The cold water pipe fogs up. How to install thermal insulation yourself. Methods for dealing with condensation product

Many owners of not only apartments, but also private houses face this problem: seemingly harmless, wet pipes with cold water(both non-pressure sewer and water pipes) are a source of dampness in the kitchen, toilet or bathroom. Condensation on pipes can cause the development of mold, as well as reduce the time period between repair work in wet areas. Our short article is devoted to solving this problem: below we will talk about why condensation forms on pipes, as well as how to deal with this scourge.

Reasons for the formation of condensation on pipes

Most often, the formation of condensation on cold water pipes is associated with poor ventilation in the room. That's why on sewer riser or pipes supplying cold water, droplet moisture is formed: moist air fully contributes to this process. Therefore, before you think about it, you need to take care of creating an additional thermal insulation layer that will prevent such a strong temperature difference on the surface of the product. Often a similar situation is faced by those who have risers with hot and cold water laid too close to each other.

Damp pipes in the bathroom

First of all, it is necessary to check the operation of the ventilation system. Over the years of use, it could well become clogged with dust and debris. Therefore, first we unscrew the grill covering the ventilation duct and clean everything thoroughly. If this was the reason, then a craving should appear, the presence of which can be checked using a lit match.

Another point is the features of cold and hot water in the bathroom. Most often, pipes are installed very close to each other, without worrying about additional thermal insulation. It is not surprising that at the point where water is supplied to the plumbing equipment (simply, the mixer), the cold water pipe “cries”. If the liner is open, then you can easily use any suitable heat insulating material. If it goes in the wall, the solution suggests itself and is associated with more complex work, including repairs. If you need to change the geometry of the product, then you can read about it in the article dedicated to this issue on our website.

Often the cause of condensation on bathroom pipes is a faulty faucet. If water drips from the tap, then you not only pay extra money for it, but also contribute to the constant cooling of the pipes: even at night, the heat exchange between them and the air continues with all the ensuing consequences. The solution is obvious - it's time to repair the tap!

Fighting condensation on pipes in the toilet

The situation is similar to that described above, with only one “but” - there are much more pipes in the toilet, and they are all laid in a small space. If you live in a private house and the interior was carried out by you yourself, then already at this stage it was worth thinking about potential problems with condensate: either remove cold pipes from hot ones, or additionally insulate the former.

Constant leakage from the tank can also cause wet pipes. The situation is the same as in the case of faulty plumbing in the bathroom: water constantly passes through the pipes, so it does not have time to warm up, and humid air only aggravates the problem. Therefore, it is obvious that the most budget-friendly solution would be to simply repair the inlet valve and adjust the tank fittings.

Thermal conductivity various materials is different. But this does not mean that to eliminate condensation on pipes it is necessary to switch from cast iron to PVC. It is better to follow one of the paths that we will talk about below. We will talk about the construction of a thermal insulation layer.

Thermal insulation of pipes

The simplest option involves purchasing factory-made thermal insulation material: K-Flex, Energoflex, penofol, etc. It can be made in the form of porous material, polypropylene foam, basalt fiber, self-adhesive tape, etc. In fact, any material can be used as insulation for pipes. thermal insulation material. If purchasing it is not part of your plans, you can go in other ways:

• use a larger diameter plastic pipe and polyurethane foam. We cut the product in such a way that it can be used to “encircle” the pipe on which condensation forms. We foam the interpipe space with polyurethane foam;
• use old rags and epoxy putty. The pipe is first cleaned of rust with sanding paper and degreased with acetone. Next, we apply the first layer of putty on it, after which we literally bandage the pipe with a cloth so that it is impregnated with epoxy. After it hardens, we apply the finishing layer of putty - the improvised thermal insulation is ready!

Now you know what to do if condensation forms on the pipes in your apartment!

Video on the topic

Essentially, condensation is considered to be the result of the accumulation of excess moisture on any surfaces whose temperature is lower than the ambient temperature. Condensation mainly appears on pipes and containers in which cold water flows or appears in rooms where there is a source of high humidity levels. Such premises include: toilet, boiler room, basements, laundries and bathrooms.

