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Yes, PEX pipes should be insulated in certain situations. While insulation is not always necessary for pipes running through insulated interior or external walls, it is recommended for any pipes located in uninsulated rooms, unheated areas, or outside, especially in regions with cold winters. The primary reason is to prevent freezing. Although PEX is more resistant to cracking from freezing than other materials, repeated freezing and thawing can weaken the pipes over time, increasing the risk of a burst.

Each of the three types of wool insulation has particular disadvantages. While their R-value is higher, they all cost more than fiberglass versions. Installing mineral wool and sheep wool requires protective gear. Because of its vulnerability to insects, chemicals are used in its production. Hemp wool is more costly to install than other types because additional tools and labor are involved.

It’s technically possible to install loose-fill cellulose insulation without a blower, but it’s much more time-consuming, tedious, and dangerous. You’ll need to wear the proper protective coverings to handle the cellulose after it’s been doused in boric acid; use a shovel when you can to transport the material from the bag into the wall cavity.

That said, if you purchase cellulose materials at a home improvement store, ask if they rent out blowers for free or at a discounted rate. In many cases, if you buy the material from the store, they’ll rent out the blower at no extra cost.

Winterizing your outdoor plumbing keeps your outdoor spigot from freezing and potentially bursting. This includes draining residual water out of the pipe and spigot after turning the valve off, then removing garden hoses and other attachments from the spigot before winter comes. Insulating the pipe that leads to the spigot and installing a freeze-proof faucet also help, as does installing an outdoor faucet protector.