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Pipe Insulation and Heat Cable: A Shopping List to Protect Exposed Pipes Before the Next Freeze
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Who this is for
Homeowners with pipes that sit in the places that freeze first: outdoor hose bibs, basements, crawl spaces, attics and garages, and pipes against exterior walls with little or no insulation (Red Cross, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension). Not sure yours are at risk? Run the 30-second freeze risk checker first.
What you get
Protection on the specific pipes most likely to freeze, from a single shopping trip. The Red Cross says insulation in attics, basements and crawl spaces helps maintain higher temperatures there, and that both hot and cold water pipes in unheated areas should be insulated.
The shopping list
| Item | What the sources say |
|---|---|
| Pipe sleeves (foam insulation made for water pipes) | Red Cross and Texas A&M list pipe sleeves. Missouri Extension says to wrap carefully, butt the ends tightly and seal joints with waterproof tape. |
| UL-listed heat tape or heat cable | For exposed pipes or problem areas. It must be UL approved, and you must follow the manufacturer's instructions (NC State, Illinois and Missouri Extension). |
| Insulated faucet covers or foam domes | For outdoor hose bibs (Texas A&M, Missouri Extension). |
| Waterproof tape | To seal the joints in pipe wrap (Missouri Extension). |
| Weather seal for the garage door | Missouri Extension suggests adding weather seal around the opening if water lines run through the garage. |
Our heat tape and insulation guide and pipe insulation guide have the details.
One thing that makes it easy
Read the label and follow the maker's instructions. We found no source on how to layer heat tape and insulation, so the label is the rule. Have a licensed electrician add any outlet or wiring you need.
A note on honesty
We have not tested any product, so we do not name a brand. Heat cable and insulation lower the chance of a freeze but do not guarantee one will not happen: keep the heat on, keep cabinet doors open and let a faucet drip on the coldest nights. Never thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame. If you buy through the link below we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. It does not change our safety advice.
Ready to protect the pipes?
Shop pipe insulation and faucet covers. UL-listed heat cable is on the same list, so check the label before you buy.
Shop pipe insulation and faucet coversFree printable: Frozen Pipe Night-Before Checklist
What to do before a cold night so your pipes survive it. Download the one-page PDF now, or get it by email along with a short series of five helpful emails.