Loft insulation - tanks and pipes

Protecting the tanks and pipes

When insulating the loft, take the opportunity to protect the water tanks and pipes as well. In fact, the water bylaws now require that tanks are insulated.

Insulating the water tanks

The cold water storage tank and the expansion tank for the central heating should be insulated, as should the hot water cylinder (in the airing cupboard). Purpose made jackets are available which make the job simple and effective. They consist of an insulating blanket wrapped in a plastic cover. These are positioned over and around the tanks and held in place with ties.

Remember, to take a note of the tank sizes so you can get the correct size jacket for the job.

Insulating the pipes

All exposed water pipes can be readily protected by sleeving with pipe insulation.

This is sold in lengths of various materials. The lengths are slit so that they can be fed onto the pipes. Check the size of pipes before buying the insulation as it comes in varying diameters.

At pipe joints and junctions, the insulation can be spliced with a craft knife to accommodate the fittings. Use pvc tape to hold the insulation in place at joins between lengths and at fittings. This will prevent gaps appearing.

• Loft insulation
• Loft insulation - blanket or wool
• Loft insulation - loose granules
• Frozen pipe thawing