Step 5: Insulate the Pipes

man insulating pipes coming from a water heater with self-sticking foam pipe insulation
Photo: Ryan Benyi
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Buy some self-sticking 3/8-inch-thick foam pipe insulation that matches the pipes' diameter. Slide the foam over the hot- and cold-water pipes as far as you can reach. Insulating the cold-water pipe prevents condensation in summer. Peel the tape and squeeze the insulation closed. If the pipe is 6 inches or less from the flue, cover it with 1-inch-thick unfaced fiberglass pipe wrap.
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    Tools List

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    • bucket with sponge
      Bucket
    • pipe wrench
      Pipe wrench
    • garden hose
      Garden hose
    • socket wrench
      Socket wrench with 1-1/16-inch head
    • flathead screwdriver
      Flathead screwdriver

    Shopping List

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    1. Anode rod

    2. Teflon tape

    3. 3/8-inch-thick self-stick foam pipe insulation to hold heat in the pipes. Make sure you get the right diameter for your pipes 4. 1-inch-thick unfaced fiberglass pipe wrap to insulate pipes near the flue

    5. Water heater insulating blanket

    6. Foil tape to seal the insulating blanket