Water
#Plumbing#DIY#Intermediate
Pipe Insulation: Give Your Water a Coat
Impact
Medium
Difficulty
Easy
Speed
Instant
Ever wait forever at the sink for the water to get hot? That's because the water in the pipes has cooled down while sitting there. You're literally watching time—and energy—go down the drain.
By insulating your hot water pipes (especially the ones nearest the water heater), you can raise the water temperature at the tap by 2°F to 4°F. This allows you to potentially lower your water heater's overall temperature setting without losing comfort. It also keeps your water hot for much longer between uses, meaning your heater doesn't have to kick on as often. Plus, it's a great DIY project that only requires a few dollars worth of foam 'snap-on' sleeves from the hardware store.