I know I have been on a kick with the energy code of late. But with the adoption of the 2012 IRC and IECC I need to keep abreast of these changes when I am doing phase inspections and new construction inspections.

                                               (Typical R-3 Insulation)

The 2012 energy code (International Energy Conservation Code/IECC) is catching up to what Washington State has had in place. But  there will always be some challenges.

In the energy code (IECC) there is a requirement for insulating hot water service piping but had these qualifiers per R403.4.1 and table R403.4.2.

The 2012  IECC (International Energy Conservation Code) states this for hot water pipe insulation-

R403.4 Service hot water systems.

Energy conservation measures for service hot water systems shall be in accordance with Section R403.4.2.

R403.4.2 Hot water pipe insulation (Prescriptive).

Insulation for hot water pipe with a minimum thermal resistance (R-value) of R-3 shall be applied to the following:

1. Piping larger than 3/4 inch nominal diameter.

2. Piping serving more than one dwelling unit.

3. Piping from the water heater to kitchen outlets.

4. Piping located outside the conditioned space.

5. Piping from the water heater to a distribution manifold.

6. Piping located under a floor slab.

7. Buried piping.

8. Supply and return piping in recirculation systems other than demand recirculation systems.

9. Piping with run lengths greater than the maximum run lengths for the nominal pipe diameter given in Table R403.4.2.

All remaining piping shall be insulated to at least R-3 or meet the run length requirements of Table R403.4.2.

TABLE R403.4.2 MAXIMUM RUN LENGTH (feet)a

Washington State found this too confusing and made it simpler and amended this code provision. So Washington State’s rule is that all hot water piping will need to be insulated, that is in conditioned and unconditioned spaces.

Link Below to  Washington State Amendment-

WAC# 51-11R-40340

Then there was an amendment to the amendment to reduce the insulation value from R-4 to R-3 so you can use the normal insulation which is rated at R-3.

(http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/laws/wsr/2013/23/13-23-095.htm )

                                                      (R-4.5 Insulation)

There are R 4 to R 5 insulations out there but R 3 is the most common.

                                                            ( R-5 Insulation)

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