How do you keep PEX pipes from freezing?

Ways to Keep PEX Pipe from Freezing

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

How do you keep PEX from freezing in your 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.

Does heat tape stay on all the time?

A Safety Alert on Heat Tapes. Heat tapes look like electrical extension cords. But unlike all other wiring that can become hazardous if it gets hot, these tapes are specifically designed to produce heat. Those tapes do not draw electricity all the time, even though they remain plugged in.

Can you leave heat tape plugged in?

You can leave these models plugged in. The problem is that some people leave them plugged in for decades. Tucked away in a garden shed or crawl space, the tapes get hot in summer, cold in winter and soaked with moisture off and on year-round.

Can heat tape go on PVC pipe?

Yes. Pipe Freeze PRO heat tape can be used on all varieties of pipes including PEX, ABS, PVC, Nylon, Steel, Copper and more.

Is it OK to run PEX in attic?

If you are using PEX, you can run it through your attic. PEX will NOT burst unless you live in a place that gets like 50 below. And it does not freeze as readily as metal pipe. We used PEX once and ended up replumbing our entire house with it.

Will PEX burst if it freezes?

Due to its flexibility, PEX has a small margin of expansion under the damaging pressure caused by ice formation. If the weather gets cold enough, PEX pipes can and will freeze like any plumbing. However, PEX may be less likely to rupture as a result of freezing.