Insulating Pex Pipe Freezing

Keep the tubing shielded from both hazards to increase its life.

Insulating pex pipe freezing.

Pex is available in a variety of lengths from short 10 foot pieces for small repairs to rolls over 500 feet long which are used to install a home s entire water supply system. Pex tubing is susceptible to cracking when it s exposed to freezing temperatures or ultraviolet light. Foam insulation tubing helps stop water pipes from freezing. Doe recommends pipe insulation with a minimum of 3 0 r value 3 8 thick insulation walls.

It is important to insulate pex pipe in an attic particularly in cold weather areas. Pex pipe freezing is a question frequently asked in the case of pex the start of the conversation is much like other materials. Select localities colder climate zones recommend r value of 4 0 and above 5 8 walls. One more tip and it s a big one.

These joints are either plastic or brass and are fitted to the pipes using crimp rings. While pex does not ordinarily burst in the cold the water in the pipes can still freeze. How to insulate pex. Foam is used most commonly and generally works well.

Insulate pex pipe exposed to freezing temperatures. It is important to choose the right insulation material. During spells of acutely cold weather allow indoor faucets to dribble to relieve damaging. Animals of all kinds like to chew the insulation.

Use pex pipe for your water line. Click here for a video tour of one of the freeze proof systems i installed. But insulating pex pipes makes sense because although they are less likely to crack than other types of pipes they are still susceptible to ultraviolet light and freezing. While pex is freeze resistant yes pex can freeze there are ways to defend against this though including strategic building design placement of tubing and the type of insulation.

Pex is a type of plastic water pipe and one of the few options that won t crack if something goes wrong and the water it carries freezes. Tips for insulating pex pipes.