Water Tank Insulation

Insulating your water tank is a simple, affordable way to save on energy costs and minimise your home's heat loss.

To keep the heat locked in, treat your water tank to a British Standard Jacket using the following know-how. Jackets don't cost much and can be found in most DIY stores.

The good news is that the Government has made funding available to help people keep their homes both cosy and energy efficient. Learn more about Green Grants.

Find out about other ways to keep the heat locked in, such as Cavity Wall Insulation, Water Tank Insulation & more. Also see our videos on How to Insulate your Home & How to Save Energy in your Home. If you prefer to call in the professionals to insulate your home, see Builders. For glazing repairs or upgrades, book a Glazier.

To make your home even more eco-friendly, see our Energy Saving Tips - there's a number of ways you can reduce your energy bills without too much bother.

Choose any of the following categories to learn about the water tank insulation that's best for your home.

• Hot Water Tank Insulation
• Cold Water Tank Insulation
• Insulating with boards or sheets

Hot Water Tank Insulation

Most jackets for hot water tanks are made up of individual segments held together by string that is fastened around the top of the cylinder and around the tank.

Wrap the jacket around the cylinder so it covers as much of the tank as possible. Don't tie the jacket too tightly as this will reduce the effectiveness of the insulation.

If the hot water tank is being used to heat an airing cupboard, any insulation will reduce the effectiveness of this. Un-insulated pipes will naturally release some heat, but you may need to slightly open the cylinder jacket to allow heat into the cupboard.

If you're considering replacing your hot water tank, cylinders are now available with factory applied foam insulation, which are considerably more effective than an insulating jacket.

Cold Water Tank Insulation

A cold water tank located in the loft should be insulated on the top as well as on its sides ensuring the insulation extends down to the insulated loft floor.

Consideration must be made for water tanks in the loft that include an overflow return (a pipe from the rest of the system bent over the top of the tank so that any excess water will vent back in to the tank). Provision must be made for the overflow to feed back into the tank; this is usually achieved by a funnel contraption fitted through the top cover of the tank.

Insulating with Boards or Sheets

• Pre-cut packs of sheet insulation material are available to fit around standard sizes of water tank. Insulation sheets are also available that can be cut to suit individual tanks.
• It is recommended that a tight-fitting wooden cover be placed over the top of the tank. The insulating board or sheet can then be placed over this. The top panel and cover need to be arranged so the ballcock can be accessed without having to disturb the side insulation panels.
• Measure the position of any overflow feeding into the tank and fit a connector through the insulation and top cover to suit.
• Side insulating boards need to be secured with cord or tape. The top panel may not need to be secured to the tank.
• Cold water storage tanks must be completely insulated against the cold and the jacket should extend down to the insulation on the loft floor - additional loft insulation matting can be used to fill any gaps.