Pipe insulation is almost like a jacket for your pipes. It helps stop heat from escaping from your warm-water pipes and prevents damage to them in cold weather. That means you can often save on water heating costs and keep your pipes safe in freezing weather. Pipe insulation can also help muffle any sounds your pipes make and prevent condensation from forming.

There are various materials to choose from. Some types of pipe insulation, like fiberglass, need to be wrapped around your pipes. Foam and rubber insulation come in convenient slip-on forms. Choosing the correct material is an important part of insulating your pipes, and a pro can help you with this step.

When looking for a professional for pipe insulation, make sure you: 

• Verify their license and insurance: Hire a licensed professional who has experience insulating indoor and outdoor pipes. Check your state’s regulations to find out what type of license (a plumber’s license, insulation contractor’s license, etc.) is required for pipe insulation.

• Get several estimates: Always get a few quotes before you make a decision. Hire a professional who offers a fair, competitive price for insulation.

• Read their reviews: Pay attention to the pros’ online reviews, especially if customers flag that the pro installed defective insulation materials. Aim to hire a pro with mostly positive reviews.

• Find out if they have warranties: Plumbers and insulation professionals often offer warranties for their work and materials. This is usually a good sign that they are probably trustworthy and reliable.

• Ask important questions: Ask the pros what type of insulation they recommend for your project, how much it costs and how long it will take. 

For more tips, visit Thumbtack’s Smart Hiring page. 

Contact local plumbers to see how much they charge to insulate pipes. Keep in mind that many plumbers will consider the following factors when creating your quote: 

• The scope of the job. The more pipes you have that need insulating, the more expensive you can expect the project to be due to the additional materials and labor hours needed.

• Installation complexity. Plumbers usually charge more for trickier projects or pipes that are harder to reach. Installing pipe insulation while the house is being built is usually the most simple and cost-effective solution.

• The type of insulation needed also affects the project's cost. Foam and fiberglass are usually the cheapest options, while rubber and mineral wool tend to be more expensive.

Insulating your pipes doesn't need to break the bank. Here are some ways to keep the costs down:

• Choose affordable materials. Fiberglass and foam are usually the cheapest options for pipe insulation.

• DIY simple projects, but call in the pros for more complex installations. Some pipes are quick and straightforward to insulate. If you have a more complex system or are unsure of the best material, then hiring a professional is the best way to go. 

• Install it when you build. If you're building a new house, you can save on costs by insulating while you're building. It's far quicker and simpler for a plumber to install insulation at this time, and you may even get bulk discounts on material.

Here are some common reasons homeowners choose to install pipe insulation, according to the Department of Energy:

• It can improve energy efficiency by reducing heat loss, allowing hot water to stay warmer for longer.

• It raises water temperature by 2°F to 4°F, potentially lowering the need for higher water heater settings and saving energy.

• It helps deliver hot water faster, reducing wait times at faucets and showerheads.

• It helps conserve water by minimizing the time it takes for hot water to reach your tap.

• It helps protect pipes from freezing and bursting, preventing costly damage in cold weather.

• It stops condensation from forming, which limits corrosion and makes your pipes last longer.

Here are some signs that it might be time to insulate your pipes:

• Your hot water cools too quickly. Insulating hot water pipes can help retain heat and improve energy efficiency.

• Your cold water pipes sweat (condensation forms), which can lead to mold, water damage or corrosion.

• Your pipes are in unheated areas. Basements, attics, garages and crawl spaces are more likely to freeze in cold weather.

• You’ve had frozen pipes before. If your pipes have frozen in the past, insulation can help prevent future bursts.

• Your energy bills are high. Heat loss from uninsulated pipes might make your water heater work harder, increasing energy costs.

• Your pipes make loud noises. “Water hammer” or banging noises can be reduced with insulation that dampens vibrations.

• Your pipes are older or exposed. Metal pipes, especially older ones, can benefit from insulation to prevent heat loss and extend their lifespan.

If you need to insulate a few easy-to-reach pipes with foam sleeves or insulation tape, then you can consider doing this project yourself. But before you start, you'll need to choose the best materials for the job, take the necessary safety precautions and gather your tools and materials (pipe sleeves, fiberglass, hand tools, etc.)

If your project is more complex, it's a good idea to call the professionals. Here are some cases where a DIY approach might not work:

• Your pipes are hard to reach.

• The project is very large and will take longer than is reasonable for you.

• You have a complex plumbing or HVAC system.

• You require materials like fiberglass, which are harder to install.