During the cold season, your pipes could risk getting frozen, especially if installed in unconditioned or uninsulated places, such as basements and crawl spaces. Frozen pipes are often beyond repair, and replacing them can be quite expensive.

These problems can be avoided by insulating water pipes. Most people have taken this option seriously, but there are still a few who continue to have doubts even when pipe insulation has been proven to be highly effective.

If you’re still having second thoughts about insulating your pipes, read on and find out why this investment is worth every penny.

What Pipes Can Be Insulated?

When thinking of insulating your water pipes, the questions you should be asking yourself should center on two things. The first is the number of pipes that you can effectively insulate. The second has to do with the materials that you should use for the insulation work. The answers to these questions and many others will depend on your home’s specific features.

In general, however, exposed pipes are most vulnerable to heat loss and freezing. These are the pipes that must be insulated. If they are located in difficult-to-reach places, the right tools and experts have to be involved to ensure that pipe insulation can be completed promptly.

Benefits of Having Insulated Pipes

The decision to insulate home water pipes is reasonably easy for many homeowners. It is because they can clearly see the benefits that they could gain, especially in the long term. Some, however, have yet to appreciate the various insulation benefits, which can include the following:

1. Pipe Protection

Insulating pipes is the best protection against freezing. To clarify, however, it’s the water that runs inside the pipes that freezes, not the pipes themselves. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion puts pressure on the pipes. If the pressure becomes too intense, it can cause the pipes to break or leak.

The risk of your pipes getting frozen is higher if they are exposed to outdoor elements during winter. External pipes are those that usually lead to sprinklers, lawns, and swimming pools. They also include those that are technically inside the home but are not adequately insulated, like those found in the garage or basement.

2. Control Over Temperature

During winter, pipes need to be properly insulated in order to do their job effectively. Temperature consistency is a crucial element during this period, regardless of whether it’s a hot or a cold pipe that you’re trying to insulate.

When the pipes are properly insulated, your water heater can still be used even with low water temperatures. The drop in the temperature outside will hardly affect the function of your pipes since they are protected. This could result in lower charges on your water bills.

3. Noise Regulation

At times, pipes can vibrate or make loud banging noises as water moves through them while making its way to your heater. These noises can be annoying, but they can be reduced significantly if you get your pipes insulated.

4. Control Over-Condensation

In condensation, moisture can accumulate, eventually forming droplets that will fall onto the floor. The resulting pool of water can lead to accidents or promote the growth of molds. Water pipe insulation can prevent condensation from taking place.

5. Proper Heat Usage

During winter, your water pipes will try to find the heat from the things around them and absorb this. If you have an uninsulated pipe and you’re working on heating the garage, some of the generated heat can get transferred to the pipes. Insulating water pipes can keep this from happening, so heat stays where it’s supposed to be used.

6. Minimal Repair Costs

Insulating pipes can reduce the chances of them freezing during the cold season. It can save you the money you would otherwise spend replacing a frozen pipe. Also, insulated pipes can help make your life comfortable even during winter since there won’t be disruptions to your hot water supply. If any damage occurs, this will be minor, and the repair costs will be minimal.

7. Water Conservation

Plumbing piping insulation will slow down the cooling process of hot water in your pipes. It can also increase the temperature of your household water by a few degrees. This allows you to save water since you don’t have to heat it whenever you need it. Energy is likewise conserved since it takes less time for your water to reach the required warmth. This is because the insulated pipe can help out in the heating process.

When Should You Insulate Pipes?

The best way to insulate water pipes is to do this before the winter season sets in. Generally, if you want to avoid having frozen water pipes, you will need to protect those that pass through unheated spaces, such as basements, mechanical rooms, exterior walls, and floor cavities. In this case, heat tracing could also be necessary to provide additional freeze protection.

Key Takeaway

Contrary to what many believe, insulating your water pipes is relatively easy. This means that if you’re comfortable doing it, you can insulate your pipes on your own. Start by purchasing several sleeves that you can cut according to your desired length. Afterward, secure them by using adhesive tapes.

However, some sections of a typical water pipe can be difficult to reach. This makes DIY insulation impractical. The better option is to get the services of a licensed plumber, so you can be assured that the insulation work will be done according to your requirements.

When insulating water pipes, trust in an expert like Absolute Electrical Heating and Air.

Pipe insulation can be easy work, but if you want it done professionally, Absolute Electrical Heating and Air can do it for you. Winter is a harsh time of the year; everything can be affected, including your plumbing pipes. They need to be protected, and insulation is the most effective way. Contact our experts in plumbing in Denver, CO, if you want to know how to insulate water pipes. We guarantee excellent work results. Call now!