What should be protected against freezing in cold climates?

In cold climates, protecting plumbing components from freezing is crucial to prevent damage and ensure the proper functioning of the plumbing system. Water supply lines are especially vulnerable as they contain water that can freeze, expand, and potentially cause ruptures in the pipes. Therefore, it is essential to insulate and take measures to protect these lines from cold temperatures to maintain a reliable water supply.

While drain pipes (which are typically designed to be empty and may not pose a significant risk of freezing) and gas pipes (which carry gas, not liquid) are important for plumbing systems, the primary concern in freezing temperatures is with water supply lines. Vent pipes can freeze as well, but they usually do not contain significant amounts of water. The proper safeguard measures for water supply lines include insulation, installation of heating cables, or simply ensuring that they are placed in conditioned spaces to minimize exposure to cold air.