Condensation on the pipes in the apartment. Condensation on pipes, remove excess moisture. How to get rid of moisture on pipes

When condensation forms on cold water pipes, 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 that cause it are equally eliminated, regardless of So the accumulation of condensate contributes to:

  • poor or no ventilation at all;
  • stagnant water;
  • faulty plumbing;
  • temperature difference;

If condensation is found on the cold water pipes, what should be done immediately. An unresolved problem causes not only aesthetic unsightliness, but can also damage pipes.

Excess moisture can appear due to a sharp temperature drop 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 common cause of "weeping" pipes is the leakage of water 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 unresolved condensate

In places where, as a rule, the humidity of the air is always high. But if the indicators go beyond the critical level, then unpleasant consequences are possible for both pipes and living people.

  • Formation of mold and fungus. When condensation is constantly present on plastic pipes, water droplets flow down the walls and 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 then it will be very difficult to get rid of it.
  • Property damage. Constant contact with water surely spoils all the things in the room. Metal pipes quickly rust, plastic pipes lose their consumer properties. Ceramic tiles may eventually fall off, and paint and putty may crack.

To avoid this, you need to know how to remove condensate from cold water pipes and fix the problem in time.

Finding out the cause of the problem

Before you fight against drops of water on the pipes, you need to figure out why they appear. To eliminate condensate 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 a place for water to 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 most likely in the system of the tank itself. Due to the constant presence and relatively warm room, condensation forms. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a drainage system.

When all systems are working properly, the plumbing is in order, you need to check the ventilation. It is enough to attach a sheet of paper to the vent and if it falls, clean it immediately. It often happens that this measure alone is enough to completely prevent the problem.

In the summer, when the room is hot, and cold water is let through the pipes, condensate is an indispensable attribute. In this case, it will help to eliminate too sharp a temperature difference between the outside air and the water in the pipes. Dehumidifiers may help.

Problem with piping

When the cause of droplets on the pipes is a plumbing malfunction or poor ventilation, then it is clear to any layman what to do. But what if 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 condensate appears on the pipes 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 when the network is hidden, you will need the help of a specialist who will decide the wiring geometry. Either way, major repairs are needed.

Thermal insulation material is used both special and made from improvised materials. Ordinary corrugation and polyurethane foam will do. At the same time, the corrugation is cut to the required size and put on problem areas. Where there are unfilled spaces, polyurethane foam helps out.

If plastic pipes "cry"

When the house is laid, the question of how to get rid of condensate is solved as follows:

  1. It is advisable to replace the conventional hood with a built-in fan.
  2. Carry out insulation measures using special tubes with an incision. They are easy to purchase at any plumbing or hardware store. These tubes are made of polyethylene, energy flex and effectively protect the pipes. the main condition for their use is the thorough preparation of pipes so that they are completely dry.
  3. In the case of a plastic line, the problems of "weeping" can be radically solved if they are treated with a projector primer. After complete hardening, they can be painted with oil paint. This method is suitable if there is an unrecoverable, constant and sharp temperature difference in the room.

Please note that cold water pipes can be coated with any enamel, and the hot water supply system can only be painted with oil paint.

We get rid of moisture on metal pipes

The problem with metal systems is no less acute because excessive moisture threatens to form corrosion and complete wear of pipes. Therefore, if condensate appears on the cold water pipes, we will describe in detail what to do:

  1. The pipes are cleaned of rust, completely dried and covered with oil paint.
  2. Carbolate, a pasty substance, treats all kinds of cracks in the floor and walls. After complete hardening, it is also covered with oil paint.
  3. 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 quite difficult to solve, so it is better to prevent its occurrence than to deal with the consequences later.

Experts who often encounter "weeping" pipes have gained a lot of experience in preventing the problem in the bud.

It should be purchased at the Gofroterm plumbing store. The substance is applied to the entire surface of the pipes, resulting in a strong and elastic base that prevents the accumulation of moisture.

Liquid thermal insulation also brings a good effect. It is applied to completely dry pipes and prevents sudden temperature changes that cause condensation to form.

With a large difference between the temperature of the air and the supplied water, it is necessary to insulate the pipes. The most effective and suitable material for these purposes is which is sold at any hardware store at an affordable price. The material is fixed with a clamp and ordinary wire.

You can eliminate fogging by the proposed methods, but which method to choose must be decided after the exact cause is established.

