Residential Water Pipe Insulation Services

Water in outdoor pipes without outdoor pipe insulation begins to freeze when the temperature reaches 32°F. At 20°F, pipes inside an un- or underheated building will likely start freezing, and outdoor pipes can freeze overnight.

Asbestos insulation is almost always white or light gray, often appearing as a corrugated paper wrap, plaster, or a cement-like paste. While we no longer use asbestos insulation for water pipes, it’s still present in some homes.

While temperature is the main reason many people insulate their water pipes, insulation offers other benefits.

Hot water pipe insulation also doubles as protective insulation. Scalding hot pipes pose a safety hazard; you could be burned if you brush against one accidentally. Cold pipes may create condensation and grow mold if left uninsulated. Plumbing can also be noisy, especially in older homes. Some insulation offers acoustic dampening that can help reduce the noise level in your home.

You can maximize efficiency by insulating hot pipes to prevent heat loss. Standard hot water pipe and radiator steam pipe insulation help keep the heat in your system.

Typical heat protectors include:

• Glass wool or fiberglass pipe insulation: Fiberglass and glass wool are lightweight materials that protect against very high temperatures and resist mold. However, they will irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory system, so they’re best used away from areas you frequently use.
• Mineral wool insulation: Mineral wool is known for resisting extremely high temperatures and works best on extremely hot pipes. Like glass wool and fiberglass, it irritates the body and should be used away from living areas.
• Flexible elastomeric foams or rubber pipe insulation: Several insulations that protect against freezing also insulate against heat. Elastomeric foams do prevent some heat loss, though they’re not rated for as much heat as fiberglass.
• Polyethylene: The most common cold insulator also protects hot pipes from heat loss. Insulate your home plumbing with this lightweight, durable, water-resistant material. You can also use it as insulation for outdoor pipes.

Yes, if you’re going to be insulating your indoor pipes, you should also be insulating water pipes outside your home. You should prioritize protecting any water pipes exposed to cold temperatures, including basements, attics, garages, and outside.

The only way to 100% confirm the presence of asbestos in your pipe insulation is by having a certified professional test it. However, you can look for physical indicators. Asbestos-containing asbestos was common in homes and buildings built before the 1980s and can look like gray or white fibrous material. It can also be found in insulation that looks like foam or cork.

Be on the lookout for insulation that’s wrapped in a thick, fibrous cloth or paper. Sometimes, asbestos insulation is also covered with a thin layer of cement or a protective coating. If you suspect the pipe insulation in your home may contain asbestos, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing^® for information about safely removing the material.