Many homeowners know about pipe insulation and water heater insulation and what they do but very little else beyond that basic information. The more you know about every component of your home, the better you can take care of it and help protect your investment. It’s also beneficial for keeping costs at a minimum. The following are five questions about pipe insulation and water heater insulation that may prove helpful to you and your home.
1. Can I Hire Someone to Do the Insulation?
Yes, you can hire someone to do the pipe insulation and water heater insulation at your home. A qualified, experienced plumber can take on the task for you. It’s beneficial to go this route as it offers several benefits, including ensuring proper placement of the insulation. The plumber can also explain what to look for that may indicate any potential problems with the insulation in the future.
2. What Happens if Insulation Gets Wet?
It can be problematic if the insulation gets wet on both pipes and your water heater. Not only could the moisture lead to rusting, but it can also make the insulation less effective. When this happens, it’s essential to contact a plumber who can conduct an inspection to determine if the insulation needs replacing. It’s important not to attempt to do it yourself as it could misalign the original proper placement of the insulation. You should also not attempt to dry it out on your own, such as by using a blow dryer.
3. Do Pipes Need to Be Completely Covered With Insulation?
No, pipes don’t need to be completely covered with insulation, but much of them does. The insulation has to be strategically placed in accordance with local laws. Contact a local plumber who understands the local laws and regulations regarding insulating pipes and who can properly insulate them for you.
4. Will Hot Water Pipe Insulation and Water Heater Insulation Actually Save Me Money?
You can save money on your utility bills when hot water pipe insulation and water heater insulation are correctly placed. This is because the heat won’t escape and instead stays where it’s supposed to, in this case, within your hot water pipes and the water heater. Not only does the insulation help lower your bills, but it also conserves energy. When the insulation is done correctly, you should start to notice a change in your utility bills sooner rather than later.
5. What Happens if the Pipes Aren’t Insulated in the Winter?
The lower the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, the more your uninsulated pipes are at risk of freezing and bursting during winter. It might not seem like a major deal, but it can cause significant damage, and then it’s a race against the clock.
Many think that mold doesn’t grow in the winter, but that’s not necessarily true. It also grows much faster than some think – typically within a day or two. This can be a dangerous situation, particularly if you or someone in your home has a respiratory illness or other health condition.
Another problem is the timing of a burst pipe. If you’re one of the many homeowners who love having people over for the holidays during winter, water rushing everywhere can derail your plans. Instead of celebrating with some of your favorite people, you’ll either be on cleanup duty or have to hire someone to come in and do it for you.
Speaking of the holidays, countless people travel during this time and visit loved ones domestically or globally. If you’re away when the pipe bursts and water goes everywhere without anyone being home, it will sit there and continue wreaking havoc until you return.
Having your pipes adequately insulated is much more beneficial than going without it. Contact RW Heating, Air, Plumbing & Electrical in Nesbit, MS for assistance with insulating your pipes and water heater. We also offer a variety of other services, including pipe leak repairs, water heater maintenance, and emergency plumbing services.
