Pipe Insulation Calculator
Foam pipe sleeves come in fixed lengths sized to the pipe's outside diameter. Enter your run and this counts sleeves, fittings and cost.
Your project
Covers cuts, compression and odd bays. 10% is the usual default.
Your results
- Sleeve length to buy
- 66 ft
- 6 ft sleeves required
- 11 pieces
- Extra for fittings
- 9 ft
- R-value
- R-3
- Tape / zip ties
- 23 pieces
- Material cost
- $74
About 9 in per elbow or tee
Estimates use typical US material and labor pricing. Confirm quantities against the coverage chart on the bag before you buy.
Gear for this job
Pipe Insulation Foam
Duck Brand Foam Pipe Covers, Pipe Insulation Foam Tubes for Hot and Cold Water Pipes, Pre Slit and Self Sealing Adhesive Edge, 0.75 in. x 1 Ft., 6 Sticks Per Package, 6 Feet Total, Black
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CARGEN 1/2" ID Foam Pipe Insulation Fits 1/2" OD Copper & PEX Water Pipes | For 1/2" OD PEX, PE, copper & water lines; 3/8" wall x 6FT, helps protect against freezing and condensation
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Pipe Insulation Tubing (1-1/2" x 3/8" x 6FT), 1-1/2" ID Pipe Insulation Foam Tubing, Guitar Stand Foam Tubing, Hollow Tube Covers, Gym Handle Protectors and Roof Racks, Etc.
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Foil Tape Hvac Insulation
Romeda Aluminum Foil Tape, 2 inch x 65 Feet Foil Tape (3.9 mil), Silver Insulation Adhesive Metal Tape, High Temperature Heavy Duty HVAC Tapes for Ductwork, Dryer Vent, HVAC
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Aluminum Foil Duct Tape Heavy Duty Waterproof, Premium Silver Metal HVAC Heat Tapes (2"*65Feet,3.9mil), High Temperature, Dryer Vent Insulation Tape for Ductwork, Ducting, Sealing, Patching, Furnace
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ETERART Aluminum Foil Duct Tape, High-Temp Seal for HVAC,2" x 20Yds | Heavy-Duty, Dryer Vents & Insulation, Stops Air Leaks & Resists Extreme Heat for Home Repair, Silver, easy to apply, durable
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Water Heater Insulation Blanket
Frost King SP57/11C All Season Water Heater Insulation Blanket, 3” Thick x 48” x 75”, R10
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AES Industries Water Heater Blanket Jacket Insulation Non Fiberglass Fits 40 50 60 and 80 Gallon Tank R8
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76"x48" Water Heater Insulation Blanket for 40-80 Gallon Pre-Oxidized Fiber | Soft tight fit, easy cut & install, includes 25.5" round top spacer & 16FT foil tape for complete installation
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How this calculator works
- Sleeve length = pipe run × (1 + waste %)
- Sleeves = length ÷ 6 ft per piece
- Fitting allowance = elbows and tees × 0.75 ft
Frequently asked questions
Which pipes should I insulate first?
Hot water lines from the heater out (fastest payback), then any pipe running through an unheated crawlspace, garage or attic where freezing is possible.
Does pipe insulation stop pipes freezing?
It slows freezing dramatically but won't prevent it in a sustained deep freeze with no water movement. In very cold spots pair sleeves with heat tape.
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Sleeve length to buy
66 ft