Which action directly reduces the risk of pipe freezing in a nursery during cold weather?

• A. Insulate exposed pipes
• B. Increase irrigation
• C. Remove mulch
• D. Open greenhouse vents

Answer: (A)

Preventing heat loss from the water inside the pipes is essential when cold weather hits. Insulating exposed pipes directly reduces the risk of freezing by slowing the transfer of heat from the warmer water to the cold surroundings. With insulation, the water stays warmer longer, so pipes are less likely to reach freezing temperatures and burst. In a nursery, pipes that run along unheated areas or through the greenhouse are protected this way, making it the most effective measure.

Increasing irrigation doesn’t prevent pipes from freezing and can even complicate the situation by moving more water through the system. Removing mulch targets soil temperature around plants, not the pipes. Opening greenhouse vents lowers the ambient temperature, which can raise the risk of freezing rather than reduce it. So insulation directly addresses the pipe temperature and is the best choice.