All outdoor pipes that are exposed or partially exposed to freezing temperatures are subject to damage. Locating these elements and providing high-quality outdoor pipe insulation is the best way to protect your pipes from freezing and bursting when harsh winter temperatures arrive.
Insulating long, straight outdoor pipes is a straightforward process that can significantly reduce the risk of freezing and bursting during colder months. Foam pipe sleeves are an ideal solution, as they provide a durable layer of insulation.
To reduce water heating expenses, insulate hot water pipes wherever feasible. Cold water pipes warrant most insulation if the objective is to combat pipe condensation and the resulting mould.
Frozen pipes generally occur below 20° F. But freezing can happen above that threshold as well, especially if you have uninsulated pipes running through an uninsulated space. Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
Insulating your PEX is a very vital step in making your PEX last for a long time. And there is no better way to insulate your PEX than using radiant barrier insulation.
Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe is a good choice for underground water lines because of how the pipe is connected. Rather than using joints, which can leak, or glues and cement, which can degrade over time, HDPE pipe is connected via plastic fusion.
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.
To start, it's a smart idea to keep your garage closed during cold weather to protect your pipes. This will help keep your pipes warmer than they would be with the door wide open. Plumbing in unheated areas can also be protected with foam pipe insulation, which is easy to install and inexpensive.
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.
EPDM rubber insulation is ideal for outdoor, high temperature and solar pipework use. The insulation has an in-built UV protective layer, meaning it can be installed outside without any further treatment or coverings.
In extreme temperature environments, both hot and cold, insulating PVC pipes is critical. Building codes require insulating piping systems carrying heated or cooled fluids based on Fluid Operating Temperature Range and Usage (°F) and pipe diameter.
Wrap pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions.
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.
Failing to insulate your outdoor faucets will likely lead to frozen and burst pipes, so this is one maintenance task you definitely do not want to overlook.
Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F. However, it's much more common for pipes to freeze when temperatures dip below 20°F. The longer the weather remains below freezing, the more likely it is your pipes can freeze if not properly protected and winterized.
Small lengths of exposed pipe can be protected by insulating with pipe-wrap insulation. This flexible insulation comes in several forms. Options include rubber tape-backed flexible foam, bubble wrap style, foam and foil insulation, rubber pipe insulation tape, or foil-backed natural cotton wrap.
Pipes that freeze most frequently are: Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.
Radiant Barrier Insulation simply beats Foam-filled insulation in all the aspects needed to consider in insulating your PEX pipe.
PEX retains flexibility down to at least -40°C
Water expands when it turns to ice. If the water inside PEX tubing freezes, in most cases it should be able to expand without cracking or splitting, then return to its original diameter upon thawing.
PVC is most commonly used for drain, waste, and vent lines. It is not recommended for use in potable water lines because it can leach chemicals into the water.
One pipe is an air conditioning condensate drain, also commonly referred to as an AC drain line. These pipes are usually white in color and are made from PVC piping. Another pipe you may find on the outside of your home is a water pressure relief valve, also known as a PRV drain line.
PEX pipe is not approved for outdoor applications and is not approved for continuous UV exposure. PEX pipe should not be stored in direct sunlight. Why is PEX better than copper pipe? PEX pipe is easier to install than rigid pipe, and it is available in long coils that can eliminate the need for extra fittings.