how do i insulate my main water pipe

7 Ways to Insulate Pipes

• 1. Spray Foam Spray foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes. ...
• 2. Traditional Foam Insulation Traditional foam is the most common way to insulate pipes. ...
• 3. Self-sealing Foam Self-sealing foam insulation is almost identical to its traditional foam counterparts. ...
• 4. Fiberglass Covers ...
• 5. Faucet Covers ...
• 6. Tubular Sleeve Covers ...
• 7. Pipe Gap Insulation ...

Full Answer

What is the best insulation for water pipes?

• Fiberglass insulation wrap is easy to use and install.
• Fiberglass insulation wrap is easy to use and install.
• 1 Inch thick vapor barrier stops moisture leaks and build up on your pipes
• Foil-backed insulation locks in heat and reduces wasteful heat radiation loss on hot water pipes
• Helps keep cold water pipes from moisture and condensation build up

More items...

What is the best way to unclog water pipes?

• Pour one cup of fresh baking soda down the drain, followed by one cup of white vinegar.
• Place a rubber stopper or other sink hole cover over the drain opening.
• Wait 15 minutes to allow the vinegar and baking soda to unclog your drain, Then take out the drain cover and run hot tap water down the drain to clear ...

How to unclog your Pipes the right way?

• Disassemble a wire coat hanger by unwinding the looped end of the wire from around the hook part of the hanger. ...
• Fold 1/4 inch of one end of your hanger onto itself to create a small hook. ...
• Slowly push the hook end of the homemade snake into the pipe,twirling the snake as it travels downward. ...
• Run hot water to rinse out remnants from the clog.

How to keep pipes from freezing without power?

Steps to Keep RV Pipes From Freezing

• Insulate the Pipes Against Cold Weather. The simplest way to keep RV pipes from frost is to insulate them against the cold. ...
• Warm the RV Pipes. ...
• Use a Heater to Warm Your Vehicle. ...
• Attach Skirts Around Your RV. ...
• Drain Your Storage Tank. ...
• Keep the Water Running. ...
• Insulate the RV Against the Cold. ...
• Use Antifreeze. ...

Should you insulate main water line?

Yes, you should insulate your water main. In hot climates, the cold water in your main will attract condensation. This liquid water can lead to mold, mildew, and potentially rot. Insulation will help stop the condensation.

How do I insulate outdoor water pipes?

0:492:02How to Insulate Pipes for Cold Weather - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can head to your local hardware store and find a PV be insulated. Cover this insulated cover isMoreYou can head to your local hardware store and find a PV be insulated. Cover this insulated cover is going to protect your pipes from extreme freezing conditions.

How do you insulate a water pipe from the cold?

To prevent water pipes from freezing in cold weather:Open cabinet doors under sinks located on outside walls.Leave hot and cold water dripping in faucets.Put foam covers over outdoor spigots.Insulate water pipes with foam pipe insulation.

How do I keep my water pipes from freezing above the ground?

Insulate pipes located in the attic and crawl space using pipe insulation, even if the climate where you live does not often have hard freeze conditions. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home.

What is the best insulation for outdoor water pipes?

Pipe insulation materials, such as fiberglass, are best for pipes exposed to hot temperatures, while foam and rubber are a better fit for cold water pipe lines but work in hot pipes as well.

What can I wrap my outside pipes with?

Simply take some old rags or towels, and wrap them around any exposed pipes, spigots or other areas that you think is susceptible to freezing. Make sure it's wrapped up tight and won't come loose during a storm. The best option is to wrap duct tape around the towel.

What is the best pipe insulation to prevent freezing?

For many residential plumbing applications a PE pipe insulation product like Tubolit® and Tundra® is the perfect option. Economical and easy to install, PE foam insulation will prevent pipes from freezing and keep hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.

Will pipe insulation stop freezing?

Insulating your water pipes is great way to prevent frozen pipes when the temperatures drop in the winter months. Even in more moderate climates, when freezing temperatures are infrequent, pipe insulation can help limit heat loss and condensation as water travels through your plumbing.

