Lockdown DIY: How to Insulate Pipes

Now that the UK is under a second official lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic, you might find that you have a lot of extra time that you don't know what to do with. Instead of spending hours watching TV and raiding the fridge, put some of that extra time to good use by carrying out a simple, rewarding and money-saving task: insulating the pipes in your property.

With winter on the way and temperatures plummeting by the day, there has never been a better time to insulate water pipes. Water in un-insulated or badly-insulated pipes can easily freeze; as water expands when it freezes, it often breaks the pipes and can lead to leakages or even flooding in your property. There's also the problem of heat loss from un-insulated pipes, which adds to your energy bills.

It's a matter of simplicity to install pipe insulation and, when you buy components from Greengate's, your local builders merchant, you're guaranteed the perfect combination of professional quality with a competitive price. Check out our step-by-step guide...

• Just the same as with any construction or renovation project, proper preparation is absolutely key. First, make sure that the area is clean and that you have enough space to work efficiently. You should then thoroughly clean the pipe to be insulated using quality cleaning products. Before proceeding to the next step, make sure that the pipe is completely dry.  
• Use a tape measure to measure the section of pipe to be insulated, using this figure to mark a piece of foam pipe insulation at the corresponding length. Don't worry about including any of the pipe's elbows, joints or angles in your measurement as the insulation will slide right over them and bend accordingly. 
• Use a knife or scissors to cut the pipe at this mark, taking good care as you do so. 
• Each length of insulation is pre-cut all the way along one edge, which will allow you to simply press it into place around the pipe. Continue in this manner, ensuring that every portion of the pipe is covered, which prevents the insulation's performance from being affected negatively.
• Seal the open ends completely using duct tape, which can also be purchased on the Greengate's website. 

We supply foam insulation designed for both standard and alkathene pipes. If you need any further informtion or advice, please do not hesitate to contact our expert technical team.