Pink insulation, also known as fiberglass insulation, traps air and minimizes heat transfer when undyed. Therefore, along with mineral wool, pink insulation is the best material for insulating hot water pipes.
But can pink insulation touch hot water pipes? Yes. Pink insulation can touch hot water pipes without melting. This is because the insulation can safely operate at maximum temperatures of 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit or 540 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, hot water pipes only reach temperatures of up to 300 degrees Celsius or 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
So, how do you install pink insulation on hot water pipes? Keep reading to learn more about this insulation material and why it’s an excellent choice.
Understanding Pink Insulation
Pink insulation is a thermal insulation material made of tiny glass fibers and is commonly used to insulate walls, attics, and pipes. This insulation is also known as fiberglass insulation and is generally available in batts or rolls.
However, since fiberglass is transparent, the manufacturer uses a pink resin binder designed to hold the glass fibers together. This explains the pink color of the insulation. Other manufacturers may use green resin binder in their fiberglass insulation, resulting in green insulation.
Can Pink Insulation Touch Hot Water Pipes?
Yes. You can directly put fiberglass insulation around hot water pipes to prevent them from losing heat or potentially freezing. This is because fiberglass insulation is rated to withstand temperatures up to 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit or 540 degrees Celsius.
After that, the insulation begins softening and ultimately melts at around 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, hot water pipes are designed to reach temperatures between 150 and 300 degrees Celsius.
However, some hot water pipes can only operate at temperatures of at or below 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Others, like CPVC pipes, have an operating temperature of 93 degrees Celsius or 199 degrees Fahrenheit.
Meanwhile, hot water pipes made of PPR materials have a maximum allowable operating temperature of 70 degrees Celsius.
So, pink insulation can touch hot water pipes without melting. Even better, the insulation will not combust when used on these pipes. This is because it is fire-resistant. Therefore, it can protect your home from fire risks.
Why Use Pink Insulation on Hot Water Pipes?
Using pink insulation on hot water pipes offers many benefits compared to other materials like cellulose insulation. These include:
Moisture Resistant
Pink insulation does not absorb or become waterlogged. Therefore, it cannot deteriorate because of extended moisture exposure. So, even if it touches hot water pipes, you don’t have to worry about mold or mildew growth.
Increases Energy Efficiency
By preventing heat loss in hot water pipes, pink or fiberglass insulation may help reduce heating and cooling bills. This is because it may raise the water temperature hotter. As a result, this can help you reduce your water temperature setting.
Inexpensive
This is one of the least expensive insulation materials on the market today for hot water pipes. It’s affordable because it is made of 40% to 80% of recycled glass.
The price of pink insulation ranges from $0.35 to $1.64 per square foot, while spray foam insulation is about $1.25 to $4.50. Meanwhile, cellulose insulation costs between $0.60 and $2.0 per square foot.
Easy Installation
Installing pink batts insulation on hot water pipes is a relatively painless process. This is because fiberglass is available in rolls and pre-cut batts, making it flexible for installation.
Eco-Friendly
Pink insulation is environmentally friendly as it is made from recycled materials. It is manufactured from over 80% recycled glass and other ingredients such as limestone, sand, borax, and soda ash.
Sound Dampening
Apart from reducing heat transfer, fiberglass insulation also minimizes noise coming into the house from the pipes. The glass fibers simply trap air, preventing sound waves from passing through.
How to Put Pink Insulation Around Hot Water Pipes?
Uninsulated hot water pipes may burst in freezing weather, especially if located in or near exterior walls. So, below is how to install pink insulation on hot water pipes.
Step 1: Measure the lengths of all your hot water pipes that you would like to insulate. Take your measurements starting at the water heater.
Step 2: Cut the insulation batts or rolls according to the lengths of your hot water pipes and set them aside.
Step 3: Clean the pipes using a rag and a standard household cleaner. If the pipes are exceedingly dirty, you can use a degreaser to clean them and let them dry completely.
Step 4: Place your cut piece of pink insulation along all the hot water pipes that lead to various water distribution points in your home. Ensure the seams face down.
Step 5: Use duct or acrylic tape to secure the insulation to the pipes but don’t do it too tightly. You can also use cable ties or wire.
FAQs
Before we conclude, let’s respond to commonly asked queries regarding pink insulation touching hot water pipes.
If not correctly installed, it may leave spaces around the pipes, allowing more heat to escape. In addition, it may melt and burn if exposed to higher temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
Yes. First, you must wear protective gear to prevent inhalation of the glass fibers or skin irritation. In addition, the insulation should be installed before the application of the interior finish. Other requirements include using proper fastening techniques to keep the insulation secure.
Yes. Although a bit pricey, spray foam, cellulose, and mineral wool insulations are excellent alternatives to pink insulation. Like fiberglass, these materials have low thermal conductivity. Therefore, they can touch hot water pipes and withstand high temperatures.
Conclusion
Pink or fiberglass insulation is commonly used to block heat transfer. This is because it can withstand high temperatures without melting. For this reason, pink insulation can touch hot water pipes. After all, hot water pipes only get as hot as 300 degrees Celsius or 572 degrees Fahrenheit.
Apart from preventing heat loss in hot water pipes, this insulation also helps reduce heating bills and noise. Even better, the insulation is easy to use, fire-resistant, and relatively cheaper than other materials. The installation process of this insulation material is also very straightforward.