Schulte Supply Foam Insulation Discs for Water Meter Freeze Protection
As utilities prepare for winter operations, mitigating freeze risk in water meter pits becomes a critical part of system reliability. Schulte Supply’s Foam Insulation Discs provide a practical, field-tested solution designed to reduce heat loss, stabilize temperatures within meter wells, and prevent freeze-related service failures.
Purpose and Function
Water meter pits are susceptible to convective heat loss, especially during extended periods of sub-freezing temperatures. Even with a properly seated lid, cold air infiltration and ground temperature drop can cause ice formation around meters and service lines.
Schulte Supply’s insulation discs act as a thermal barrier, reducing vertical heat transfer and helping retain the earth’s natural geothermal warmth inside the pit.
Material & Construction
These discs are manufactured from high-density closed-cell foam, a material widely used in thermal insulation applications due to its low moisture absorption and high R-value stability. Closed-cell structure ensures:
• Minimal water penetration even in high-moisture environments
• Consistent insulating performance over time
• Resistance to compression from meter lids or debris
• Increased longevity under repeated winter cycles
Installation & Compatibility
Installation requires no tools, adhesives, or modification to the meter pit.
The discs are engineered to fit common meter well diameters and can be placed directly above most AMR/AMI endpoint assemblies without interfering with signal transmission.
Available diameters include:
• 18” x 4”
• 20” x 4”
• 21” x 4”
• 24” x 4”
• 30” x 4”
• 36” x 4”
The standardized 4″ thickness provides adequate coverage while maintaining lightweight handling characteristics for field crews.
Operational Advantages
Utilities integrating foam insulation discs into their winterization workflow typically experience:
• Reduced freeze-ups in shallow or exposed pits
• Lower emergency response labor during extreme weather events
• Enhanced meter longevity by preventing thermal stress and ice expansion around housing components
• Improved system continuity, minimizing unplanned shutdowns and customer interruptions
Because installation can occur during routine maintenance or meter change-outs, discs represent one of the most cost-effective cold-weather upgrades available.
Procurement & Availability
Schulte Supply stocks all sizes and currently has insulation discs available and on sale. For pricing, bulk quantities, or technical fit questions, contact your nearest branch:
• Edwardsville, IL / Metro East — 800-843-3711
• St. Peters, MO / St. Louis — 844-843-3711
• Independence, MO / Kansas City — 855-843-3711
• Little Rock, Arkansas — 888-843-3711
Or buy today: https://schultesupply.com/vendors/schulte/
