Protection of cold water pipes against condensate

Condensation in the bathroom on cold water pipes

Before starting repair measures, it is important to determine exactly the cause of the problem, which usually consists of the following:

• When the riser pipe gets wet, the whole thing is usually the flow of the neighbors from above.
• If a pipe gets wet near a plumbing fixture, then the reason lies in a faulty faucet.
• If ventilation problems are found, work will need to be done to eliminate blockages blocking the hood.

If condensation appears in the bathroom on the pipes: what to do in such cases? Listing ways to eliminate condensate, one cannot help but recall thermal insulation, which quite effectively helps in this problem.

How to get rid of condensation on plastic pipes

Leaks in plumbing fixtures are a common basis for the appearance of condensate. If the workpiece that supplies water to sanitary fixtures gets wet, then breakdowns can be in the tap, in the shower faucet, in the inlet valve of the toilet tank. A wet riser may indicate that there are leaks in neighboring apartments from above.

If the pipe network is laid out of plastic, then the problem of how to eliminate condensate on plastic pipes is solved as follows:

• The hoods are checked and the ventilation grille is replaced with a compact fan.
• The network is isolated with special tubes with a cut. These products are offered in every hardware store. They are made from energy flex and polyethylene foam. This is a very simple method, only before starting the insulation, it is necessary to dry the pipes thoroughly.
• Full insulation of plastic pipes can be provided by the use of fabric strips and plastering. Above is a detailed description of how this is done.

Features of a metal water pipeline

Video

The problem of how to eliminate condensate on metal water pipes is no less acute than in previous situations.

The following actions help to eliminate the condensate of metal pipes:

1. Branch pipes are protected from rust, dried and opened with drying oil, oil paint.
2. Cover with carbolate. This is a paste-like agent for sealing cracks in the walls and floor, it is applied with a layer of 0.5 cm. This composition should harden for a day, and then the surface is sanded with fine sandpaper and painted with oil paint.
3. Projector primers. They consist of zinc dust, which is diluted with drying oil. With this composition, the highway is opened, and then it is painted (enamel).
4. The line in the toilet can be treated with a product based on drying oil and minium, or with special primers (for example: FL-031, FL-053).

How else do you deal with condensation?

Video: how to eliminate condensate on plastic water pipes

Eliminating condensation on pipes is not an easy task, without determining the exact cause of this phenomenon.

Experts on this subject express such an opinion.

• Professional plumbers are advised to purchase Gofroterm. This is a special composition that can be bought at building materials stores. It is superimposed on the surface of the pipes, and forms a strong and elastic film there, which prevents wet manifestations.
• Also, experts are confident in the effectiveness of liquid thermal insulation, which is applied to a dry and cleaned line.
• If all plumbing and piping is in good condition, then condensate may accumulate due to the temperature difference between the pipes and the air. In this situation, only the insulation of the system will help. The most suitable option for such insulation, professionals call foamed polyethylene or merylon, which are not difficult to buy at any building materials store for a low cost. This insulating material is fastened by putting it on the pipeline. Fix it with a clamp and wire.

Video

The fact is that in addition to the main ones, there are side effects that lead to the formation of condensate. The source of dampness is evaporation from the basement, poor waterproofing and wall insulation.

Because of this, condensation and frost appear. In such situations, there is only one way out - this is the insulation of the floor and walls in the house with high-quality material.

In addition to the reasons already listed, leading to "wet" troubles, there are others. For example, weather conditions. Frequent and prolonged rains, the proximity of a reservoir, the proximity of groundwater also significantly increases the moisture index in the house.

You can reduce it by installing a moisture absorber or an air conditioner that has the function of dehumidifying the air. Dehumidifiers on the market today are an excellent method for removing moisture.

Video

These are plastic boxes containing absorbent tablets. When using these devices, they not only get rid of fogging on pipes, but also eliminate moisture throughout the house.

Experts can advise how to eliminate condensate on a cold water pipe. If they are entrusted with this task, then you can be sure that they will quickly and effectively eliminate the causes leading to dampness in the apartment. And in this case, it will be possible not to worry about the health of people.

Condensation on pipes occurs due to the temperature difference between the ambient air and water in the pipe. Especially often this phenomenon can be seen in the warm season. Excessive moisture on metal pipes leads to their rapid destruction, and on plastic pipes - to the formation of mold, so the cause of condensation must be eliminated in a timely manner.

How to get rid of condensate on pipes

The harmful effects of moisture on plumbing equipment and the room makes you think about methods to combat the formation of condensate. Most of them are relatively simple and inexpensive.

Installing an exhaust fan in the bathroom

First of all, excess moisture is eliminated by the influx of fresh air. If there is no ventilation at all, it is desirable to organize it.

