How to Unfreeze a Frozen Pipe
Read More...Insulating outdoor water pipes is a good idea for several reasons. External water pipes are exposed to the elements, so they’re likely to freeze and burst in winter when the temperature drops below freezing.
Pipe insulation also reduces the risk of rust in water pipes, especially if they are regularly exposed to moisture or humidity. Besides, insulating your hot water pipes guards against heat loss, thereby helping you save energy.
In this article, we will look into how to insulate outdoor water pipes.
There are two major ways you can insulate outdoor pipes;
Pipe-wrap insulation comes in many different materials, such as bubble-film pipe wrap, rubber pipe tape, foam-and-foil pipe insulation, and many more. If you can’t decide on the ideal material to use, you can consult with a nearby plumber.
Pipe-wrap is recommended for small lengths of pipe.
Here are the steps to follow;
Begin by wrapping the insulation around the water pipe in spiral loops. Overlap each loop by 0.5 inches. Ensure the pipe is covered completely and no areas are exposed. Once you’ve wrapped the full length of the pipe, tape the end of the insulating strip to secure it in place.
Pipe-wrap insulation is relatively easy to install, but that doesn’t mean you should go the DIY route if you’re not a certified plumber. If you get it wrong, you’ll expose your pipes to extreme temperatures and risk pipe damage. This job should be left to a professional who knows what they’re doing.
Foam pipe sleeves come in self-sealing styles, so all you need to do is position them along the length of the pipe and pry open the slit in the sleeve so that it closes up around the pipe.
After sliding the sleeve over the pipe, seal the seam with the self-adhesive strip on the sleeve. Alternatively, you can seal the seam using the duct tape along the length of the slit. Repeat this process with other sleeves until you insulate the whole length of the pipes.
At the end of the length of the pipe, cut the last sleeve using a utility knife and complete the installation by taping the butt seams where two sleeves meet.
Pipe installation is a complicated process that should be handled by a knowledgeable and experienced plumber who knows what they’re doing. If you’re looking for a certified and licensed plumber in Blair County to help you insulate outdoor water pipes, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing.
Mr. Rooter Plumbing is a professional plumbing company that provides a wide range of services, including pipe repair, leak detection, drain cleaning, water heater repair, and more.