Top 6 How To Insulate Pex Pipe In Crawl Space The 59 Latest Answer

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You can use foam pieces to cover the walls and the floors and attach them using fasteners and duct tape. What is this? If you are very worried about the PEX pipe in your crawl space, then heating tape is another option. This can also be used only when temperatures are expected to drop much more than usual.You can insulate PEX piping with the same foam insulation sized for copper, commonly found in home improvement stores.Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated? Yes, although PEX pipes can withstand freezing temperatures better than other pipe materials – but they are not freeze proof!

Insulating PEX Pipes

Clean the pipes’ surface to remove any dirt, moisture, and oil that has accumulated over the surfaces. …
Place the foam pipe insulation over the PEX pipes. …
Rotate the foam sleeve so that the slit side is facing you. …
Push the seams together to seal the insulation.

Ways to Keep PEX Pipe from Freezing

Keep the room temperature above 55 F.
Add insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, garages and basements.
Drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes.
Shut off the water to outside hose bibbs (spigots) & drain the pipes.
Install frost-free sillcocks.

Contents

How do you insulate PEX lines?

Insulating PEX Pipes

Clean the pipes’ surface to remove any dirt, moisture, and oil that has accumulated over the surfaces. …
Place the foam pipe insulation over the PEX pipes. …
Rotate the foam sleeve so that the slit side is facing you. …
Push the seams together to seal the insulation.

Can you insulate PEX pipe?

You can insulate PEX piping with the same foam insulation sized for copper, commonly found in home improvement stores.

Does PEX tubing need to be insulated?

Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated? Yes, although PEX pipes can withstand freezing temperatures better than other pipe materials – but they are not freeze proof!

How do you keep PEX from freezing?

Ways to Keep PEX Pipe from Freezing

Keep the room temperature above 55 F.
Add insulation to particularly cold places such as attics, garages and basements.
Drip faucets to keep water moving in the pipes.
Shut off the water to outside hose bibbs (spigots) & drain the pipes.
Install frost-free sillcocks.

At what temperature will PEX burst?

Don’t place the blow dryer directly on the pipe, hold it a few inches away and test the pipe with your hands to feel if it’s thawed enough. But be aware that the general rule of thumb is that pex tubing can withstand temperatures of up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

Should I wrap PEX pipe?

You should insulate PEX pipes because they can freeze and potentially burst when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly important in cold regions, crawl spaces, attics, or other cold places.

Do mice eat PEX tubing?

The Problem

Mice and rats will chew through anything they can, including plastic, so PEX tubing is at just as much risk as the plastic-coated wiring in a car or an HVAC unit. While all rodent damage can be expensive, if rodents chew through a home’s PEX water pipes, the result can be disastrous.

Will PEX line freeze and bust?

Q: Will PEX pipe break if it freezes? A: No, PEX pipe is freeze-damage resistant, meaning the pipe will expand if frozen and contract to its original shape when thawed. PEX pipe is not freeze-proof, however, meaning that the water in the pipe can still freeze and block the flow.

How deep does PEX have to be buried?

PEX pipes and all underground piping should be buried at least 12” to 18” below the frost line to protect the pipes from freezing. The frost line refers to the furthest depth underground groundwater begins to freeze, also called the frost depth. In colder zones, the frost line can be three to four feet down.

Should I wrap PEX pipe?

Should I insulate plastic water pipes?

Regardless of the type of plastic pipe used, insulation is essential. Plastic pipes have many advantages, but just like metal pipes they must be protected against energy loss. In refrigeration and air-conditioning applications they also must be protected against condensation.

How do I insulate PEX water lines in my attic?

Foam Insulation

It is important to insulate PEX pipe in an attic, particularly in cold-weather areas. Covering the pipe with lengths of foam insulation with adhesive seams will provide protection from the cold and heat while allowing the tubing to expand and contract.