Wet pipes in a private house

Condensation on the pipes in a private house is mainly formed due to an insufficient ventilation system. Therefore, if the house is only under construction, you should immediately take care of a strong hood. Before installing the pipeline, it must be thermally insulated. It is especially worth paying attention to this if the pipes for hot and cold water supply are located in close proximity.

An inadequate system is a common cause of condensation. Therefore, in order to avoid problems with this factor, it is worth paying attention to this.

For diagnostics, specialists are involved, who, if necessary, will carry out cleaning. If the problem is not solved, you will have to mount an additional channel 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 should be insulated. For these purposes, specialized materials are purchased. But you can use improvised means and rid the house of constantly wet pipes.

A regular plastic tube is cut lengthwise and put on the problem area. The space between the pipes is filled with mounting foam.

It is easy to secure a metal pipe with an old rag. To do this, we get rid of rust, dry the pipe and wrap it with rags.

Condensation in the chimney pipe is formed from water vapor contained in the air and fuel. This moisture combines with other combustion products, forming concentrated solutions of acids, alkalis and other aggressive chemical elements that destroy chimneys. Therefore, all manufacturers of heating appliances insist on the mandatory removal of condensate from the combustion products outlet channel.

Where does the condensate in the chimney come from?

You saw condensation in the chimney - what to do, this happens to everyone. You can even say that there is simply no chimney without condensate.

The following factors influence the formation of condensate:

  • The moisture content of the fuel. Moreover, absolutely dry fuel simply does not exist. A portion of water vapor is contained even in natural gas; moreover, during combustion, this fuel decomposes into carbon dioxide and water vapor. Therefore, condensate in the chimney of a gas boiler is quite common.
  • The temperature of the flue gases and the chimney itself - if it is less than 100 degrees Celsius, then the source of water vapor will be the air itself in the chimney channel. At the same time, at the start, any heater generates exhaust gases with an insufficiently high temperature, which pass through an insufficiently heated pipe.
  • Weak draft in the chimney channel - with insufficient speed of movement of exhaust gases through the air ducts, the risk of vapor transfer to water increases. At high speed (thrust), vapors simply fly out of the pipe without having time to thicken and transform into a liquid.
  • A large difference in temperature between the pipe and the environment - in this case, water vapor condenses on the outer surface of the chimney, as well as in its end part. This effect is exacerbated with each seasonal cooling.

Condensation - troubleshooting options

As you can see, it is basically impossible to eliminate the effect of condensate formation in the flue gas duct. We can only reduce the concentration of this substance or increase the resistance of the condensate chemical activity pipe.

In this case, to reduce the concentration of condensate, we can use the following methods:

  • Use fuel with a minimum degree of moisture - dried firewood, pallets, coal, diesel fuel, etc. However, this method will not work with gas boilers - water vapor is formed during the combustion of such fuel, being part of the exhaust.
  • Insulate the chimney pipe by moving the dew point into the channel body. This technique eliminates the problem of temperature difference - the air duct does not come into contact with a cold external environment and does not have time to cool down after warming up.

  • Periodically clean the chimney channel, removing all blockages in the path of flue gases. The cleaner the channel, the better the traction. And with good traction, water vapor simply does not linger in the pipe, flying out with flue gases.
  • Install a deflector on the end of the pipe - a special nozzle that enhances draft in the duct channel and protects the end from atmospheric moisture flowing into the chimney during rain or snowfall.

In addition, we can simply install a chimney steam trap in a problematic place, draining thickened water vapor from the channel before it combines with combustion products, turning into a caustic liquid.

However, these methods only reduce the degree of the problem without solving it. The condensate will remain in the pipe anyway. Insulation of the channel, a nozzle on the head and dry firewood only reduce the concentration of chemically active substances, extending the life of the chimney.

Preventive measures

To increase the resistance of the chimney body to the aggressive effects of condensate, we will have to take the following steps:

  • Install a channel made of chemically resistant material into the air duct. Typically, asbestos-cement pipes or brick chimneys are lined with stainless steel inserts - high-alloy steel, resistant to aggressive chemical agents.
  • Install at the point of intersection of the horizontal channel (from the furnace) and the vertical section (toward the street) a condensate collector for the chimney - a steel cup located below the interface unit.

As a result, we will not stop the formation of condensate, but we will protect the main structural material of the chimney from aggressive substances that destroy the integrity of the channel. The condensate will drain through the pipes into a collection tank, which is emptied as needed. Therefore, this technique is one of the most effective means of dealing with condensate - it eliminates the consequences without affecting the process of formation of chemically active substances.


