After my other post about freezing pipes, I am now open to heat tape... although still pretty reserved about using it.

1. Anyone ever have any damage or fires due to heat tape? (Properly Installed?)

2. Anyone know of any good brands? OR, any to stay away from?

3. What do I need to make sure it's safe for PVC ? Near my pressure tank there is some metal, and some PVC. I don't want to melt the PVC with the heat tape, or the hot metal pipe. This is the important area to keep warm too.

Anyone have any opinion of this stuff:
http://www.amazon.com/M-D-Building-Produ...985&sr=1-13

I want something that will turn on at 33* and turn off at 36 or so... if that's possible. Not sure how these "Thermostats" work, if they are adjustable or not. I just don't feel the need to run the thing the whole time and waste $$$/electricity.

Share what you know about heat tape with me