Any pipes that are above ground should be insulated. Foam sleeves are a common solution to prevent freezing, but you can also use a thermal blanket or even old sweatshirts that are double wrapped. It can also be beneficial to use heat tape – just be sure to space it out about an inch or so along the pipe.

How do you unfreeze a well head?

Look for any pipes that appear to be bulging or those that are covered in frost and ice. Thaw out the pipe. Grab a hair dryer or heating pad from around your home and treat the frozen pipe until it thaws. Once warmed, proper water flow should be restored to your home.

What can I put around my pipes to prevent freezing?

Tips to help prevent pipes from freezing

  1. Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic helps even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. …
  2. Use heat tape or heat cables. …
  3. Seal leaks. …
  4. Secure outdoor hoses, valves and faucets. …
  5. Let water drip. …
  6. Adjust the thermostat. …
  7. Open cabinet doors.


Does leaving water running prevent pipes from freezing?

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.

How do Alaskans keep their pipes from freezing?

Both hot and cold water pipes are in danger of freezing and need attention. Insulate pipes in unheated areas using a “pipe sleeve” or “heat tape.” For moderately cold times, an inexpensive foam pipe insulation is sufficient to prevent freezing.

Should I turn off well pump if pipes are frozen?

Your first step to thawing outdoor or well water pipes is to prevent them from bursting before you can thaw them. This means you’ll want to shut off the main water valve to stop water from trying to flow into your house.

Will a well head freeze?

The water inside the well cannot freeze since it is always below the frost line. So the only parts that can freeze are the portions of the water supply pipes that are located on the surface, and the pump, if the well has a jet pump that sits on the surface above the well.

Does foam pipe insulation prevent freezing?

For many residential plumbing applications a PE pipe insulation product like Tubolit® and Tundra® is the perfect option. Economical and easy to install, PE foam insulation will prevent pipes from freezing and keep hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.

How do you keep outside well pump from freezing?

Any pipes that are above ground should be insulated. Foam sleeves are a common solution to prevent freezing, but you can also use a thermal blanket or even old sweatshirts that are double wrapped. It can also be beneficial to use heat tape – just be sure to space it out about an inch or so along the pipe.

How much water should drip to keep pipes from freezing?

one gallon per hour

A dripping faucet wastes some water, so only pipes vulnerable to freezing (ones that run through an unheated or unprotected space) should be left with the water flowing. The drip can be very slight. A flow of one gallon per hour is enough to prevent freezing.

How do I insulate my well water pipe?

The best kind of pipe insulation to use is the closed cell foam “tubes” that are around 6′ long. Closed cell foam keeps the water out so the foam doesn’t saturate with water and become ineffective. Make sure to choose the right size foam for your pipe and make sure to order enough to cover all outdoor exposed piping!

How do I insulate my waterline?

One of the easiest of all the insulation methods is using foam pipe sleeves.



Foam Pipe Sleeves

  1. Position the sleeve along the pipe.
  2. Open the sleeve slit and cover the pipe.
  3. Seal the seam with the provided adhesive or duct tape.
  4. Cut the sleeve to fit length of pipe.


How do you insulate PEX water lines?

Insulating PEX Pipes

  1. Clean the pipes’ surface to remove any dirt, moisture, and oil that has accumulated over the surfaces. …
  2. Place the foam pipe insulation over the PEX pipes. …
  3. Rotate the foam sleeve so that the slit side is facing you. …
  4. Push the seams together to seal the insulation.

How do I winterize my well water pump?


Quote from Youtube video: You can then drain the unit by unscrewing the drain plug and allowing as much water to escape as. Possible any water left inside the pump can freeze.

Should you cover your well head?

DO NOT use any well coverings. Even though the sight of your wellhead may not be your favorite thing, you should not cover it up with any fake rocks, gravel, treated wood, or wishing wells.

How do you winterize a deep well pump?

How To Winterize Your Water Well Pump

  1. Turn off the power to the pump.
  2. Open a faucet to drain the residual water in the pump. …
  3. Disconnect draining pipes and other units from the pump so you can be sure all water drains from the pump properly. …
  4. Use an air compressor to blow out any additional water.

Should I turn off well pump in winter?

Since cold weather is the number one cause for a burst pipe, turning off your well pump will help protect your property. Also make sure that you have a well pump cover that fits securely. This will keep cold air from disturbing the pipes in and around the well pump itself.

Can you put heat tape on a well pump?

Make sure there are no drafty holes, broken windows or missing insulation. Put heat tape on the pump and plumbing. (Follow directions on the package.) Heat tape made specifically for this purpose is available at most hardware stores.

At what temperature will a well pump freeze?

The water inside a well pump and any pipes exposed to temperatures around or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit are at risk of freezing up.