Of course, the initial assembly of the chimney for condensate, as a source of threat to the integrity of the channel, allows you to achieve significantly better results: after all, the insert-sleeve reduces draft by narrowing the cross section of the duct. However, the installation of an acid-resistant sleeve and a condensate trap is much cheaper than dismantling the old channel and building a new chimney.

1

According to the laws of physics, warm air contains more moisture than cold air. In areas with a large temperature difference, water vapor settles on a colder surface, forming condensate.

Especially in summer, there are so many drops of water that they flow to the floor, where non-drying puddles form. And constantly wet pipes begin to rust, mold and fail faster.

Condensation occurs on water pipes for various reasons. First of all, these are technical faults:

Also, the amount of condensate is affected by the humidity of the surrounding air. This parameter is often determined by reasons that are impossible or very difficult to eliminate:

  • humid climate;
  • prolonged rainfall;
  • large bodies of water nearby.

How to get rid of condensate on pipes: the main ways to deal

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 polyethylene foam. 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 a 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.

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.

The halves of expanded polystyrene 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 achieving 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.

Processing with chemicals

There are special chemical compositions for dealing with condensate on pipes. For cold water pipelines, the industry offers tools such as:

  • Graphoterm;
  • Stermizol;
  • Corundum and others.

The cleaned surface is treated with a primer and a protective mixture is applied with a spray gun or brush. It is recommended to apply the product in several layers to enhance the effect. Each next layer is applied after the previous one has dried. A so-called fixative is applied over the latter. It protects the insulation and improves the appearance of communications.

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.

Pipe insulation at home

A skilled owner can do most of the work on thermal insulation on his own. Replacing a leaky elbow on a plastic pipe requires almost no special equipment. Also, the pipe can be bent to increase the distance to the adjacent pipeline. For isolation, this method is often used. A corrugation of a larger diameter is put on the pipe and the gap is filled with mounting foam.

If the pipes are bricked up under the tiles, it is also desirable to insulate them. Otherwise, black mold will appear in the tile joints.

For information on how to properly insulate pipes in the bathroom, see the video.

In the apartment

When carrying out work in an apartment building, it must be borne in mind that risers, fan pipes, etc. are common property. It is better to coordinate actions with them with the management company. Also, in order to turn off the water supply, you will have to contact a local plumber. Equipment in the bathroom and toilet, supplies and flexible hoses, as a rule, belong to the owners of the apartment. They can be processed and replaced at your discretion.

In a private house

In a private house, the owner is responsible for all communications, external and internal. Even at the construction stage, you need to pay attention to the wiring diagram and thermal insulation of the system. To correct the situation in the finished house, you will have to apply the above methods of dealing with condensate.

If it is impossible to get rid of the condensate, the walls and floor are waterproofed. And this is already costly and voluminous repair work, which can only be performed by specialists.

Preventive measures

To avoid finishing and alterations on the water supply system, you need to remember about the proven remedy - prevention. The implementation of simple recommendations will help to reduce the amount of condensate without much effort:

  • Leave the bathroom door open, especially after taking a shower.
  • Install a grill at the bottom of the door and widen the gap between the door and the threshold.
  • Increase the diameter of the exhaust ventilation duct.
  • Organize forced exhaust by installing a fan.
  • Choose plastic windows with micro-ventilation.
  • Monitor the condition of the taps and tank, timely carry out repairs.

If excess moisture remains, you can purchase a separate dehumidifier or air conditioner with this function.

The choice of method to deal with water condensation depends on the causes of its occurrence in a given place. It should be noted that even if there is no more condensation on the surface as a result of temporary measures, the root cause must be found and eliminated. After properly planned work, the pipes will be reliably insulated, and air humidity will decrease. This guarantees the absence of mold and dampness in the house.

Droplets of condensate on cold water pipes are common, especially in summer when the air is heated to high temperatures. Droplets collect in streams and often puddles form on the floor next to the water supply pipe. What to do if condensate appears on the pipes, how to get rid of, prevent corrosion of the pipeline, eliminate the fungus that occurs from moisture?

