Insulating Water Pipes

Hot water pipes should be insulated wherever accessible, particularly in unheated areas. Pre-cut foam insulation sleeves are widely available and easy to install. The foam simply slips onto the pipe through a slit in the sleeve.

Application and Installation

Before purchasing the foam sleeves at your local hardware store, measure the diameter of your pipe. The sleeves come in varying sizes to accommodate the different diameters of pipes. For maximum energy savings, you will want to ensure a snug fit.

Before you insulate water pipes, check for and repair any leaks. Generally speaking, the first fifteen feet of pipe should be insulated, if accessible, because this is where the most energy is lost. It is also a good idea to insulate the first four to six feet of cold pipe where it enters the tank. Heat from the tank can often be conducted back up the cold inlet pipe. If the inlet pipe feels hot or warm to the touch, it should be insulated.

Insulating your hot water pipes will not only reduce your energy bills, but will also allow you to get hot water more quickly when you need it. The hot water in your pipes will be less likely to cool off between uses.