Insulating outdoor water pipes is an important maintenance task that can save homeowners money and prevent pipe damage during cold weather. Properly insulating pipes keeps water in the pipes from freezing, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to costly repairs. With some simple materials and a bit of time, you can easily insulate the exposed water pipes outside your home.
Why Insulate Outdoor Pipes?
There are a few key reasons why it is important to insulate outdoor water pipes:
- Prevent Frozen Pipes: Insulation helps prevent water in the pipes from freezing in cold temperatures. Frozen water expands, which puts pressure on pipes and causes them to burst. Insulating pipes helps maintain warmer temperatures to keep water flowing freely.
- Avoid Water Damage: Burst pipes lead to costly water damage, flooding issues, and disruption of water service. Insulating pipes helps avoid this expensive damage.
- Save Money: Keeping pipes from freezing means you avoid paying for emergency plumbing repairs and water damage cleanup. Insulated pipes also help reduce heat loss, saving on heating bills.
- Extend Piping System Lifespan: Freezing and thawing constantly weakens pipes over time. Insulated pipes experience less stress and last longer.
Materials Needed
Insulating outdoor pipes is an easy DIY project. Here are the basic materials you need:
- Foam pipe insulation tubing – Choose insulation with an adhesive lining for easy installation. The insulation should fit snugly around the pipe diameter.
- HVAC tape – Used to seal seams and hold insulation in place. Choose a weather resistant tape.
- Pipe hangers or straps – These support and hold pipes in place if you need to reposition them to wrap insulation.
- PVC primer and cement (for PVC pipes) – Used to prep PVC pipe surfaces before applying insulation.
- Rag – For wiping dust and dirt off pipes before insulating
- Utility knife – Cuts insulation tubing and tape
Preparing Pipes
Proper prep work ensures insulation adheres well and provides maximum freeze protection:
- Disconnect water supply – Shut off main water valve and open spigots to drain pipes. This allows you to freely move the pipes around.
- Clean piping – Wipe off any dirt or debris with a rag so insulation adheres well. Scrape off any loose paint or rust.
- Reposition pipes – Use hangers to raise pipes off the ground or move them away from walls to allow insulating entire pipe surface.
- Primer and cement PVC – Lightly sand and apply primer to PVC pipe surface. Then apply PVC cement and let dry completely. This roughs up the slick surface so insulation sticks better.
- Check condition – Inspect pipes for leaks, weak spots or other issues that need repairing before insulating.
How to Insulate Pipes
Follow these steps to properly wrap outdoor water pipes:
1. Measure Pipe Length and Diameter
- Use a measuring tape to measure the length of each section of pipe needing insulation.
- Measure the pipe diameter and get insulation tubing sized to snugly fit over the pipe. Under 1⁄2 inch of gap is ideal.
2. Cut Insulation Tubing
- Use a utility knife to cut sections of insulation tubing to the measured pipe lengths.
- Cut lengthwise down one side of the tubing so it can be opened and wrapped around the pipe.
3. Seal Seams
- Wrap insulation around pipe with adhesive lining touching pipe. Seal the lengthwise seam using HVAC tape.
- For extra protection, you can double wrap insulation. Tape any gaps for complete coverage.
4. Secure Insulation
- Use tape to firmly secure both ends of insulation tubing to pipes. This prevents sagging.
- For long straight runs, tape insulation every 12-18 inches to keep it snug to the pipe.
5. Insulate Fittings, Valves and Elbows
- These require small specially cut sections of tubing insulation. Seal all seams and overlaps well with tape.
- An option is to use pipe insulation sheets secured with zip ties around fittings.
6. Protect Exposed Piping
- For pipes rising vertically, use an insulation sleeve at least 3 feet long to protect from frost.
- Bury horizontal pipes at least 12 inches underground and insulate any exposed portions.
- Insulate both hot and cold water pipes to be thorough.
Tips for Effective Outdoor Pipe Insulation
- Check insulation levels and rewrap pipes every year before winter.
- Use thicker tubing insulation in colder climates for better protection.
- On PVC pipes, allow primer/cement to fully cure before insulating.
- Make sure there is no standing water inside pipes when insulating.
- Use mastic sealant around pipe penetrations into exterior walls.
- Caulk any exterior cracks or openings animals could use to access pipes.
- Keep areas with insulated pipes well-ventilated to prevent condensation buildup.
Common Questions about Insulating Outdoor Pipes
How cold does it have to be for pipes to freeze?
Water freezes at 32°F but pipes can burst at just a few degrees below that if water sits motionless long enough. Insulate pipes if temperatures will drop below 40°F.
What temperature range does outdoor pipe insulation work for?
Quality outdoor foam insulations provide freeze protection down to temperatures of -30°F to -50°F. Using a thicker wall thickness insulation improves this cold weather performance.
Should you insulate hot water pipes?
Yes, it is recommended to insulate both hot and cold water pipes outside. The cold ground will cool down hot water pipes faster, reducing efficiency. Insulation helps maintain the temperature.
Can you use heat tape instead of pipe insulation?
Heat tape is used to provide supplemental protection on top of pipe insulation, not as a substitute, unless pipes are buried underground. Insulation alone is the best method for exposed pipes.
How long does outdoor pipe insulation last?
Outdoor pipe insulation is designed to withstand UV rays, moisture, and other weathering. When properly installed, it typically lasts 3-5 years before needing replacement. Check annually for any damage or gaps.
Conclusion
Insulating outdoor faucet pipes before winter is an easy process that pays off by preventing frozen, burst pipes and costly water damage. With the right materials and some DIY skills, you can insulate pipes in a short time. Protected pipes will keep water flowing all winter long and can help lower heating expenses too. Just remember to use quality insulation and properly seal seams, fittings and elbows. Take time each fall to inspect and replace worn outdoor pipe insulation. A bit of regular maintenance goes a long way in avoiding big plumbing headaches.