How to insulate pipes around your home

Last updated: April 2024

Insulating your home’s pipes is a simple but effective way to improve your energy efficiency and protect your plumbing from damage.

By insulating both outdoor and indoor water pipes, you can reduce heat loss, prevent freezing and minimise condensation and moisture damage.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to insulate your home’s pipes and everything else you need to know to keep them in good condition.

What is pipe insulation?

Pipe insulation is material that’s wrapped around water pipes to prevent heat loss and stop them from freezing. It’s typically made from foam, fiberglass or rubber, and comes in a range of thicknesses and sizes to fit different types of pipes.

Pipe insulation creates a barrier between the pipe and the surrounding air, which helps to maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipe.

Why should you insulate your home's piping?

Insulating your home’s water pipes has several benefits:

Prevent freezing and bursting: In very cold weather, uninsulated pipes could freeze, which can cause them to burst and lead to costly water damage. Insulating your pipes helps to prevent this by keeping the water inside them above freezing temperature.

Reduce heat loss and energy costs: When hot water flows through uninsulated pipes, it can lose heat quickly, which means your boiler has to work harder to maintain your desired temperature. By insulating your pipes, you can reduce heat loss and improve the efficiency of your heating system, which can lead to lower energy bills.

Minimise condensation and moisture damage: When cold water flows through pipes in humid areas, such as basements or crawl spaces, it can cause condensation to form on the outside of the pipes. This moisture can lead to mold growth and other damage. Insulating your pipes helps to prevent this by keeping the surface of the pipe above the dew point.

How to install outdoor pipe insulation

Insulating your outdoor water pipes is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps:

1. Gather your tools: You’ll need the insulation material (foam, fiberglass or rubber), duct tape or zip ties, scissors/knife, tape measure.
2. ‍Prepare the pipes for insulation: Turn off the water supply, drain the pipes by turning on the taps until the water stops flowing, allow the pipes to dry, then measure the length and diameter of the pipes you’ll be insulating.
3. ‍Install the pipe insulation: Cut the insulation material to the needed length, slide or wrap the insulation over the pipe (make sure it fits snugly against the pipe), then secure the insulation in place using duct tape or zip ties to cover any gaps. ‍
4. Seal and weatherproof the insulation material: Cover the insulation with a weatherproof material such as aluminium foil tape and seal any gaps to prevent water from getting in.

How to install indoor pipe insulation

Insulating your indoor water pipes is an even simpler process than insulating outdoor pipes. It’s an easy job that you can do yourself:  

1. Get your tools ready:  You’ll need the insulation material (foam, fiberglass or rubber), duct tape or zip ties, scissors/knife, tape measure.
2. ‍Prepare the pipes for insulation: Turn off the water supply, drain the pipes by turning on the taps until the water stops flowing, allow the pipes to dry, then measure the length and diameter of the pipes you’ll be insulating.
3. ‍Install the pipe insulation: Cut the insulation material to the needed length, slide or wrap the insulation over the pipe (make sure it fits snugly against the pipe), then secure the insulation in place using duct tape or zip ties to cover any gaps.

Types of pipe insulation

There are three main types of pipe insulation, each with its own pros and cons:  

Foam: Foam is the most common type of pipe insulation. It’s cheaper than other types, it’s easy to install, and it has good insulation properties. On the downside, it can degrade over time and isn’t always suitable for hot water pipes.

Fiberglass: Fiberglass insulation is more durable than foam and can withstand higher temperatures. It’s a better insulator than foam and is also fire-resistant. But it can be more difficult to install, and its fiberglass particles can irritate the skin and lungs (so use a mask and goggles).

Rubber: Rubber insulation is very flexible and easy to install, so it's a good choice for pipes with tight bends. It’s moisture resistant and can be used on outdoor pipes. But it’s generally less effective at insulating compared to other materials, and it's often more expensive.

FAQ

What’s the best type of pipe insulation?

The best type of pipe insulation depends on your specific needs and where the pipes are located. For indoor pipes, foam insulation is popular as it’s affordable and easy to install. Wool insulation is another excellent choice for indoor pipes, especially for those looking for a sustainable option. For outdoor pipes, rubber or fiberglass insulation may be a better choice due to their durability and toughness.

How much does pipe insulation cost?

The cost of pipe insulation varies depending on the type and amount of insulation needed. But foam insulation - usually the cheapest option - costs around £1.40 per meter. Fiberglass and rubber insulation are usually more expensive, starting at around £3 per meter.

Can outdoor pipe insulation get wet?

Most types of pipe insulation aren’t waterproof and shouldn’t be left to get wet over long periods of time. But materials such as rubber will withstand some degree of rain. To keep the insulation dry, seal any seams or gaps with weatherproof tape or cable ties.

How long does outdoor pipe insulation last?

The length of time outdoor pipe insulation lasts depends on the type of insulation and the conditions it’s exposed to. Foam insulation can last up to 20 years under ideal conditions (dry and shaded), while rubber insulation can last up to 10 years under ideal conditions. But neither will last as long if in often wet and bright outdoor conditions.

Does pipe insulation really work?

Yes, pipe insulation really works! It’s helps to reduce heat loss, prevent freezing/bursting, and it minimises condensation and moisture damage. It creates a barrier between the pipe and the surrounding air, which helps to maintain the water temperature inside the pipe, and it can lead to significant energy savings over time.