- Working time: 2 to 3 hours
- Total time: 2 to 3 hours
- Skill level: Beginner
- Project cost: $100 to $200
Insulating your water supply pipes saves energy, money and water. It’s such an easy project, you might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.
It’s estimated that insulating your water supply pipes reduces two to four degrees Fahrenheit of heat loss. Plus, you’ll save water by not having to wait so long for hot water to reach the tap.
If your water supply lines are accessible, you can insulate all of them in just a few hours.
Water Supply Pipes to Insulate
Not all water pipes need to be insulated. Hot water pipes that lead out of the water heater must be insulated. If you have full access to all of your water pipes, aim to insulate the entire run from the water heater up to distribution points such as bathroom sinks, kitchen sink, showers and bathtubs.
Water pipes that run to the water heater do not need to be insulated. Cold water pipes that lead to various parts of the house do not need to be insulated, either.
Type of Pipe Insulation to Buy
Fiberglass Pipe Insulation
Fiberglass pipe insulation comes in long strips of fiberglass similar to the type used in walls and attics. The insulation is covered on one side with foil facing and is wrapped around the pipes like tape.
Fiberglass pipe insulation should be used in high heat areas such as near the water heater or furnace. It can also be used in areas where the pipe makes many complex turns, since fiberglass pipe insulation is easy to wrap around bends.
Foam Pipe Insulation
Foam pipe insulation comes in eight-foot long long tubes that are split lengthwise to allow them to be fitted over pipes. Plastic strips cover adhesive on the split, and these strips are removed to stick the two sides together.
Foam pipe insulation is valuable on long runs of water supply pipes. The foam material quickly fits lengthwise over the pipes.
Foam insulation can go around turns, but it is a more complicated process than with fiberglass pipe insulation. You’ll need to cut two pieces of pipe insulation at 45 degrees and fit them together. Or you can purchase separate foam elbows and tees that also make the turns, but without the need to cut at angles.
When to Insulate Water Supply Pipes
Because insulating your water supply pipes is an indoor activity, it can be done at any time of year. Ideally, you’ll add insulation to the pipes before the cold season in your area sets in.
Safety Considerations
Do not remove asbestos pipe insulation, a white cloth-like wrap often found covering pipes and ducts in older homes.
Breathing asbestos can cause asbestosis, an aggressive condition that scars the lungs. Even worse, breathing asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is nearly always fatal.
Tools
- Utility knife
- Utility knife blades
- Scissors
- Square
- Tape measure
- Flashlight
- Ladder
- Breathing protection
- Eye protection
- Gloves
Materials
- Foam pipe insulation
- Foam pipe elbows and tees (optional)
- Fiberglass tape insulation
- Foil tape
- Cable zip ties
Instructions
1. Insulate Near Water Heater
Wrap fiberglass tape pipe insulation around the hot water supply pipe coming out of the water heater. Extend it up about 10 inches. Wrap it with foil tape.
2. Bend Insulation Around Turns
To bring foam pipe insulation around 90-degree bends, use the square and utility knife to cut one piece of insulation at 45 degrees. Next, cut a separate piece of foam insulation at 45 degrees. Fit the two pieces of insulation at adjacent pipes and push them together so the angled ends meet.
3. Peel Off Adhesive Strips
After measuring and dry fitting the foam insulation on the pipe, remove it. Peel off the two strips of adhesive backing on the split section of the pipe insulation.
4. Stick Foam Insulation to Pipes
While holding the two adhesive sides apart with your fingers, carefully place the pipe insulation on the pipe. Then press the adhesive sections firmly together.
5. Secure Insulation
Secure the foam insulation on the pipes either by tying it with cable zip ties or wrapping it every foot to 18 inches with foil tape.
6. Continue Insulation on Long Runs
Access pipes located high in the joist area with the ladder. Continue the foam insulation on long water supply pipes that lead to various water distribution points within the house, primarily the kitchen and bathroom.
7. End at Distribution Points
Continue to wrap the pipes with insulation until you reach the point where the water supply lines enter the floor above. There is no need to wrap water supply lines under sink cabinets.
When to Call a Pro
Insulating water supply pipes is so simple and easy that it is rarely a job that requires extra help. But if you are not able to access remote sections of pipe, you may want to have a contractor, plumber or repair service do the job.
If you need to remove drywall to access the pipes, that is also a job for a contractor or drywall services company. If you encounter asbestos pipe insulation that must be removed, call an asbestos abatement company to do the work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Should you open up walls to insulate pipes?
Generally, water supply pipes within walls are considered to be insulated enough that they don’t need extra insulation.
One exception is if the pipes touch or are close to the exterior sheathing and your area regularly experiences below-freezing conditions. These pipes should be insulated to prevent them from bursting when it freezes.
Does asbestos pipe wrap need to be re-insulated?
If the asbestos pipe wrap is in good condition, it is an effective type of pipe insulation and does not need to be removed and replaced. Asbestos is safe as long as it is untouched, undamaged, and undisturbed.
Should you ever insulate cold water pipes?
Usually you only insulate hot water pipes. But if you have cold water pipes that are unusually exposed to the elements, such as supply pipes that run through open crawlspaces, insulation may prevent pipes from bursting in freezing conditions.
