HOW TO INSULATE PIPES – 5 Easy Steps

HOW TO INSULATE PIPES

Do you want to have a more efficient plumbing system that will ultimately save you money on heating and cooling your water?  Of course you do!  In this installment we provide 4 easy steps on how to insulate plumbing piping.  Insulating cold-water pipes will prevent them from dripping condensation, and make the quieter. Insulating hot-water pipes will prevent costly heat loss and save on energy utility bills.

Step 1: Clean Pipes and Select Insulation

Begin by removing any dirt or grease from the pipes with a rag and mild cleanser. Allow the pipes to dry thoroughly before installing the insulation.

Choose the insulation, but know that foil or fiberglass insulation can be wrapped around the pipe with a 1/2″ overlap (pictured). Secure each end of the insulation with duct tape.

Step 2: Completely Cover the Pipe

Be sure to cover the entire pipe when wrapping around corners and bends and wrap with duct tape. When working with fiberglass insulation, wrap the fiberglass in plastic to keep the pipes from dripping condensation (pictured).

Step 3: Consider Tubular-Sleeve Insulation

You can choose tubular-sleeve insulation as well. It comes in a variety of sizes and is the easiest to install. Simply cut the sleeve to length and wrap it around the pipe. If more than one sleeve is needed to cover a longer pipe, be sure to duct tape the seam where the pipes meet.

Step 4: Take Special Steps Around Corners

When insulating around corners or T-joints, cut slits or make miter angles where necessary, and secure these areas with duct tape.

After you have completed the above you should be good to go .  As always test your plumbing by turning on the water.  Turn it on hot and see the effect that insulation has on the pipes.  It may also be helpful to watch a few how too videos on how to insulate pipes.  Just check You Tube a list of great videos on the topic.