cold and Hot Water Pipe Insulation

In cold climates, hot water pipes can easily freeze and be a source of heat loss, while cold water pipes can get condensation dripping. That's why pipe and ductwork insulation is a key element to get energy savings.

Insulation should involve all the accessible pipes or, in the case of hot-water pipes, at least, the first 3 feet (1 meter) of them (measured from the water heater).

Water pipes insulation
Cold water pipes need insulation whenever exposed to freezing temperatures. On the other hand, hot water pipes will also benefit from insulation (between the water heater and fixtures). Insulation will avoid problems like condensation, and heat losses (in the case of hot water pipes).

See: Home ducts sealing and insulation

Safety Warnings

Take into account the product manufacturer’s warnings. Use safety goggles and gloves when working with some materials (e.g. fiberglass)...

Do not insulate the part of the pipes close to the flue (at least the first 6 inches / 16 cm).

Before installation

Before installing the insulation, remove dirt or grease from the pipes and allow them to dry.

Pipe sleeves insulation

Pipe sleeves - made with polyethylene or neoprene foam and presented in a wide variety of sizes – provide excellent insulation. Just choose a pipe sleeve that is at least about 3/4 inch thick or R-4.

Pipe sleeves are easy to install and very effective. Just match the pipe sleeve's with the pipe's outside diameter to get a snug fit.

Before buying, measure the diameter of your pipe, to see if you have 3/4 inch piping or 1/2 inch piping. To secure the insulation to the pipe, use wire or tape, or clamp it with a cable. If using more than one sleeve, you should duct tape the seam where the pipes meet.

Note: Plumbing pipes are measured by inside diameter.

Wraps and insulating tapes for Hot and cold Pipe insulation

High quality sleeves are the most common and very effective solution for cold and hot water pipe insulation, but there are other alternatives like insulation wraps and tapes.

These alternatives are also inexpensive and are easy to apply. Just tape the product around the pipes and joints and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be aware, however: when buying, look for top tapes, as those qualified by the Underwriters Laboratories (logo on left).

Foam rubber insulation

Foam rubber insulation is another alternative for pipe insulation. Just put it over the pipes and wrap the ends, securing them with duct tape. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fiberglass insulation

Fiberglass insulation is yet another alternative for cold and hot water pipe insulation. Just wrap the fiberglass in plastic to prevent condensation. If pipes are very close to the flue, use fiberglass pipe-wrap with 1-inch (1,5 cm) thick or more. Use wire or aluminum foil tape to secure the fiberglass to the pipe.