It doesn’t matter what time of year is, insulating your plumbing system is one of the most important things you will need to do. Naturally, some opinions describe this concept as not so important. For example, we can see that many plumbers would say that insulting only hot water pipes and ignoring cold ones. Nevertheless, it needs to be said that not doing this can be quite damaging to your plumbing system.
Naturally, you will need to focus on either of them, which depends on a wide array of factors like the area you live, and what are the weather conditions. We can see that this process is often perceived as a way to prevent either loss or gain. However, it needs to be said that it is way more than that. For example, they will provide the energy-efficient as the main benefit.
But it needs to be said that even this important benefit is not the only one. If you would like to take a look at some of the further benefits, be sure to take a look at pipelagging.com. Since this is a process that requires a certain level of skill, you will need to hire a professional if you don’t have any experience. Nevertheless, we would like to provide you with some of the tips on how you can do that.
1. Where You Should Do It?
The first thing you will need to consider is where you will insulate the pipes. Naturally, this is something that solely relies on the reason why you are about to do it. If you are interested in insulating frozen pipes, then it is important to apply them to those parts that are not unheated.
In most cases, these are located in parts of the home, which are on the rear side of the home. In case these parts are heated, then there’s no need for applying this help to them. When you want to prevent freezing, then you should insulate both of these.
2. What are the Tools and Materials You Need?
When you decide that you want to insulate a plumbing system, you will certainly need to have one tool and a couple of materials. When it comes to tools, you will need only a utility knife that is sharp enough, and that can provide you with a chance to cut through the material.
When it comes to the materials you need to use, we would like to point out that you will certainly need duct tape, pipe wrap, foam covers, spray foam, faucet covers, and fiberglass insulation. Depending on the size and type of pipes you have in your home, you will need to use some of these.
3. Condensation Control
When it comes to condensation, it is easy to spot it. How you can do that? Well, you can do that by touching the pipes, and see if they are colder than the air in the room. In case you don’t find out about it in time, chances are that the pipes will corrode, which can inflict unfixable damage. Many people make the mistake of not knowing that condensation can be as dangerous as it is.
Furthermore, it needs to be said that it is way more common than common folk thinks. Especially when it establishes contact with hot air. By implementing insulation, you will not only protect the system, but you will also protect yourself. The reason being that touching too cold or too warm pipes can injure you if you don’t handle it properly.
4. Fill Up All the Cracks
Naturally, the most important you need to do is to cover any kind of openings and cracks you can find on the pipes. You should focus on those cracks that release cold air. Earlier in this article of ours, we’ve provided you with the most important materials you can use to fill them up. If you have the chance, you should fill up both the exterior and interior sides. That way, you will prevent any unpleasantries that can occur from time to time.
5. Handling Asbestos
As you are certainly aware, some older buildings still have asbestos in their structure. Up until recently, people weren’t aware of just how dangerous it can be to human health. Especially if it was used for the pipe insulation. However, identifying is not easy as many people believe, and this is the biggest source of the problems that can arise in the future.
Sure, its look is different from the basic system, but if you don’t have any experience in this field, you will not be able to recognize it properly. If that’s the case, be sure to bring a professional with you. That way you will ensure that you will not make the mistake. Of course, the professional will remove it completely, if needed.
6. Check the Regulations
As you can understand from this article of ours, there is a certain weather condition that is not fit for insulating your plumbing system. As is the case with weather conditions, it needs to be said that there are some other factors you will need to have an insight into. The most important one being that you should check a local regulation. As strange as it may sounds, this is true, without a doubt.
Naturally, there’s a reason for that. For example, if the building where these repairs are needed, chances are that the local regulation will forbid it. In some cases, it wouldn’t be even permitted to upgrade the system. Sure, this is something that will rely on the state or country where you are located in. Therefore, be sure to check local regulations before you conduct any kind of work.
Summary
Certainly, insulating a plumbing system is not something you should treat lightly. It is a much more complex process than many people believe it is. Here, we’ve provided you with some of the most important tips on how you can do that most efficiently. Be sure to consult these tips before you do it. Plus, be sure to consult with a professional before you start any work.