Hot water pipes that run through unheated spaces such as garages or crawlspaces are particularly vulnerable to heat loss and should always be insulated. But even those running through heated areas can benefit from some extra protection.
Essentially, any areas without heating will require the pipes to be insulated. Interior walls are an exception as typically pipes running through these have heating. Though if unsure, check with a professional.
This can make them crack or burst, resulting in no water or heating in your home and expensive repair bills. To reduce this risk, insulate your pipes to help stop them from freezing. You may also have pipes in uninsulated areas like your loft, basement or garage.
The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. But even pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.
Insulating your hot water pipes reduces heat loss and can raise water temperature 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes can deliver, allowing you to lower your water temperature setting. You also won't have to wait as long for hot water when you turn on a faucet or showerhead, which helps conserve water.
Open a length of pipe insulation along the pre-marked split and slide it onto the pipe. If you have pipes coming up through the loft floor or running along the joists, fold back the loft insulation, fit the pipe tube and then put the insulation back in place. Continue insulating the whole length of the pipe run.
These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. The more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes are. Wrap pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
Regardless of how long you will be traveling and away from home, keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or above. This will help to keep the pipes on the inside of the home from freezing and the ones under the home at a slightly higher temperature as well.
Use foam rubber or fiberglass sleeves to help decrease the chances of freezing. Insulation can help keep the pipes closer to the temperature of the water inside the pipe, but it does not add extra heat to the pipe and unfortunately will not prevent freezing if the pipe is exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Hot Water Pipes
By wrapping these pipes in fibreglass pipe insulation, you can keep that precious heat where it belongs - inside the pipe. Hot water pipes that run through unheated spaces such as garages or crawlspaces are particularly vulnerable to heat loss and should always be insulated.
The cost for a professional to insulate your pipes can range from $100 to $1,000. The true costs depend upon your geographic location and the scope of the job. Even if you have a relatively small job and your home is located where labor costs are reasonable, the least you will pay is about $100.
Proper pipe insulation improves the performance and life of your plumbing while also protecting it from extreme temperatures or weather conditions. It also helps to reduce your energy bills and keeps your home warmer. It can help to avoid issues or plumbing problems that can be expensive to tackle.
Even though plastic pipes can accommodate ice better than copper pipes, it is still important to insulate them to prevent water from freezing in the first place. Here is a more concise version of the text: Plastic pipes should be insulated like copper pipes to prevent freezing.
Pipe lagging reduces the risk of pipe ruptures. Copper pipes, for example, can get extremely hot or cold, which can cause a pipe to burst especially in winter if freezing temperatures occur in unheated spaces. Acoustic Pipe Insulation is a soundproofing technique for pipes that helps to control and reduce noise.
Protect faucets, outdoor pipes, and pipes in unheated areas with pipe insulation. If insulation is not an option, consider wrapping them with rags, newspapers, trash bags, plastic foam, or bubble wrap.
Leave the heating on
If it's feasible, set your thermostat to 15C. This keeps the air inside warm to help stop internal pipes from freezing. Open cabinet doors and loft hatches to allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks or in the loft.
Don't turn your thermostat down below 65 degrees during extreme cold. Further drops in temperature could be enough to cause a problem, especially inside walls where pipes are located. Your heating bill may go up a little, but that's better than an expensive repair job if a pipe freezes and bursts.
At what temperature will PEX freeze and burst? PEX pipes are extremely burst- and freeze-resistant because of their insulation properties and natural flexibility. However, at certain temperatures, even PEX can no longer stand up to the elements. The temperature cutoff for PEX pipes is around -7°C.
Prevent Frozen Pipes
Moving water keeps pipes from freezing. Find shut off valves for emergencies. Insulate pipes in unheated areas. Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.
Even if a pipe does not burst, the expanding ice can still cause damage. This can lead to leaks which can cause significant damage over time if they go unnoticed. The best way to protect against frozen pipes and the resulting water damage is with an automatic water shut-off device.
PEX, or cross-linked polyethylene, has a chemical structure that gives it flexibility to withstand pressure increases and perform better in the winter. If water freezes in the pipe, for example, PEX will expand to accommodate the change. Then it will contract back to original dimensions once thawed.
It's important to invest in insulation for the water pipes in your residence. This will not only reduce the stress on your plumbing system, but it will prevent long-lasting damage that can be caused by condensation or freezing temperatures.
Open your attic trap door to help keep the temperature in your attic the same as in the rest of the house and prevent pipes freezing.