Pipe and Tank Insulation Systems

Hot Water Tanks

Fitting a hot water heater with an insulated jacket or blanket is inexpensive and easy to do. Measure the height and diameter of the tank to determine the size needed. Water heater jackets or blankets wrap around the heater and are kept on with cords or belts. Cut the top piece of insulation and tape down the sides. Wrap the blanket or jacket around the body of the tank, ensuring that the access panel is not covered. Position two or three cords or belts around the blanket and secure it to hold the blanket in place. Do not secure too tightly, as this reduces the jacket's efficiency.

Cold water storage or pressure tanks are found in rural or country homes where access to municipal water systems is not available. Insulate the cold water storage or pressure tank in the same manner as the hot water heater. The simplest way is to fit padded panels, secured by cord or tapes. Sheet insulation comes pre-cut to fit standard-sized water tanks, but can be cut down with a fine-tooth saw. Side panels are secured with cord or tape.

One method of insulating water pipes is to "bandage" them with mineral wool matting, leaving no gaps and securing with cords or tape. A more modern version of this system is spiral pipe wrap, which is flexible to fit around bends. The material wraps tightly around the pipes with the foil side facing the outside, and a special sealing tape to secure joins. The wrapping reflects radiant heat and provides a barrier against the cold air. A third system for insulating pipes is lengths of pre-formed insulation foam, molded to fit different sizes of pipe. These simply slot over the pipes and can be cut at an angle to go around bends. Specially-molded sections fit over valves. The foam pieces should be closely butted together and secured with tape.

Large water tanks in apartment blocks, industrial units and office buildings require professional insulation. The two main systems are foil-backed rock wool slabs or blanket wrap. Armaflex cryogenic systems are specially designed for insulating pipes and tanks in low-temperature environments, such as petrochemical or agricultural chemicals plants. This is a light-weight foam product that is robust, flexible and low maintenance.