How to Insulate Shower Water Pipes

Copper pipes require insulation against possible freezing.

It's always best in cold climates that all water pipes--both hot and cold--are insulated from freezing. The danger is that when water is stationary in the line, it will freeze in sub-zero conditions and burst the pipe. If the drywall and shower have already been installed, it's best to hire a professional to blow loose insulation down into the wall cavity (the area between the vertical wall studs) as this usually proves much cheaper than removing the shower unit and drywall, and then replacing both. Water pipe insulation comes either in rolls of plastic insulation tape (somewhat like a roll of adhesive tape for sealing packages) or 8-foot lengths of flexible, foam tube that fits around the pipe.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure
• Pipe insulation tubes
• Tradesman's knife or scissors
• Insulation tape (roll)
• Insulation (5 pieces in a pack)
• Staple gun and 1/2-inch staples

Instructions

1. Measure the piece of pipe needed to be insulated to the nearest bend in the pipe. Start at the shower unit and work your way along both hot and cold pipes. Cut the insulation tubing to the correct length with a scissors or tradesman's knife. Push the pipe into the center of the tubing--it is hollow, and has a split on one side all along its length. The split has adhesive on each side to seal the split and help insulate the pipe. Pull the plastic covering off each side of the split and push the split together along the length of the insulation tube.

2. Roll the insulation tape along each pipe, sticky side down, starting at the shower unit. Make sure that it is rolled onto the pipe in a spiral fashion, so that there is no pipe visible through the tape. After installing it, make sure that the tape is firmly stuck to the pipe by squeezing with your hand all the way along the pipe.

3. Install wall insulation behind every pipe, as well as in front. Staple the sides of the insulation in front of the pipes to the wall studs. For insulation behind the pipes, simply wrap it around the pipes where it should be automatically held in place.

Tips & Warnings

• Insulation tubing can come in various thicknesses. Consult your local permit office for the correct thickness for your area.

• Rolls of insulation tape can also be different thicknesses, so also consult the permit office for the correct thickness for your area.

• Consider covering the pipe with insulation tape at the joins between two pieces of insulation tubing (at a bend in the copper pipe, for example). This will help make sure that the copper bends will be well insulated.

• Wall insulation comes in 8-foot lengths, usually five lengths to a pack and has an "R" value. The "R" value refers to the grade of insulation needed for your project. Different areas require different "R" values, so consult your permit office prior to the job.

References

• "Home Improvement 1-2-3"; Benjamin W. Allen, Christopher Cavanaugh; 1995