Where to insulate PEX Plumbing Pipe tubing will it freeze bust should be insulated in attic outside

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Table of Contents:

How To Insulate PEX Pipes

What is the best way to insulate PEX pipes

Is PEX better than PVC

How long does PEX pipe last

Final Thoughts

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Should PEX Piping Be Insulated

PEX Pipe Insulation Requirements

How to Insulate PEX Tubing

Conclusion

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for What Is The Best Way To Insulate Pex Pipes? | Dallas Ga Plumbers Updating Any insulation that you can add to your home, in the walls, wrapping pipes, windows, cracks in doors, etc. will help to prevent your water pipes from bursting and creating an expensive mess.insulate, pex pipes, atlantis plumbing & drains
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Does PEX Pipe Need To Be Insulated

What Is The Best Insulation For PEX Pipe

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Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for How PEX Pipe Performs in the Winter | SharkBite Updating One the biggest winter challenges for homeowners is making sure their pipes don’t freeze and burst, causing a headache and unwanted damage during a particularly busy time of the year. But depending on the type of pipe in their house, an exceptionally cold day may not cause the same amount of concern. That’s because a flexible pipe is more likely to perform better in freezing conditions than a rigid one. So copper, PVC and CPVC are more at risk of bursting if water freezes in them than PEX is.
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Summary of article content: Articles about Will PEX Pipes Freeze in a Crawl Space? Here Are Ways to Prevent Them from Freezing – The Period House Guru There are many ways to insulate PEX pipes—you can use foam to surround the piping because it is flexible and goes well with the material of PEX. …
Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Will PEX Pipes Freeze in a Crawl Space? Here Are Ways to Prevent Them from Freezing – The Period House Guru There are many ways to insulate PEX pipes—you can use foam to surround the piping because it is flexible and goes well with the material of PEX. Are you wondering why PEX pipes freeze in crawl spaces of your house? Read on to know about the reasons for PEX pipe freezing and ways to prevent it!Freezing temperatures can become a hassle for homeowners who experience freezing weather. Plumbing becomes a problem that leads to burst pipes and increases repair costs.…
Table of Contents:

Why Are PEX Pipes Preferred

Are PEX Pipes Really Freeze-Proof

Is Frozen Water the Cause of PEX Pipe Expansion

PEX Pipe Freezing in Crawl Spaces

Insulation of PEX Pipes

PEX Pipe Insulation Requirements

Other Ways to Prevent PEX Pipe Freezing

What Happens If PEX Pipes Still Freeze

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Do You Need to Insulate PEX Pipe?

PEX plumbing can be a great choice because it is flexible and easy to install because there are not as many connections as alternatives like copper or plastic. However, knowing how to avoid damage is critical; so, do you need to insulate PEX pipe?

You should insulate PEX pipes because they can freeze and potentially burst when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. This is particularly important in cold regions, crawl spaces, attics, or other cold places. Doing so can also improve energy efficiency and reduce moisture and condensation.

In this article, you will learn when and why you should insulate PEX pipe and what will happen if it freezes. You will also learn how to insulate PEX pipes, good options to do so, and some tips for protecting the piping.

Does PEX Need to Be Insulated?

PEX pipe is quite resilient and less likely to freeze and burst than many of the alternatives like PVC or copper because it is flexible, it can still freeze when temperatures drop low enough. As a rule of thumb, you should insulate the PEX pipe if there is any chance that it will get below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Any exterior PEX pipe like the piping in crawl spaces and attics should be insulated. If it is in interior walls or insulated exterior walls, you generally don’t need to insulate it, but it can be a good idea anyway, especially in very cold climates, because it is more protective in extreme weather situations or loss of power.

Insulating the PEX pipe has other benefits in addition to the prevention of freezing and bursting. It can help to reduce condensation and excessive moisture buildup. This is because when cold or cool water flows through the pipes the warm and humid air outside of the pipes is attracted to them and condenses.

This moisture can drip on your floors and when long-term or overly excessive can form puddles or cause damage to the floor, drywall, and other parts of your home. Insulation reduces the likelihood of so much water building up.

With hot water pipes, insulation can reduce heat loss and may save you up to 4% on your energy bills, especially during cold months! That may not seem like much, but it can add up over time and is significantly more than the time and money it costs to insulate them in the first place.

Water may stay 2 to 4 degrees warmer so you may even be able to lower the temperature setting and can get hot water faster instead of waiting forever when you are just trying to draw a bath or wash dishes. Therefore, it also saves water and money on your bill.

Will PEX Burst if It Freezes?

