PlumbingEasy DIYBest in winter
Insulate water heater & hot pipes
An insulating blanket and pipe sleeves cut standby heat loss noticeably.
How often
Every 5–10 years
Time needed
1 hr
Typical cost
$20–$60
Helps avoid
~$160
How to do it
We've put together a search for current, well-rated walkthrough videos for this exact job.
Watch how-to videosCommon questions
How often should you insulate water heater & hot pipes?
Every 5–10 years. Best in winter.
How much does it cost to insulate water heater & hot pipes?
Typically $20 to $60 in parts and supplies. Skipping it risks roughly $160 in repair or replacement costs.
How long does it take?
About 1 hr.
Can I insulate water heater & hot pipes myself?
Yes — this is a straightforward job for most homeowners with basic tools.
Which of these does your home actually need?
Answer a few questions about your home and HomeGuard builds your personalized maintenance schedule — the right tasks, at the right time of year, for your appliances and climate.
Build my free scheduleMore plumbing maintenance
Flush water heater
Once a year · 1 hr
Test pressure relief valve
Once a year · 15 min
Inspect anode rod
Every 3–5 years · 1 hr
Set water heater to 120°F
Once a year · 10 min
Locate & test main water shutoff
Once a year · 15 min
Check under-sink plumbing for leaks
Every 3 months · 20 min