Freeze protection for main water shutoff and pressure regulator

[Jeff S.]

Is there a best way to protect the main shut-off valve to my house (and the pressure regulator) from freezing? Some combination of heat tape and insulation? I need to relocate them from within my crawlspace to a spot outside the house. I'm redoing the crawlspace and by relocating these components I could make the re-plumbing part far, far simpler. The water service from the meter is underground PVC and the piping in the crawlspace is PEX B. Thank you.

 

[Breplum]

We did have a serious freeze in Oakland decades ago and it was a great source of a lot of overtime.
Generally if temp ranges are getting more extreme it could be opportunity to consider leaving room for wrapping devices with good insulating covers, but, at this point in the east bay region, we are still just installing PRVs, backflow and main piping exposed.
Out here in Lafayette flatlands, it gets much colder and Ijust a two years ago had backflow devices crack from freeze along with plant die-off. So leaving room for wrapping devices in protective blankets makes good sense.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Fitter30]

Oakland has a 6" frost line could bury it and use a septic tank riser for a cover and sleeve or something in precast concrete.

 

[Slomoola]

Choosing PEX B is free pressure and volume reduction compared to PEX A. Yes it is vividly noticeable.

Use an irrigation box to bury the shut off and PRV.

Use a 4" corrugated drain pipe to sleeve it all. Provides a layer of pipe protection and insulation.

Armaflex insulation is good too.