Tired of waiting endlessly for hot water to make its way from the water heater to the tap? If you think it's bad now, just wait until the mercury drops. Taking action now will not only lessen the wait, it'll lower your utility bill and save energy as well. Why the wait? It's simple. The pipes that carry hot water from the water heater to the tap generally can be found in the crawlspace where it's normally very cold. The cold air in turn chills the pipes and hence the water inside them. A great process if it's ice water you want. What to do? Insulate the pipes using a prefabricated neoprene pipe wrap. It can be purchased from your local hardware store or home center in uniform lengths to fit various pipe widths. It even has a peel-and-stick seam for a snug fit. Although we suggest having a roll of duct tape handy. And that's the On The House Tip for today.