If you’re looking at ways to improve the energy efficiency of your home, you may be considering large, complicated projects such as insulating the walls, ceilings or attic. However, a home’s plumbing and piping often goes unnoticed and uninsulated.

In many homes, water is heated in a hot water tank and then distributed through the house in pipes that are not well-insulated. This results in substantial energy loss. Fortunately, water pipe insulation is relatively inexpensive, though it can result in significant cost savings over the life of your home.

Improving Plumbing Pipe Insulation: The Basics

When pipes are not insulated, their entire surface area is exposed to air. This results in substantial heat loss as water moves through the pipes. Water pipe insulation helps to combat this loss by keeping the water in the pipes warmer for longer. As a result, you spend less time waiting for water to heat up as you wash dishes or take showers.

By adding pipe insulation, you can lower the thermostat on your hot water heater by several degrees. You’ll also waste less water running the tap waiting for the water to warm. Over time, the decrease in hot water use translates into lower heating and water bills, all for the relatively small investment of some fiberglass or foam pipe insulation.

Types of Water Pipe Insulation

Water pipe insulation generally comes in two types:

• Pipe sleeves made of foam, fiberglass polyethylene or other material
• Strips or rolls of foam, fiberglass or other material.

Pipe sleeves are a common choice for contractors and homeowners looking to improve plumbing insulation. To install pipe sleeves, start at the hot water tank and follow the outlet pipe, sliding the foam pipe insulation over the pipe as you go. The foam pipe insulation has double-sided tape on its edges, so it can be secured after you slide the insulation over the pipe.

To install strips or rolls of fiberglass or foam, twist insulation around the pipes leading away from the hot water heater and secure in place either with duct tape or metal ties.

Water Pipe Insulation: Tips

Before purchasing pipe insulation, make sure you measure the diameter of your pipes. Loose-fitting insulation will be less effective than insulation that fits snugly around the pipes. In addition, you will want to thoroughly clean the outside of your pipes before installing the insulation.

While it’s a good idea to insulate all the accessible pipes in your house, at a minimum you will want to insulate the pipes that are closest to your hot water tank. However, if you have a gas water heater, be careful not to place the insulation too close to the flue, which can create a fire hazard. You’ll also want to be careful to seal any gaps in the insulation with duct tape or other material, paying special attention to corners and points where pieces of insulation meet.