Can you put insulation around water pipes?

Simply unroll the material and wrap it around the hot and cold water pipes. Pipes can also be wrapped with fiberglass insulation. The fiberglass may come with a vapor barrier facing on one side or the plastic can be purchased and wrapped around the pipes after the fiberglass insulation is installed.

Can main water line freeze?

The water mains that carry water to service lines are highly pressurized and fast moving, and therefore extremely unlikely to ever freeze.

How effective is foam pipe insulation?

On hot water pipes, foam pipe insulation helps in preventing heat loss. It keeps the temperature of the water around 2-4 degrees higher than it would on uninsulated pipes. That means that you require less energy to heat up your water, which saves you money.

Can water pipes freeze underground?

It must be below freezing inside the plumbing long enough for an ice dam to form. The “temperature alert threshold” is 20 degrees F. Pipes vulnerable to freezing at this temperature are usually located in an unconditioned attic, basement, crawlspace, or along an exterior wall. Underground pipes can also freeze.

What to use to wrap pipes with in cold weather?

Wrap pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to follow all manufacturers' installation and operation instructions. Seal leaks that allow cold air inside, near where pipes are located (i.e. around electrical wiring, dryer vents, other pipes), with caulk or insulation.

What is the best pipe insulation to prevent freezing?

For many residential plumbing applications a PE pipe insulation product like Tubolit® and Tundra® is the perfect option. Economical and easy to install, PE foam insulation will prevent pipes from freezing and keep hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.

How to insulate water pipes?

Cut rigid foam-board insulation into strips that are 12-inches wide. Lay several of these strips, to a depth of 4 inches, on top of the plastic sheeting. Then, lay the water pipes on the insulation. Add insulation, also to a depth of 4 inches, on either side of the water pipes. Add another 4 inches of insulation on top.

How to make water pipes watertight?

To create watertight insulation for water pipes, the pipes need to be inside of a larger pipe. Use a 9-inch sewer pipe, made of either concrete or plastic, to hold cover the smaller water pipes. Step 2 – Obtain Polystyrene.

How to feed water pipe through sewer?

Place one disc of expanded polystyrene in the end of the sewer pipe, and then feed the water pipe through it. Surround the water pipe with smaller pieces of expanded polystyrene within the water pipe for about 2 feet of its length, and then insert another disc .

How to cover insulation on a package?

Fold the plastic sheeting over, so that the sides completely cover the insulation, and tape it in place . Next, use another piece of plastic sheeting that’s 2-feet wide, and drape it over the top of this package. Tape the edges in place along the side of the insulated package to prevent moisture from entering it.

How to keep moisture from entering insulated package?

Tape the edges in place along the side of the insulated package to prevent moisture from entering it. Finally, fill in the trench with soil. While this insulation method works well, remember that if water enters the trench, it will seep through and make the insulation wet and ineffective.

Do you insulate above ground water pipes?

In colder climates, it’s not only important to insulate aboveground water pipes, but also underground ones. To prevent underground water pipes from freezing, use the guide below to install insulation that can withstand the heavy earth on top of it.

What is the best way to insulate pipes?

1. Spray Foam. Spray foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes. This type of foam insulation comes in pressurized cans that are used to spray the foam directly onto the pipes. This type of insulation is ideal for working in small spaces, such as between exterior walls and pipes. Spray foam is also good because it reduces ...

Why is it important to insulate pipes?

Insulating exposed pipes is an important step in getting your home prepared for the winter. Properly insulating pipes can prevent them from freezing and bursting, which can cost you hundreds of dollars in repairs. From spray foam to tubular sleeve covers, here are all of the ways in which you can insulate pipes and keep your home protected ...

What is the difference between self sealing foam and foam insulation?

The only difference is that the self-sealing variety includes an adhesive over the slit. After you place the foam over the pipe, all you have to do is remove the tape and the slit opening will adhere together, eliminating the need for additional tape. That said, some people recommend taping the slit anyway as the adhesive can wear down over time.

Do you need to insulate pipes?

