Pipe insulation will keep cold-water pipes from sweating in warm weather and will reduce heat losses from hot-water piping as well. It comes in a number of forms.
The type easiest to use and effective for cold-water pipes is a liquid material containing finely ground cork. This is brushed on in one or more applications to build up the necessary thickness. Often the liquid or paste is asphalt which is messy to handle and does not look good.
More effective is a self-sticking tape that has special insulating qualities. Several versions are available. The putty-like tape is wound spirally around the pipes. It is easily formed around fittings and makes a neat installation.
(Vis. 1) Excellent insulation is obtained with 3-foot-long plastic foam, wool felt, or fiber glass pipe jackets. The thick insulating sections are split so they can be slipped over straight pipe runs.
(Vis. 2) Regular blanket insulation can be cut in strips and wrapped around the pipe. Peel back the insulation so the asphalt paper can be lapped and taped.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus, with references from Michigan Extension bulletin Repairing Leaky Pipes.
Insulating Pipes Pictures MSU 2003