PEX pipes are cross-linked polyethylene tubing, which is extremely flexible. This is one of the reasons that it is a popular choice for plumbing and they will not freeze as easily as copper or other types of materials used for water pipes.

Not only that, but PEX is 68 times less conductive than copper, which can delay freezing during short-term cold weather. The material also remains flexible during extremely cold weather and will expand with the frozen water inside. This prevents bursting in some situations and makes it less likely to burst than copper or PVC, but that doesn’t mean that the pipes can’t burst.

Like any other type of piping used for water PEX can still burst during extreme events. It can also weaken over time if it freezes often because of the regular flexing and returning to its original shape.

PEX pipe will still be at risk of freezing at 20 degrees Fahrenheit and while that is not enough to burst the pipe on a single occasion, it is not good for them and any pipes that occasionally or regularly face temperatures at or below 20° F should be insulated for this reason.

However, research does show that PEX pipes can withstand and remain flexible at temperatures up to or even below -40° F. This drastically decreases the chances of bursting but does not prevent it completely. Elbows and other fittings, as well as short pieces, can also be more prone to bursting than the other components of the PEX pipe. This is another reason that insulated PEX is safer for you and your home, especially if it is in an area susceptible to cold temperatures.

How to Insulate Water Pipes on Outside Wall From Freezing

Insulating pipes on outside walls or inside walls that aren’t insulated is a critical step to avoid costly repairs, insurance claims, and other problems caused by bursting pipes. This is true of any pipes that are located in crawl spaces, attics, and unheated basements that are otherwise uninsulated.

There are various options for insulating water pipes and each one offers a different R-value, which is a measurement of heat transfer that is important for energy efficiency. The higher the R-value, the more efficient and the less transfer or loss of heat.

After you insulate the pipes, you will also want to check the insulation annually to ensure that it is still in good, effective condition. Sometimes insulation will slide over time as well, which leaves exposed pipes that can be more susceptible to sub-freezing temperatures. Try to check in the Fall before the cold weather hits so you can make sure the insulation is in good enough condition to make it until the rising temperatures in Spring.

These steps will cover types of insulation, but there are different sizes and thicknesses as well. You can find more information about the best insulation for PEX pipe later in the article.

For insulating outside pipes, you will need:

Duct Tape

Utility Knife

Foam Pipe Covers (We Recommend Foam, Self-Seal)

Insulating Pipe Wrap (We recommend Foam with Rubber backing)

1. First, you will want to make sure that the pipes are relatively clean. While a little grime or dirt is unlikely to prevent proper sticking when using duct tape or other adhesive materials, too much dirt, grease, or moisture should be cleaned off.

When inspecting, also take note of which areas are long straight pieces and where angels and elbows, as well as fittings and any small pieces, are. This will help you determine where to use each type of insulation and prepare for the entire project ahead of time.

2. For short pieces of pipe or places where there are many bends, fittings, and other complications or oddities, you will want to use the insulation strip. There are many types to choose from and not everybody prefers the same type, but we recommend foam with rubber backing. There are also bubble wrap, cotton, foam and foil, and rubber options that you may find works better for you.

Start the insulation by duct taping (or sticking if it is a self-adhesive product) the end of the strip to the pipe. You want to make sure that it won’t come loose from a firm tug. Then, wrap the insulation around the pipe in loops. You should overlap each time around by ½ to 1 inch. This will allow you to completely cover the pipe. Make sure that there are no exposed portions of the pipe.

3. When you encounter a long straight portion or any area where you cannot continue by merely wrapping the pipe, then you will want to use a utility knife to cut the insulation as close to where you want to change directions or types of insulation and secure the end down with duct tape or adhesive backing.

You will also have to do this when the strip of insulation ends. If you want to start another, just make sure to secure it ½ to 1 inch over the previous one so that there is never any exposed pipe.

4. For longer portions of pipe, it is better and easier to use foam pipe sleeves. They are available in different sizes, but most come in 6-foot lengths, which makes your project much easier than doing it with strip insulation that you have to continuously wrap around the pipe.

The sleeve will be positioned longways along the pipe. Take the sleeve and carefully pry open the slit and slide it over the pipe. It will automatically close around the pipe as long as it is the correct size.

