United Power: Insulate Hot Water Pipes: Part 4

[@brettbarager9101]

Good series of vids. Most things I was already doing right and got some good tips from you!

[@dkhnova]

Some say you shouldn't use the foam tube insulation that close to the flue. It can melt. Fiberglass is better for the pipe close to the flue. Use the foam tubes only where pipe is at least 6 inches from flue. Also, some heat does travel up the cold water intake pipe (when the water isn't flowing because no hot water is being used), so if you've got extra insulation, you might as well insulate the cold water pipe too. You can tell where you need to insulate by just touching the water heater and pipes with your hand. New water heaters have a lot of insulation built in; you won't feel much heat being lost thru the sides of a new water heater.

[@WilliamAEscobar]

You said Don’t need to insulate the pipe cold water, why explain ?

[@FredricWilliams]

The reason to use the foam wrap is that it is much easier to install. The reason for not insulating the water heater is given in the video -- it is already has plenty of insulation inside the tank. Adding more insulation would not have any significant benefit, since very little heat is lost through the tank wall (unlike water heaters a couple of decades ago).

[@redsresearch]

doesn't hot water pipes get too hot for insulation?

[@likemeng]

Wonderful, very clear and extremely helpful!! I've experiencing the unbalanced temperature problem right now.

[@jimdavidson5208]

Get rid of the flex copper tubing. It has a much thinner wall compared to rigid line. Unless you like a flooded basement or garage.

[@michaelpopolillo8103]

jim davidson that is so true get rid of it

[@Serotta2001]

The argument presented in the video is that a contemporary water heater has such good insulation that a blanket will not be cost effective, especially if it is a gas-fired unit because the majority of loss from the tank will be up the flue and a blanket will have no effect on that. It is much more important to insulate the pipes and, of course, make sure that the heater has heat traps either built-in or installed on the supply and outlet pipes.

[@jogog9204]

Hey pop should we have a water heater blanket

[@bobbywanger8123]

👍👍👍👍🔥🔥🔥

[@neilsigno]

He doesn't know the 'original' foam 1988, pipe jacket. The chemical mixture of the foam can be adjusted for the weather, regular summer San Francisco Bay to extreme cold 50F below. Most water heaters are in the garage or outdoor cabinet. 'cold areas'

[@74VDC]

Why not insulate both the tank AND the pipes? Why are we having to chose between the two? Either one AND both will save money, energy (enviroment). Weird way of putting things if you ask me.

[@imannonymous7707]

Good idea this

[@weelgunny]

Doesn't know his 45 from his 90 @ 1:42.

[@lemoineau81]

water heater already insulated 74vdc

[@jimdavidson5208]

Never compress your insulation. You lose R value doing so. Those zip ties, some were too tight.