, through which the cable is inserted.

The use of self-heating units is gaining growing popularity among homeowners due to their reliability, safety and manufacturability. Their installation is not difficult. It is accessible to any person who does not have the proper qualifications, but is familiar with the basics and does not require special qualifications of the performer. Suitable for working with pipes with a diameter exceeding 40 mm.

Resistive heating cable. It can be single or double wire. In the case of a single core, the power supply must be connected to both ends. From a practical point of view, this is not entirely convenient. If the pipeline is long, a separate long phase line will be required. The likelihood of damage increases. The two-wire device is more popular. Structurally, it includes heating and current-carrying cores, core insulation, screen (braiding), and outer sheath.

The product is laid inside or on the surface of the pipeline. The cable is turned on and off automatically. The command is given by sensors located along the entire length of the sewer. When the temperature drops below the required level, the heating turns on. Heat from the cable is transferred to the drainage system. Accordingly, shutdown occurs when the system enters normal mode.

Resistive cables are used for heating small diameter pipes (up to 40 mm). The maximum effect is achieved in a combination of cable and sewer thermal insulation.

The disadvantage of this type of device is that if the sensor does not respond, the structure may overheat and fail.

Advantages and disadvantages of laying cables inside and outside pipes

From a technological point of view, the external installation of cable lines does not pose any difficulties. Installation work is carried out much faster and with better quality, since the view is easier. The main advantage is that with this option, cleaning work in the sewer using cables, scrapers and other tools is safe for the cable structure. Damage to the system is also easier to detect when heating cables are laid externally. Disadvantages: it requires heating not only the wastewater, but also the pipe itself. The system is not suitable if the pipes are made of heat-resistant products: reinforced concrete, asbestos concrete structures, polymer composite materials.

Heating cables for sewerage inside a pipe are more efficient. They have a high efficiency. Organic elements in the pipe warm up quickly, as self-heating processes take place in them.

When heated from the inside, sewer pipes have lower limits of sub-zero ambient temperatures. This is due to the fact that there is no need to warm up the pipes themselves.

Flaws: complex installation of sewer pipes from the inside, the need for a large number of inspection devices, the need for additional coating with protective elements due to constant exposure to aggressive chemical and water environments, the difficulty of identifying faults and their localization.

conclusions

1. Heating cables are becoming a necessary attribute of the sewer system of a private home. They ensure its uninterrupted functioning and comfortable life for homeowners and members of their families.
2. When choosing heating products, you should pay attention to the climatic conditions of the region and the level of groundwater freezing in a particular area of ​​the area.
3. Heating cables installed inside the drain are more efficient and use less electricity.
4. Self-regulating designs have the best characteristics in terms of reliability, safety and uninterrupted operation.

The climatic conditions of our country are quite harsh; in winter the soil can freeze several meters. In the Arctic, permafrost does not thaw even in summer. works much more efficiently than the technology of winding the heating main with insulating materials or burying it below the freezing point. Let's consider what this product is, its design, types and installation procedure on drainage systems.

An electrical element is a flexible structure that generates heat under voltage due to the resistance of the metal. The degree of heating depends on the brand of the product and the current supplied to it.

The heating cable is designed to maintain a positive temperature in a sewer system laid above the freezing level of the soil or on its surface. Installation of this device requires additional financial costs, but they pay off by reducing the cost of excavation work. In addition, the drains will be reliably protected from the cold even at extremely low air temperatures.

When is heating needed?

Power and duration

The power of the heating cable is measured in watts per linear meter per hour. This indicator differs between resistive and self-regulating models. At a voltage of 220-240 volts and a maximum temperature of 90 ºС, the average line power is 18 watts. It is not difficult to calculate how much electricity will be required to heat a 15 m long pipeline (namely, this should be the minimum distance from the house to the septic tank).

Depending on the settings, electricity consumption will be 100-270 watts per hour.

Life time

The durability of the cable depends on the materials used in its manufacture and the intensity of use.

The service life of products is influenced by the correctness of their installation and the mechanical impact exerted during seasonal soil movements. The most well-known manufacturers from Asia and Europe provide a 5-year warranty on their products. At the same time, the estimated service life is 15-20 years.

Make it yourself or buy it

If you have special education and experience working with electricity, you can make a heating cable yourself. For this, low-power spirals and wires are used. Metal insulation is carried out using heat shrink tubing. The finished product can be no worse than industrially manufactured analogues.

However, the time and money spent on purchasing materials may not bring tangible benefits and savings.

Professionals recommend choosing products with such power that will ensure high-quality heating of the main line when the temperature drops critically. If it is possible to continuously monitor the condition of the cable, then it is advisable to choose a resistive option.

