When I turn on the hot water at any of my faucets it takes at least 30 seconds for the water to get hot. I am guessing this is because of cooled water sitting in the supply lines before I turn on the faucet. Can I improve this situation by insulating the hot water pipes? Are there any rules or codes about what type of insulation I can use? My house is from 1926 and has a full unfinished basement which gets pretty cold if that makes a difference. Other than insulation on the pipes is there anything else I should do?
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You can easily find insulation that is made for pipes and is inexpensive. How much good it will do probably depends on how often you use the hot water, as insulation won't keep it hot in the pipe indefinitely.
Because it's easy and inexpensive, I would go for it.
Because it's easy and inexpensive, I would go for it.
[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited April 08, 2003).]
Thanks for your reply. When I install the insulation should I install it all the way up to the hot water heater or should I leave some space on the pipe between the insulation and the hot water heater? It's a gas water heater if that matters. Thanks.
I have another question. Do they make waterproof tape? I’m going to be refinishing my basement soon and the main water line from the street will be directly over my brand new 65inch TV. If we have a leak for some reason I would like the water to avoid spilling into my tv.
Insulating the pipes will prevent heat loss while the water is flowing, not keep the water in the pipes hot when the water is turned off. It will help keep the water hot, not eliminate the 30-second wait for the fresh supply of hot water from the hot water heater to fill the system and get to your shower. Once it leaves the hot water heater, it is standing water that will lose heat. You might get warmer water by insulating the pipes, but not freshly-hot water. But pipe insulation is really cheap and easy provided you have access to the pipes, so it is always a good idea, anyway. Especially in cold-winter climates along exterior walls.
The only way to reduce the 30-second wait is to 1) move the water heater closer 2) move the shower closer, 3) install a local water heater closer that only provides hot water to that bathroom, or 4) install a tankless heater near the bathroom that heats the water right next to the shower just before it enters the shower.
As for the tape question, there is waterproof tape, but I would think you would want more than just tape to protect a 65 inch t.v. I would use fiberboard with a waterproof side or a plastic sheet/panel, or cover the pipe with a plastic sleeve for reinforcement/a safety net. What you would use and how you would use it would entirely depend on the layout of your home and ceiling, which we cannot see from here. :-)
[This message has been edited by Lawrence (edited April 11, 2003).]