In addition to its aesthetic appearance, condensate on pipes can be quite dangerous consequences, so it’s best to get rid of it.

Why is condensation on pipes dangerous?

Condensation on water pipes is not only unsightly, but also dangerous. I explain why it is better to get rid of condensate on pipes. If you have metal pipes, then corrosion may occur from condensation, which leads to destruction. And for people, this will be reflected in the source of respiratory and allergic diseases. All this will happen due to the fact that mold will begin to appear on the pipes. Mold is a type of fungus that is quite harmful to humans. It has the power to cause serious illness in people. I would especially like to mention bronchial asthma and a noticeable decrease in immunity. In my opinion, I have presented sufficient arguments to convince you to get rid of condensate on the pipes. And to put it in everyday language, make sure that the pipes do not sweat.

Why do pipes sweat?

Let's consider the reasons for the appearance of condensation on pipes. The main reasons include the following:

• poor ventilation,

• low level of thermal insulation of sewerage and water supply pipes,

• the premises have high level humidity.

It can be noted here that sources with high levels of humidity include the following reasons:

• terrain features,

• defects in the operation of technological communications,

• construction defects of buildings,

• external weather conditions, climate.

How to get rid of condensation?

Now let's look at how to get rid of condensation that appears on pipes.

• If there is a high level of humidity in the room, then first of all you need to eliminate the occurrence of high humidity. For example, it is best to hang wet laundry in another ventilated area, or you can use airtight lids to cover containers with water.

• The next step in how to get rid of condensation on pipes is to provide ventilation. In this case, you can set ventilation window with a grid that will help remove excess moisture outside your room. In order to make such ventilation, you will need to drill a hole using a hammer drill and a crown-shaped drill. Then insert the ventilation grille and secure it using self-tapping screws or construction adhesive.

• If all this is not enough to correct the situation in the room and get rid of condensation on the pipes, then you will need to do active ventilation.

Active ventilation looks like exhaust fan, which can be fixed to the exhaust hole, and it works in two modes, namely: manual and forced. The forced option is considered more preferable, and the manual mode is used for limited temporary actions. In manual mode, you will need to attach a timer, or a special humidity sensor, which will help drive the fan into action. Forced ventilation will be inappropriate if your room has high humidity levels.

• If the humidity in the room is very high, it is best for you to insulate the pipes using special thermal insulation materials to get rid of condensation on the pipes. All thermal insulation materials are made in the form of mats, which consist of metal heat-reflecting foil and mineral wool. They can also be made in the form of pipes, the inner diameter of which will coincide with the outer diameter of the pipe. Such thermal insulation materials are made from different materials, and they take not only rubber, but also various polystyrenes and foam plastics. The pipes must be carefully wrapped with this material and secured.

If you take heat-insulating tubular material, then you will need to cut it along its entire length. After this, you will need to wipe the pipe dry and put heat-insulating material on it so that it is completely sealed. If you make a mistake, you will not be able to get rid of condensation on the pipes; it will begin to appear again, and the work will be done down the drain.

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

Causes of condensation and solutions

Causes of moisture

If condensation accumulates on a cold water pipe, in order to figure out how to fix the problem, you need to identify the main causes of this phenomenon. There are several reasons for the accumulation of moisture on pipes:

• if condensate mainly accumulates on the water supply pipes of the riser in the bathroom or sewer, then neighbors living on the floor above may have a problem with the formation of a leak;
• poor ventilation in the room. The reason for the lack of air movement may be a blockage. ventilation duct or metal-plastic windows, which when closed do not allow outside air to pass through. With poor ventilation, water vapor accumulates in the living room, which subsequently settles on plastic pipes (metal pipes, etc.). You can check for proper ventilation using a match or lighter. The flame from any object should be “drawn” into the hood. If this effect does not occur, then the channel is either clogged or is not able to cope with its task.

Repairing leaks

We have found out why condensation forms on pipes. Now let's figure out how to fix leaks.

