Hot Water Pipe Insulation
 

Well I finally bought the insulation to insulate my hot water pipes. The one causing the biggest problem is the 40' run to the kitchen sink. Since the basement is pretty cool that line cools noticeably while washing dishes between rinses.

I've taken the temperature while running, after 5 minutes and after 10 before I've done anything, and I will again after install just to see what kind of change I'll achieve.

When I installed mine I did notice I got hot water faster and hotter than before. My run up to the 2nd floor bathroom was noticeable.

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Here's the insulation I used. All that was available in my neck of the woods yesterday. Four packs required. $16 for whole project. Elbows and T's were a couple bucks each. Nope!

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/member...ater-tank.jpeg

Here's the hot water tank/furnace area.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/member...py-joints.jpeg

These are my first attempts at elbow joints. Yes I know you can buy them but since only my wife has a job right now and I'm healing up .. I decided to make my own. I will replace these first joints. Then I figured it out:

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/member...ood-joint.jpeg

Much better! I actually used a square to get the angle right and DID NOT cut through the back of the elbow so it held together tight when closed.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/member...ater-tank.jpeg

This is just above the hot water tank. Which is right beside the furnace, which is right under the bathroom... Where will I put a non pressurized hot water tank for solar domestic hot water? Right under this mess.

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This is not quite halfway to the kitchen sink, over my rec room door.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/member...room-door.jpeg

After insulation. I haven't yet installed insulation to a utility sink that is off to the left. I probably will today as I have half a pack of insulation left. See that nasty masking tape over the furnace duct? Ack! Will soon be replaced by foil tape. You can see the spray foam around the duct outlet to the upstairs. I had some big gaps where you could see clean into the next floor no problem.

Hey Daox! You must be so proud. I finally figured out the picture thing... ha ha. You don't have to fix this post... I don't think...

Ok the numbers are in:

Hot water at the kitchen sink 40' from hot water tank:

Test was as follows: Ran the water for 2 minutes to get it good and hot at a stable temperature, then turned it down to a trickle and stuck a thermometer into the stream. Next two readings were to measure temperature drop in the pipes over time. I ran the water for a second or so to clear the 4' or so into the basement then a trickle and measure again. Very scientific:rolleyes:.

Before insulation:

Hot water after 2 minutes run time: 108F
After sitting 5 minutes: 92F
After sitting 10 minutes: 84F

After insulation installed:

Hot water after 2 minutes run time: 114F
After sitting 5 minutes: 104F
After sitting 10 minutes: 98F

So it's plain to see that the results show an improvement! Not only does it show up in the numbers, but by feel too while doing dishes. No longer does the hot water cool so much between rinses. Feels nice and warm on the hands the whole time I'm washing!:D:thumbup:

Hot water tank is now redone.

http://ecorenovator.org/forum/member...nk-redone.jpeg

I'm not worried about that insulation being so close to the stack. I routinely put my hands there and am confident there's no chance of melting/ignition. I wouldn't hold my hand on the metal for long though...

Basically, it's not as close as it looks in the picture.

Nice job!

So when do we get to read about you adding insulation to the hot water tank?

Not very long. Next month the House Maintenance envelope should have enough money in it to purchase one of those kits.