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Heat Tape and Pipe Insulation: What to Use and How to Use It

Updated October 31, 2026 · General information, not plumbing or legal advice

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The short answer: Extension services and the Red Cross point to two products for exposed pipes: pipe sleeves (insulation made for water pipes) and UL-listed heat tape or heat cable. Wrap carefully, seal joints, follow the maker's instructions, and still keep the heat on. Fix the draft too: sealing air leaks near pipes matters as much as wrapping them.

Safety first. Never thaw a pipe with a torch or any open flame. They are a fire hazard and can release deadly carbon monoxide. Keep electrical cords away from water, and stay out of rooms where water is near outlets, panels or appliances.

Where to use them

Focus on the pipes that freeze most often: those exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, pipes in basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages, and pipes that run against exterior walls with little or no insulation (Red Cross, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension). Both hot and cold pipes need protection in these places.

Your options

Option	What the sources say
Pipe sleeves (foam insulation made for water pipes)	The Red Cross and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension list "pipe sleeve" products made to insulate water pipes. Missouri Extension says to wrap carefully, butt the ends tightly and seal joints with waterproof tape.
UL-listed heat tape or heat cable	Use on exposed pipes or problem areas. It must be UL approved, and you must follow the manufacturer's instructions (NC State Extension, Illinois Extension, Missouri Extension).
Insulated faucet covers or foam domes	For outdoor hose bibs (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Missouri Extension).
Attic, basement and crawl space insulation	Helps maintain higher temperatures in these areas (Red Cross).
Newspaper	A stopgap. Even 1/4 inch gives significant protection where freezing is not frequent or prolonged (Red Cross). FEMA lists wrapping pipes in heat tape and insulating with newspaper or plastic.
Seal air leaks	Illinois Extension says to seal leaks that let cold air in where pipes are located.
Relocate exposed pipes	The Red Cross says to consider moving them for increased protection. A licensed plumber does this.

Sources: Red Cross, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Illinois Extension, Missouri Extension, NC State Extension, FEMA.

Using heat tape and cable safely

Buy UL-listed. Look for the mark on the product and the package.
Read the instructions for your product. Extension services say to follow them. We found no source saying how to layer tape and insulation, so check the product label.
Keep cords dry and away from water (Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and NC State Extension warn about electricity near water).
Have an electrician add any outlet or wiring you need. Electrical work is for licensed pros.

Heat cable and insulation reduce the chance of a freeze but don't replace the basics: steady heat, closed garage doors, cabinet doors open and a drip on the coldest nights. See the prevention checklist.

Shop for pipe insulation and heat cable

Pipe sleeves and UL-listed heat cable are the products Red Cross and extension services point to for exposed pipes. Read the label and follow the maker's instructions.

How to choose and use them See pipe insulation and faucet covers See UL-listed heat cable

Will your pipes freeze tonight?

Answer four quick questions about tonight's low, where your pipes run, insulation and heat setting. Get a risk level and a short to-do list.

Open the freeze risk checker

More: pipe insulation guide (foam vs fiberglass vs wrap) and outdoor faucet covers.

Common questions

Is heat tape safe?

Extension services say to use UL-approved or UL-listed heat tape and to follow the maker's instructions (Illinois Extension, NC State Extension, Missouri Extension). Read the label for how it must be installed, and have an electrician help with any new outlet or wiring.

Is newspaper good pipe insulation?

As a stopgap. The Red Cross says even a quarter inch of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.

Which pipes should I insulate?

The Red Cross says both hot and cold water pipes in unheated areas, such as garages and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces and in attics (NC State Extension).

Do I still need to keep the heat on if pipes are insulated?

Yes. Insulation slows heat loss but is not a heat source. The Red Cross advice to keep the thermostat steady day and night still applies, and so does the 55°F minimum when you are away.

Sources