Outdoor Boiler Owners’ Guide: How to Keep PEX from Freezing in Crawl Spaces
Frozen PEX lines in the crawl space are one of the most frustrating and damaging things when relying on an outdoor boiler to heat one’s home. As discussed in this article, consistent water movement is what keeps this heating system operational; any freezing stops the delivery of heat, damages the pipe, and causes substantial repair costs. With this comprehensive guide, we will explain why Pex freezes, what environmental and installation factors favor that freezing, and most importantly-how to stop this phenomenon from effectively and forever occurring in crawl spaces.
Why Does PEX Freeze?
Cross-linked polyethylene-or PEX is definitely known for its flexibility, resilience, and freeze-resistant properties. Although it can expand slightly when water inside it freezes, it is not immune to the effects of prolonged or severe freeze temperatures.
So, how to keep PEX from freezing in crawl space?What causes PEX to freeze? The most common causes for freezing of PEX pipes are extended exposure of the pipes to sub-freezing temperature; lack of water flow; poor insulation; and high humidity levels in the crawl space. Any one or a combination of these could lead to a frozen line causing more severe damage to the plumbing system if remedied.
What Happens When PEX Freezes?
When PEX freezes, it can restrict or completely block water flow, place extra stress on your pump, and even result in pipe damage over time. While PEX is more forgiving than metal, it’s still not invincible.
Key Questions to Ask Yourself:
To find the best solution for your crawl space, start with the following:
- Is the crawl space insulated and sealed?
- Are there any exposed areas where PEX lines are hit by outside air or drafts?
- Is there sufficient air and/or heating in the crawl space?
- Has the outdoor boiler system been put in such a way that water keeps moving through the lines?
- Are you using well-insulated piping like Outdoor Boiler’s Underground Insulated Pipe?
Finding answers to these questions will help you identify vulnerabilities in your system and hone in on specific solutions.
1. Insulate Your Crawl Space
Crawl space insulation is your main defensive barrier. Start sealing all vents and cracks to stop cold drafts. Insulate the walls and floor joists with either a foam board or spray foam to stabilize the temperature. Moisture control is also important, so you might also want to consider the installation of a vapor barrier to keep the humidity down and reduce the risk of freezing.
2. Use High-Quality Insulated PEX Lines
The insulation should be of fine quality. Outdoor Boiler’s Underground Insulated Pipe is designed specifically to keep your pipes safe under even the worst weather. Where a system is existing, wrap PEX with high R-value or foam pipe-wrap. Pipes running outdoors must be buried properly below the frost line.
3. Ensure Constant Water Flow
Maintaining boiler activity provides constant water flow. Install a circulator pump to alleviate low demand or consider a recirculation loop to keep water moving constantly.
4. Add Crawl Space Heat Sources
In these particularly cold climates where insulation fails to achieve total comfort, you can include heating cables directly to the PEX, or you might consider a thermostat-controlled space heater or duct in a small quantity of warm air for a crawl space from HVAC systems in the home.
5. Monitor Temperature and Moisture
Real-time temperature monitoring of the crawl space is being done by temperature sensors. If temperatures are dropping near freezing, a smart home system will alert you. Humidity sensors will also help watch moisture levels and prevent condensation that might freeze.
6. Perform Regular Maintenance
Visual inspection of insulation for gaps or any moisture damage should be done once every year. Flush the boiler and pipes regularly to keep them free of buildup. System checkups should be done in the fall, just before the beginning of the cold season.
Real-World Examples: Lessons from Outdoor Boiler Owners
This is one of many issues that Outdoor Boiler customers have faced and dealt with:
- An insulated PEX was used in Nebraska by the homeowner, who also put in a heat lamp in the crawl space. No freezing issues down to -10°F.
- A Michigan cabin owner installed a recirculating pump which runs during low-demand hours and fixed intermittent freezing troubles.
- A Vermont homesteader wrapped PEX in reflective insulation and sealed all crawl space vents. The temperature differential was an amazing 20°F warmer than outside.
If you are uncertain as to which solution will fix your setup, feel free to contact the experts down at Outdoor Boiler for custom assistance.
Conclusion
Pipes can freeze, bringing your heating system to a standstill, causing repairs costing several hundred dollars. However, with these few measures, you can rest assured that your PEX lines will be adequately protected and feel safe all winter.
Begin by sealing and insulating your crawl space. Then purchase quality piping, such as Outdoor Boiler’s Underground Insulated Pipe, keep water flowing within the pipes, and consider other heat sources for extra protection. Monitoring tools will allow you to stay ahead of winter weather.
Remember: Preventing problems is always less expensive than fixing them!
At Outdoor Boiler, we help you winterize your system right the first time with products designed to handle the cold; Our staff will help you with any questions you might have.
Go to OutdoorBoiler.com for insulated pipe, system accessories, and a helping hand.
Need help choosing the best setup? Contact us here to get started.
Your outdoor boiler system should be an asset, not a liability. Difficulties can be prevented with a little planning and the right materials, keeping your crawl space dry, your PEX lines flowing, and your home warm the entire winter.
FAQS
- Do I need to insulate PEX in crawl space?
Winter is such a fun time of the year-who doesn’t enjoy building a snowman? But on the downside, winter can really bring tragedy with its extremely cold weather for some states, cold enough to freeze PEX pipe buried underground outside or inside uninsulated spaces such as basements, attics, or crawl spaces.
- Will pipes freeze in insulated crawl space?
Insulating the crawl space pipes is the first and very important step you can do to prevent these pipes from freezing. Insulating the pipes and sealing all gaps and cracks with duct tape makes a barrier preventing the penetration of cold air into the pipes, which could freeze the water inside.
- At what temperature will PEX pipe freeze and burst?
PEX pipes are a material practically resistant to bursting and freezing due to their insulating properties and inherent flexibility; however, some freezing temperature will surely put these systems to the test. For PEX, this buckling temperature is around 20° F or -7° C.
- Can PEX a fitting withstand freezing?
An industry report demonstrates that PEX holds up through more than 400 freeze-thaw cycles while remaining flexible at -40°C (-40°F).
- How do I keep my PEX from freezing in my crawl space?
To keep PEX pipes from freezing within a crawl space would include insulating PEX pipes with foam pipe sleeves or wraps, insulating the crawl space itself, and sealing any air leaks. Slightly letting water drip out from faucets and shutting off outdoor water taps would also help.