The operation of the existing system can be hampered by debris accumulated in the ventilation duct. It is necessary to unscrew the grate and carefully clean dust and cobwebs from the hole.

You can verify the presence of traction by bringing a lit match to the hole. If the draft is still insufficient, you need to buy and install a fan in the channel.

Installation of insulating tubes

High-quality insulation is one of the most effective ways. Efficient and inexpensive vapor-tight thermal insulation is made of foamed polyethylene. This material is called energyflex and is sold in the form of finished tubes of various diameters or in rolls.

Before use, the pipeline must be dried, then cut the elastic tunnel lengthwise and put it on the pipe. The joints are treated with mounting foam and fixed with waterproof tape.

Applying epoxy putty

Homemade thermal insulation can be made from epoxy putty and old fabric scraps. The pipe is cleaned of traces of rust with sanding paper, wiped with acetone to remove grease and additionally with a special anti-rust agent.

Now the main layer of epoxy putty is applied to it and the still dry surface is quickly wrapped with strips of rags. After winding two or three layers, the fabric is fixed with wire and a finishing layer of epoxy putty is applied on top of it. Now you need to wait for drying and you can clean and paint the surface.

Temporary ways

If there are no necessary materials, or at the moment it is impossible to carry out work, you can use simple methods. But you need to remember that they are not suitable for long-term use.

• Wrap the wet pipe with a bandage and lower its tip into a container to collect water.
• Keep doors open at all times.
• Lay out moisture absorbers in the room, for example, silica gel balls in bags.

How to get rid of condensation in the toilet

The situation with the bathroom in the toilet is similar, but it is worth considering that the second option is characterized by the presence of a large number of pipes. If you are going to make a sewerage system in a private house, then it is better to immediately separate the cold water riser from the hot one, or pipe insulation is needed. There may be regular estrus from the tank in the toilet.

It should be borne in mind that all materials have their own indicator of the ability to conduct heat. But this fact does not force you to carry out a complete replacement of the pipeline, for example, from cast iron to PVC. In order to remedy the situation, there are many options. We will talk about them and talk further in the article.

Leak Repair Methods

We have already found out the reasons for the formation of condensate in the toilet and in the bathroom. Now let's find out how to solve problems with the formation of leaks. The first thing to do is to find the location of the water flow in the system. Its formation can take place:

• If the faucet and mixer has a malfunction. In such a situation, you will observe the constant dripping of water from the taps.
• In the event of a break in the pipeline;
• Fitting wear.

The biggest difficulty in determining is the pipeline rupture and the unsuitability of the fittings. To identify a malfunction, you need to partially disassemble the box that closes the pipes. To facilitate the process, it is better to seek the help of professionals. Specialists can easily determine the problem with the help of thermal imagers - special equipment. It is worth noting that both options require cash investments. When you find a leak, you can do the following repair actions:

• The gasket needs to be changed. A set of tools for work can be bought at any specialized store. To make a purchase, you need to know information about the brand and manufacturers of the faucet. This work can be done by hand.
• If nothing has changed after the repair procedure, then it is necessary to replace the mixer.

In the event that the pipeline of the sewer system in the house is leaking, the following measures can be taken:

• Replace the section of the system with problems. To complete the work, you need to cut a segment of the leaking pipe and mount a new part. In most cases, if there is a pipeline made of metal, the help of specialized equipment is useful. To do this, you can order a car from a specialized company.
• Install a plug on the pipe in the place where there is a water leak. It is worth noting that this method is less effective, so it should not be used.

Replacing the fittings on the pipeline is not difficult. To do this, remove the unusable part and replace it with a new one. Before starting such work, it is necessary to cut off the supply of water to the house.

How to remove condensate, how to wrap pipes

For those who have encountered such a phenomenon, the question immediately arises of how to wrap the pipe so that there is no condensate. There are several ways to prevent the appearance of water droplets on the surface of cold water supply pipes, one of which is thermal insulation. This option is considered the most effective, as it eliminates the cause of their appearance - a temperature drop. The easiest and fastest way to resolve the issue is by means of an insulating tube, cutting it lengthwise for convenient placement. For the manufacture of the tube, polyethylene foam, energy flex or thermoflex is used.

The process looks like this:

In the event that drops of water appear as a result of a malfunction of the plastic pipeline, you can independently replace the damaged section of the pipeline with a new elbow. Metal pipelines can only be replaced by plumbers with special equipment and skills.

