Insulating water pipes is a key element to any efforts towinterize the plumbing in the home.
When preventing freezing is the goal, insulate both the hot- and cold-water pipes.
Hot water pipes can also freeze unless water is actively running through them.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
When exposed cold pipes contact warm, humid air, condensation can form on the pipes.
Insulating the cold water pipes can prevent this condensation.
There are several strategies you’ve got the option to use to insulate water pipes.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
We’ll talk about insulation it’s possible for you to apply directly to the pipes.
Before You Begin
When selecting water pipe insulation, consider the R-value of the various options.
R-value is a measurement that quantifies the resistance to heat flow of a given material.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The higher the R-value, the greater the insulating power of that material.
The R-value may not be displayed on pipe insulation, so you may need to do a little research.
The colder your climate, the higher the R-value you should look for when choosing pipe insulation.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Remove any dirt or grease from the pipes before insulating.
Any kind of moisture can cause the insulation to come loose.
Duct tape or self-sealing strips on the insulation may come loose over time and expose parts of the pipe.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
If the pipes are not completely covered, reseal those areas before winter temperatures drop.
Completely cover the pipe, taking care not to leave any areas exposed.
Finish Wrapping
Tape the end of the insulating strip in place.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
The sleeves can be made of either foam or rubber insulation, and both are available in self-sealing styles.
Different diameters are available for different pipe sizes: 1/2-, 3/4-, and 1-inch.
Installing foam sleeve pipe insulation is one of the simplest of all insulation options.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Slide the sleeve over the pipe; the slits will close up around the pipe.
If necessary, continue with the next sleeve, butting it against the end of the previous sleeve.
If the pipe is turning a corner, you might miter-cut the sleeves to fit around the corner.
The Spruce / Kevin Norris
Or, use pipe-wrap to cover the fittings at corners, taping them to the foam sleeves.
When the installation is completed, also tape the butt seams where two sleeves meet.