Pipe Gap Insulation. It is important to fully insulate all exterior pipes, but you should also insulate the gaps in the walls where the pipes pass through. Your home can lose a lot of heat through these gaps and closing them up is an important part of the winterizing process.

Is spray foam good for pipes?

Spray foam is also good because it reduces vibrations, which cuts down on noise, and it is resistant to moisture. Continue reading below Our Video of the Day. 2. Traditional Foam Insulation. Traditional foam is the most common way to insulate pipes.

Can you insulate outdoor faucets?

This happens when water gets trapped in the faucet and is not allowed to drain. Luckily, you can insulate outdoor faucets with foam covers.

Why do we need insulation for pipes?

When the surfaces of plumbing pipes are cooler than the surrounding air, insulation helps control the condensation that, if left unchecked, would slowly corrode the pipes and their fittings, eventually leading to a massive failure. Though condensation may seem like a remote concern, it’s not at all uncommon, particularly when cold-water lines come into contact with warm, humid air. Special vapor barrier-wrapped pipe insulation prevents warm air from reaching the pipes.

Why is pipe insulation important?

Among the unsung benefits of pipe insulation, its ability to minimize heat gain and loss may be the most important. As water travels along the plumbing lines in a home without pipe insulation, hot water tends to lose heat and cold water tends to gain heat. Introduce pipe insulation, and you greatly diminish these otherwise inevitable inefficiencies. So in the case of a hot-water pipe, it may not sound like a big deal for the plumbing run not to lose heat, but the benefits are very real: You get lower monthly energy bills, and you don’t need to wait as long for the hot water to reach the fixtures in your kitchen or bathrooms.

Is asbestos pipe insulation safe?

Even today, some older homes still have pipe insulation that contains asbestos. Particularly if it’s disturbed and its fine fibers become airborne, asbestos-laden pipe insulation can present a serious health hazard. Asbestos insulation is not always easy to identify, says Dan O’Brian, a technical specialist with SupplyHouse.com, an online retailer of plumbing, heating, and HVAC products. “Asbestos pipe insulation has a distinct corrugated look,” he says. “And if you are suspicious you might have asbestos in your pipes or anywhere else in your home, make sure you consult a professional for removal.”

Does hot water lose heat?

So in the case of a hot-water pipe, it may not sound like a big deal for the plumbing run not to lose heat, but the benefits are very real: You get lower monthly energy bills, and you don’t need to wait as long for the hot water to reach the fixtures in your kitchen or bathrooms.

Does pipe insulation save money?

But pipe insulation also performs several far less dramatic roles in the home. These not only help the homeowner save money on utility bills, but also make everyday life a little easier.

Does pipe insulation prevent frozen pipes?

Photo: shutterstock.com. If you know anything at all about pipe insulation, you know that it goes a long way toward preventing frozen pipes. That’s true: Pipe insulation keeps the water in your plumbing system from turning to ice and expanding, in turn bursting the pipes and causing extensive (and expensive) damage.

Is pipe insulation good?

In many freeze-prone regions of the country, pipe insulation is not only a good idea, it’s mandated by the municipal building codes. If you have an older house and are planning to upgrade your plumbing, be sure to check the local specifications to find out what’s required—and what’s not.

How to keep pipes warm in a house?

Often the best solution is placing insulation in the wall or ceiling that contains the pipes. This helps keep your home warm and protects your pipes.

How much money would it save to insulated water pipes?

If done by everyone, making sure your exposed water pipes are insulated before winter would save literally tens of millions of dollars each year in water damage. It’s not that time-consuming and takes little effort.

How to prevent freeze ups in pipes?

Insulate the Pipes by Jacketing. Insulation goes a long way toward preventing freeze-ups. But only if every square inch of pipe, including connections, is protected. Pipe jacketing comes in standard lengths that can be cut with a knife and secured with electric tape.

What is the best way to protect copper pipes from freezing?

Insulated copper pipes. Make sure the insulation covers as much of the pipe as possible for the most thorough protection from freezing.

What is heat tape?

Heat tape has been installed around the water pipe to insulate it. The thermostat integrated into the heat tape will turn on and off the heat when necessary.

