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DIY hose & housing insulationUpdated 2 months ago

Modtub 1.0: DIY hose & housing insulation

Good news: Although we discontinued the Modtub 1.0 insulation pack, you can easily insulate your hoses (and even the filter housing) with common, cut‑to‑fit materials.

What you’ll need (pick one)

For hoses:

  • Closed‑cell rubber pipe insulation (a.k.a. EPDM/NBR elastomeric, “Armaflex style”), pre‑slit, self‑seal. Example products:

    • Armacell ArmaFlex self‑seal tubes (various sizes)

    • Aeroflex EPDM self‑seal tubes (various sizes)

    • Home improvement store rubber self‑seal tubes (3/4" & 1" common)

  • Polyethylene foam pipe insulation (economy option), pre‑slit, self‑seal.

  • Neoprene sleeve (optional) for a cleaner look or extra durability.

  • Foil/bubble wrap (Reflectix‑type) with foil tape (handy for odd shapes / added vapor barrier).

  • Self‑fusing silicone tape to seal seams and ends.

For the filter housing (to reduce condensation):

  • Neoprene “tank” jacket sized to your canister/tank diameter; or

  • Rubber/foam sheet or Reflectix wrap secured with foil tape and/or self‑fusing silicone tape.

Tip: Insulation works best when seams are sealed (airtight) and the insulation isn’t compressed flat.

Measure before you buy

  1. Measure the outside diameter (OD) of the hose (not the fitting). Common OD choices pair with 3/4" or 1" ID insulation.

  2. Measure the filter housing/tank circumference or diameter if you plan to jacket it.

  3. Choose insulation with an inside diameter (ID) that matches your hose OD, and (optionally) thicker wall for colder climates.

Where to buy (examples)

  • Closed‑cell rubber (EPDM/NBR) tubes:

    • Armacell AP/ArmaFlex self‑adhesive tubes (multiple IDs and wall thicknesses)

    • Aeroflex EPDM Self‑Seal tubes (EPDM rubber; durable, UV‑resistant when coated)

    • Armaflex rubber self‑seal at many home centers (3/4" x 6 ft, 1" x 6 ft)

  • Polyethylene foam tubes: widely available at home centers (look for self‑seal, pre‑slit).

  • Reflective foil/bubble wrap & foil tape: Reflectix pipe‑wrap rolls and matching foil tape.

  • Self‑fusing silicone tape: plumbing/electrical self‑amalgamating silicone tape.

  • Neoprene jackets for tanks/canisters: zippered neoprene “sweat jackets” sized for common 8"–12" diameter tanks.

(See links in the “Product links” section below.)

Install: hoses (10–15 minutes)

  1. Turn water off if needed and wipe hoses dry.

  2. Open the pre‑slit insulation and push it over the hose. Avoid stretching; pick the right ID.

  3. Join seams using the built‑in adhesive (self‑seal). Press along the full length.

  4. Seal the ends and any cuts with self‑fusing silicone tape. For outdoor installs, add a wrap of foil tape only over Reflectix, or a UV jacket/paint if the foam will see sun.

  5. At fittings/bends: piece short sections and tape seams snug. Don’t compress flat.

Install: filter housing (anti‑condensation)

Option A: Neoprene jacket

  1. Measure the housing/tank diameter and height.

  2. Choose the closest neoprene jacket size (zipper in back). Slip on; zip closed. Trim around gauge/brackets if needed.

Option B: Wrap with foam or Reflectix

  1. Cut a rectangle to height and circumference (add ~1" overlap).

  2. Wrap snugly; tape the seam with foil tape.

  3. Seal top/bottom edges with foil tape or silicone tape to block humid air.

  4. Leave access for pressure‑relief, gauges, labels, and drain.

For outdoor setups: protect bare foam from UV with a paint/coating rated by the insulation maker, or cover with a jacket.

Rubber/EPDM “Armaflex‑style” tubes

Economy polyethylene foam

Reflective wrap & tape

Self‑fusing silicone tape

Neoprene jackets (filter housings/tanks)


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