First of all, you need to determine the place where the water leak occurs. The leak could be:

• due to faulty taps or mixer. In this situation, water will drip from the tap;
• after a pipe burst;
• due to wear of fittings on polypropylene pipes (metal-plastic pipes).

It is most difficult to detect burst pipes or worn-out fittings if the pipes are hidden in the wall. To detect a leak, you will need to partially disassemble the box covering the pipes, or resort to the help of specialists who will detect the malfunction using special devices - thermal imagers. Both methods will entail significant financial expenses.

If a leak is detected in a mixer or tap, you can:

1. change all gaskets. Buy repair kit for the mixer can be found in any specialized store. To select a repair kit, you need to know the brand and manufacturer of the mixer. You can replace the gaskets yourself;

1. If after the repair the formation of condensate on the pipes does not stop, then the mixer needs to be replaced.

If a leak is detected in the pipes, you can:

1. solder the pipe, that is, install a plug in place of the leak. This method is considered the least reliable and is therefore recommended for use as a temporary measure.

Replacing fittings does not cause problems. It is enough to remove the leaking part and install a similar new product.

Before carrying out any operation, it is necessary to first shut off the water supply to the residential premises.

Troubleshooting ventilation problems

How to get rid of condensation on pipes if the reason lies in insufficient ventilation of the room? Required:

1. contact management company requesting inspection and cleaning of the ventilation shaft of the house. The specified work must be done free of charge and in a short time, since monitoring the technical condition of the house is the direct responsibility of managers;
2. what to do if the problems in the shaft at home are fixed, but condensation still accumulates. Can be installed indoors in a bathtub, toilet, etc. additional fan built into the hood. The fan can be turned on by force or run, for example, when the lights are turned on;

1. get rid of condensation on cold pipe possible by installing an air conditioner or kitchen hood for stove or .

Do-it-yourself thermal insulation of pipes

How to remove condensation from pipes cold water, if all the above faults have been eliminated, but the problem remains? You can make thermal insulation of pipes using:

• chemicals;
• specialized insulation materials.

Chemical insulation

To insulate pipes you can use mixtures:

How to deal with condensation using chemical means:

1. First of all, you need to clean the surface of the pipe from dirt and rust (if metal pipes are used). To get rid of rust, you can also use various chemicals;
2. then the entire surface of the pipe is treated with a primer for the best adhesion of the insulating mixture to the pipe. The time for complete drying of the pipe is indicated on the package with the primer. On average, this requires 30 minutes - 1 hour;
3. A protective mixture is applied to the surface of the pipe. To do the job, you can use a brush, roller or spray. Usually, chemical drug It is recommended to apply in 3-5 layers, each layer requiring preliminary drying, the time of which is indicated on the packaging;
4. To increase the service life of pipes, it is recommended to apply a kind of fixative on top of the insulating material, which, in addition to its direct function, will give the pipes an aesthetic appearance appearance.

You can learn more about processing pipes with the Teplomet mixture from the video.

Usage liquid mixtures as a heat insulator, it not only reliably protects pipes from condensation, but also extends the service life of the plumbing system.

Insulation with insulation

The following can be used as insulating materials for pipes:

• Styrofoam;
• basalt;
• foamed polyethylene;
• mineral wool.

As a rule, pipe insulation material comes in the form of ready-made rolls into which a pipe is inserted. The roll consists of:

To make thermal insulation of pipes insulating materials, required:

1. prepare the pipe surface by first removing all dirt and rust from it;
2. if adhesive-based insulation is used, then remove it from inside protective film and wrap the pipe. If the insulation is not equipped with an adhesive base, then the entire pipe must be covered with a special glue;

The diameter of the insulation roll must correspond to the diameter of the pipe. Otherwise, it will not be possible to get rid of condensation, since moisture will penetrate under the insulation.

1. press the material against the pipe for the best adhesion;
2. seal the hole through which the pipe was wrapped.

