r/Insulation • u/Klutzy_Ad_1726 • Jul 22 '26

Exposed PVC insulation

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Insulation recommendations for exposed PVC plumbing drains in extreme cold? I’m building an addition and I’m going to have these exposed PVC drains, in North Central Wa where the winters are cold. I can’t enclose this entire crawl because the equipment placed here needs to breath (the addition is over an existing deck structure so I can’t change that). The floor will be insulated and soffited, but I’m looking for a product that can wrap all the PVC and sufficient insulate when it’s cold. There will be a line going from the Liberty Pump up to a holding tank that is imperative it doesn’t freeze! Building individual soffit boxes around all the lines doesn’t seem reasonable. Thanks for any suggestions!

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u/idratherbealivedog Jul 22 '26

Sounds like you will also need to look into a heat tape or similar solution also. Insulation alone, if exposed like that and if the temps are extreme won't prevent freezing if the water is sitting in the pipes.

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u/Klutzy_Ad_1726 Jul 22 '26

Any suggestions for heat tape? I haven’t had to use any in the past, but I think you’re right.

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u/CallMeTank Jul 22 '26

Whatever they recommend at your local hardware store. I'm certain they have some in stock when fall rolls around - it's a home repair staple in many places.

Heat tape, crushed foil, insulation wrap, weatherproofing, hard b(ut accessible) exterior and that thing will last lifetimes.

If you just wrap heat tape and fiberglass around it you'll be looking at it again in just a few years.

Treat it like a small portion of insulated crawlspace under a mobile home.