Insulating hot water pipe

thx712517 · 04-13-14, 09:19 PM

I'm looking to insulate the hot water pipe that comes out of our hot water heater to where it goes into the wall. About 6'-7' total, 3' of it being copper and the rest being blue PEX.

With our natural gas heater, I've been seeing a lot of conflicting information on how much insulation and what type you can use. One site will suggest fiberglass tape from where the pipe comes out of the top of the water heater, while another will say you have to go 6" up before you can wrap insulation for fear of the flue being blocked and burning the house down.

What's the highest r-value insulating material I can use to insulate the hot water pipe exiting my natural gas heater without burning the house down?

04-13-14, 09:19 PM	#1
thx712517 Lurking Renovator Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Atlanta Posts: 12 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Insulating hot water pipe I'm looking to insulate the hot water pipe that comes out of our hot water heater to where it goes into the wall. About 6'-7' total, 3' of it being copper and the rest being blue PEX. With our natural gas heater, I've been seeing a lot of conflicting information on how much insulation and what type you can use. One site will suggest fiberglass tape from where the pipe comes out of the top of the water heater, while another will say you have to go 6" up before you can wrap insulation for fear of the flue being blocked and burning the house down. What's the highest r-value insulating material I can use to insulate the hot water pipe exiting my natural gas heater without burning the house down?