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Are you protected? Before you buy an rv FAQs Easy to retrofit Ducted vs ultraheat

Frequently Asked Questions About UltraHeat™ Products for Recreational Vehicles

Pipe & Elbow Heater FAQs

Q) Are 120 Volt AC UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters available?

A) NO, all UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters are 13.5 Volt DC powered.

Q) UltraHeat™ Tank Heaters on my holding tanks are all I need to protect my RV's drainage system for cold weather use right?

A) NO. The drain pipes coming off the holding tank drains need to be protected from freezing temperatures. Drain pipes coming off the holding tanks are at a lower point than the holding tanks. The heat from the tank heaters will not reach the drain pipes. Drain pipes always freeze before the holding tanks because the heat loss is greater in the pipes and they contain less water. Although the holding tanks may not be frozen, the drain pipes will freeze quickly and then everything becomes blocked. When this happens the holding tanks fill up and cannot be dumped preventing the RV's toilet, shower and sinks from being used. This is a major inconvenience. UltraHeat™ pipe and elbow heaters are needed to fully protect the drainage system. Once your RV has the appropriate amount of UltraHeat™ Tank, Pipe and Elbow Heaters installed, then your RV's drainage system will be protected for cold weather use.

Q) When should the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters be turned "ON"?

When should they be turned "OFF"?

A) The 13.5 VDC power switch for the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters should be turned "ON" when the outside temperature approaches freezing 32°F (0°C.) The 13.5 VDC power switch should be turned "OFF" when: 1) the outside temperature stays above freezing; 2) the black and gray holding tanks and drain pipes are being dumped; or 3) the fresh water holding tanks and supply pipes are being drained for storage. UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters are not thermostatically controlled.

Q) How do you know if the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters are working?

A) Turn "ON" the 13.5 VDC power switch for the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters. Check the pipe and/or elbow heater(s) after five minutes. Touch the black foam pad in the center of the pipe or elbow heater, you should feel the warmth from the heating element. This warmth indicates that the pipe or elbow heater is working properly.

Q) Should liquid be in the drain pipes & elbows or fresh water supply pipes when the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters are "ON"?

A) Yes, liquid must always be in the drain pipes & elbows and fresh water supply pipes when the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters are "ON."

Q) Will the UltraHeat™ Pipe or Elbow Heaters damage the drain pipes & elbows or fresh water supply pipes if little or no liquid is in them when the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters are "ON"?

A) YES, the UltraHeat™ pipe and elbow heaters may soften rigid/hard plastic pipe if they are "on" and there is little or no liquid in the pipes.

Q) Is regular maintenance required on the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters?

A) NO. But you will still want to periodically check the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters for damage, loose wires, etc.

Q) What should be done if the UltraHeat™ Pipe or Elbow Heaters are not working?

A)

  1. Check the 13.5 VDC power switch and make sure it is in the "ON" position.
  2. Check the 13.5 VDC fuse, 13.5 VDC circuit breaker or 120 VAC circuit breaker for the RV's converter, make sure the fuse is not blown or the circuit breakers "OFF".
  3. Check all wire connections, crimp cap connections and all power wires. There must be good mechanical connections between all wires and all wire insulation must be undamaged and whole.
  4. Check the appropriate power source to confirm that either 13.5 VDC power is available from the converter/battery system or 120 VAC power is available from the shore power extension cord to the RV's converter.

Q) Do the UltraHeat™ Pipe and Elbow Heaters have a warranty?

A) YES. A ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY. Extended warranties are available here.