How to keep water warm in a cold room?

In an extremely cold wall or floor, pack the entire cavity with insulation. Consider insulating long runs of hot-water pipes, especially in unheated spaces. The extra insulation will conserve water-heating energy and save you a bit of money too.

Can you freeze water pipes?

Let water trickle slightly and continuously during freezing temperatures. It’s not foolproof, but it might be enough to prevent old or damaged pipes from freezing.

What to wrap a heated pipe in?

Wrap the heated pipe in specially designed pipe insulation.

How to keep pipes from freezing?

Make sure to wrap the pipes carefully to ensure the entire pipe is covered. Do not leave gaps where cold air can reach the pipes themselves. Use more high-temp tape to keep the insulation in place.

Why are pipes under my mobile home freezing?

This is because the area beneath mobile homes is typically uninsulated. It is usually protected from outside air and snow only by mobile home skirting. Because of this, heating and insulating your pipes is a necessity in cold climates.

How to measure the length of a pipe?

Measure the entire length of the pipe by measuring each straight section, then adding the length of all the sections together.

Do you need to insulate a mobile home?

There is no need to insulate the entire area under your mobile home. This would be costly and largely ineffective since you’d also have to place a heat source under the home to keep the area at a freeze-resistant temperature. The only element under your home that needs to be protected from freezing are your water pipes, so it’s the cheapest and easiest to focus on insulating them only.

Can a mobile home freeze pipes?

Although it’ s possible for in-wall pipes to freeze in a mobile home, the majority of frozen pipe dilemmas come from the pipes beneath the home. Air leaks and snow infiltration can contribute to frozen pipes, but all of these factors can be combated with proper pipe insulation.

Can you heat a mobile home?

Whether you have metal or plastic piping in the crawl space beneath your home, you can heat and insulate your pipes safely. The process is a simple DIY task for most mobile home owners. Here’s how to get it done the easy, safe, and effective way:

Why should water lines be insulated?

Any exposed water main or water line should be insulated during the Winter season to prevent frozen pipes. If you take this easy preventive measure, you will prevent needless emergency plumbing repairs. The same applies to a water line in an unheated environment, such as a vacation house. Even a buried NYC water main less than 3 1/2′ deep should be ...

How to shut off water from sidewalk?

That would allow your water to be shut to the property as a 1st step. The 2nd step would be to disconnect the inside plumbing. Then to open the main valve with the water off, and let the water drain out, so no water is left inside any of the plumbing to freeze. This would prevent damage to any part of the water supply system for the house.

Why is felt insulation used?

Felt insulation is specifically designed to prevent frozen pipes that are located underground. That is because unlike typical household insulation, felt does not compress once buried. Therefore it maintains it’s insulating properties.

How deep is a water main in NYC?

A water main, no matter what time of year it is installed, must be at least 3 1/2′ feet deep in NYC. The depth of 3 1/2′ or greater places it below the frost line and to meet NYC code. Any main water line less than 3 1/2′ deep must be insulated with special hair felt insulation that will not compress, and then waterproofed.If ...

What to do if property is unoccupied and does not require heat or water?

Naturally if a property is unoccupied, and does not require heat or water, the best solution is to close and drain the water from the plumbing system during the Winter. Burst and frozen water line.

Why do vacation homes freeze pipes?

Vacation homes in particular pose a problem. That is because a burst pipe may go unnoticed for months, creating severe damage. Another source of pipes freezing is when there are open holes through exterior walls. This condition allows for arctic drafts from the outside to exist.

How deep should a water main be to prevent freezing?

Prevent Frozen Shallow Water Mains. Inside of a curb valve operating box. Even a buried water main can be prone to freezing if it is not at least 3 1/2′ deep. Water lines installed next to, or close to a gas main, are also prone to freeze.

What is insulation in water?

Insulation is simply a material with above average resistance to thermal energy movement. The water comes out of the ground below 50°F into a winter environment that could be below 0°F. Wrapping those cold water pipes would keep what heat energy the water possessed in place, protecting against freezing.

Why is it important to insulate hot water pipes?

