Electric tracing or surface heating is what heat tape does. Heat tape is a system used to maintain or raise the temperature of pipes, it takes the form of an electrical element running or wrapped along the length of a pipe. Heat generated by the element maintains the temperature of the pipe so it does not freeze. The constant electric power heat tape is the most widely used to maintain pipe temps in freezing weather. One drawback to this system is that length is limited. The upside to this type of heat tape is that it is typically inexpensive. De Hart Plumbing, “the Company With Hart”. Serving Manhattan Kansas, Junction City Kansas and Wamego Kansas.