help frozen nipples on HEATED waterer

[chickensnducks7]

Ok I have a 5 gal bucket with a 4 ft hose attached to a 3 ft wand (aka 3/4 in PVC) with nipples...I have heat tape around the bucket and all the way down the hose to wand...just the nipples freezing...grrrrrrr... I somehow have managed to not come across the horizontal nipples until I read this thread. How many of you are having good luck with these as in you are using them with success in winter weather? Anyone using them with a PVC pipe? I am open to investing in them IF others are truly having success with them. Of course I will have to replace my wand and install these but to avoid dead birds and me chiseling ice with a hammer every morning its worth it to me...it just money right>>>>>