Can I use a heating coil on a plastic pipe?

Question

I have a heating coil and was wondering if I could use it on a plastic pipe. Would this be safe?

Answer 1

It probably isn't the best option. Plastic is an insulator of heat. If you want to heat water in a plastic pipe make sure there is water all the time and that it keeps moving. Then have a gap between the heater and plastic.  

Answer 2

We have heating coil on the plastic pipes in my basement, you need to wrap the whole coil in electric tape before you put it on thou. The heat will still get through but without the thing getting too hot for the plastic. It isn't made to get super hot, it is to gradually warm your pipes, you should be able to grab the coil while it is warm without burning yourself, so there is no reason it shouldn't be safe on the plastic pipe. But it might be very warm on your hand, you can also pour boiling water on your pipes, and down your drain. When this is house plumbing it is a specific thickness and material meant to handle that much heat, so yes, it should be just fine.