Pipe insulation reduces the chance of frozen pipes in cold climates and eliminates condensation in all climates. Moisture condenses on cold , hard surfaces. If your cold water pipes aren't insulated, they are probably providing a condensing surface for moisture in your basement air. Insulating the hot waters pipes in your house is something ...

How to prevent condensation in pipe?

The key for preventing condensation is to be sure that the pipe is insulated and that the insulation is sealed along the seams. Moisture-laden air must be kept from contacting the pipe surface. The pipe insulation should be a vapor-impermeable foam with all the seams and edges taped tight.

What is the temperature of groundwater in Maine?

From USGS groundwater temperature data, we know that groundwater temperatures in Maine are generally below 50°F.

Is cold water a condensing surface?

Cold water pipes are a condensing surface for moisture in the air. Lastly, condensation concerns can be alleviated with pipe insulation. (Or rather, the possibility of condensation would be gone — you’re free to remain concerned.) Basements and crawl spaces are embedded in damp soil, surrounding the permeable concrete with moisture.

Can a basement water pipe freeze?

If the basement or crawl space has uninsulated walls (and really, you should insulate your basement walls ), insulated cold water pipes would be less prone to freezing in cold climates. If the basement is conditioned space, an insulated cold water pipe won’t absorb heat.

Can copper pipes freeze in Maine?

With winter temperatures routinely dipping below 0°F, it’s no surprise that cold water pipes can freeze.

What is the temperature of a frost pipe at 6 feet?

So at 6 feet, it is 50 degrees, at 5.5 feet it is 45 degrees, etc. So the frost depth is where the temperature will not be lower than 32 degrees. If the soil temperature is less than 32, eventually the water in a stagnant pipe (fire water) will match the temperature of its surroundings, i.e. less than 32 degrees.

Can insulation prevent freezing?

Insulation won't prevent freezing, only make the process take longer. Freezing would cause two issues: loss of supply and potential pipe rupture. Since this line cannot be allowed to freeze, I would think two agencies would need to weigh in on the line depth issue: the local fire code official and the building's insurance carrier.

Does insulation slow the progress of achieving equilibrium?

Either increase the bury depth to below frost or heat trace the line. As stated by DMcGrath, insulation only slows the progress of achieving equilibrium. Perhaps a dry pipe system could be designed.

Does shallow insulation prevent frost?

While it will not provide an exact answer, there are some standards for shallow insulation to prevent frost heaving/freezing. This could give some insight to the general problem.

What is the purpose of pipe insulation?

Pipe insulation prevents shallow water lines from freezing. Insulation and wrap prevent frozen underground water lines. The most common use of underground pipe insulation is to prevent shallow water lines from freezing. The frost level in different areas of the country, but in NYC it is considered 3′ deep. With that in mind, and water line less ...

Why do we need outdoor pipe insulation?

Outdoor pipe insulation is generally used to prevent your underground water lines from freezing. However outdoor pipe insulation can be used to address other issues besides frozen water pipes. As all underground installations get buried, it is possible for water lines to get installed without the proper protection, ...

Does outdoor pipe insulation protect water lines?

Outdoor pipe insulation prevents damage to buried water lines. Insulating underground water lines from physical damage is a good idea in many cases. PVC or other like materials can protect relatively thin walled K copper from damage in many instances. These instances can include:

Do you need to have steel plating on a water line?

Shallow water lines in the roadway are also required to have steel plating placed over them to protect against damage from vibration, or other subsurface utility work. Proper insulation, water proofing, and plating is frequently a required part of the DEP inspection process in NYC. However, many domestic water service lines do not mandate ...

Do you need a DEP inspection for water lines?

However, many domestic water service lines do not mandate a required DEP inspection. When a required DEP inspection is not required, proper insulation is left up to the integrity of your water main contractor.

Can a K copper water line be destroyed?

When an electrolysis condition exists, a bare K copper water line can be destroyed in a matter of months. That is how devastating stray DC electric current is to copper tubing. In these cases it is important to install the K copper water line through an insulating material such as PVC tubing.