Why does condensation form on the water pipes in the house

During the repair of the premises, especially with constant high humidity, it is worth taking care of communications in advance. Condensation on pipes, both metal and plastic, can occur for the following reasons:

  1. Leakage plumbing as a result of improper installation, or in the process of wear.
  2. Weak ventilation, improperly organized humid air exhaust system. Blockages in the ventilation system will lead to excess moisture on the surfaces of the room.
  3. Leak in the plumbing system, neighbors' toilet bowls.
  4. A sharp temperature drop in the room where condensate collects. The situation is especially deplorable in the summer, when the surface of the pipeline is literally.
  5. Configurations of distributing cold, hot water supply. If they are not thermally insulated, while located close to each other, condensation is inevitable (which is why it is so important).

How to deal with and get rid of condensate on cold water pipes

If moisture accumulates on the riser, it is possible that the neighbors have a mixer, other plumbing. This can be tested at night, when the characteristic sounds of flowing water are heard in silence. The problem with ventilation is observed when the windows are locked, especially those equipped with metal-plastic bags. Checking the operation of the system is easy.

It is enough to take a sheet of paper, attach it to the hood, clogging the windows, then do the same with the doors open. If there is no ventilation, the visual effect is obvious.

If moisture is concentrated on the apartment's wiring pipes, the reasons may be as follows. Faulty plumbing fixtures directly in the apartment may be to blame. The second reason is poor air circulation, especially in rooms with constant high humidity.

If the cold water pipe leading to the plumbing gets wet, the faucet, the shower faucet, the inlet valve of the tank in the toilet are to blame. When the riser is constantly getting wet, you need to look for the problem of water pipes from the neighbors from above. If the ventilation is clogged, it is worth checking the air circulation in it.

How to eliminate condensate and make pipe insulation

You can deal with the problem in several ways:

  1. Check the hood, remove debris, cobwebs from there, then buy a compact fan, install it instead of the ventilation grill. Manufacturers offer a wide range of similar devices, different in price, power.
  2. Isolate the water supply system with special insulating tubes with a cut, which are available in building supermarkets. They are made of energy flex, polyethylene foam, the ends are fixed with permanent metallized tape. This method is the easiest, fastest, but before insulating the pipeline must be thoroughly dried.
  3. Complete isolation will provide the following method. First, the pipe is sanded, after which the surface is wiped with acetone, then with a rust converter. After drying the pipeline, it is covered with epoxy putty and quickly wrapped with strips of fabric in 2-3 layers, the edges of the fabric are fixed with a clamp, wire. Then the epoxy putty is applied again, after drying, the surface is sanded, covered with paint.

Methods for protecting metal pipelines

If condensation is not removed from the metal pipes of cold water supply, corrosion will cover them over time. What can be done in this case:

  1. First, the surface of the pipes is cleaned of rust, then dried, covered with drying oil, oil paint.
  2. You can use carbolate, a paste-like mass for sealing cracks in floors and walls. The composition is applied to the surface with a 5 mm layer, left to harden for 24 hours. After that, it is sanded with fine-grained sandpaper, painted with oil paint.
  3. Protective primers can be used, consisting of zinc dust diluted with drying oil, epoxy varnishes. They cover the surface of the pipe, after which they are painted with paints and enamels.
  4. The pipeline in the toilet can be coated with a composition based on drying oil, minium in a ratio of 20:80 or primers such as GF-031, FL-03K, FL-053, GF-021.

If we are talking about a bathroom, here for painting hot pipelines, heated towel rails, oil-resistant enamels are used, for cold ones - any enamels, paints.

How else can you deal with condensation?

The following is a good way to fix the problem. It is necessary to put on the pipeline a corrugation with a diameter larger than that of the pipe, then fill the cavity between the surfaces with mounting foam. If puddles form on the floor, in the place where condensate accumulates, a sleeve made of pipes several diameters larger than the wiring itself will help get rid of them. The system is simple, while it will not interfere with the repair, replacement of the pipeline in the future.

Dehumidifiers sold in appliance supermarkets are a great way to deal with the problem. They are a plastic box inside which an absorbent tablet is placed. The absorber will relieve not only of condensate on the pipe, but also eliminate humidity in the entire room.

A more expensive option is to install an air conditioner with climate control, which will ensure the optimal level of humidity.

It is advisable to waterproof the floor of the bathroom, toilet, which will help to cope with the problem of condensation on pipes and surfaces. If this method of repair is not feasible, it is worth opening windows after taking a hot shower, taking a bath, opening the bathroom doors. The circulation of cool air will quickly eliminate the accumulated condensate, help to effectively cope with moisture on the pipes.

