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Protect Pipes from Freezing Weather with These Tips
Experts share advice on properly wrapping and insulating water pipes to prevent bursting during cold snaps.
Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:07pm
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As Acadiana braces for another stretch of freezing temperatures, homeowners are concerned about protecting their water pipes from freezing. Experts recommend using foam insulation and tape to properly wrap pipes, especially outdoor faucets and hose bibs, to block cold wind and prevent pipes from bursting.
Why it matters
Frozen and burst pipes can cause significant water damage to homes, leading to costly repairs. Proper pipe insulation is crucial during cold weather to protect homeowners' property and avoid the hassle of dealing with a plumbing emergency.
The details
Ryan Wagstaff, general manager of Roto-Rooter in Lafayette, says the biggest mistake homeowners make is not addressing their pipes at all or failing to properly seal the seams when wrapping them. He recommends using foam insulation along with tape to fully cover the pipes and block cold wind. Indoor pipes generally don't need wrapping, but opening cabinet doors can help warm air circulate. Outdoor faucets and hose bibs should always have protective covers.
- Lows tomorrow night and Wednesday night will be in the upper 20s to low 30s.
- Highs will be in the low 60s on Thursday before more Arctic air arrives Friday, with overnight temperatures this weekend in the low 20s.
The players
Ryan Wagstaff
The general manager of Roto-Rooter in Lafayette, Louisiana.
What they’re saying
“The biggest mistake that people make is not addressing their pipes at all. Sometimes we do see pipes that are wrapped, but they're not taped properly. You have to make sure that all of those seams are sealed to prevent the wind from getting in and causing a freeze.”
— Ryan Wagstaff, General Manager, Roto-Rooter
“Here at Roto-Rooter, we recommend foam insulation along with tape. You want to make sure that all of the seams in the foam are covered to block cold wind from reaching the water inside.”
— Ryan Wagstaff, General Manager, Roto-Rooter
“If you have outdoor hose bibs or spigots, you want to make sure that you have faucet covers on those as well. Your local friends here at Roto-Rooter recommend keeping your pipes covered until the temperature goes above the 32-degree freezing mark.”
— Ryan Wagstaff, General Manager, Roto-Rooter
What’s next
According to Storm Team 10 meteorologists, lows tomorrow night and Wednesday night will be in the upper 20s to low 30s, and overnight temperatures this weekend are expected to drop into the low 20s, so homeowners should take action to protect their pipes as soon as possible.
The takeaway
Properly insulating and wrapping water pipes, especially outdoor faucets and hose bibs, is crucial during cold weather to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which can lead to costly water damage. Following the expert advice from local plumbers can help homeowners safeguard their property and avoid plumbing emergencies.
