It’s important to prevent your sewer pipes from freezing in the winter. Frozen sewer pipes can lead to backups and can even burst. One of the best ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them. But is all insulation the same? We lay out for you different ways to insulate sewer pipes so you can make the best decision for your property.

1. Add a Pipe Sleeve

One way to insulate your pipes is using a larger pipe as a kind of sleeve, leaving some air in between the original pipe and the sleeve pipe. The air acts as insulation and keeps your sewer pipe from getting too cold when the soil becomes frosty. This method works well when the temperature doesn’t get below freezing for too long. If you live in an area that has relatively mild winters, it may be the perfect insulating strategy for you! However, if you live somewhere with frigid winters where the weather can be chillingly cold for weeks at a time, you probably need something even warmer for your pipes.

2. Insulate Sewer Pipes By Wrapping Them in Insulating Material

There is actual material made for insulating pipes, kind of like the way we wear coats and gloves to insulate ourselves when we go outside. Plumbers and sewer experts use a variety of insulating materials and you may want to know which one will be used on your pipes. It is always good to have a conversation with the professional who will be installing the insulation so make sure you are happy with the way your pipes will be insulated. The most common insulation choices are rubber, polyethylene foam, and fiberglass. Rubber insulation is the smartest choice for areas with a wide range of temperature shifts throughout the year, as this material expands and contracts to accommodate for hot and cold weather. Fiberglass works well if you need extra insulation in a particular area of your home.

3. Pre-Insulated Pipes

You can also have pre-insulated sewer pipes installed, which is only useful if you are putting in new pipes. Pre-insulated pipes come covered with foam and wrapped in a sleeve of some sort. They can be pricey and, depending on the product, may also require deeper sewer professionals to dig trenches for installation due to their size. However, they can be worth it if you are doing a new build; they will protect your pipes in all temperatures and prevent issues further down the line.

At A&L Cesspool, we can help you insulate sewer pipes and get your sewer system ready for winter. No matter what time of year it is, it’s always important to make sure your sewer pipes are in good condition and ready to handle whatever the weather may bring. The more preventative attention you give your sewer system, the fewer problems you will have!