outside pipes and frost

[Mei]

Hello, good morning,
We have water pipes coming into the house which are exposed and open to the elements. The pipes are about 12" below the ground level, but uncovered. How should we lag them? Am I right in thinking we need waterproof lagging? AND something like therawrap?
Many thanks,
Mei

 

[Dannypipe]

At the very least you need lagging that is suitable for UV light. So not the grey stuff you see in peoples lofts which is called "Climaflex".

Instead you will need "Armaflex" made by the same company, but no as easilly available. Go for the thickest wall you can get. And ensure you mitre all bends to leave no pipe exposed. If the pipe is not frequently used, then consider draining it.

What do the pipes do?

 

[Dannypipe]

These people sell the insulation, as do BES.

You may also need to consider something like this:

Pipe Insulation 32mm Wall Thickness x 2m - STOPGEL/3 anti pipe freezing cable complete kit 3 metre frost protection Pipe Insulation, Lagging, Foam, Accessories, Commercial, Industrial, UK Pipe Insulation, Lagging, Foam, Armaflex, Commercial, Industri

Depends on how exposed it is, and how often it's used. Eventually standing water will freeze if it gets cold enough, no matter how well you lag it. Prolonged cold spells can eventually get the temp down enough.

I saw my first burst pipe today. On my way to another job. I've been driving past this outside tap for a few weeks. No insulation, and there it was this morning, in two pieces!

 

[AWheating]

use external pipe lagging as a min, but best to set the pipe 750mm plus below the ground and cover it up correctly.

 

[TBServices]

use external pipe lagging as a min, but best to set the pipe 750mm plus below the ground and cover it up correctly.

Technically, between 750-1350mm I seem to recall.

 

[Dannypipe]

I totally miss read that post. So the pipes are buried under the ground!?

Sorry scrap everything I just said!! LOL.

 

[lame plumber]

I totally miss read that post. So the pipes are buried under the ground!?

Sorry scrap everything I just said!! LOL.

No you didnt miss read

it's below ground level open to elements!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!

best solution a lot of soil on top as per regs and rules

 

[AWheating]

Technically, between 750-1350mm

thats what i said 750mm plus 🙂

 

[TBServices]

thats what i said 750mm plus 🙂

Haha. Very sly

 

[Reg Man]

Waste of time and effort trying to lag the pipe. You have to dig a trench in any event. So dig it 750mm to 1350mm and put a new mains pipe in.