The water line in our barn has heat tape and a 100 Watt incandescent bulb which together keep water flowing unless we dip below about 5F. The heat tape is plugged into its own GFCI outlet, which began tripping earlier this winter.
Assuming the old heat tape responsible, I replaced it. It was a PIA job, but I have to say I did a nice job. Except for the fact that the outlet is still tripping. I reset it and all is well for 12 - 36 hours, then it trips again. Dammit.
IANAE, but I’ve replaced outlets before. I’d rather not replace the outlet if it isn’t going to be a solution to the problem, though.
So. . .what else could be responsible? I have a multi-meter and electrical tape, as well as basic tools. The current GFCI outlet is as old as the barn (15 years or so).
I’d start by replacing the GFCI. Sometimes they get wonky after a while. If that doesn’t work, can you install a GFCI breaker instead of the receptacle? Finally, replace the GFCI receptacle with a single non-GFCI until you sell the house.
Many years ago I and a friend built a detached garage/shop. Code required GFCI receptacles. As the inspector was signing the inspection form he said “you’ll want to install non-GFCI receptacles or they’ll trip all the time.”
