
Adding insulation to your pipes is a quick, effective way to keep them warm and help prevent freezing and costly damage. With just a few easy steps, you can winterize your pipes and protect your home from the cold by using pipe covers, adding insulation to empty wall spaces, or stopping cold air from gusting into your house.
While each technique offers protection from frigid temperatures, combine insulation methods to see the best results.
Wrap Exposed Pipes with Insulation

One of the best ways to insulate your plumbing is to wrap pipes you can access — especially those prone to freezing — in insulation sleeves or foam pipe insulation. These insulated covers are available in different diameters and lengths, and special elbow pieces can be used to cover bends. The goal is to have continuous coverage with as few gaps as possible.
To wrap your pipes:
- Choose diameters that will fit around your pipes without being too big, making sure to purchase slightly more linear feet than the pipe’s length.
- Use a utility knife to cut lengths that completely cover the pipe. Piece sections together if necessary.
- Slide or wrap the sleeves or foam around the plumbing and secure it with adhesive strips (if applicable), zip ties, duct tape, or pipe insulation tape.
Pipe insulation costs between $1 and $11 per linear foot, depending on the quality and diameter.
Important Note: If your pipes are frozen, unfreeze them before wrapping them in insulation. The insulation is not enough to thaw them and may trap the cold inside the pipes, increasing the risk of bursting.
Add Insulation to Walls

Adding extra insulation to walls also will help winterize your pipes. There are slightly different ways to do this, depending on whether your walls are finished or open.
To insulate existing walls covered with drywall, blow-in cellulose or foam insulation can fill spaces without cutting large holes into the drywall. You can hire a professional or rent a blower from your local home improvement store to do it yourself.
To DIY blow-in insulation:
- Drill small holes through the drywall between the wall studs.
- Use a blower to fill the cavity with cellulose or foam insulation.
- Patch and repair the drywall.
For open walls, fiberglass batts or foam board insulation are effective options. Cut lengths to meet the dimensions of your space, and then place them between the wall studs, ensuring they fit snugly against or around the pipes.
Seal Gaps and Cracks
Check areas where pipes come through the walls into your home, looking for gaps or cracks where cold air can enter. Seal any troublesome spots with caulk or foam insulation to prevent air infiltration.
Disconnect Hoses and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Winterizing outdoor faucets is also essential and a simple thing to do.
- Locate the shut-off valve inside your home that shuts off the water to the outdoor faucets and turn it off.
- Remove garden hoses from the faucets, drain them, and store them in the garage or shed.
- Open the spigots to drain any remaining water from the line.
- Then, protect the fixture with an insulated styrofoam cover.
FAQs About How to Insulate Pipes in Your House
How do you winterize pipes in a vacant house?
To prevent pipes in a vacant house from freezing, you first need to drain as much water from the plumbing as possible: shut off the water main, open all the faucets and hose bibs to drain the pipes, and then flush the toilets. After that, adjust your water heater settings, put it at the lowest setting or “vacation mode” if applicable, or drain the water.
Once the water is drained, pour environmentally safe antifreeze into your toilet bowl, tank, and any drains that have traps. The antifreeze keeps the seals and flappers lubricated, preventing dry rot.
Which house pipes are most likely to freeze?
Outdoor faucets and hose bibs are the most prone to freezing because they are out in the open. Within your home, pipes in unheated areas, exposed pipes, and those along exterior walls are at a higher risk of freezing when temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. Once pipes freeze, it’s critical to unthaw them as quickly as you can.
What happens if you don’t winterize pipes?
If you don’t take steps to keep your pipes from freezing, you can face challenges when frigid temperatures hit. When they freeze, they disrupt water flow within your home, which can be a significant inconvenience when you need water for hygiene or cooking. There is also a risk of splitting, cracking, or bursting when they freeze, leading to costly repairs.
Protect Your Pipes and Your Home!
Insulating your pipes is a simple yet effective way to protect your home’s plumbing from freezing temperatures. By choosing the right materials, such as foam pipe sleeves or blow-in insulation, you can minimize the risk of frozen or burst pipes. With proper insulation, you can enjoy peace of mind, even in the coldest weather!
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