Now you have to seal the seam using either a self-adhesive strip or duct tape. If using duct tape, make sure you apply it the entire length of the strip to prevent any excessive cold air from infiltrating the insulated areas.

If you have a piece of pipe that is longer than the sleeve, then make sure that they touch together when you use the next one. You can even tape around the meeting point to make sure they don’t slide or that there is no exposure to the elements.

5. When you get to a corner in the pipe, use the utility knife to miter the sleeves or use the strip insulation or pipe wrap to cover fittings. To miter the sleeves, just cut both pieces diagonally so that they seamlessly fit together. If you are switching from sleeves to pipe-wrap, make sure that you tape the pipe-wrap end to the sleeve so that there is not any gap between the two.

6. Finally, when you finish and tape the ends down and get to a faucet, you may want to get either a cover or install a frost-proof faucet. This is especially important in colder temperatures. Faucets are common places where the water can become trapped and burst the pipe. Insulating the rest of the piping does not necessarily prevent damage to this area.

Can PEX Be Used Outside?

If you want to use PEX outside, it cannot be exposed. Buried PEX piping is becoming more common, but there are things to keep in mind if you are thinking about keeping any part of the PEX pipe exposed to temperatures and sunlight.

Sunlight can damage your PEX pipe and make them degrade faster and crack easier. This is the main reason that you should avoid keeping PEX pipes outside. The reason this happens with sunlight is that the UV rays will absorb the chlorine-blocking antioxidants that offer protective features to the pipe material. Fluorescent bulbs can have the same effect but to a lesser degree. 8 hours of fluorescent light is equivalent for these purposes to a minute of sunlight.

Temperatures can be an issue as well if you are considering using them outside. Hot temperatures will not be a problem because PEX pipe can withstand 180° F, but with 20° F weather the pipes can freeze and if this consistently happens, which may be the case with outdoor piping, it can gradually weaken the piping so that they will burst under more moderate conditions.

How to Insulate PEX Pipe in Crawl Space

Crawl spaces can get cold, so you will want to insulate the PEX pipe inside the area the same way you would any outdoor pipe. You can find step-by-step instructions earlier in this article. There are also some other things you can do to insulate the area and prevent extremely cold temperatures and protect the PEX pipe utilized in a crawl space.

Sealing the crawl space can increase the temperature because it will block Wintery air from getting in. You can use foam pieces to cover the walls and the floors and attach them using fasteners and duct tape.

If you are very worried about the PEX pipe in your crawl space, then heating tape is another option. This can also be used only when temperatures are expected to drop much more than usual. Many heating tapes will maintain heat using a self-monitoring sensor. There is manually operating heating tape that you have to plug and unplug as well.

Best Insulation for PEX Pipe

For PEX pipe, we recommend using foam. Not only does it work well for keeping the heat transfer low, but it is also flexible which allows for the expansion and contraction of the PEX pipe. There are foam sleeves as well as strip or tape insulation available to use.

M-D Building Products have good self-sealing, 6-foot tube insulation available. You do have to make sure that you get the right size, but it is easy to use and works well for almost all locations and project types.

A good strip insulation product for PEX pipe is Cambridge Foam Insulation and it comes in 30 feet in length. It is ⅛ of an inch thick and 2 inches wide, making it effective and easy to use. It is also great for both hot and cold pipes.

Does PEX Pipe Sweat?

Any pipe, including PEX pipe, will condense, or sweat, when the water inside is cold and the air outside is humid and hot. This happens for the same reason that a glass of cold water or other beverage attracts condensation when outside on a hot day. The easiest way to prevent this is to insulate the PEX piping and it offers other benefits as well.

How to Protect PEX Pipe

There are some things that you can do to ensure protected PEX pipes from the elements and other damage. First, never expose PEX pipe to sunlight or any other UV light including fluorescent lights. While it may take a lot of time with fluorescent lighting, any UV rays can degrade and deteriorate the PEX pipes over time.

For any PEX piping that gets cold like those in outdoor areas, crawlspaces, or unheated attics and basements, you should always insulate. This can prevent damage. While PEX pipes are quite resilient to bursting, the connections and other components are not as strong so you want to insulate the entire pipe.