When the system operates in autonomous mode, it is better to install a self-regulating device from inside the highway.

Do-it-yourself cable making and installation

The best option for making homemade heating systems is to use a P-274 communication cable or its analogues. These products consist of copper wires and durable insulation that is resistant to moisture and mechanical stress. The wire is supplied with a direct current of 6-27 volts. Parameters are changed using a manual or automatic regulator adjusted to temperature changes.

Drawing and diagrams

The drawing is drawn up to scale on a computer or a sheet of paper.

It is necessary to schematically display the following design details:

• the beginning of the pipeline;
• the outlet of the main into the well;
• drainage line;
• corners, tees and taps;
• pipe diameter;
• trench depth.

Based on the created diagrams, the necessary materials and equipment are calculated.

Size calculation

№	Pipe outer diameter (mm)	Power(W/m)
		Depth 50 cm	Depth 75 cm	Depth 50 cm
1	32	10	8	5
2	42	13	10	7
3	48	15	12	8
4	60	20	15	10
5	75	25	20	12
6	90	30	25	15
7	110	40	30	20
8	160	50	38	25

The calculation is based on an air temperature of 30 ºС. A change in parameters by one degree entails a similar change in power by a third of a point.

Installation video

Installation features

When assembling a sewer heating system, it is necessary to take into account the following nuances:

1. Careful preparation of the installation process. Conducting consultations with specialists.
2. The internal cable is tightened through an additional double, which is installed indoors.
3. The wire of a self-regulating product must be laid only in a straight line. Resistive devices may be wrapped around pipes and fittings.

Service

The external parts of the heating system should be inspected regularly to identify external damage.

The resistance of the heating cores must be measured monthly. If deviations from the norm are detected, the device should be disconnected from the network.

Repair of damaged areas should be performed using heat-shrink tubing followed by reinforcement of the soldering area.

Frequent errors and problems during installation

When installing heating systems, such mistakes are most often made.

1. Installation of heating devices below the freezing point. These are unnecessary and unnecessary expenses.
2. Ignoring additional thermal insulation over pipes. The cable cannot heat them over the entire area, which leads to the formation of ice.
3. Operation of electrical equipment in continuous mode without sensors and relays. This leads to high and unjustified energy costs.

5 minutes to read.

Heating cable for sewer pipes is used in cases where the main cannot be lowered below the freezing point of the soil or this is associated with large material costs. The use of this electrical device requires financial investments, but they are comparable to the costs of laying a deep and long trench. If you lay the heating cable for the sewer inside the pipe, then it can be laid along the surface without deepening. Let's consider the rules for selecting and installing these devices.

Heating cable for pipes

How the cable works

The technology for heating the wastewater disposal system is based on the resistance of certain materials when electric current passes through them. The higher this indicator, the more heat is generated. A similar principle is used in the manufacture of heating radiators and incandescent electric lamps. The heating cable has a complex structure, due to which heat is distributed evenly throughout the entire line. At the same time, the product is completely safe due to the presence of reliable insulation.

Manufacturers make these devices with different adjustment capabilities and power parameters.

Cables for heating sewer pipes are available in several modifications.

Resistive - is a heating element (wire) enclosed inside materials that protect it from moisture and mechanical damage. A feature of the product is a gradual decrease in the temperature of the wire as it moves away from the power source (socket). Resistive cables have constant power parameters and do not respond to changes in ambient temperature. To prevent their overheating, it is necessary to install thermostats and sensors.

Resistive type products consist of the following elements:

• heating wire;
• internal polymer insulation that conducts heat well;
• protective screen made of copper foil;
• external insulation made of flexible plastic;
• plug and cable for connecting to a 220 V network.

Resistive heaters are affordable. They are purchased and installed where it is possible to turn off the heating when weather conditions change.

Self-regulating - its feature is the ability to change power when the ambient temperature increases or decreases. This occurs due to the placement of a self-regulating matrix made of semiconductor materials inside the product.

Design of a self-regulating device:

• heating pair of wires;
• semiconductor matrix;
• internal insulation;
• reinforcing braid;
• external polymer insulation.

A variation of this cable is the zonal model. It can be set to work only in those areas that need protection from the cold. Pieces of wire can be alternated with the power cable in accordance with the characteristics of the pipeline.

Which one to choose and how to calculate

Depending on the design of the sewer, heating elements are placed outside or placed inside. The choice is made based on the type of soil, the depth of the highway and the ambient temperature. Let's look at what to look for when planning a waste pipe heating system.

External laying - this method is used at the stage of installation of a long route with shut-off devices and inspection wells. Insulation is laid on top to prevent heat loss from the pipes.

