What material is typically used to insulate pipes to prevent freezing?

Pipe insulation is specifically designed to reduce heat loss and prevent heat gain in piping systems, making it the most suitable material to insulate pipes against freezing. It is often made from materials like fiberglass or foam that have low thermal conductivity, effectively keeping the heat in and protecting the pipes from cold air or temperatures that could lead to freezing.

While other materials like foam padding or thermal blanketing may provide some level of insulation, they are not typically used for this specific application. Foam padding, for example, might not offer sufficient protection from extreme cold temperatures, and thermal blanketing is usually reserved for larger equipment or systems rather than plumbing pipes. Plastic wrap, on the other hand, is not an insulation material and would not offer any effective thermal protection. Thus, pipe insulation is the best choice for preventing freezing in pipes.