Insulate exposed pipes before a freeze

Tom Hanks, owner, 24/7 Express Handyman Service · Updated September 2026

24/7 Express Handyman Service insulates exposed pipes in Salt Lake, Park City and Heber. 55°F is the lowest thermostat setting FORTIFIED advises in cold weather, alongside insulating exposed pipes before a freeze. (Defend Against Frozen Pipes (FORTIFIED, a program of IBHS))

What pipe insulation costs

Salt Lake City & Millcreek	from $205
Park City & Summit County	from $225
Heber Valley & Wasatch County	from $225

Pipe insulation in Salt Lake City & Millcreek starts at $205: the 2-hour minimum at $95/hour ($190) plus the $15 fuel surcharge, with no dispatch fee. Time past 2 hours is billed in 30-minute steps. Larger parts are billed at cost plus 25%.

Full price sheet and estimator

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Answered 24/7 by Tom or his dispatcher.

24/7 Express Handyman Service confirms the address, the zone rate and the dispatch fee, and takes a card, before rolling.

Quick answers

Does pipe insulation stop pipes from freezing?

It slows heat loss but can't stop a freeze forever. USU Extension notes insulation won't protect pipes from prolonged freezing temperatures unless there is some source of heat or periodic water flow, so pair it with keeping the home heated to at least 55°F.

Which pipes should be insulated first?

Start with water pipes in unheated spaces: crawlspaces, attics, garages, and cabinets on outside walls. The Red Cross says both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

How should pipe insulation be installed?

Choose sleeves sized to the pipe, cover every exposed pipe, fitting and valve, and tape all joints tightly. Check for leaks first, since a drip will soak the insulation and make it useless.

A cordless drill, hammer, level, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers and bit sets laid out in rows — Photo: Wilfredor, CC0

What 24/7 Express Handyman Service does on site

Slips pre-formed foam insulation sleeves over exposed water pipes in garages, crawlspaces and unheated cabinets.
Tapes every seam and joint so the insulation covers pipes and fittings completely.
Seals small drafts near the pipes with caulk or foam where cold air blows directly on them.

How it works

Trace exposed pipe runs in unheated areas and check for drips first, since wet insulation stops working.
Measure pipe diameters and cut sleeves to fit, including elbows and valves.
Install and tape the sleeves snug, then seal nearby air leaks.
Referred out: leaks, pipe rerouting and heat cable installation go to a licensed plumber or electrician.

When to stop and call

If a pipe is already frozen, leaking or bulging, shut off the water and call a plumber rather than wrapping it. 24/7 Express Handyman Service insulates dry, sound pipes only.

What happens next

The written scope and price come first; once approved, sleeves go on and you get a list of the runs that were covered.
Photograph the damage before anything is moved and keep every receipt; 24/7 Express Handyman Service provides an itemised invoice your insurer may ask for. The dispatch fee and job cost are paid by you on the day.

Every job 24/7 Express Handyman Service takes on is under $3,000 including labor, materials and any change orders (Utah Code §58-55-305); a change that would push a job over that line is referred to a licensed contractor, not written up as a second job. plumbing, electrical, HVAC, gas appliance / combustion system work is referred to a licensed trade.

Sources

Defend Against Frozen Pipes (FORTIFIED, a program of IBHS) — retrieved 2026-09-23
How to Prevent Pipes From Freezing (USU Extension) — retrieved 2026-09-23
Preventing & Thawing Frozen Pipes — retrieved 2026-09-23

All sources