If the PEX pipe freezes, you will want to know how to thaw it properly. First, examine the pipe to look for any visible cracks and if you find any, it is best to call a professional plumber and shut off the main water line. If the pipe has not burst, you can open up cabinets around the pipes, turn on all faucets, and use a hairdryer to thaw the pipes more rapidly. Don’t use it too long or too close, but PEX can withstand up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit so a hairdryer for a short amount of time is unlikely to damage it.

If you lose power when it is really cold, then the interior PEX pipes may be more likely to become damaged and may not have proper insulation because the heat is usually sufficient. If this is the case then you can get heating tape to use temporarily.

Should You Insulate PEX Piping

You should always insulate any PEX pipes on the exterior of your home, in exterior walls that are not insulated, and in any unheated areas with water pipes like crawl spaces, basements, and attics. You can do this using foam insulation tubing and strips very easily and it could save you a big chunk of money by preventing damage and expensive repairs.

How To Insulate PEX Pipes

Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

While it’s true that PEX pipes are durable, it doesn’t mean that they won’t succumb to extremely cold or hot temperatures. If you want to extend the lifespan of your PEX pipes, it’s best to have them insulated. Don’t know how? That’s what we’ll talk about today. We’ve consulted experts, and here’s what they taught us about insulating PEX pipes.

You can use foam pipe insulation to insulate your PEX pipes. To install this, you need to:

Clean the pipe’s surface. Open the slit-side of the foam sleeve to cover the pipe. Remove the adhesive tape to seal the seams. Use contact cement to connect one end of insulation to another.

Keep on reading so we can teach you how to insulate your PEX pipes properly. This article will also answer if PEX pipes are better than PVC and how long PEX pipes last. Let’s get started!

What is the best way to insulate PEX pipes?

PEX pipes are preferred by more plumbers because of their affordability and durability. Installing PEX, short for cross-linked polyethylene, in a 1,500 square foot home will only cost an average of $5,000 compared to copper that can go as high as $10,000.

PEX pipes are reliable. They will not corrode or form scales. These pipes are also very flexible and can expand up to three times the size of their diameter. They are also able to shift to their original size once the pressure subsides. This is what makes them a great material for plumbing as they can endure cold and hot temperatures without breaking.

However, we are not saying that PEX pipes won’t break at all when subjected to extreme pressure. They will also yield at a certain temperature, and it would cause the pipes to break.

To avoid this from happening, it’s best to insulate your PEX pipes to give them proper protection from temperature changes. In turn, this will help mitigate the risk of bursting pipes and the costly water damage that comes after.

But considering PEX pipes’ nature to expand and contract depending on the temperature, you would also need to use a product that’s flexible to be able to accommodate the pipes’ changes in size. Because of this, experts say that the best material to use for PEX pipe insulation is foam.

There are foam pipe sleeves that are readily available on the market for those who are interested to do this as a DIY home improvement project.

Check out this foam pipe insulation on Amazon.

Here are the steps to insulating PEX pipes properly.

Insulating PEX Pipes

Clean the pipes’ surface to remove any dirt, moisture, and oil that has accumulated over the surfaces. You can use an old cloth or clean rag to do this. Place the foam pipe insulation over the PEX pipes. Just open the slit side and let it conform to the shape of the pipe. Rotate the foam sleeve so that the slit side is facing you. Remove the adhesive tape inside the seams. Push the seams together to seal the insulation. Install the next piece of insulation in the same way. Use contact cement to seal the two ends of the foam insulation together. Press the ends together for about 30 seconds after applying the cement to ensure that they bond properly. Follow these steps until all the surfaces of the PEX pipes are covered with foam insulation.

Click this link to find this contact cement on Amazon.

As you can see, installing foam pipe insulation on your PEX pipes is so easy. You don’t need to use any special tools for the job. The foam comes with adhesive tape making it very convenient for users to install this material over the pipes.

It’ll only take a little of your time, and yet you’ll be able to give your pipes lasting protection and help extend their lifespan for years.

Is PEX better than PVC?

PEX or cross-link polyethylene and PVC or polyvinyl chloride are both kinds of plastic pipes commonly used in residential plumbing. Both are classified as thermoplastics.

