Besides the fact that snow showers and freezing temps are commonplace to any hardened Red Oakan, insulating your hot water pipes is a great, low-stress way to make your plumbing greener. In fact, adding insulation reduces heat loss and can actually make your hot water two to four degrees hotter than with uninsulated pipes, letting you lower the temperature setting on your water heater. All of these little green benefits really add up, and can help you save up to $12 every single year.

A three-hour, low-cost DIY project that helps save money and prevent freezing pipes? Sign us up! Courtesy of the EPA, here’s how to insulate your pipes:

How to Insulate Your Hot Water Pipes

1.) Measure Your Pipes

Before you start, identify which hot water pipes are most in need of insulation – look for exposed pipes, particularly in cooler areas of your home (like the basement).

Starting at the water heater, use a tape measure to gauge the lengths of insulation you’ll need to cover all of the accessible hot water pipes, especially the first 3 feet of pipe from the water heater – keep in mind that on gas water heaters, insulation should be kept at least 6 inches from the flue for maximum safety.

At the same time, measure the diameter of the pipes themselves – this will become important later, as you measure and cut your insulation material.

2.) Choose Your Insulation Material
There are a few types of insulation available for DIY plumber, the most common of which are pipe sleeves made with polyethylene or neoprene foam (better for use with electric water heaters), or heartier fiberglass pipe-wrap (a safer choice if your pipes come closer to your gas water heater’s flue). Bear in mind that if you choose to work with fiberglass, you should always use gloves and wear long sleeves and pants to ensure your safety.

3.) Measure and Cut the Pipe Sleeve
Using your tape measure and a cutting tool – scissors, utility knives, and box cutters tend to work best – cut the insulation to the lengths you need. Your sleeves should be able to wrap securely around the pipe; match the insulation sleeve's inside diameter to the pipe sleeve’s outer diameter (which you measured earlier) for the snuggest possible fit.

4.) Place the Pipe Sleeve
Once your insulation is cut and ready, carefully place the pipe sleeves you’ve made around the accessible pipes. Take care to make sure that the fit is secure and that the seam is face down on the pipe.

5.) Secure Your Pipe Sleeves
If you’re using foam pipe sleeves, secure them using acrylic or duct tape, or cable ties. For fiberglass wrap, use aluminum foil tape or wire. In either case, use your binding element every foot or two to secure the sleeves to the pipe.

Looking to tackle a plumbing DIY project of your own? Want some help going green? Whatever your needs, Combat Plumbing is here and happy to help! Drop us a line for all of your plumbing , water leak, sewer and gas line problems, day or night!