How to Insulate Pipes
When winter sets in, it’s time to protect your pipes. No one wants to deal with burst pipes or serious water damage, and with a few precautionary measures and a little knowledge on how to insulate pipes, you won’t have to!
- Clean up – insulating material won’t stick to dirty pipes so the first thing you need to do is clean your exposed pipes thoroughly. A cloth rag and a light cleaner will serve your purpose well; just try not to use anything caustic like bleach. Ensure that all of the visible grease and dirt are removed and then wait for the pipes to dry.
- Pick your materials – hardware stores sell many types of insulation, but the fiberglass or foil types tend to work very well and enable easy installation since they can be wound around the pipes and slightly overlapped.
- Wrap it up – completely wrap and cover all of your freshly cleaned pipes. Don’t leave any part exposed, including bends and corners. If you’re using foil, double wrap with duct tape. If you’re using fiberglass, wrap plastic wrap on top to prevent condensation from dripping.
There are some extra things to consider when insulating your pipes. Instead of a foil or fiberglass wrap, you may choose a tubular sleeve set up. These are pre-insulated, form fitted foam sleeves that can be cut and adjusted to fit your pipes. They can be a bit pricier and a bit more challenging to put together, but they can be worth it if you don’t want to wrap lots of pipe. Also, you must pay special attention to corners. Whether you’re using foil or fiberglass wrapping, if you don’t adequately cover the corners they are likely to let cold or condensation in.
However, if all of this sounds a bit overwhelming then it’s time to call ER Plumbing! We are equipped to insulate your pipes for winter quickly and effectively.
Need a Charlotte Plumber?
Need help with a plumbing company?
Unsure what to do about insulating exposed pipes?
Have questions about plumbing services?
E.R. Services is open 24/7, 365 days a year. You don’t need to take time off work or wait until the morning because we never charge extra for nights or weekends. Just give us a call at 704-269-1066 or use our online contact form.
Learn more about a Charlotte residential plumber here.
Charlotte Plumbers at Your Service
Serving the Charlotte metro area, including Charlotte suburbs. Need a Mineral Springs plumber? We’ll get the job done now and the job done right. 30+ years experience, fully staffed and committed to customer satisfaction.
Learn how to insulate pipes from a plumber in Charlotte.
Article Summary
Quick question & answer: How do I insulate pipes?
You can insulate your pipes by first thoroughly cleaning any exposed pipes using a cloth rag and light cleaner without bleach. Check that visible grease and dirt are removed, then wait for pipes to dry. Next, purchase fiberglass or foil insulation materials that can be wound around the pipes and slightly overlapped. Then, fully cover your pipes with the material.
