Pipe insulation clarification.

tsayles50

So I recently had all the asbestos insulation removed from the pipes in our basement. I noticed the pipes that asbestos was removed from are white and then I see pipes that are not white, and appear to have no discoloration at all.

It is my understanding that all piping needs to be insulated. When this steam system was put in originally could those pipes have been left open intentionally to keep the basement warm? Here are some pictures. The piping that I think is uncovered is surrounded by the dry wall that runs along the ceiling, seen in pictures. I am asking because I am planning on putting in appropriate insulation for all my piping before the next winter season. Should I insulate the piping that appears to be never covered?





-Tim

Jamie Hall

Yes

mattmia2

Any return piping below the water line doesn't need to be covered but all the supply piping should be.

ScottSecor

I suspect all of the pipes carrying steam were insulated when the system was.new. Over the years someone removed the original insulation when they were finishing the basement.   If it was during the last fifty years,  most likely they used fiberglass pipe insulation.   The insulation removed company likely saw the "newer" insulation and did not see the need to paint (encapsulate)  this pipe.

I agree,  insulate all of the pipes that carry steam. 

Mad Dog_2

Looks like they did a very  good job of abatement.  Congratulations on getting a proper job done!...not ripping it out your self with a dust mask.  Insulation is the icing on the cake, and recommended.  That being said, I've seen thousands of homes that keep their basement warm in the winter, by leaving them uncovered.  This was good enough for the last 100 years. I've also had folks insulate, freeze in the basement and take it all off rather than spend $$ for a separate zone.  

Some people don't have several thousand dollars of disposable income for a separate zone for their basement. For a large commercial building, I agree, but for a residential basement, you can leave them naked.  Mad Dog 🐕 

gerry gill

You can leave the basement bare if (IF) it really needs the heat. Just remember the bare pipes are now radiators and the boiler sizing may not have been sized for that. Really they should be insulated.