water pipes freeze, will my idea work…?
I rent a half shabby apartment, and the water pipes freeze when it’s really cold. I thought about actually buying some of those long foam insulators ( the ones they use on kids bicycle handlebars ) and just work them around the pipes in the basement. I just thought it would be so much easier to apply than regular insulation that gets wet from condensation etc. would it work ?
It would most likely work, but you have to make sure the hole in the middle of the insulation is the same size as the outer diameter of the pipe. If there is space between the insulation and the pipe, that air will still drop, and potentially allow your pipes to freeze, inside the insulation. Your best bet is to buy the 6′ lengths of insulation, at your local hardware store. There are different types, one is scored with a precut line, that you split open, and install around the pipe. This type requires that you use an additional tape to wrap the insulation. The other type is split, with adhesive applied to the edges. Upon installing it on the pipe, you peel the cellophane protector, and the glue from both edges, keeps the insulation in place. These come in different sizes, for different types of pipe. Make sure you buy the correct type for the pipe that you have. When installing this type insulation, cut angles, so you can completely cover all the pipe. Insulating the pipes, and not the joints, will increase the chance of a rupture at the exposed joints. Good luck to you, and stay warm!