That’s a good point about copper mesh—never really thought about moisture being such a factor, but it makes sense now that you mention it. I’ve seen steel wool basically dissolve into rust after a season or two, and then you’re back to square one with the critters. Copper’s pricier, but I guess you pay for not having to redo the job every year.
Expanding foam... yeah, I’ve been guilty of that one. It always *looks* like it’s going to do the trick, but I swear the mice around here treat it like a buffet. Ever tried mixing steel wool into the foam? I’ve heard some folks swear by that, but I’m not sure if it’s just making a mess for yourself later.
On pipe insulation, I’m with you on the split foam sleeves. They’re easy to slap on, but I’ve had them slide off or split open in the cold unless they’re properly secured. You mentioned zip ties or proper tape—what do you use for tape? I’ve tried electrical tape and it gets brittle, and duct tape just peels off after a couple freezes. Is there a magic tape out there I’m missing, or is it just a matter of redoing it every year?
Quick fixes are tempting, especially when you’re freezing and just want to get the water running again. But you’re right, they always seem to bite you later. I patched a pipe with a rag and some hose clamps once—looked genius at the time, but it leaked worse than ever after the first hard frost.
Curious if anyone’s had luck with those “self-sealing” foam wraps? They look promising, but I’m skeptical about whether they actually stay put through a full winter.
I’ve tried electrical tape and it gets brittle, and duct tape just peels off after a couple freezes. Is there a magic tape out there I’m missing, or is it just a matter of redoing it every year?
You’re not alone—electrical and duct tape both have their limits in the cold. I’ve had the best luck with foil-backed insulation tape (the kind HVAC folks use). It sticks well even when things get icy, and doesn’t go brittle like plastic tapes. For split foam sleeves, I’ll usually run a strip of that around each end, then add a zip tie for good measure. Not totally foolproof, but it gets me through most winters without redoing.
As for self-sealing foam wraps, they’re hit or miss. If the pipe’s clean and dry, they can last a season or two, but if there’s any moisture or rough edges, they start to peel back. Still better than nothing in a pinch.
Mixing steel wool into foam? Tried it once—just made removal a nightmare later on. Copper mesh is pricey up front but pays off in sanity over time.
I hear you on the copper mesh—pricey, but it’s the only thing that’s kept critters out of my crawlspace pipes for more than a season. I’ve had tenants try Gorilla Tape too, but it just doesn’t hold up in real cold. Anyone ever mess with heat trace cables for exposed lines? I’ve thought about it, but not sure if it’s worth the hassle or just another thing to break.
Heat trace cables can be a solid solution for exposed lines, especially in spots where insulation alone just doesn't cut it. They do add another layer of maintenance, though—I've seen the cheaper ones fail after a few seasons, usually from moisture getting into the connections. If you go that route, make sure to use a cable rated for wet locations and double-check the GFCI protection. It’s a bit more work upfront, but it beats dealing with a burst pipe in February. Copper mesh for critters is expensive, but honestly, I haven't found anything better either... tape's a lost cause once temps drop.
- Heat trace cables saved me last winter—worth every penny after my crawlspace pipe froze solid the year before.
- I cheaped out first time and yeah, moisture wrecked the connections fast. Lesson learned: don’t skimp on the outdoor-rated stuff.
- GFCI tripped once when a squirrel chewed through the cable... copper mesh is pricey but way less hassle than chasing rodents all winter.
- Tried tape as a quick fix—didn’t last a week once it hit single digits. Not even worth the effort, honestly.