Condensation on pipes can destroy or destroy the sewer system of a house, as well as harm the health of surrounding people, so moisture accumulation on pipes must be promptly disposed of using any of the most effective and affordable methods.

Condensation can almost always be observed on cold water supply pipes. This phenomenon not only spoils the appearance of the bathroom to some extent, but can cause serious problems. Constantly wet pipe 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 detected on the pipeline and how to remove condensation from cold water pipes. Firstly, there is no need to overdramatize the situation. Secondly, you need to familiarize yourself with all the methods for eliminating this problem. Third, choose the most best option and put it into practice.

Causes of condensation

Condensation on cold water supply pipes may appear for the following reasons:

• Presence of a source in the room high humidity.
• Insufficient ventilation.
• Water supply pipes have poor quality thermal insulation.
• Temperature changes. For this reason, in the summer, stronger formation of condensation may occur, which simply flows down the surface of the pipes.

Most of the reasons for the formation of condensation do not require explanation. As for the first item on the list, some clarifications need to be made.

Sources of high humidity include the following:

• Problems arising during the functioning of communication systems and buildings. This could be the formation of steam during cooking, evaporation from wet laundry, a flooded basement, a pipeline accident, or a ventilation system clogged with debris.
• Building defects resulting from violations of construction technology.
• Geographical features of the region: the proximity of large bodies of water or high humidity levels combined with rocky soil, which contributes to the formation of condensation.
• Unfavorable natural phenomena: wet snow, prolonged rains or humid climate of the area.

Prerequisites for the appearance of condensation on cold water pipes

In most cases, condensation appears on pipes located in bathrooms. Despite the specifics of these rooms, this is not the only reason why pipes become wet.

There are a number of factors that can cause condensation to form on toilet pipes:

• Insufficient ventilation. To determine that condensation appears precisely because of this, it is enough to leave the toilet doors open at night. If the pipeline turns out to be dry in the morning, then you should repair the ventilation system and make it better.
• Constant leakage of water in the tank due to malfunction of the valve. This causes the pipeline to begin to cool, resulting in a greater accumulation of condensate on its surface. A simple repair of the inlet valve and tank taps will help fix the problem.
• There is a leak in the toilet of neighbors living on the top floor. In this case, you need to inform the owners about the situation. If they are absent, you can temporarily eliminate condensation with your own hands. To do this, the section of the pipeline on which an accumulation of water drops is detected is wrapped with a bandage in several layers and one end of the winding is lowered into a container, the accumulated water is regularly poured out. Read also: "".

Water accumulation on cold water pipes in the bathroom can occur in the following situations:

• Incorrect location of the water supply system. If hot and cold water supply pipes pass close enough to each other and do not have thermal insulation, then an accumulation of water droplets is observed on the elements through which cold water flows. The way out of this situation is to ensure high-quality thermal insulation of pipe elements using suitable materials.
• Mixer malfunction. If water constantly drips from the tap, the overall temperature of the working environment decreases, which leads to the cooling of the pipes and the formation of condensation on their surface. Repairing the mixer will help solve the problem.

How to remove condensation, how to wrap pipes

Those who have encountered this phenomenon immediately have a question about how to wrap the pipe to prevent condensation. There are several ways to prevent water droplets from appearing 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 - temperature changes. The easiest and fastest way to solve the problem is to use an insulating tube, cutting it lengthwise for convenient placement. Foamed polyethylene, energyflex or thermoflex are used to make the tube.

There is another way to deal with condensation on pipe elements, but it is considered more complex. Using this option requires you to have the following materials: epoxy putty, acetone, rust solvent, sanding paper, spatula, nylon thread and strips of fabric about 5 cm wide.

The process looks like this:

• The pipe is cleaned with sanding paper to improve surface adhesion.
• Degrease the sanded area with acetone.
• The surface is treated with a rust solvent and allowed to dry (read also: " ").
• Thick epoxy putty is applied to the pipe and wrapped with strips of fabric. The edges are secured with thread.
• Another layer of putty is applied on top and again wrapped with cloth.
• Cover the fabric with putty and leave until completely dry.
• After all layers have dried, the pipe is sanded and painted.

