THIS IS A HAMMER

Even Insulated Pipes

Can Freeze

Q: Regarding your recent column on pipe insulation and freezing: You blew it this time. As a chemical engineer who has worked with construction and operation of various facilities, I can categorically tell you that pipe insulation will not prevent pipes from freezing — particularly where power and heat are not available.

Pipe insulation will slow the transfer of heat and cold into or out of piping. However, if heat is not available for a sufficient time, the water in the pipe will freeze if the surrounding air temperature is below 32 F. It might take awhile, but...