Benefit of insulating pipe

[cts001]

I am running 2 pex water lines (hot & cold) approximately 50' across my yard to another building on my property. I plan to fully insulate the hot water line but is there a good reason to insulate the underground cold water line while I have the opportunity? The trench will be below the frost line here in NC. Thanks.

 

[journeyman]

i would insulate to protect it from rocks and ground movement. but why pex and not copper. i dont understand this plastic craze that is going around. if copper is installed correctly it will last a long time. you can by soft copper and roll it out

 

[frodo]

I also do not understand using pex.

cts101, try this..hold a section of 3/4'' pex in on hand. and a section of 3/4 pvc in the other

look at the ID [inside diameter} of the pipe. then figure out which one you want to use.

 

[cts001]

Thanks for the replies. I understand that the cold line should be protected from rocks and stones (although we don't have rocky ground on my property) and I will protect it just case by adding pvc around the pipe. Should I also use styrofoam insulation on the cold water line or Just simply protect it from the rock, etc?

 

[frodo]

how deep is your frost line?

in florida you can run the water under the grass

mississippi you need to be a foot deep

colorado, 8' deep

as long as your under the frost line your ok, in sandy lome soil, that you say [no rocks] you have

insulate as you come up thru the frost line.

if you are bring the line up thru concrete,,use your insulation as a sleeve..good luck with your project