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 plumbing workers with special equipment and skills.

To prevent the formation of condensation on plastic cold water pipes, it is recommended to use the following types of insulating materials:

• Polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene is considered a universal insulation material for pipelines made of polymer 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 secured with adhesive tape.
• Mineral wool for insulation of pipelines is produced in rolls, which greatly simplifies the use of this material.
• Polyurethane foam is a type of insulation material with high insulating characteristics. The temperature range of such material is quite wide, from -160 0 C to +150 0 C. 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.

Chemical elements that help get rid of condensation

Chemical industry products help protect cold water supply pipes from condensation: Stermizol, Corundum, Teplomet and others.

The use of these insulating mixtures involves the following steps:

• The pipe is cleaned of dirt and rust.
• Apply a layer of primer for better adhesion of the insulation to the surface and leave to dry.
• Using a roller, brush or spray, cover the surface with a protective mixture. The most effective is the application of 5 layers of insulation, and each layer must dry thoroughly before the next application. The optimal drying time for such mixtures is about 1 hour.
• A special fixer helps to extend the service life of a thermally insulated pipeline, which at the same time makes the pipes more attractive.

Which method to use to combat condensation on cold water supply pipes depends on the reasons for the formation of this phenomenon and the specific operating conditions. It is very important to consider how often the problem occurs, as well as at what stage it is at.

Device for condensate drainage - condensate drain

A float condensate drain is used to drain the formed condensate automatically. This device is installed at the outlet of the apparatus providing heat exchange, including water heaters and air heaters. Through this technical device the water accumulated in the system simply evaporates.

Steam traps are divided into three main groups:

• Combined type devices.
• thermostatic.
• Float

The operation of float-type steam traps is based on the use of the difference between the densities of condensate and steam. These devices are extremely popular due to a large number positive characteristics.

The main advantages of a device of this type are the following:

• High degree of reliability.
• Excellent performance indicators.
• Ability to work with minimal loads.
• No need for condensate cooling.
• Resistant to sudden temperature changes.
• Uninterrupted operation under increased loads.

It should also be noted optimal performance energy saving of thermal systems with float-type condensate traps.

To combat condensation, you can choose any of the listed methods. In most cases, their use helps eliminate unwanted moisture. If these options are insufficiently effective, you can get rid of the formation of condensation on cold water supply pipes by waterproofing all surfaces of the room. High-quality performance of this type of work is only possible with special knowledge and skills.

Small droplets of condensate form on cold water and sewer pipes in apartments and private houses all the time. Most often this process can be observed in the summer. Despite the fact that this phenomenon is considered natural and quite natural, it causes a lot of inconvenience to many. We are trying to come up with something, but still, when we see condensation on the cold water pipes, we don’t know what to do. Why are these droplets so harmful?

It would seem that harmless condensation can create significant problems for the owners of an apartment or house:

• Accumulating and uniting, drops of water end up on the floor and form whole puddles there, which can even flow to the neighbors below. Flooring This can cause such damage that it will have to be replaced in a couple of years.
• Harmless drops also greatly reduce the service life of the water supply system, because it is an aggressive environment for metal. Pipes rust, become deformed and after some time will require major repairs.
• Condensation on pipes in the toilet, kitchen or bathroom can cause bad smell dampness. But the smell is not so bad. It is much worse that the consequence of this is the formation of fungus and mold. Bacteria also multiply much more actively in a humid environment, putting people living in an apartment at risk of disease.

Reasons for the formation of droplets

Why does condensation form on pipes? Most often this happens due to the difference in temperature between the surface of the pipes and the air in the room. And if there is no ventilation in the room, or it does not function well enough, then nasty drops will definitely appear. Too humid indoor air also contributes to this. Moisture quickly settles on risers and pipes carrying cold liquid. Every room has its own causes of condensation.

