Steam pipe insulation - who to use?

My 8-unit building has no insulation on our steam pipes in the basement – I’m guessing there was asbestos removal at some point, and no replacement. So I want to get this done, and I’m thinking the summer is the time to do it. Who does this type of work? We’ll want to have someone measure for us, order the right product, and install it. Seems like a master plumber would be expensive and perhaps not necessary for this, or am I not appreciating some aspect of it?

katerina

in Plumbing 7 years and 2 months ago

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nalusurf | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Agree with MP. I did this for my pipes, super easy. I would recommend getting the insulation from a plumbing supply store rather than a home center, I just think the quality is better and if you have questions they are way more knowledgeable.

katerina | 7 years and 2 months ago

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Fantastic , thank you!

Master Plvmber | 7 years and 2 months ago

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No, you don’t need a plumber for this. If you know the size of the pipes, you should DIY it or get a handyman to do it. Don’t worry if you don’t do an amazing job. The difference in heat transfer between bare pipes and pipes covered with 1/2″ of fiberglass is dramatic but leaving fittings exposed or little gaps here and there has little impact at all. Also, the difference between pipes covered with 1/2″ fiberglass vs 1″ is very minor, until you get into much larger diameter pipe like 4″-6″ and above. 1/2″ covering (wall thickness) is often fine for 2″ and smaller.
That said, the Energy Codes disagree with me entirely and call for very thick and expensive insulating materials. See chart below:
[Steam Pipe Insulation NYC 72F Cataneo Mechanical Consulting ](//muut.com/u/brownstoner/s3/:brownstoner:iBsS:steampipeinsulationnyc72fcataneomechanicalconsulting.png.jpg)