Insulating the interior pipes

Right Stuff is pretty good for filling gaps to keep out critters, reduces drafts and such which is what I've used it for on my rig but I agree with everyone so far, not good for pipe insulation along the length of a run. There is specific insulation you can use. Looks like a pool noodle. Also a lot lower in cost than spray foam and easy to remove if you ever have too.

Thanks to all for the advice.

GGeorge

Insulating the pipes in a heated area of the RV is unwise. Keep the area above freezing. I do so by having replaced the return air grill for the furnace with dual window fans. They are controlled by a mechanical thermostat. This works down to -37 c (-34 f).

The only pipes I have insulated inside the coach are cold water pipes where we saw some condensation dripping at times. In the wet bay, I have insulated the long hot line from the water heater to the bath/shower to minimize cool down during the navy shower off times. I used the previously mentioned slip on foam pipe insulation.

Mr. GGeorge,

I too would not insulate the pipes as that area should be heated. If not, I would heat the space in some way, as 7ofus said, insulating won't help a freezing area.

In very cold weather, I would pull water in from your fresh tank. The water outside is going to be SO cold coming in that your may run out of hot water fairly quick (depending on your hot water system).

Our coach draws water from the fresh tank only, the city water inlet is only used for re-filling.

Safe travels,
MM.

Take your shower before bed. Keeps your sheets cleaner.

GGeorge wrote:
My biggest fear is frozen pipes when trying to take a shower at 6AM on a cold morning. Has anyone done this? Does anyone recommend this?

Thank you,

GGeorge

I don't recommend taking showers at 6am whether it is cold out or not.:)

Seriously, I see no advantage in insulating the pipes that are in a heated space. And insulating just the pipes in an unheated space will not keep them from freezing if they are not flowing, just delay the freezing by a small amount of time. Think of it this way: If you don't have a heat source inside the MH (or inside the water pipe) then overnight the inside of the MH gets to the same temp as outside. The water pipe will do the same thing.

I would not go with "Great Stuff" for pipe insulation. This is generally used to fill holes. Not cover pipes. Go to any hardware store and ask for slip on pipe insulation. Basically it is a foam tube split down one side (think pool noodle sized for 1/2" pipes). You can easily slip it over the water lines.