How to Stop Condensation on Plumbing

Condensation may collect on glasses or plumbing fixtures.

Condensation, or sweating, occurs when the moisture in the air condenses and collects on the surface of pipes that are carrying water. The same effect can be seen on a cold glass of water or a chilled soda can on a hot day. Condensation on plumbing, however, can lead to problems with mold or mildew in areas where the condensation collects large amounts of water vapor. Take steps to eliminate or reduce the amount of condensation that appears on your plumbing.

Things You'll Need

• Pipe insulating foam
• Scissors or utility knife
• Dehumidifier

Instructions

1. Locate all the cold-water pipes in your basement or crawl space that are exposed to warm air. This includes pipes in utility closets or in uninsulated walls.

2. Cut sections of foam pipe wrap to match the length of individual exposed pipes. Use scissors or a utility knife to cut the foam.

3. Pull the pipe foam apart at the seam along its side and wrap the foam around the exposed sections of pipe. The foam will prevent warm air from coming into contact with the cold pipes, greatly reducing or eliminating condensation.

4. Ventilate basements or crawl spaces as much as possible by cracking a window in the summer or installing a dehumidifier for use during the winter. Used in conjunction with pipe insulation, venting or removing moisture from the air will likely eliminate all problems associated with condensation on cold-water lines.

Tips & Warnings

• Run the cold and hot water in an upstairs faucet for five minutes before feeling pipes in the basement. The running water will help you identify which pipes are carrying cold or hot water.

References

• ThePlumber.com: Plumbing Care & Repair Handbook
• Popular Mechanics: How to Banish Basement Pipe Problems