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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.
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.
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.
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