So when we built our barn we ran the water lines inside of the walls. Well rats got in there and chewed holes in the line.

So I have a plumber come out and run the water lines on the outside of the barn to several faucets. They put the foam insulation around the copper line.

Before this freeze I turned off the water that fed these lines and drained them. Go out today after it got above freezing and turned the water back on. Two major leaks spraying water everywhere. Obviously several places in the line froze and cracked.

Suggestions on how to fix this issue long term.

How many linear feet of line are we talking about?

It will be low places that did not drain.
Short of redoing it with sloping lines and PEX, set up for a proper draining. Add a valve or a capped nipple at the lowest point. Get an adapter to go from email water hose to an air chuck and blow the lines out with an air compressor after you open the drain point. Start at the most distant faucets to your drain point and just blow the snot out of it.

Alternatively, if your are not worried about this often, fill the lines with RV antifreeze. I did this on the cabin for 10 years had never busted a pipe or a p-trap

every water line I fixed after the big freeze few years ago was copper, no plex or PVC

only way to protect them is run them inside or put a electric heat wrap/wire on them or run them in a way you get 100% drain

Agree with Nak.

I keep up with weather forecasts and if we are in for a hard freeze:

When I leave my mobile home in the winter, I close the water valve coming from the well under the trailer. I flush the toilet and dip most of the water left over in the bowl. Then use an air compressor at the kitchen sink to blow the water lines. Also in the bathroom sink. Then pour windshield washer anti freeze into the traps in kitchen and bathroom sinks plus the tub trap. Also a little in toilet bowl and tank.

Next to the well house. I turn off the power switch to the pump motor. Then close the valve from the tank to the well motor. Then hook a hose to the well house faucet and empty the pressure tank. Then remove the drain plug on the pump motor.

Actually, I generally do the well house first.

I’ve learned this stuff the hard/expensive way.

Been where you are. My solution was installing boiler drain valves in lowest areas with a valve in a location to provide vacuum break to allow air into high part of system.

Your case may need one or may need more drains.

This is what I do.

thanks guys! Good info

Nothing will withstand hard freeze like Banjo brand American made valves and fittings. Black poly construction.

The bad three freezes we've had since Feb 2020, my Banjo fittings took it in stride. They are on the north side if my cisterns and not covered. No worse for the ware.

You got to be able to drain them. These frost-proof yard hydrants work well. The water drains out of the vertical pipe every time you shut it off. Gravel at the bottom lets it drain.

https://www.zoro.com/woodford-manuf...d5f183e49447f4b2c1a3aa9&gclsrc=3p.ds

Run PEX and sleeve it was 2" PVC with foam insulation, or 1.5" PVC Sleeve with insulation depending on whehter you run 3/4" or 1/2" PEX.

TLK please don't put anit-freeze into barn water pipes. Someone might not know it's there and fill a water bucket or tank, then you'll have sick animals.

The solution is putting in more drains at the low points. I have 6 drains on my external water system that ensures the pipes are empty. You can also do like NAK suggests and blow the lines out if you want a belt and suspenders solution.

Low point drains

Thanks but I have no plans to put anit-freeze in my pipes

isnt RV antifreeze different ? Its made for RV Water and wastewater systems and is a glycerin-free formula

Yes and it would be a very notable color.

And non-toxic.

Adding. I also have a small, temp controlled, electric heater in the well house. Cast iron pumps and copper lines can get expensive and they don’t expand worth a damn.

You should of gotten the expandable copper lines they sell

Ranger, the well and house is about 40 years old. How long have they sold the expandable copper? My biggest concern is the electric motor in the well house.

They don't have expandable copper, I was messing with you.

I’m naive

Actually PEX is about as close as it comes.