water pipes freeze, will my idea work...?

Question

I rent a half shabby apartment, and the water pipes freeze when it's really cold. I thought about actually buying some of those long foam insulators ( the ones they use on kids bicycle handlebars ) and just work them around the pipes in the basement. I just thought it would be so much easier to apply than regular insulation that gets wet from condensation etc. would it work ?

Answer 1

It would most likely work, but you have to make sure the hole in the middle of the insulation is the same size as the outer diameter of the pipe. If there is space between the insulation and the pipe, that air will still drop, and potentially allow your pipes to freeze, inside the insulation. Your best bet is to buy the 6' lengths of insulation, at your local hardware store. There are different types, one is scored with a precut line, that you split open, and install around the pipe. This type requires that you use an additional tape to wrap the insulation. The other type is split, with adhesive applied to the edges. Upon installing it on the pipe, you peel the cellophane protector, and the glue from both edges, keeps the insulation in place. These come in different sizes, for different types of pipe. Make sure you buy the correct type for the pipe that you have. When installing this type insulation, cut angles, so you can completely cover all the pipe. Insulating the pipes, and not the joints, will increase the chance of a rupture at the exposed joints. Good luck to you, and stay warm!

Answer 2

Insulation may help but remember that insulation only "slows" the freezing, it doesn't stop it. And unless you seal every joint in the insulation you will just have all your elbows and tees freezing up. Eventually something is going to freeze and burst, then you'll really have a problem.

First try and stop any drafts of cold air coming in the basement. Stuff anything in openings to keep out cold air: old socks, underwear, teeshirts, packing foam. After that something as simple as several light bulbs or a small space heater may produce enough heat to keep them from freezing again. The trick about leaving the water running is probably your most economical since you most likely don't pay for water.

Insulation and heat tape are fine but are relatively expensive and it doesn't sound like you need to put out that much to solve your problem. Really speaking, your landlord is responsible for this, cheap apartment or not.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Seems like a sound idea. Another thought...and I'm not sure it would work but I'll mention it is heat tape. I lived in a mobile home for 13 years and with the pipes being under the trailer, just sheltered by some metal skirting, heat tape was used to keep them from freezing. I would expect a good home store like Home Depot or Lowe's might be able to give you more information. Good luck.

Answer 4

I think ANY type of insulation will help - I had the same thing happen - I used real insulation along the outside wall on the pipes (it was only me who froze cause the wind usually hit my corner of the building) I think you have a great idea - or you can just always let the water(cold) run at almost a drip - that is easiest - then just complain to the landlord - heh,heh - that was the most fun!
Good luck - stay warm!!

Answer 5

The foam pipe insulation works really well,and it is also inexpensive. Also, leave your cabinet doors open under your sink, if the problem occurs there. If you have a basement, stuff insulation in between the joists on the sill.

Answer 6

You can find water pipe insulation at your local home improvement store. It is made from foam just like the stuff on handlebars.

Answer 7

good idea never thought of that..... however, you can just buy regular foam insulation that fits the pipe. after you install it put a wrap around it about every 3 ft. with duct tape. also consider putting a heat lamp in the basement..... the bike pads could prove costly. but either way its cheaper than a blown pipe. good luck

Answer 8

they have regular foam insulation you can buy to put on pipes to keep them from freezing or you could use pipe tape which plugs into a outlet and it keeps the pipes from freezing or just simply leave the water dripping at night

Answer 9

Yes it will help, but the more you do the better. Like using some chalking in the basement to fill any holes or gaps in the walls or around windows. If you have a window get some styrofoam cut to fit over window. One more trick you can do is if you have any heating duct work in the basement make a small hole in it to allow warm air to enter basement.(you can put a piece of tape over it when it warms up outside) Also leave the light on if you can. Good luck!!!

Answer 10

I think that you can actually buy insulation made just for this problem. I would visit my local home depot or lowes. I am sure that will be able to provide the right insulation.