How should plumbing pipes be installed to prevent freezing in colder climates?

To effectively prevent freezing in colder climates, plumbing pipes should be insulated and installed in conditioned spaces. Insulation helps retain heat around the pipes, minimizing the risk of freezing temperatures affecting the water within them. Conditioned spaces are areas that are heated or cooled as part of building climate control, ensuring that the ambient temperature around the pipes remains within a range that helps prevent freezing.

Installing pipes in unconditioned areas can expose them to frigid outside temperatures, increasing the risk of freezing. While burying pipes underground can provide some protection from cold temperatures, it does not guarantee they will remain above freezing, especially if the ground surface itself is frozen. Using flexible materials for pipes may offer some advantages in certain situations, but it does not directly address the issue of freezing temperatures affecting the water flow. Therefore, the best practice in cold climates is to ensure pipes are both insulated and located within areas that maintain a regulated temperature.