Heat Water Pipe Insulation Foam Fiberglass?

D107

is good, yes? Not just for near boiler piping, but for a few long runs in basement where pipe is exposed. If both supply and returns are insulated, then Delta T measurement should be relatively reliable?

Thanks,

David

Susan_2

Heat Water Pipe Insulation Foam Fiberglass?

I am going to insulate my copper pipes (3/4", 1" & 1 1/4") several feet from the water heater and burner, mostly because of the upcoming gas heating bills.

WHAT MATERIAL?

Foam; Foam Rubber; Rubber; Fiberglass


ANYTHING I SHOULD KNOW BEFORE BUYING?

If you get what you pay for, what should I get & and what "specs" should I look for?


ANYTHING TO AVOID?

I am considering Home Depot, Lowes and a local plumbing supply company. I don't want to over buy. In other words I don't think I can afford 60' of Armaflex or Insultube.

THANKS VERY MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR ANY ANSWERS AND/OR ADVICE.

Scottie

I was searching for the same thing and did not find an answer. I need to insulate my hot water copper pipes also. What material type should be used for best performance? I saw foam and rubber insulation at the local store. I figured fiberglass was only needed for steam pipes.

ed wallace

pipe insulation

I myself perfer armourflex moreexpensive but well worth the money fiberglass for steam only

Brad White_2

Insulation

Both fiberglass and rubber types (Armaflex being one brand) have about the same performance per inch of thickness. For HW I prefer the rubber types (not the shiny, lightweight beige or green polyethylene types) because of ease of installation and ability to make them tight.

Fiberglass is fine also but is best on steam given that the rubber cannot be used on steam. (Armaflex does make a 300F high temperature type for that but I have not personally run across it.)

I would base your approach on cost per inch of thickness. Use 1" thickness if you can find it. I tend to find only 3/4" Armaflex at least in stock but do understand that 1" thickness is available.

Brad White_2

Insulate all

I am a fan of insulating everything, David. Well, OK, not the cat unlike last time...

The philosophy of, "the bare pipes heat the basement", I translate into, "I am too lazy to control where the heat goes and when."

I might make a modest exception for ModCon boilers where the passive heat is of benefit (does not overheat an otherwise occupied basement space) yet promotes longer condensing.

But otherwise? Button up!

My $0.02