Insulating Water Pipes
Hot water pipes, especially with circulating systems, should be insulated in unheated areas. Foam insulation sleeves are recommended. The foam simply slips onto the pipe through a slit in the sleeve. While you could also use foil-faced fiberglass installed in strips and tied to the pipe with wire or tape every 15 to 20 cm (six to eight inches), this is cumbersome. The foam sleeves are generally more effective and much easier to install.
Application and Installation
Before purchasing the foam sleeves at your local hardware store, measure the diameter of your pipe. 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. Wet insulation is rendered useless. Generally speaking, the first 4.5 metres (15 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 1.2 to 1.8 metres (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 the entire length of 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.
