Protecting household pipes from freezing: how to protect, in what way

There are several ways to protect pipes from freezing. The main option is to insulate pipes, especially in hazardous areas where the likelihood of freezing is highest. Along with this, it is recommended to install a heating cable. These and other prevention methods are described in the material presented.

Using insulation

Freeze protection begins with identifying the most vulnerable areas to cold exposure. These include the water intake point, i.e. the exit of the pipe from the well, as well as the area where it enters the house. This must be taken into account during installation - the pipes must lie at a depth of at least 1.5 m. But this is not enough - protecting the water supply from freezing requires mandatory insulation of the structure.

For this purpose the following materials are used:

1. Stone wool has good thermal insulation properties and is resistant to temperature changes. But it is not resistant to moisture - after freezing and subsequent thawing of the droplets, the material crumbles. Therefore, when insulating with cotton wool, high-quality waterproofing must be used.
2. Pipe protection is increasingly being done using foamed polyethylene. The material is inexpensive and resistant to both temperatures and moisture. It is better to take those types that have a layer of foil. Then the thermal insulation will be as effective as possible.
3. Expanded polystyrene is another artificial insulation material that is characterized by strength and durability.It is convenient to install - the cell consists of 2 halves, which are placed around the pipe and glued together.
4. Polystyrene foam also provides freeze protection for household pipes. But compared to polystyrene foam, it is not as durable. Therefore, during installation, a box made of concrete or brick must be installed.
5. Paint with thermal insulation properties is not the most common material. It is quite expensive, so this composition can be applied only in those areas that cannot be insulated by other methods.

Heating cable

Anti-freezing water supply can also be achieved using a heating cable. This is the most reliable method of protection, which practically guarantees the safety of pipes even in harsh winters. The cable is laid along the surface of the pipe or wound, moving in a spiral. There is another way - to lay pipes inside, but it requires more complex installation.

The cable is sold complete with other important elements:

• thermostat to maintain the temperature level within a certain range;
• thermostat – allows you to select the temperature;
• plug for connecting to the network.

This method of protecting pipes from freezing can be considered the most effective. And if you also install thermal insulation, for example, from polystyrene foam, the pipeline is guaranteed not to freeze. But it is worth considering that it is not necessary to lay the heating cable along the entire pipe. This needs to be done only in dangerous areas: at the entrance to the house and the exit from the distribution well.

other methods

Heating of water in the pipe from freezing is carried out using a cable, and insulation is provided by insulation. Along with this, there are other, simpler ways by which you can maintain a positive circuit temperature:

1. Keep the heating system on. This is especially important if you plan to leave for several days or weeks.
2. Let the tap drain - open it slightly and ensure that the water drips frequently. This reduces pressure, providing additional protection.
3. Seal all holes and cracks - for this you can use regular sealant or polyurethane foam.

Thus, protecting your water supply from freezing is not so difficult. It is best to think about thermal insulation while laying it. Moreover, it is especially important to lay insulation in dangerous areas - the exit from the well and the entrance to the house. If you also use a heating cable, there will be no problems with freezing.