The following methods of placing heating elements are used:

1. One line laid from the bottom of the highway. Products with a power of 20 W per 1 m or more are selected.
2. How many lines are located at the same distance from each other. This design allows you to maintain the same temperature over the entire area of ​​the pipe.
3. Spiral. It is an optimal alternative to parallel laying. It is quickly installed and provides uniform heating.
4. Wavy line. Installed at the bottom of the drain system or at the top and bottom. Prevents the solidification of draining liquid and freezing of condensate.

Taps and valves are turned so that they are heated throughout the entire volume.

Internal heating of sewer pipes with cable is used in short-length systems with a diameter of at least 63 mm. This option allows you to transfer heat directly to the drains, reducing losses to a minimum. A similar solution is used in cases where it is necessary to heat the wastewater system without excavation work and dismantling the main line.

Before placing the heater in the channel, the exhaust cable is pulled into it and the adapter is inserted. The cable is fixed using a special coupling. This part firmly clamps the wire and prevents unpleasant odors from seeping out of the sewer. When choosing internal heating, you should take into account that this reduces the throughput of the channel and increases the risk of blockages.

When making calculations for the purchase of material, you should be guided by the following criteria regarding the temperature conditions of its operation:

• up to -10ºС - 8-12 W/m;
• up to -30ºС - 13-25 W/m;
• -50ºС and below – 26-60 W/m.

Regardless of the installation method, you should purchase material in quantities 10% more than the calculated quantity. Each shutoff device requires a separate measurement. Its result is added to the total length of the trunk.

How to carry out installation work

In order to install electric heating of the sewer system with your own hands, you will need the following tools and devices:

• heating cable for water supply and sewerage pipes;
• roulette;
• forceps;
• stationery knife;
• marker;
• scissors;
• double-sided tape based on aluminum foil.

The work is carried out in the following sequence:

1. Wrapping the pipe with special tape.
2. Marking. The lines for laying the wire are drawn, and the places where they are attached are marked.
3. Place the heater on the line in accordance with the markings.
4. Fixing the device with aluminum foil tapes.
5. Wrapping the line with insulating material.

If a heating cable is laid in a sewer pipe, then preliminary installation of a tee is necessary. The clamping coupling is already fixed in it. When laying on straight sections, it is allowed to push the wire without additional devices. Its cut should be well insulated.

If difficulties arise, use a cable or telescopic handle. With their help, the device is pulled into the pipe from the side where it is more convenient to do this. You can tie a tennis ball to the heater and wash it off with strong water pressure. When laying the cable, it must not be twisted or bent beyond the minimum radius specified by the manufacturer.

Many owners of private houses, especially at the end of the winter season, were faced with the problem caused by freezing wastewater in the sewer system. It stopped functioning until warm days arrived and thawed naturally. Heating cable is the best solution for uninterrupted operation of the drain and drainage system at low negative temperatures.

There are several types of cable used for pipeline heating, which have different technical characteristics and installation methods, which allows the use of one or another type depending on the technical specifications.

The operating principle of a heating cord is quite simple: an electric current heats the pipe to above-zero temperature, preventing the passing liquid from freezing. The cable used for heating can be:

• Shielded, having a metal braid, used as additional protection against mechanical damage.
• Unshielded, double insulated.
• Zonal. Spot heating of certain areas.
• Self-regulating. A pair of copper conductors and a working matrix between them.
• Resistive, single or double wire.

Installation of the heating wire can be done both outside and inside the system; the latter option is economical in terms of electricity, but more expensive when performing installation work.

The most effective use of external heating is in combination with the use of thermal insulation materials, which reduce heat losses. Sewage systems made of metal and plastic of almost any diameter can be effectively heated.

Calculation and selection of cord

It is very important to correctly calculate the power of the heating cord, especially for plastic products, otherwise overheating will lead to deformation, leakage and damage to the network. When calculating, factors such as:

1. Diameter of the sewer system.
2. The material from which the pipeline is made.
3. Network laying depth.
4. Technical characteristics of insulating material.

Taking into account the totality of information, the heat loss of one linear meter of the network is calculated using the formula:

• Qtp – heat losses of the pipeline (W).
• Λ – thermal insulation coefficient.
• Ltp – pipe length.
• Tbh – liquid temperature in the network.
• Thap – minimum ambient temperature.
• D – outer diameter of the pipe together with thermal insulation (m).
• 1.3 – increasing thermal conductivity safety factor.

The required cable length is calculated using the formula:

Lk = Qtp / P beat. Cab., where

• Lk – cord length in meters.
• P beat cab. – power density of the cable in W.

The duration of heating operation is controlled by installed sensors and a thermostat, which ensure optimal and economical operation of the system.

External system design

It is most in demand, as it takes much less time compared to installation inside the pipeline.

