Troubleshooting Heated Water Hose

[JKreative]

Hi,

I am looking for some troubleshooting advice about heated water hoses. I recently purchased a 100’ hose and am wondering if it actually is powering on as the water at the spigot froze on day 2.

I currently have it plugged into a 6 outlet outdoor surge protector which is plugged into the pedestal at my campground. The surge protector’s switch is lit showing that it has power.

I am wondering if maybe the hose is not heating due to the surge protector not having a GFCI. Thought about buying a clear adapter for the hose, however, it would only show that the outlet has power but not necessarily the hose.

I would appreciate any tips and advice to figure this out. Thank you in advance!

[rhagfo]

Heated hose doesn’t heat the spigot. You should have wrapped the spigot, you should have wrapped it with some insulation.

[jasin1]

Originally Posted by JKreative

Hi,

I am looking for some troubleshooting advice about heated water hoses. I recently purchased a 100’ hose and am wondering if it actually is powering on as the water at the spigot froze on day 2.

I currently have it plugged into a 6 outlet outdoor surge protector which is plugged into the pedestal at my campground. The surge protector’s switch is lit showing that it has power.

I am wondering if maybe the hose is not heating due to the surge protector not having a GFCI. Thought about buying a clear adapter for the hose, however, it would only show that the outlet has power but not necessarily the hose.

I would appreciate any tips and advice to figure this out. Thank you in advance!

The hose won’t protect the spigot or anything before it…you would have to insulate the spigot and/ or use a heat tape on the spigot and exposed water line…
i also would not plug a heater or any high draw items into a six outlet anything.

You could check the hose with a laser thermometer after plugging it in check temp before and after

also the hose may have a built in thermostat that will not let it come on till temps drop so verify that before testing although this is not likely your situation because the spigot froze

[rhagfo]

We winter host in western Oregon, we have a standard RV water hose. The hose is 25’ and we have an about 28’ heat tape strapped to it, then covered with sections of foam pipe insulation. The extra heat tape is wrapped around the spigot and water inlet fitting at the RV, all covered with foam pipe insulation. No issues at as low as 15 degrees.

[JKreative]

Thank all of you for your great feedback! I think I understand now what needs to be done to correct the issue. I am so appreciative of your help and love this forum!!

[sourdough]

I carry 2 3'/6' lengths of heater tape for various needs that pop up when it gets cold, wrapping the spigot is one. I also have a couple of lengths of the split foam insulation "pipe" that I slip over the water line to the spigot if it is elevated and not insulated by the park.

[bobbecky]

Most heated hoses have the thermostat turn on at 45 degrees and turn off at 55 degrees. Do not plug them into a GFI outlet, because if it rains and the plug of the hose gets wet, it will trip the GFI outlet. Also, make sure the thermostat, which is the device that is cable tied to the hose, remains in contact with the surface of the hose and is also exposed to the air outside the rig. Do not cut the cable ties or the hose will not heat properly.

[rhagfo]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

Most heated hoses have the thermostat turn on at 45 degrees and turn off at 55 degrees. Do not plug them into a GFI outlet, because if it rains and the plug of the hose gets wet, it will trip the GFI outlet. Also, make sure the thermostat, which is the device that is cable tied to the hose, remains in contact with the surface of the hose and is also exposed to the air outside the rig. Do not cut the cable ties or the hose will not heat properly.

Well there is a problem, as most pedestal 20 amp outlets are GFCI. Personally I have never had an issue as the pedestals cover provide protection from rain.