by Leslie
Is there any value in insulating hot and cold water pipes?
It is a long way to bathroom and kitchen sinks from our water heater. Is there great value or minimal value in placing foam insulation around pipes in a moderately heated basement. Piping is PEX pipe. Will the value only be in delaying the cooling process for a longer period than an uninsulated hot water pipe?
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You will not regret insulting the pipes. Esp. The hot water ones.
I definitely think it's worth a try, especially if you're having a hard time with the water getting warm. It could also do with your water heater too. The newer tankless water heaters, while a bit costly at first, actually save you money because it's an on demand system.
Not as much as you think if your basement is heated. Most of your money is spent heating the water to begin with. Pipe insulation will not keep your hot water tank much warmer and it won't take long for the warm water in your pipes to cool off even with insulation. Insulating your pipes will supposedly allow you to turn down your water heater temperature for a savings of about $10.00 per year. The water might be a couple of degrees warmer when you turn on the tap depending on how long it has been sitting. But, it's so cheap and easy to do, why not? Any savings will add up over time. If you really want hot water at the kitchen and bathroom, install a circulation pump. They are a couple of hundred dollars, but you might be able to do it yourself. If you have air ducts for heating, those are worth spending the time and money to seal and insulate. If you have radiators that circulate hot water through those pipes, that would be worthwhile too.