To prevent condensation on plastic cold water pipes, the following types of insulating materials are recommended:

• Styrofoam or expanded polystyrene is considered a universal insulation for pipelines made of polymeric materials. It comes in the form of a shell, consisting of two halves. They are connected to each other by means of a tongue-and-groove lock. The use of such insulation is quite simple: the shell halves are put on the pipe and fixed with adhesive tape.
• Mineral wool for pipeline insulation is produced in rolls, which greatly simplifies the use of this material.
• Polyurethane foam refers to heaters with high insulating characteristics. The temperature range of such a material is quite wide, from -160 0 С to +150 0 С. Almost all polypropylene pipes have such a layer, it is formed on products during the production process. In this case, the thickness of the insulation reaches 5 cm.

The consequences of high humidity

The main reason that contributes to condensation is the increased humidity of the environment. That is why this process is typical for toilets and bathrooms, basements, boiler rooms, laundries, etc.

Surfaces damaged by condensation have an ugly appearance. In addition, its appearance carries other dangers. One of them is corrosion, which eventually destroys metal structures. And yet, constant humidity is very fond of mold fungus, which causes allergic and respiratory diseases. Both cannot be called something pleasant and useful.

The appearance of condensation on the pipes in the toilet

The cause of moisture condensation can be both a high content of vapor in the air and a temperature difference. In the case when condensate settles in the toilet on the pipes, you should first check the ventilation - the easiest way is to leave the door to the toilet open at night. If the pipes are dry in the morning, then the ventilation is insufficient.

Another common cause may be the constant leakage of the tank, in which the water does not have time to heat up in the pipe, being replaced by constantly cold water, which cools the sewer pipe even more, as a result of which condensation appears on the pipes in the toilet. In this case, it is necessary to check and repair the taps and the inlet valve of the drain tank.

Processing of water pipes

Treatment of plumbing pipes is the most affordable and effective way to deal with condensate. Older systems usually consist of metallic components and are more susceptible to leakage and corrosion.

Modern pipelines can be made from both durable plastic and fracture-resistant metal alloys.

metal pipes

Metal pipes in damp conditions are especially susceptible to corrosion. However, they lend themselves well to staining. Previously, the old rust is cleaned and the metal is coated with anti-corrosion compounds: carbolate paste, protective primers based on drying oil or epoxy varnish. Then the outer surface is painted with oil paint.

In the bathroom

The small footprint of a bathroom often results in risers being too close together. As a result, the pipes “cry”, creating additional dampness in an already damp room.

Openly laid cold pipes can be painted with any oil paint or enamel. Only heat-resistant enamels are suitable for hot pipes and heated towel rails.

If a faucet or shower drips, this contributes to additional cooling of the pipes. The heat exchange between them and the environment increases, and the condensate forms more intensively. In addition, water is wasted, which harms the environment and causes water meters to spin. Therefore, maintaining plumbing in good condition will bring tangible savings and benefits.

in the toilet

The need to process pipelines in the toilet is also associated with their close location in space. In addition, a leaking tank leads to the constant movement of cold water through the pipes, and this, in turn, to their additional cooling.

Equipment repairs plus insulation and painting will help keep utilities dry.

Plastic pipes do not rust, but condensation on them also leads to puddles on the floor and mold on the walls.

If the system was originally mounted in a non-optimal way, you will have to pay attention to it by providing insulation

Cold water pipes

Universal thermal insulation for plastic "cold" pipes is polystyrene foam, or simply polystyrene. It does not have elasticity, so the insulation is produced in two parts with a recess for the pipe.

Styrofoam halves are put on the pipeline and fastened with special connecting elements and reinforced adhesive tape

Thanks to this, the tightness of the insulation is achieved, which is very important for a good effect.

Glass wool or mineral wool is also used. These heaters can be purchased according to the diameter of the pipes or you can buy a whole roll, which is then used as needed.

with hot water

The difficulty lies in the fact that it cannot be applied to plastic pipes at home. You will have to take care of purchasing pipes with an appropriate coating with a thickness of 3 cm or more, made at the factory.

Getting rid of condensate on pipes

The fight against condensate must be rational

If it was not possible to completely get rid of moisture droplets or prevent their appearance by any of the methods, you need to pay attention to other reasons:

• Weather conditions - a humid climate and frequent prolonged rains, prolonged severe frosts or heavy snowfalls increase the level of humidity in the room, and as a result, condensation appears.
• The location of the house near natural reservoirs, the close occurrence of groundwater affect the level of humidity in the house.
• Disadvantages of construction - no foundation waterproofing layer has been laid, no ventilation, a cold floor or a damp basement located under the house.
• Frequent accidents in the water supply system, the presence of several sources of evaporation (drying clothes, cooking) are also causes of condensate.

Most often, to solve this problem, it is necessary to completely change the internal microclimate of the house, and this requires complex complex measures, up to and including a major overhaul. Each of the situations of condensate occurrence requires a study of the causes and an individual choice of method and method of elimination.

Sometimes activities can be simple and economical.

