Copper tubing is a common feature of residential plumbing and is generally durable and corrosion resistant. It tolerates both hot and cold water, as well as high water pressure, and it can be recycled if it fails. It’s too rigid to use in tight spaces, and it’s particularly susceptible to freezing temperatures.

Ice blockages may form within the pipes, causing them to burst as the ice growth applies high pressures to the water supply.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipes are strong and durable enough to handle high water pressure, but they cannot withstand hot water. They’re most commonly used for cold water supply lines or wastewater purposes, including sinks, toilets, and shower drains. Their smooth inner linings prevent sediment buildup, so they are resistant to blockages. However, it’s still possible for ice blockages to develop during freezing temperatures, which might damage the pipe.

PVC pipes are less likely to burst than metal pipes, but it’s still possible, particularly if the pipe travels through an exterior wall.

Insulation is designed to trap warm air within the interior of a home, rather than allowing it to escape to the exterior where it will be cooled. Insulation can help prevent pipes from freezing, and different types of insulation provide varying levels of resistance to heated airflow. The amount and type of insulation required for a home depends on the local climate, type of heating and cooling system, and each part of the house. Pipes may be wrapped in foam, fiberglass, or rubber tubing that provides additional insulation.

Cellulose insulation is an organic material typically consisting of 75% to 85% recycled paper fiber – often recycled newspaper. The other 15% to 25% is a fire retardant like boric acid. It can be installed as blown-in, loose-fill, dense pack, or wet apply materials. Cellulose insulation is usually installed in horizontal spaces, like the ceiling between the attic and the bedroom or other rooms beneath.

There are several types of foam insulation available for both new construction and filling in leaks in existing construction. Injection foam can be injected into an existing cavity to improve the insulation of an existing home, while spray foam is sprayed into an open cavity for use in new construction. Light and pliable open cell spray foam shifts as it settles, while dense and heavy closed cell spray foam is more resistant to weathering and temperature fluctuations. Rigid foam board can be placed inside unfinished walls, floors, or ceilings.  

Fiberglass insulation consists of plastic reinforced by glass fibers for additional strength and insulation capacity. It may come in pre-shaped blanket batts and rolls designed to fit into the standard width between wall studs, attic trusses, rafters, or floor joists. Fiberglass insulation may also be blown-in, which is particularly suitable to fill irregularly shaped spaces.

Polyethylene (PE) material can become a high-density plastic through chemical or physical reactions. This creates cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) plastic.

PEX tubing was developed as a more flexible alternative to metal pipes. PEX piping can handle high water pressure and can weave through walls, ceilings, basements, and crawlspaces. The pipes themselves are usually color-coded, red for hot water and blue for cold, so plumbers can easily identify and organize the pipes they’re working with.

These pipes may be strong and flexible, but they can still fail during freezing conditions, usually due to pressure buildup caused by ice blockages. The tubing may “mushroom” out before finally splitting and gushing water.

Cast iron or galvanized steel pipes are most commonly found in early 20th Century homes and are rarely used in new construction. They’re durable and heat resistant, but cast iron and galvanized steel are both prone to rust and corrosion. They’re particularly susceptible to cracking or splitting when exposed to freezing conditions.