Wattage for Heating Tape that runs Through An Under Concrete Gutter/Downspout Drain

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MTDIYer

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I live in Montana, so it can be very cold in winter. One of downspouts draining a gutter ends up pouring into a drain in a concrete apron by my back door. The drain goes under concrete for about 30 feet, then another 30 feet of gravel/road mix to appear and drain into a field. I live in the country. A handyman who did occasional jobs for me advised me to get a heating tape, the kind you use for deicing roofs, and put it through the drain to stop it freezing and flooding the concrete patio by the back door. I agreed. He bought a tape years ago and it worked beautifully.

In getting ready for winter this year, I plugged the heating wire in and it immediately blew the GFI. So I assume it has shorted and needs replaced. It took me a while to figure out what the cord was called - a roof deicer. Now I found there are various wattages per foot. Does anyone have a recommendation as to what I should buy. I can't see anything listed on the old cable for wattage. As it is going to be plugged in all winter, I'd like to not waste money on electricity, but at the same time, I want the cable to do its job.
 
It is probably not the answer you want, but I lived in ND, and paid attention to the weather.

Overcast below 30, on, sunshine 30+, off, just my yardstick.
 
If I was retired, I would probably use your method. Only another 10 years to go, when I am 73. I work so many hours in my own business, I often don't get outside for days at a time. I just don't have time to check the weather and plug and unplug. So I am just after the best wattage to use for the 4 months? it will be plugged in. Thanks.

It is probably not the answer you want, but I lived in ND, and paid attention to the weather.

Overcast below 30, on, sunshine 30+, off, just my yardstick.
 
The art of self preservation, is being devoid of excuses.
 
MT, roof deicer/heat tape for water pipes. get the kind that has a auto thermostat built in. It will turn on/off as needed. As far as wattage, I always go with the most I can get.
 
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