• In case of excessive moisture, eliminate the source. Use only well-ventilated areas to dry laundry.
• Equip exhaust ventilation so that it works in several modes, including forced ventilation.
• Additionally insulate the walls and floor.
• Install an air conditioner with a dehumidifier function. If this is not possible, then make a moisture absorber with your own hands.

Condensation can almost always be observed on cold water pipes. This phenomenon not only spoils the appearance of the bathroom to some extent, but can cause serious problems. Constantly wet tubular elements have a limited service life.

Therefore, such a problem should be solved very quickly. In this case, questions arise about what to do if drops of water are found on the pipeline and how to remove condensate from cold water pipes. First, there is no need to over-dramatize the situation. Secondly, you need to familiarize yourself with all the methods for eliminating this problem.Thirdly, choose the most optimal option and put it into practice.

steam traps

Since the problem of water condensation is widespread, there are devices that trap water vapor and drain the resulting liquid. In particular, steam traps are installed at the outlet of water heaters. Depending on the heat exchange scheme, thermodynamic, thermostatic and mechanical devices are used.

The most popular are steam traps operating on the float principle of operation. They separate the accumulated water from the steam and remove it from the system, using the difference in density between water and steam.

Float devices have the following advantages:

• exceptional reliability;
• high performance;
• optimal energy saving in the system.

How to solve this problem

And she deserves special attention. You can purchase special material that can be easily purchased at any hardware store for little money.

It does not matter if this was not at hand, you can use improvised means. Mounting foam and corrugation can save the situation.

The corrugation is pre-cut into the necessary pieces, and they are put on the nozzles. The empty space is filled with mounting foam. At this point, the mission is considered completed.

Video

There is another very simple method that will help eliminate the appearance of water drops on the pipes. For work you need to prepare:

1. sanding paper;
2. phosphoric acid;
3. thick thread;
4. strips of old fabric;
5. putty knife;
6. acetone.

Course of action:

• Any pieces of unnecessary fabric are cut into strips no more than 7 cm wide, which are rolled up. They are recommended to be prepared with a margin so as not to be distracted during work.
• The pipe is plastered, otherwise the material will not firmly adhere to it. Then it is degreased with acetone.
• At this stage, a rust converter is applied, and when the pipes dry, putty is applied to them. This material instantly hardens, for this reason, you will have to act quickly.
• The prepared pipes are wrapped with fabric strips, so that each subsequent turn overlaps the previous one. The final coup is tightly tied with a cord.
• Thus, insulation from fabric strips is applied in several layers.
• The procedure is completed by applying an epoxy layer. When it dries completely, the pipe products are sanded and the paint of the selected shade is applied.

thermal insulation

To minimize the effect of temperature difference in pipes with cold water and room temperature, it is necessary to insulate them. Excellent thermal insulation, high fire safety, ease of installation, tightness and low price of modern heaters will allow you to appreciate this solution.

The pipe must be dressed in a special material for insulation - cases made of foamed polyethylene (energy flex). It is a flexible material whose closed pores give it excellent thermal insulation properties.

Your actions:

• dry the pipe
• cut along the energy flex tube;
• wrap the pipe with cold water;
• fasten the longitudinal seam of the insulation with glue or clips;
• glue the ends of the energy flex together;
• If desired, you can paint the insulation with spray paint of the desired color.

As an option, Isollat, a universal material for pipe insulation, the so-called thermos paint, will help prevent the appearance of condensate. This is a water-based suspension, which, after drying, turns into a polymer coating with good thermal insulation properties.

How to paint "Isollat":

• clean and degrease the pipe surface;
• apply paint with a brush in one layer;
• to give a glossy sheen, it can be topcoated with silicone varnish type KO 85.

Faucet or toilet cistern repair

If condensation forms on the toilet bowl, the first step is to check its serviceability. The constant sound of flowing water indicates that the tank is not filled to the end and is constantly updated with cold water, which produces condensate.

What can be done:

• repair toilet flush
• buy a new toilet with a double tank.

A double tank, inside of which there is an additional plastic container, will help to completely solve the problem with condensate. Cold water is drawn into it, without touching the walls of the tank, so the appearance of condensate is excluded. A big minus - the tank is most often sold complete with a toilet bowl and has a fairly high cost.

In the mixer, water control elements most often fail - joysticks, axle boxes, valves. A thin trickle of water flowing down around the faucet can just be the culprit for the appearance of condensate. Replace the gasket or cartridge and the faucet will be ready to use again. In extreme cases, you can buy a new mixer. Perhaps this is where the search for the causes of the appearance of condensate will end.

Do not postpone the solution of the issue with condensate indefinitely. And it's not just that, having dealt with it, you will do your health and repair a great service. Ignoring a problem with unpleasant consequences when it is easily and inexpensively solved is simply unwise.