Pipe insulation will keep cold-water pipes from sweating in warm weather & will reduce heat loss from hot-water pipes too.

The easiest type to use & 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 & doesn't 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, is easily formed around fittings & makes a neat installation.

Plumbing Tools & Materials • 1 roll insulation tape • foam pipe insulation (6ft lengths) • utility or razor knife

Difficulty: Beginner

Repair Time: 2-3 hrs w/ exposed pipes necessary

Advice by Friendly Plumber ® • Wear leather gloves & be careful w/ the razor knife, they're really sharp.

E xcellent insulation is obtained w/ 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 & wrapped around the pipe. Peel back the insulation so the asphalt paper can be lapped & taped.

Related Plumbing Article • how to repair leaky pipes