Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500173
06/24/03
Insulating Pipes
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.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
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Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
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