Why You May Want Pipe Lagging Even if Freezing Isn't a Risk
Pipe lagging is a type of insulation that can be wrapped around water pipes. This insulation is often added to prevent the pipe and water inside from freezing in cold winter weather; when a pipe freezes, the ice expands a bit and can make the pipe crack and when the water thaws, it starts to leak out. In really bad cases, the pressure from the water can force the crack open, causing the pipe to burst. People in warmer regions generally don't have to worry about that, but that does not mean they should never insulate their homes' water pipes. The lagging does a lot more than just stopping water from freezing.
It's a Good Energy Saver
Pipe lagging is a good energy-saving tactic. When you insulate water pipes, especially hot-water pipes, you conserve that heat. Instead of the water losing heat as it travels through long pipes from the water heater to your faucets, it retains more of that heat. You don't have to set your water heater temperature as high to get the same amount of hot water at the faucet. Do be aware that you should set the water heater to at least 60 degrees Celsius (with water coming out at the faucet being no more than 50 degrees, to avoid scalds) in order to prevent bacterial growth, and you should be sure the lagging doesn't cause the water at the faucet to be a scalding temperature. It shouldn't; you should be saving only a few degrees. A plumber can ensure the water temperatures at both ends of the pipe are safe once the lagging is installed.
You Can Reduce That Annoying Noise
Newer builds often have plumbing pipes made from materials that don't insulate against noise very well. If you're dealing with hearing plumbing from a few rooms down in your home, have pipe lagging added. The additional bulk will help reduce that noise. You may still hear some noise; even with the best pipes, that's normal. But you may find that someone flushing a toilet wakes you up less in the middle of the night, and running a sink doesn't sound like a waterfall has appeared in your house.
Even Hot Areas Have Freak Freezes
One more reason to get pipe lagging? Even areas that generally have warmer weather can have intense cold snaps in winter. Overnight freezes aren't unheard of in many places where they don't normally occur, and as the climate changes, the temperature extremes in some areas may become greater. That includes having more cold weather in winter. You may want to get pipe lagging now just in case a new weather pattern develops later.