Wet pipes in the toilet

In the toilet to the most common reasons condensate settling on pipes can be attributed to:

Condensation in the bathroom

To know how to deal with condensation on pipes in the bathroom, you must first find out the cause of this phenomenon. Some factors are similar to “toilet” ones, but there are also some nuances:

How to get rid of moisture on pipes?

There are several ways to remove condensate from pipes:

Ventilation

Inspect vent. If you find debris, cobwebs and dust deposits there, you must thoroughly clean it all. After this, it is advisable to purchase a special fan, which is installed instead of the ventilation grille. Plumbing and building materials stores have a lot of such devices from various manufacturers. They can vary in power, price and design.

New tank

In the toilet, the problem of condensation can be solved with the help of a double tank. Inside such a device there is an additional plastic container into which cold water is collected. The outer walls do not cool too sharply, and therefore are not covered with drops of water. The downside is the high cost of the tank, which is most often sold only as a set together with the toilet.

Natural ventilation

If your bathroom or bathroom does not have supply and exhaust ventilation, organize life in your home so that everyone who takes a shower or bath must leave the door wide open when leaving the bathroom.

Thermal insulation of pipes

How to get rid of condensation on cold water pipes by thickening the walls? To reduce the temperature difference between the air and the pipe, it is advisable to insulate the pipe. In stores you can find several types of modern insulation materials. They are characterized by high fire safety, high thermal insulation properties, ease of installation, tightness and a completely low price. Special cases made of foamed polyethylene - energyflex - are very popular now. This material is very flexible, so installation should not be a problem. And multiple closed pores will protect very well from temperature “inconsistencies”.

To put the pipe in the energyflex you need to do the following:

• dry the pipe thoroughly, after wiping it with a dry cloth;
• the energyflex pipe must be cut lengthwise;
• starting from one edge, gradually put the insulating material on the entire pipe with cold water;
• the longitudinal seam of the energyflex is fastened with clamps or sealed with glue;
• if the pipe is long, then, using several pieces of insulation, you need to glue its ends together;
• After this, the insulating material, if desired, can be painted with paint from an aerosol can.

Another pipe and foam

How to eliminate condensation on a cold water pipe using improvised materials? If for some reason you cannot buy this modern insulating material, then you can try using a plastic pipe with a little large diameter and polyurethane foam. Plastic pipe is also cut lengthwise and carefully placed on the water pipe. Then foam is injected into the annulus. This simple design will last long enough and will not interfere with repair work.

Note: Instead of a plastic pipe, many people use a metal corrugated pipe. You can also run polyurethane foam inside.

Rags

Another option is to use rags (bandages, any other cotton fabric) and epoxy putty. Before you begin insulating the pipe, it must be thoroughly cleaned of rust. sandpaper, and then degrease with acetone and treat with a rust converter. Only after this is the first layer of putty applied, which is immediately “bandaged” with cloth. When this coating has hardened, you need to apply another layer of epoxy.

Isollat ​​and other similar materials

When it comes to thermal insulation of cold water pipes, the universal insulating material “Izollat” helps a lot. This is a thermos paint in the form of a water-based suspension. After drying, the liquid mass hardens and turns into a polymer coating with excellent thermal insulation characteristics.

Painting a pipe with Izollat ​​is very simple:

• thoroughly clean with sandpaper and degrease the surface of the pipe;
• apply one layer of insulating material;
• wait for it to dry;
• use silicone varnish for finishing coating and giving a glossy shine to the pipe.

Moisture absorbers

In large construction supermarkets you can find wonderful household devices - moisture absorbers. They will help you deal with the problem quickly and without hassle. Their design is quite simple: an absorbent substance is placed in a plastic box. It will help not only eliminate condensation on the pipes, but also get rid of excessive humidity in the entire room.

Air conditioner

This is the most expensive option, but some people use it. Installing a climate-controlled air conditioner will ensure a constant optimal level of humidity.

What to do when water condensate remains on the pipes all the time? When you see water droplets in your apartment's waterways, don't ignore the problem in the hope that "it will somehow go away." Try one of the above methods and unpleasant consequences can be avoided.