quest to stop freezing pipes

Robbie71

I just checked the depth of my supply pipe from my well/pressure vessel to the house .
I did'nt have to dig too far - only 7" in places and up to 12"
the pipe run is 25m into the house,

it is a black pipe plastic about 20mm thick - anyone know the name of this pipe?
Rather than dig up 25m of a 30" deep trench I am of thinking a compromise .

Could i just leave the pipe as is and insulate - what thickness insulation?
and/or wrap a heating tape (about €100)

Would appreciate any tips / advice
(my hands are getting blisters just thinking about the digging )

heinbloed

How would you wrap a heating tape around without digging?

JohnnieK

The pipe is called Hydradare. Did it freeze last year?

Robbie71

I had planned to just dig to expose the pipe and wrap the insulation. They are only 12" deep max and mostly about 6" .
Digging the recommended 24" or deeper is a different ball game.

sky6

If it were me here is what I would do. I would dig a new trench 24 to 30 inches down
( better if you can get a machine to do it like a jcb. or you can hire a trenching machine in most good hire shops. ) I would then buy new 3/4 inch Hydrodare pipe ( make sure to get heavy Gauge ) and put in the trench and back fill over. Your problem is then solved forever.
The pipe is not expensive and by the time you buy insulation, expose the present pipework, fit the insulation and struggle with the trench falling in while your trying to fit the insulation you would have it all replaced and a better job done.
My way about half a day ,yours will take about 2 days.