Adding insulation to water pipes can make your shower get hot faster—a compelling argument if you do the jumpy cold dance in the bathtub or wait impatiently outside. Water pipe insulation also allows you to
lower the temperature on your water heater, because insulated pipes can get water temperature up to 4 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than uninsulated pipes. Plus, insulation around cold-water pipes can prevent condensation drips; insulating hot-water pipes can
save money on your energy bills by preventing heat loss.
Water pipe insulation is tubular. No, really, that's what it's called! (Your '80s surfer voice is permitted for 10 seconds.) Tubular sleeve insulation comes in a variety of sizes and can be cut to fit your pipe length. If you use multiple pieces, seal any seams with acrylic or duct tape. You can also insulate pipes with foil or fiberglass insulation, but they're not as funny. Either of those two should be wrapped around the pipe with a half-inch overlap.
Add pipe insulation to accessible hot water pipes, especially within three feet of the water heater. It's also smart to insulate cold water inlet pipes for the first three feet. Keep insulation at least six inches from the flue on gas water heaters. If pipes are within eight inches of the flue, your safest choice is to use fiberglass wrap without a facing, secured to the pipe with wire or aluminum foil tape.
1. Measure your pipes, and buy your insulation materials online or at a hardware store.
2. Clean oil and debris off pipes with a gentle cleanser and let them dry. Important: Be sure you don gloves and safety goggles when handling insulation, especially fiberglass.
3. Wrap the insulation around the pipe, and secure each end with duct tape. Cover the entire pipe when wrapping around corners and bends—cut slits or make miter angles if needed—and wrap with duct tape.
Note: When working with fiberglass insulation, wrap the fiberglass in plastic to keep the pipes from dripping condensation.
Seal prior to insulating. If you find any leaks as you clean the pipes, seal these before adding insulation.
Measure pipes for sleeve insulation. Do they measure air leakage before and after sealing using a blower door? Do they test the safety of combustion appliances after sealing? Do they install insulation, or can they refer you to an insulation contractor?