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Insulating Plumbing Pipes

Guide

Guide describing how to insulate plumbing pipes.

Wrap batt insulation around pipe loosely enough not to compress the insulation and secure with wire or tape

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The hot water pipe on this heat pump water heater has been insulated with pipe insulation.

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Spray foam insulation insulates and air seals around plumbing pipes and top plates in the attic.

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How to Insulate around Plumbing Pipes

Video

Video about properly insulating around plumbing pipes to prevent freezing.

Insulate Steam Distribution and Condensate Return Lines

Reference

Fact sheet describing principles of insulating steam distribution and condensate return lines as an effective way to prevent energy loss.

Wrap the insulation around the pipe in a spiral fashion

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Tubular pipe insulation sleeves come with a precut seam

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Building America Energy Performance Brief: Insulating Plumbing Pipes

Case Study

Case study describing the steps involved and subsequent benefits of insulating plumbing pipes in a home.

Right – The pipes on this heat pump water heater are carefully insulated.

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Wrong - Craft faced batt insulation is not cut to fit around PEX plumbing pipe.

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High-density fiberglass pipe insulation comes with a vapor barrier cover and self-adhesive seam

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The pipe insulation on this exterior refrigerant line is intact but significantly degraded from ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

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Wrong - Wall cavities behind shower are not completely filled with insulation and are lacking the solid interior air barrier.

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Wrong - Craft faced batt insulation is compressed behind PEX pipe instead of being sliced to fit around it.

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The inlet and outlet water pipe connections are located on top of this electric water heater; note that the hot water line (on the left) has been insulated.

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The refrigerant line for this outdoor compressor unit of the home’s air conditioner is covered with new pipe insulation then wrapped with an additional UV-resistant jacket to protect it from the elements.

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Right – Spray foam is used to seal around PEX plumbing pipes.

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This air conditioner is located in an unconditioned attic and has a condensate line that is uninsulated.

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How to Keep Attic Vent From Freezing Up in Winter

Video

Video describing techniques to prevent attic plumbing vents from freezing during Alaskan winters.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Imagine Homes: Stillwater Ranch, San Antonio, TX

Case Study

Case study describing a new home builder that strives to address health, safety, and durability issues in a hot and humid climate.

Evaluation of CNT Energy Savers Retrofit Packages Implemented in Multifamily Buildings

Reference

Report exploring feasibility of designing prescriptive retrofit measure packages for typical Chicago region multifamily buildings in order to achieve 25% source energy savings.