The technology for laying the cord is quite simple, which allows you to do the necessary installation work yourself. For external heating, a self-regulating cable is mainly used, consisting of several conductors and a matrix in a polymer sheath, which, at the slightest temperature fluctuations, change the resistance in the electrical circuit.

As the temperature drops, the resistance decreases, which automatically increases the passage of electricity, resulting in increased heat transfer to the pipeline.

Depending on changing temperature conditions, heat output in different sections of the network will be produced as needed with optimal use of electricity.

Internal system design

The heating wire is located directly inside the pipeline, and this method is usually used on an existing network. This eliminates the need for excavation work to install frost protection.

Please note that the cable for internal heating should be used in small areas with a minimum number of turns. Kinks and loops will cause blockages and clog the drain.

It is almost impossible to control the location of the cable in the pipeline, since the liquid is heated directly.

IMPORTANT: It should be located in the lower zone of the pipeline.

Advantages and disadvantages of internal and external heating systems

A positive quality of internal heating is that it can be easily installed in existing pipelines without opening the soil and using thermal insulation. Heating the directly passing drain liquid does not require much electricity consumption.

Negative points include:

• Reducing the internal cross-section of the pipe.
• Possibility of congestion.
• A labor-intensive installation process on long sections with transitions and bends.
• The need to install an inlet tee.

Please note! The cord is well protected from mechanical damage, but is susceptible to aggressive chemical attack by wastewater.

The external heating cable for sewerage is attached directly to the outer wall of the pipe using plastic clamps or adhesive tape, which greatly facilitates installation work.

The disadvantages of an external heating system include:

• Higher electricity consumption.
• The need to open a trench when installing on an existing pipeline.
• Additional costs for installing thermal insulation.

When installing the wire, two methods are used: linear arrangement along the pipe or tangential wrapping.

Adhesive tape or synthetic cable bandage is used as fastening. The distance between the fastening points should not exceed 200 millimeters.

Often, to increase the efficiency of heat transfer, the pipe is initially wrapped in aluminum foil (this can significantly increase the heating area), to which the heating cable is directly attached. This method is recommended for installation on plastic products, which have low thermal conductivity compared to metal ones.

When laying the heating element, you should avoid creating kinks and make turns at an acute angle to avoid accidental damage to the electrically conductive wires and damage to the insulating layer. The final stage will be the installation of thermal insulation material.

Installation of a heating cord inside a pipeline

First of all, you should decide where the element will be inserted; the best option is the point inside the building at the outlet of the pipeline. This must be taken into account in a new building if you plan to install an internal cable for heating the network.

It will be a little more difficult to deal with an existing sewer system, when access to the intended entry point is often severely limited or impossible. In this case, it is possible to move the access point to the pipe exit from the building, for which you can provide access by digging a hole near the wall and partially dismantle the line to install a tee.

The pipes should be cleaned, rinsed thoroughly from the inside and dried. The most difficult thing is laying the cable inside, especially if the pipeline has turns and connecting elements. It is recommended to lay the wire before installing the coupling, carefully pushing it through so as not to damage the insulating layer. If for some reason it is not possible to install the cable, you must first stretch a thin steel wire to the entrance well or septic tank. Then attach the end of the cord to the wire with adhesive tape and pull it along the main line.

After laying the cable, install a tee and connect it to the wire supplying electricity.

Independent connection to the power grid

Quite often, a malfunction occurs precisely at the connecting junction, which leads to de-energization of the sewer cable. Correct installation is carried out in the following order:

• A large heat-shrinkable tube is placed on the end of the heating cord.
• The outer insulating layer is stripped from the end at a distance of 50 mm, the braid is cut 10 mm from the edge of the insulation.
• The heating cores are separated and the internal insulation of about 6 mm is removed.
• Next, on the cord, as well as on each core, a small-diameter tube and a medium-diameter tube.
• It is necessary to place the twisted braid in a metal tube and crimp it to make a tight connection with the braid.
• The end of the power supply wire is cleared of 80 mm of outer insulation.
• The cores are separated: the ground wire remains as is, and the phase and neutral wires are cut to a length of 35 mm.
• The ends of the wires are freed from secondary insulation by 6 mm.
• The stripped ends of the supply and heating cables are sequentially inserted into heat-shrinkable couplings and connected by heating with a hair dryer or open fire.
• Additionally, each joint must be wrapped with insulating tape.
• The ground wire is inserted into a metal sleeve crimped onto the braid and is also clamped.
• A medium-sized heat-shrinkable tube is moved onto the resulting joint, and after thermite treatment - a large one, followed by heating.

Such a connection completely prevents moisture from entering the connecting joint, so there will be no short circuit in the wiring.

Useful video

Experts talk about the nuances.

What not to do!