When condensation forms on the pipes of cold water, an experienced plumber will always tell you what to do. But there are times when it is not possible to seek the help of a professional, so it is important to know why this phenomenon occurs and how to deal with it.
Causes of condensation
Moisture can appear on both metal and plastic surfaces. The reasons behind it are equally eliminated, regardless of the material of the pipes. So the accumulation of condensate contributes to:
- poor or no ventilation;
- stagnation of water;
- faulty plumbing;
- temperature difference;
If condensation is found on the cold water pipes, what to do should be decided immediately. The unresolved problem causes not only aesthetic ugliness, but also can damage pipes.
In the bathroom, excess moisture may appear due to sudden changes in temperature and excessive humidity. To eliminate the trouble, it is necessary to establish a ventilation system, and after taking a bath, leave the door open to ventilate the room.
In the toilet, a frequent cause of “crying” pipes is water leakage in the tank. The mechanism is simple: the water is constantly updated and does not have time to warm up to room temperature. Thus, the pipe remains cold and the room is warm. The result is excess moisture.
Consequences of unrepaired condensate
In places where plumbing is installed, as a rule, humidity is always increased. But if the indicators go beyond a critical mark, then unpleasant consequences are possible for both pipes and people living.
- The formation of mold and fungus. When condensation is constantly present on plastic pipes, water droplets flow down the walls and fall onto the floor. As a result, a favorable environment is formed for the development of pathogenic bacteria, which threatens the appearance of mold. In conditions of constant humidity, the fungus begins to multiply intensively and it will be very difficult to get rid of it later.
- Damage to property. Constant contact with water surely spoils all the things in the room. Metal pipes rust quickly, plastic pipes lose their consumer properties. Ceramic tiles can eventually fall off, and paint and putty can crack.
- Flooding. Drops on pipes do not evaporate by themselves. They often flow down walls and through microcracks get to neighbors, which can cause flooding of the apartment from below. In addition, water that collects on the pipes can get on the floor and cause damage to the floor covering. The laminate eventually swells, linoleum deteriorates and a fungus forms.
To avoid this, you need to know how to remove condensate from cold water pipes and fix the problem in time.
Find out the cause of the problem
Before you fight for water drops on pipes, you need to figure out why they appear. To eliminate condensation on cold water pipes, what to do in such cases is determined by the cause of its occurrence.
If this is a leak, then at night, when the movement of water stops, you can hear a quiet drip. Therefore, it is worth finding the place of water flow, eliminate it and the problem with condensate will be solved by itself.
If moisture accumulates on the tank hose and parts of the system close to it, the problem is probably in the tank system itself. Due to the constant presence of cold water and a relatively warm room, condensation forms. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a drain system.
When all systems are working properly, plumbing is in order, it is necessary to check the ventilation. It is enough to attach a sheet of paper to the outlet and if it falls, immediately clean it. It often happens that this measure is enough to completely prevent the problem.
In the summer, when the room is hot and cold water is pumped through the pipes, condensate is an indispensable attribute. In this case, eliminating too sharp a temperature difference between the outdoor air and the water in the pipes will help. Moisture-absorbing drugs may come to the rescue.
Pipe wiring problem
When the cause of the droplets on the pipes is a plumbing malfunction or poor ventilation, then it is clear to any layman what to do. But what to do when the source is a technical reason. Often in apartments, hot and cold water pipes run in excessive proximity to each other. Under such conditions, it is clear why the condensate on the pipes appears again and again, despite the good exhaust and serviceability of all systems.
If the wiring is in the public domain, you should definitely take care of thermal insulation. But in the case where the network is hidden, you need the help of a specialist who will solve the wiring geometry. In any case, cardinal repairs are needed.
Thermal insulation material is used both special and made from improvised materials. Suitable corrugation and mounting foam. At the same time, the corrugation is cut to the required size and put on in problem areas. Where there are empty spaces, assembly foam helps out.
If plastic pipes “cry”
When polypropylene pipes are laid in the house , the question of how to get rid of condensate is solved as follows:
- It is advisable to replace the conventional hood with a built-in fan.
- Carry out insulation measures using special tubes having an incision. They are easy to purchase at any plumbing or hardware store. These tubes consist of polyethylene, energy flex and effectively protect the pipes. the main condition for their use, thorough preparation of the pipes so that they are completely dry.
- In the case of the plastic line, you can radically solve the problem of "crying" if you process them with a projector primer. After solidification, they can be painted with oil paint. This method is suitable if the room is unrecoverable, constant and sharp temperature drop.
Please note that pipes for cold water are allowed to be coated with any enamel, and the hot water supply system is painted only with oil paint.
Get rid of moisture on metal pipes
The problem with metal systems is no less acute, because excess moisture threatens the formation of corrosion and complete wear of the pipes. Therefore, if condensation has appeared on cold water pipes, what to do is described in detail:
- The pipes are cleaned of rust, completely dried and coated with oil paint.
- All kinds of cracks in the floor and walls are treated with carbolate, a pasty substance. After complete solidification, it is also coated with oil paint.
- The entire waterway is treated with a projector primer and then coated with enamel.
It should be remembered that the problem of condensate is often solved rather difficult, therefore it is better to prevent its occurrence than to deal with the consequences later.
Plumbing Tips
Experts who often encounter "crying" pipes have gained a lot of experience in preventing root problems.
It should be purchased at the plumbing store "Gofroterm." The substance is applied to the entire surface of the pipes, as a result of which a strong and elastic base is formed, preventing the accumulation of moisture.
A good effect is also brought by liquid thermal insulation. It is applied to completely dry pipes and prevents from sudden temperature changes that cause the formation of condensate.
With a large difference between the air temperature and the water supplied, it is necessary to insulate the pipes. The most effective and suitable material for these purposes is foamed polyethylene, which is sold in any hardware store at a very affordable price. The material is fixed using a clamp and ordinary wire.
It is possible to eliminate fogging by the proposed methods, but which method should be chosen, it is necessary to solve after a precisely established reason.
Wet pipes in a private house
Condensation on the pipes in a private house is mainly due to insufficient ventilation. Therefore, if the house is only at the construction stage, you should immediately take care of a strong hood. Before mounting the pipeline, you need to insulate it. It is especially worth paying attention to this if the pipes for hot and cold water supply are located in close proximity.
Inadequate ventilation in a private home is a common cause of condensation. Therefore, to avoid problems with this factor, it is worth paying attention to this.
For diagnosis, specialists are involved who, if necessary, carry out cleaning. If the problem persists, you will have to mount an additional duct for the hood. The ventilation system in a private house often allows you to do this without much damage and high costs.
Pipe insulation
All pipes in the house are better insulated. For these purposes, specialized materials are purchased. But you can use the means at hand and save the house from constantly wet pipes.
An ordinary plastic tube is cut lengthwise and put on a problem spot. The space between the pipes is filled with foam.
It is easy to secure a metal pipe with an old rag. To do this, get rid of rust, dry the pipe and wrap it with rags.