What type of insulation is often required on hot water pipes?

Foam insulation is often used on hot water pipes due to its excellent thermal resistance properties. It helps to minimize heat loss from the pipes, ensuring that the hot water remains at a higher temperature as it travels through the plumbing system. Additionally, foam insulation is lightweight, easy to install, and can conform to various pipe sizes and shapes, making it a practical choice for residential and commercial plumbing applications. Its closed-cell structure effectively resists moisture, which is crucial in preventing corrosion and maintaining the integrity of the piping over time.

Other types of insulation, such as fiberglass, reflective, and mineral wool, while effective in certain applications, do not provide the same level of performance or convenience for hot water pipes compared to foam insulation.