Sweating Water Pipes – what does this mean? And is it bad?
Sweating pipes might seem odd, but they actually follow a fairly simple logic. When colder water flows through the supply lines into your home, it interacts with the warmer, more humid air inside as it flows through the supply lines. The cold pipes attract the moisture in the air, creating a build up of condensation on the water pipes. As long as there is enough condensation present, the pipes can drip onto the floor, resulting in puddles. It’s essentially the same thing that happens to a glass of cold water on a hot and humid day.
While this is a normal occurrence, it can lead to more moisture in your home. Depending on where your pipes are, it can also lead to damage of drywall, baseboards, and flooring. Luckily, there are ways to limit how much water is condensating on your pipes.
Identify the Pipes
The first step is to identify which pipes are sweating. Once identified, you’ll need direct access to the pipes, which could mean cutting out drywall, or other wall coverings to gain access.
Eliminate the Moisture
Once you’ve identified the pipes, and gained access, you’ll want to eliminate any excess moisture around the pipes. For instance, you’ll want to fix any leaks, and take care of any moisture leaking into your home. This could be as simple as tightening a faucet or fixing a gutter, or using a waterproof sealant to coat your basement.
Insulation
Insulation can prevent the warm, moist air from being in direct contact with your pipes which would remove the possibility of condensation developing. This means wrapping exposed pipes in foam insulation, which is available at most home improvement stores. This foam insulation can be held in place by something as simple as duct tape. If you have questions or concerns about your pipes and plumbing system, don’t hesitate to call the expert team at Emergency Plumbing & Solar. We’re here for you 24/7 at (808) 691-9309 Oahu, (808) 400-8811 Hawaii Island.