This means that their states will change depending on the temperature. They can become glassy when it gets really cold, and they can turn into liquid when the temperature gets really hot.

Each material has its own pros and cons that we’ll discuss in detail.

PVC

Pros

PVC is widely available on the market because there are many manufacturers of these plastic pipes. These pipes are also very durable. Experts say they have a life expectancy of up to 70 years or even more. These pipes are also very affordable, which is also why they are a popular choice for home plumbing.

PVC is perfectly safe to use above the ground or outdoors, although coating them with special paint will help them last better against the harmful UV rays.

These pipes are also eco-friendly. If you need to have your PVC pipes replaced, you can have them recycled so that they won’t add up to our environmental wastes.

Cons

Some PVC types are very rigid that you can’t mold them into bends and curves. This means that you’ll need more elbows to connect one part to another. The more elbows there are, the greater possibility of water leaks, especially when they aren’t installed properly or when the adhesives deteriorate over time.

PVC pipes can only be used for cold water plumbing systems. They have lower heat resistance which limits their usage in plumbing.

PEX

Pros

PEX performs better under extreme temperatures. It is made of flexible material that can contract when the temperature is hot and expand when the temperature gets cold. This flexibility is valuable in plumbing since it reduces the risk of pipes bursting and causing huge damages to homes.

It is also easier to install PEX since they are flexible. They can be molded into different shapes to form bends and curves as needed. This eliminates the use of elbows or connectors. This translates to fewer sources of possible leaks. When metal connections are required, it is better to use PEX than PVC because it won’t corrode.

Since they are easy to install, the labor cost for installation is also lower. PEX pipes also don’t create much noise when you use them, unlike other plastic pipes.

Cons

PEX pipes are more expensive than PVC pipes. They aren’t recommended for outdoor use because they can’t endure the harsh UV rays. There have also been issues regarding water contamination when using these pipes, but this can be avoided by using impermeable tubing.

The Verdict

You can use a combination of PVC and PEX pipes for your home plumbing. They are both durable and more affordable than copper. You can use PVC for your outdoor or above the ground plumbing and use PEX for your indoor plumbing and pipes for your hot water system.

How long does PEX pipe last?

PEX pipes quickly became a popular choice for home plumbing because of their affordability and durability. As mentioned earlier, copper pipes cost twice as much as PEX pipes.

When it comes to life expectancy, PEX pipes are said to last for as long as 50 years. Since PEX pipes have only been introduced to the US market some 40 years ago, long-term testing for the durability of these products is still ongoing.

But reports point out that these pipes have the potential to last for 100 years or more with proper usage and maintenance. They aren’t prone to corrosion that could lead to pinhole leaks. That’s why there won’t be any need for homeowners to replace their plumbing systems as long as their pipes are properly maintained.

Various factors can affect the lifespan of PEX pipes. These include exposure to extreme temperatures, UV rays, and the presence of rodents.

PEX pipes have been tested to endure temperatures as high as 200 degrees Fahrenheit. However, these pipes aren’t meant to be used outdoors, where they’ll be directly exposed to harsh UV rays. These can weaken their material and cause them to break. Meanwhile, rodents can chew on these pipes and damage their surfaces.

PEX pipes are recommended to be used underground and indoors so that you can maximize their lifespan. Make sure that there are no rodents in their location, and it’s also best to use proper insulation to give your pipes the best protection.

Final Thoughts

Use foam sleeves to insulate your PEX pipes. This is an easy task for DIYers and one that’ll greatly benefit your PEX pipes. The foam insulation will protect them from temperature changes and help extend their lifespan. That’s how you get the most out of your PEX pipes.

For your home insulation resources, you may visit the following links:

How To Insulate Garage Door Sides

How To Insulate Crawl Space Walls

Should PEX Piping Be Insulated?

PEX pipes is present in nearly all new home construction and plumbing pipe replacements done today. Insurance companies report that over 250 million homeowners annually have property damage from busted water pipes, many caused by frozen pipes.

PEX has become the piping of choice by plumbers because the piping polymers allow it to flex, making installation easier. PEX is lightweight and can bend, reducing the number of connection joints. Many debates that because the piping has flexing properties, it doesn’t need insulating. Does PEX need to be insulated?

