Plumbing: How to Insulate Pipes

One of the problems with piping of any type is lost heat - which causes lost energy and increased heating costs, with the potential for frozen pipes in winter and condensation in the summer.

One of the easiest steps you can take to help fix this problem is through insulation. Pipe insulation helps maintain water temperature in the pipes and comes in two main types - wrap on insulation and foamed plastic tubing.

 Foamed insulation is applied by removing the plastic strip from the adhesive faces of the split tube, slipping the tubing around the pipe, then pressing the adhesive seal in place.

Wrap-on insulation is wound spirally around the exposed piping, then secured with tape or ties.