1. Overview
This case comes from a homeowner in rural Ontario, Canada, who dealt with repeated freeze-ups in their well water supply line every winter. To solve the issue, they used the YeloDeer Self-Regulating In-Pipe Heating Cable and hired a professional plumber to perform the installation for maximum reliability.
2. Customer Background
Customer type: Homeowner
Location: Ontario, Canada
Typical winter temperature: -8°C to -20°C (17°F to –4°F), occasionally dropping below -25°C (-13°F)
Existing issues: The exposed section of the water supply line located in a small unheated utility room / pump room beside the house frequently froze during cold periods.
3. The Problem
The homeowner’s well pump and plumbing system sit inside a small, unheated utility room attached to the side of the house. Despite rigid foam insulation on the walls, the temperature in this room regularly dropped close to outdoor levels. When cold snaps reached -15°C or lower, the water line from the ground to the pressure tank froze solid. Previous attempts, adding pipe foam and using portable heaters, were either ineffective or unsafe for long-term use.
4. The Solution
To ensure consistent winter protection, the homeowner worked with a licensed plumber to install a 110 ft YeloDeer Self-Regulating In-Pipe Heating Cable.
Why this product was suitable:
1. The in-pipe design delivers heat directly inside the water line, providing stronger freeze protection than wrap-around heat tape.
2. The self-regulating heating core automatically adjusts output: Higher wattage when the temperature drops. Lower wattage when temperatures rise.
3. Helping maintain above-freezing water temperature inside the pipe
Important:
1. This feature adjusts heat output but does not switch power on/off automatically.
2. Because the product includes a built-in GFCI plug, it must be used with a regular outlet (not a GFCI outlet).
During installation, the plumber also recommended adding an external thermostat switch or timer to control when the cable receives power, helping reduce electricity use during milder weather.
5. Installation Highlights
1. Installation was done by a professional plumber, since long length in-pipe installations can be complex.
2. The heating cable was carefully fed through the water line to avoid damaging the outer jacket, any small abrasion could affect performance.
3. Connected the cable to a standard wall outlet because the device already includes its own GFCI safety protection.
4. Additional insulation was added around exposed fittings and pipes in the utility room.
5. The plumber confirmed the cable responded well to temperature changes during testing.
6. Results
After installation, the homeowner experienced zero freeze-ups for the entire winter season.
Even during a cold period that reached -22°C (-7°F), the water continued flowing normally.
Additional benefits:
a. No more emergency thawing or repairs
b. Stable water pressure throughout the winter
c. Reduced energy waste compared to fixed-output heat tape
d. Peace of mind knowing the well system is protected in extreme temperatures
e. The plumber also noted during a later visit that the installation remained in excellent condition and the cable was performing exactly as expected.
7. Customer Feedback (Quote)
November 2025,
“Our plumber recommended using an in-pipe cable, and the YeloDeer one has been excellent. He said the quality was impressive. The water line stayed open all winter, and we no longer worry about freeze-ups at all.”