You should insulate PEX piping exposed outdoors or inside uninsulated spaces like a basement, attic, or crawl space. The polymers in PEX can flex slightly with temperature changes where rigid CPVC, PVC, or copper can’t. However, PEX tubes can still freeze and burst when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.

While PEX pipes can and will freeze in cold weather, they withstand cold temperatures better than rigid pipes like copper, PVC, or CPVC, which can freeze and burst. Manufacturers of PEX piping won’t provide a guarantee against the pipes bursting at freezing temperature.

As a general rule of thumb, if your PEX piping is traveling through interior walls or insulated exterior walls, you don’t need to insulate it. However, piping exposed outside or inside unconditioned spaces like a basement, crawl space, or attic should be insulated, mainly if you live in cold-weather areas.

While PEX is growing in popularity due to its unique and adaptable features, it is not invincible. There has been plenty of confusion regarding the standards and requirements for ensuring optimum efficiency, longevity, and safety.

Stick around to determine the fundamentals of insulating PEX piping compared to other piping materials and how you should approach the insulation process following manufacturers’ and professionals’ recommendations and guidelines.

Should PEX Piping Be Insulated

Yes, insulation is an essential part of installing PEX piping, as the lack thereof could lead to unfortunate outcomes. It is more resilient against fluctuations in temperatures than other commonly used materials. It’s flexible pipes and does not act as a conductor for heat and cold as easily as metal materials do.

PEX piping is still vulnerable to cracking when:

it’s not shielded effectively from freezing temperatures falling below 20 degrees Fahrenheit

long-term exposure various ultraviolet light sources

Ensuring that the PEX piping has protection from these threats prolongs its longevity while still benefitting from its ability to contract and expand with cold, heat, and even water flow and pressure.

Insulating PEX piping also decreases the risk of potential functional failures due to moisture condensation and promotes energy efficiency. Limiting the exposure risks and insulating reduces water pipes’ chances of bursting or leaking and causing tiresome and frustrating outcomes, which may be costly to repair, not to mention the potential necessity for piping replacement.

PEX Pipe Insulation Requirements

Another critical factor to consider is that the standards and requirements are applicable across all piping types, whether copper, CPVC, PVC, or PEX.

ASTM Standard Requirements and Sizing for PEX Piping

PEX piping is generally available in standard sizes ranging from ¼ to 2 inches, at a length of 50 to 200 feet. It’s crucial to calculate the pipe’s size with the amount of insulation that will be necessary. According to the American Society for Testing & Materials, the standard for PEX piping is CTS, which is also the standard for copper pipes and CPVC.

You can insulate PEX piping with the same foam insulation sized for copper, commonly found in home improvement stores. The standard IPS sizing is effective for insulation, but the fit would not be as snug due to incorrect size.

Trapped air space commonly plays a role in various insulation techniques. This approach would be efficient enough and may add additional insulation based on this principle. Select the right piping insulation size for a proper fit.

Type of Material for Insulation of PEX Piping

Foam is usually the recommended type of insulation for PEX piping, as it meets the flexibility levels that such material demands. Since PEX is flexible pipes, the insulation needs to be flexible too. Fiberglass insulation is far more rigid and would not accommodate such tractability.

Type of Fit for Insulation of PEX Piping

Once the correct insulation material has been identified, the appropriate type of insulation will need to be chosen. Persons can select between a continuous length and polytype, which have various features and benefits for users.

While the continuous length type can be useful for PEX pipe, which spans over an extended area, polytypes are generally better suited to PEX flexibility and are easier to apply post-construction.

Continuous Length Type: This insulation is a full-length tube with no openings of necessitated closures, which offers thorough and even insulation across the entire length of the PEX pipe.

While this would undoubtedly be beneficial, this is more commonly used during the building’s construction phase, as you can slip it over the PEX piping before being installed within the building.

Utilizing a continuous length type of insulation will not be practical post-construction unless the PEX pipe is removed and disconnected entirely or if the insulation is cut, which may defeat the purpose of selecting the continuous type.

Foam Pipe Insulation: This insulation is far more practical and simpler to apply since it is flexible.

