Pipe Insulation

[nate379]

I need to insulate my water pipes, both the domestic water and the heat pipes.

The pipes are 1.25", 1", and 3/4" and 1/2". Most of the stuff is 1.25 or 1"

I've used the foam noodles from the box stores in the past, but the problem with this is they only carry stuff to fit 1/2" and 3/4" pipe. I haven't been able to find anything larger than that and I have checked most every local plumbing store

I can get the fiberglass insulation with white wrapping that is common to commercial applications. I was going to go that route, but after doing some research, some people feel this type is the lowest R value.

It's about $5 per stick which is 3ft, compared to $2 for an 8ft stick of foam. I only have maybe 30 ft to do though. Just have many bends, elbows, etc.

Any thoughts?

Right now I am heating the garage more than I want just from the heat coming off all the pipes.

 

[Rosco]

I have used two 3/4 inch noodles for 1 1/2 " pipe before by using the kind with adhesive in the gap, double them, and then hold in place with zip ties. It would be easier if you could find 1 1/2" noodles, but I have not yet. After using several zip ties mine worked fine.

 

[nate379]

Safe to say that most people on here don't insulate their pipes?

I think I'm going to spend the $$ and use the commercial stuff. It will look nice and clean with the premade bends and everything.

 

[jonny o]

Now that I think about it, don't pool noodles... yes the neon colored floaties... have a big inner diameter? I just bought some for the cables of my trailer door and it seems like they might be 1" or bigger.

 

[benjamming]

Armacell but may not be readily available in your location as I'm sure that is important with the extravagant shipping costs to AK.

 

[djjsr]

I bought some 1 1/2" and some 2" foam from a plumbing supply place. The 1 1/2" they had in stock but had to order the 2". It ain't cheap but it works good.

They didn't carry any elbows or T's. I cut the straight pieces with a backsaw and miterbox.

 

[gcan]

look up your local plumbing supply store....the foam your looking for isn't rare and any plumbing supply store will stock or can order it for you

 

[rickairmedic]

Try your local HVAC suppliers . You can get Armaflex in those sizes no problems.

Rick

 

[nate379]

I checked every plumbing place I could think of and only stuff they carry is foam for 1/2" and 3/4".

 

[rickairmedic]

I checked every plumbing place I could think of and only stuff they carry is foam for 1/2" and 3/4".

Nate again not a plumbing place an HVAC (Heating ventalation and air conditioning place ) . They will have the sizes of Armaflex you are looking for .


Rick

 

[nate379]

Plumbing and heating are the same thing around here. A plumber is the same guy that will do a boiler install or a furnace, install gas lines, etc.

Most places are called *** plumbing and heating supply or something like that.

 

[rickairmedic]

Sorry bout that Nate I forgot you lived at the edge of the world . The only other option I could give you if they cant order it in for you is to use your computor to order what you need yourself . I would bet if you google Armaflex you will get hits to online retailers who would sell and ship to you .

Rick

 

[nate379]

The problem with mail order is I'm going to end up spending $60-70 on shipping for $40 of foam noodles.


I guess it's not common to insulate heat pipes??? I have never seen it done in any house I've been in, just commercial stuff.

Doesn't make sense to me. I don't know what kind of heat loss I'm seeing, but I have 150* water running in pipes that is in a 50* garage...

 

[rickairmedic]

Nate heres the stuff you want HT Armaflex .

http://www.armaflex.com/www/armacell/INETFAQ.nsf/vFrame1/7D814599C51C79078025708400340B0C


Rick