Secure pipes behind drywall1/8/2024 If you need to remove drywall to access the pipes, that is also a job for a contractor or drywall services company. 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. Insulating water supply pipes is so simple and easy that it is rarely a job that requires extra help. There is no need to wrap water supply lines under sink cabinets. End at Distribution PointsĬontinue to wrap the pipes with insulation until you reach the point where the water supply lines enter the floor above. Continue the foam insulation on long water supply pipes that lead to various water distribution points within the house, primarily the kitchen and bathroom. Continue Insulation on Long RunsĪccess pipes located high in the joist area with the ladder. 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. Then press the adhesive sections firmly together. While holding the two adhesive sides apart with your fingers, carefully place the pipe insulation on the pipe. Peel off the two strips of adhesive backing on the split section of the pipe insulation. Peel Off Adhesive StripsĪfter measuring and dry fitting the foam insulation on the pipe, remove it. Fit the two pieces of insulation at adjacent pipes and push them together so the angled ends meet. Next, cut a separate piece of foam insulation at 45 degrees. To bring foam pipe insulation around 90-degree bends, use the square and utility knife to cut one piece of insulation at 45 degrees. Wrap fiberglass tape pipe insulation around the hot water supply pipe coming out of the water heater. Even worse, breathing asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a type of cancer that is nearly always fatal. Safety Considerationsĭo not remove asbestos pipe insulation, a white cloth-like wrap often found covering pipes and ducts in older homes.īreathing asbestos can cause asbestosis, an aggressive condition that scars the lungs. Ideally, you’ll add insulation to the pipes before the cold season in your area sets in. When to Insulate Water Supply Pipesīecause insulating your water supply pipes is an indoor activity, it can be done at any time of year. Or you can purchase separate foam elbows and tees that also make the turns, but without the need to cut at angles. You’ll need to cut two pieces of pipe insulation at 45 degrees and fit them together. The foam material quickly fits lengthwise over the pipes.įoam insulation can go around turns, but it is a more complicated process than with fiberglass pipe insulation. Plastic strips cover adhesive on the split, and these strips are removed to stick the two sides together.įoam pipe insulation is valuable on long runs of water supply pipes. Foam Pipe Insulationįoam pipe insulation comes in eight-foot long long tubes that are split lengthwise to allow them to be fitted over pipes. It can also be used in areas where the pipe makes many complex turns, since fiberglass pipe insulation is easy to wrap around bends. The insulation is covered on one side with foil facing and is wrapped around the pipes like tape.įiberglass pipe insulation should be used in high heat areas such as near the water heater or furnace. Type of Pipe Insulation to Buy Fiberglass Pipe Insulationįiberglass pipe insulation comes in long strips of fiberglass similar to the type used in walls and attics. Cold water pipes that lead to various parts of the house do not need to be insulated, either. Water pipes that run to the water heater do not need to 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. ![]() Hot water pipes that lead out of the water heater must be insulated. ![]() Not all water pipes need to be insulated. If your water supply lines are accessible, you can insulate all of them in just a few hours. Plus, you’ll save water by not having to wait so long for hot water to reach the tap. It’s estimated that insulating your water supply pipes reduces two to four degrees Fahrenheit of heat loss. It’s such an easy project, you might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Insulating your water supply pipes saves energy, money and water.
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