An opening on one side is the most practical for installing post-construction insulation, particularly for odd spaces, tight corners, and event tees.

The PEX piping should be clean before insulating, as it may not allow the adhesive to seal well.

The PEX piping should be covered by the insulation and fitted snuggly by pushing down the insulation until the pipe pops into place. After insulating, seal off the opening by pulling off the protective strip to reveal the adhesive. You would then push the seams together to seal the insulation completely. Many professionals also use contact cement to join the ends of insulation lengths for further durability.

How to Insulate PEX Tubing

Plan Where PEX Pipes Are Run

Insulating a new home involves proper planning. It’s good to route hot water pipes through interior walls rather than exterior walls where possible. The heat from your home can prevent hot water pipes from freezing.

When outside temperatures are 20 degrees or lower, keep your interior temperature much warmer, keeping your internal pipes from freezing.

Insulate PEX Piping Exposed Outside

Sometimes, having hot water pipes outside can’t be avoided. Cold water pipes must run to exterior spigots (hose bibs) or other uses such as tankless water heaters. Any PEX pipes exposed outdoors need a minimum of R3 (3/8″ thick) pipe insulation. Some colder climates require an R4 (5/8″ thick) or higher pipe insulation.

Insulate all exposed PEX pipe and secure the pipe inspection in place with tape along seams and bends where pipe insulation is loose.

Open an Interior Faucet During Freezing Temperatures

When a hard freeze occurs, generally 25 degrees or lower, it’s a good idea to open the cold water tap on an interior faucet to allow the water to dribble out a small stream of water. Flowing water won’t freeze as easily or as quickly. This also reduces water pressure on the walls of the piping.

Winterize the PEX Pipes in Vacation Homes

If you have a secondary vacation home, you don’t visit in the winter. You should consider winterizing the plumbing. Winterizing the plumbing includes draining the entire system, including the water heater and toilets. The cold won’t hurt the plumbing system when water is not present. Also, insulate the plumbing P traps under sinks and inside crawl spaces or basements.

PEX Piping in Basements and Crawl Spaces

During winter, unconditioned spaces like attics, crawl spaces, and unfinished basements are particularly vulnerable for PEX piping. These spaces are not heated or insulated like the inside walls, which can cause the pipes to freeze if it gets cold enough.

Your hot and cold water supply lines (as well as your PVC drain traps) need insulating in unfinished spaces. Often, these pipes freeze and crack along connection joints. PEX will expand about 1 inch to 2.5 inches per 100 feet for every 10-degree temperature change, which can help prevent some damage. However, in short spans of PEX pipe, freezing and cracking can and likely will still happen.

Insulating the hot side will assist in delivering hot water to fixtures quicker, and the water inside the pipe cools at a slower rate. The cold water side may condensate in the summer, contributing to damp crawl space conditions.

PEX Piping in Attics

When installing insulation for PEX piping in an attic, the most challenging part is the tight spaces, sharp corners, hangers, joists, and tees running across the area. PEX and foam insulation will provide enough flexibility to cope with such factors, coupled with open insulation on one side.

There are varying approaches for applying the insulation, such as trimming it and running it from the opposite end for tees, mitering the insulation at elbow curves, and securing the ends with cable ties for extra hold and support for the adhesive.

PEX pipes in the attic are susceptible to fluctuations in climate and temperature as they are more exposed to outdoor conditions. Both the hot and cold lines should be insulated effectively, as insulation of the hot side will assist in delivering hot water to the load faster. In contrast, the cold pipe insulation will lower the risk of condensation forming in summer, which may cause seepage through the ceiling.

Conclusion

Insulating PEX is fundamental for establishing a highly functional plumbing system with optimum efficiency. Taking the time to invest in this crucial process will be a fantastic investment in the long run. Having PEX pipes coupled with proper insulation will ensure that the piping is protected during freezing temperatures.

So you have finished reading the how to insulate pex pipe in crawl space topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: how to insulate pex pipe underground, best insulation for pex pipe, how to insulate pex pipe in attic, insulating pex pipe freezing, 3/4 pex pipe insulation, should you insulate pex hot water lines, do pipes freeze in a crawl space, 1/2 pex pipe insulation

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