How to Identify Asbestos Pipe Insulation 

There’s nothing quite as alarming as realizing the air you breathe in every day could be slowly poisoning you. If you regularly spend time in a building with Asbestos pipe insulation, this is a very real possibility. Whether it is your residential home or a commercial building you are responsible for, the suspicion of Asbestos needs to be taken extremely seriously. 

Do not think that just because you don’t feel sick that there isn’t a problem. The most serious side effects of Asbestos exposure, including lung cancer and Mesothelioma, do not make their presence known for years and even decades to come. Instead of waiting until it is too late, take the time now to identify and remove any Asteobos lurking in your building.

What Does Asbestos Pipe Insulation Look Like?

Today, we are well aware of the dangers of Asbestos. Sadly, the risks were largely unknown to contractors and the general public up until fairly recently. Before the 1980’s, the material was frequently used for insulation purposes. In fact, Asbestos was once considered the gold standard for new homes being built! Unfortunately, today’s homeowners are now paying the price. 

Asbestos was often used in pipe insulation, for both water and heating pipes. In decades past, it was wrapped around the pipes after they were installed.

What you are looking for is pipes that are insulated or wrapped in a material that isn’t metal. Typically, the Asbestos is a white-gray material that many people would compare to corrugated paper. In many cases, the wrapped insulation appears to have multiple layers, with something of a honeycomb design. In some cases, it might also appear as a plaster or cement paste on a pipe’s elbows, valves, or on other irregular components.

It is important to note that fiberglass insulation may appear similar. Fiberglass insulation is safe and nothing to be alarmed to find. It also wraps pipes and may have a white outer layer made of paper. The biggest difference is that the inside is made from traditional pink fiberglass. This can lead to confusion. DIY homeowners or people who are not experienced with Asbestos may believe they found newer fiberglass when it is actually Asbestos. For this reason, we recommend having a professional come out and check for Asbestos pipe insulation. This is the best, and only real, way to know for sure.

Your Next Steps

You have found what you believe to be Asbestos pipe insulation. Now what? Do not attempt to remove it on your own. In fact, don’t touch it at all. According to researchers, there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. If you discover insulation in your home that you believe may contain Asbestos, you should not try to handle this by yourself. Your next step is to call in a professional team to know for sure what you found is Asbestos and remove it once and for all.