Internal lagging

[geekchic]

Hello

I have been told by my buildings insurer that my internal bathroom pipes need to be lagged (there were some escape of water claims a few years back that a previous owner made but did not disclose to me).

The bathroom is in a kind of stand alone annex to the main building (still with a pitched roof). There is nothing above it.

I had a plumber round who said that no one lags internal pipes, as they are kept warm when the heating is on. Is this correct? If not, what sort of work is required to carry out lagging - would the whole bathroom have to be removed? Would the pipes remain hidden behind the bath, shower etc? Does anyone know what sort of cost is involved with this?

I am concerned, as the insurer will not offer escape of water cover until the lagging has been installed.

Thanks

 

[Johnmelad]

We like pictures.

 

[jabuzzard]

Your plumber is simply plain wrong. Building regulations say that internal cold water pipes are supposed to be insulated so the water remains cold on a hot day All hot water pipes should also be insulated so water stays hotter in the pipes longer. Of course it also helps prevent pipe freezing should the property be left empty. That said my insurance says between November and March if the property is left empty for more than a five days I either have to turn the mains water off or have the central heating coming on anyway or burst pipes won't be covered.

It is like people who say you don't need to insulate central heating pipes that are between floors, bzzzt wrong again. Thermodynamics does not work like that. The only pipe work that is not insulated in my house is stuff that is visible or carries gas.