How to Remove Pipe Insulation

Pipe insultaion keeps pipes from freezing or dripping condensation.

Pipes are wrapped with insulation to help keep them from freezing in the winter or, in the case of cooling pipes, to keep them from dripping condensation in the summer. Pipe insulation may need to be replaced in the case of extreme age or if there is a leak that soaked through the insulation. Before new insulation can be installed, the old insulation must be removed. Removing pipe insulation is messy, but it is accomplished using a methodical, straightforward procedure.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic drop cloths
• Large plastic garbage can
• Heavy work gloves
• Utility knife
• Putty knife

Instructions

1. Lay plastic drop cloths around the area where the pipe insulation is being removed. Removing the insulation is a very messy job, and the rest of the area needs protection from the pipe wrap debris.

2. Place a large plastic garbage can in the vicinity where you are working so you can throw away the majority of the insulation as you remove it. Place heavy work gloves on your hands to protect them from the insulation.

3. Slice the insulation vertically along the pipe in 1-foot sections with a utility knife. Make horizontal slices around the ends of the sections.

4. Tear off the insulation with your hands. Rip off as much of the insulation as you can, using the utility knife in conjunction with your hands. Throw the insulation into the garbage as it is removed.

5. Scrape the pipes with a putty knife or flat scraper to remove any remaining insulation residue.