How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Frozen pipes can be a household nightmare. A few inexpensive items and a few preventive steps can help you avoid the problem. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Electrically Powered Heat Tape
- Duct Tape
- Heat Lamps
- Twine
- Caulks
- Insulation
Instructions
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1
Apply electrically powered heat tape; this will ensure protection against frozen pipes in the coldest weather as long as the utilities are on. Apply the tape in a spiral pattern following the manufacturer's recommendations regarding the distance between individual coils.
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2
Warm the area with a heat lamp if all the pipes are concentrated in one small space.
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3
Use foam rubber or fiberglass insulation (see Tips below) to cover all exposed lengths and joints of the pipe if electrical solutions are inappropriate. (If you've used heat tape you may need to go up one size in fiberglass insulation covering to get a proper fit.)
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4
Secure the sections of insulation with tape as needed.
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5
Prevent drafts of frigid winter air. Secure all crawl space openings or windows and insulate and caulk any cracks in the structure's foundation.
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Tips & Warnings
Rubber insulation is less expensive and easier to work with than fiberglass, but not the best product to be used in conjuction with heat tape since it doesn't provide any vapor barrier. Fiberglass insulation is the better insulator, though potentially irritating to the eyes, skin and lungs.
If the house isn't in use during the coldest months, drain the plumbing system before closing the house down. A drained system is the only foolproof way to avoid a freeze-up.
There are professionals you can call to insulate pipes of the job is a large one.
When using electrically powered heat sources, follow the manufacturer's warnings to avoid fire hazards. Inspect any electrical implements frequently.
Remember insulation is designed to retain the heat that is already in the pipe. It cannot add heat.
If using fiberglass insulation be sure to wear gloves, goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from its irritating qualities.
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Comments
View all 15 Comments-
luvmyehow
Oct 12, 2009
Leaving the heat on in your home to prevent frozen pipes in a empty home is a gross waste of energy. A more reliable solution is to intermittently circulating warm water through your hot and cold water lines using a redytemp. Redytemp's temperature dial lets you select any temperature 40 - 118F you want maintained in your pipes. The stainless steel water contacting temperature probe can be located where your pipes are likely to freeze and connects with the supplied 1/2" compression fitting or simply tape it to the pipe. The system pump will cycle on and off to maintain the water temperature you chose. It's 60 watt intermittent energy demand is less than heat tape uses and easily operates with a uninteruptable power supply in case of power outage. It's the only system of its kind that I've ever found if someone knows of another kind please post it here. -
MI-Sandi
Jan 28, 2009
Good tips for cold parts of the country. 5*
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brucela
Jan 12, 2009
does it make a difference if you leave cold or hot H2O dripping?
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brucela
Jan 12, 2009
does it make a difference if you leave cold or hot H2O dripping?
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Dec 20, 2005
Advice from a plumber: If you have a bathroom with a location that is more exposed to outside cold air than the rest of the house, you can pour about a cupful of windshield washer fluid into the sink and shower drains and leave it overnight; it has an anti-freeze effect.
