The importance of insulating your plumbing system

An often overlooked, yet vital part of protecting your plumbing system from the winter weather and increasing the longevity of your system is insulation.

Similar to the insulation that lines your walls, insulation can be applied to plumbing systems in order to protect it from the elements as well.

How and when to insulate

Any part of your plumbing system that is exposed or susceptible to the elements should be insulated. This includes piping inside of walls, existing pipes in non-temperature controlled settings and more.

The weather takes a toll on piping systems. If you live in an area with cold winters and hot summers, it is especially important for you to insulate your pipes in order to protect them from being damaged.

During the winter months, your pipes will contract due to the cold temperatures. This can lead to small cracks and leaks. These leaks can be small, leading to months of water loss and structural damage before you even notice.

It is also important to insulate plumbing appliances.

Your water heater is one of the most important plumbing appliances in your home. It provides you with warm water to bathe, cook and clean. Protect this investment with insulation.

Insulating a water heater is similar to insulating a piping system, just on a larger scale.

The most important part of the water heater to insulate is the tank. Insulating your tank will keep the water inside of it warm for whenever it is needed next. Insulating your water heater will save you money on your electric or gas bill, as the water will not have to be heated as frequently.

If your water heater is located in a non-heated area, be sure to insulate the pipes leading to the rest of your home.

If you need any help with insulating your plumbing system or have any questions, please contact Plumbers 911 to be referred to an expert local plumber.