This article may be a little bit late. We’ve already had some freezing weather, but the hard freeze hasn’t hit us yet. If you haven’t insulated your pipes, don’t wait any longer.
You should be concerned about any water pipe that is located in an area that is not heated, may be located near an uninsulated wall or may be subject to cold, winter wind.
The first plan of action would be to protect the pipes from wind or drafts. Close foundation vents, seal around foundation access doors and check underpinning on mobile homes for holes and cracks where the wind might blow through. Many homes have automatic foundation vents, but you should still check them to be sure they are closed.
There are several options for insulating your pipe. One of the quickest and easiest products to use is foam tubing. This tubing comes in five- to six-foot lengths and is split down the side so that it can be slipped over pipes. Some will come with adhesive strips already installed, while some must be taped. Buy the proper size to fit your pipe, and don’t leave any gaps that might freeze.
Elbows and tees are very challenging when using this insulation, but now you can purchase pre-formed pieces to fit these difficult areas.
The old standard for insulating pipes is rolls of insulation strips, usually four to six inches wide and installed by wrapping around the pipe. Be sure to overlap the insulation so you will achieve the proper protection and, again, will not leave any gaps. Some of this insulation requires a layer of plastic wrap over it, while others have an aluminum foil covering already made on the outside.
If any of the pipes are outside and can’t be drained, you might consider thermostat-controlled heat cable. This cable is designed to run along the length of the pipe and automatically comes on when a certain temperature is reached. An electrical supply is required, as the product runs on 110v. Be very careful and read all instructions with this tape.
Don’t forget any hose bibbs around the foundation or in the yard. Foam cups are easily and quickly installed on wall-mounted spigots, using a plastic strip to hold them tight.
Remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
