Insulation of water pipes: types and objectives

08-03-2018
Pipes

The process of installing water supply systems is considered one of the most simple. However, it is worth mentioning that it is associated with various kinds of additional work, on which the operation of the entire system depends, especially during the cold season. That is why the insulation of water supply pipes must be carried out at the proper level in accordance with established rules and regulations.

Amateur photo, the process of thermal insulation of the water supply system using mineral materials, made in the form of a kind of cover

Types of insulation

First we need to say that there are several ways to create such protection, which differ in the method of installation and technical characteristics. At the same time, it is necessary to mention that the insulation of a water pipe on the street is done to solve completely different problems, which are related to the temperature of the liquid flowing inside.

For internal installation use products from foamed polystyrene

Purpose

  • First of all, these lines need hot water through which the hot water flows.. This is done in order to reduce heat loss, especially when frost occurs.
The use of glass wool with additional protection against moisture
  • It should be noted that the insulation of water pipes in the ground is also made on the basis of similar tasks.. However, it is relevant only if the system passes above the level of soil freezing.
  • Separate attention deserve sewer lines. The fact is that water flows by gravity over them, and when cold weather comes, it can freeze, and this will lead to traffic jams.
Some systems still protect against cold using old materials.
  • In some regions of the country, insulated pipes for water supply are made on a mandatory basis, even for highways with cold water.. This is done in those areas where winter begins very early and is associated with severe cold.
  • In special cases, such protection is installed in order to prevent condensation on the pipes.. However, it is worth mentioning that the price of this work is quite high, and it is considered wasteful to produce it without special need.

Tip! It is considered that it is better to spend money on the cheapest thermal insulation than to obtain large heat losses, or in cold weather to repair the system damaged as a result of glaciation.

Various modern heaters with reflective surface

Standard protection

The simplest insulation of water pipes is made using glass wool, which is fixed on the structure with steel wire. At the same time, a layer of roofing material is applied over it, the purpose of which is to protect the base material from precipitation. The fact is that when wet glass wool or other mineral insulation for pipe insulation almost completely loses its properties.

The use of foam to create insulation

In modern construction from such methods are trying to move away. At the moment, insulation of pipelines with polyurethane foam is practiced. This is due to the fact that this material is much more practical and has a longer service life.

It is worth noting that polyurethane foam does not tolerate exposure to ultraviolet radiation. Therefore, the installation manual also recommends protecting it from external influences, but using less expensive components. (See also the article How to Insulate a Pipe with Cold Water: Features.)

Tip! Recently, designers have tried to locate all communications systems below the level of soil freezing and reduce insulation to a minimum. However, in those places where highways come to the surface, they do not save on isolation.

Tubes that are protected from cold by using liquid materials have a pretty good appearance.

Modern materials

Recently, the question of how to insulate water pipes, experts respond that you should pay attention to the liquid formulations. However, they note that such mixtures are almost as good as other materials, and sometimes even surpass them.

The use of such material allows to cover products with a complex shape.

Liquid insulation can be applied by hand with a brush or roller. It is quite simple to install and does not require special skills. At the same time, this material is not afraid of either direct sunlight or moisture, which means that it does not need additional protection.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that the cost of such insulation is relatively low. If we take into account its technical characteristics and long service life, it turns out that it is the most ideal material for this kind of work.

Tip! Choosing these mixtures, special attention should be paid to the application process. Some types of such compositions involve the creation of several layers of insulation, which should immediately be taken into account.

The appearance of this material in a standard packaging from a reputable manufacturer

Conclusion

Having carefully studied the video in this article, you can get more detailed information on this topic. At the same time, taking into account the text given above, it is necessary to conclude that such works are performed with almost all types of plumbing systems.

You can also understand that modern insulation of pipes for water supply on the street is better to produce using modern materials. They are more practical and reliable.