Insulating Pex Pipe Freezing

How to insulate pex.

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

While pex does not ordinarily burst in the cold the water in the pipes can still freeze. Insulate pex pipe exposed to freezing temperatures. 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.

Because pex piping is flexible it is often used in angles loops or other non linear shapes which makes it imperative to have equally flexible insulation material. 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. 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.

Doe recommends pipe insulation with a minimum of 3 0 r value 3 8 thick insulation walls. Animals of all kinds like to chew the insulation. So keeping these tubes wrapped in some kind of insulation just makes sense. One more tip and it s a big one.

Use pex pipe for your water line. These joints are either plastic or brass and are fitted to the pipes using crimp rings. It is important to insulate pex pipe in an attic particularly in cold weather areas. 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 is flexible and made of cross linked polyethylene requiring no primer or cement to hold the joints in place. Click here for a video tour of one of the freeze proof systems i installed.