Do You Need To Insulate Hot Water Pipe In Attic

The process for insulating attic pipes is no different than insulating other pipes in your home.

Do you need to insulate hot water pipe in attic.

There is just one small issue with this that is frequency of use. First the obvious insulating your hot water pipes will help keep your hot water hot. Tape the end seams of each insulation length with insulating tape. Moisture laden air must be kept from contacting the pipe surface.

When insulating pipes in the attic there are some steps you need to follow. Uninsulated piping systems that transport fluids can create water temperature irregularities which ultimately requires additional heating or cooling and associated energy costs to bring the water to operating temperature. If you have a traditional tank water heater you re already paying to keep that hot water on standby. Insulation from the experts.

The catch is that time period is limited. Insulating hot water pipes in a cold climate is a no brainer. For domestic hot water many newer codes are requiring a hot water return on demand circulation along with 1 2 insulation on 1 2 piping. But not all homeowners know about this easy efficiency booster or the reasons why you might want to insulate your cold water pipes as well.

But there is a lot to be said for insulating cold water pipes as well. If your pipes are pex i wouldn t bother doing anything since pex has a built in r value. Some like it hot. If they re copper it ll help a bit with keeping the water cold but the main benefit will be eliminating condensation that accumulates on those pipes and drips into your attic potentially causing water damage.

Insulating your pipes is never a bad move to make and with piping that s as versatile as pex piping you ll want to do everything you can to protect it. The intent of the pipe insulation requirements is to reduce temperature changes while fluids are being transported through piping associated with heating cooling or service hot water shw systems thereby saving energy and reducing operating costs. Covering the pipe with lengths of foam insulation with adhesive seams will provide protection from the cold and. Commercial water heater with insulation around pipes two hot spots are gaps if you do insulate a hot water line in a house then the heat of the water in that pipe will simply be retained longer.

The pipe insulation should be a vapor impermeable foam with all the seams and edges taped tight. The best way to ensure a long lifespan for your piping is to insulate properly which in some cases means insulating with the professionals. With the benefit of pipe insulation the hot water waiting in your pipes will cool down slower.