Based on the practical experience of dealing with condensate on pipes, the masters advise the following:

  1. Yuri Rogov, a plumber, recommends buying Gofroterm, a special compound sold in specialized stores. It is applied to the surface of the pipe, after which a strong elastic film is formed on it, which prevents the formation of moisture.
  2. Andrey Kazantsev, foreman of the production site, advises to purchase liquid thermal insulation, which is applied like paint to the dried, cleaned surface of the pipeline. According to him, this method is better than thermoflex, other insulating materials.
  3. If the ventilation, plumbing, plumbing is in good order, the cause of the accumulation of condensate may be the temperature difference between the pipe and the air. Locksmith Nikolai Korotkov advises in this case to conduct insulation. To do this, you will need long covers of polyethylene foam, or merylon, hollow inside, which are sold in hardware stores. They are put on the pipeline, fixed at the bottom with a wire, a clamp.

There are various ways to get rid of fogging of the cold water supply pipeline. Which one to choose should be determined after analyzing the situation.

Plumbing work, if you have a tool, experience, you can do it yourself, as an option - seek help from specialists. Read also the material about and you will be interested in the material about.

Condensation forming on the pipeline is a common occurrence. In this regard, it is worthwhile to understand what such a situation could threaten. If you think that a steamy pipe only makes your home unattractive, then you are seriously mistaken. There may be certain problems that require urgent attention to eliminate the possibility of more serious problems. In any case, you should understand what is the reason for this situation and how to solve it.

Mostly fogging is observed on pipes with cold water, which also applies to adjacent plumbing fittings. Much less often, drops appear on the surface of cylindrical products for the disposal of sewage. On pipelines of heating and hot water supply, condensate is completely absent.

The appearance of moisture on the pipes in the apartment is similar to how dew forms on the grass. The air in the room is usually warm, and the cylindrical structures are cold, so when one comes into contact with the other, moisture falls out of the air, which is condensate. For this to be realized in practice, certain conditions must be present: a temperature difference and a specific humidity parameter.

Moisture can form when the so-called dew point is reached, when the surface temperature reaches its maximum values. More detailed information on this subject can be obtained through a special table.

So, at an air temperature of 22 ° C and a humidity parameter of 70%, condensate appears on the pipes if the surface temperature differs from the corresponding ambient value by 6 ° C, that is, it is 16 ° C. If the temperature exceeds the mentioned value, condensation will not occur.

Drops are formed mainly in the cold season if the liquid is taken from open sources, for example, from rivers, since the water in them is characterized by a large temperature difference depending on the season: about 5 ° C in winter and about 14 ° C in summer. If the liquid enters the pipe system from an artesian well, this dependence is not observed, however, this fact leads to the fact that condensate may also occur in the summer.

The so-called fogging of pipes provokes their rapid wear due to the appearance of rust. The formation of moisture on cylindrical structures contributes to the development of mold and fungus, leads to damage to the finish of the room and flooding of neighbors from below if the amount of condensate becomes prohibitive.

What else contributes to the appearance of moisture on the pipes

Solutions

Condensation is not a problem per se. It is easy to get rid of it, having understood the causes of this trouble. The temperature difference causes the formation of moisture on the surface of the pipeline, therefore it is necessary to establish a barrier between cold products and humid air in the room. To achieve this goal, thermal insulation is used.

As a heat-insulating material, it is preferable to use foamed polyethylene, which has the following properties:

  • does not rot;
  • does not absorb moisture;
  • differs in high characteristics of thermal insulation.

It is recommended to use foamed polyethylene, presented in the form of a tube. This type of product is convenient in terms of application, since its internal diameter corresponds to the cross section of standard plumbing cylindrical products.

The optimal solution is to place a heat-insulating tube during the installation of the water supply system. In this case, the best tightness is provided, but this is rarely possible.

Basically, it is necessary to isolate the already assembled structure, which is done by cutting the polyethylene foam tube along the length and putting it on cylindrical products, followed by fastening with plastic ties or plumbing tape.

To ensure tightness, due attention must be paid to the top and bottom of the pipe, otherwise you can get the effect that is inherent in the chimney. If it is not possible to reach some sections of the water supply, it is recommended to use mounting foam.

What materials are suitable for removing condensate

In addition to foamed polyethylene, as mentioned above, the use of polyurethane foam is available. But also for these purposes, a corrugation that has a larger diameter compared to the pipe, in relation to which work is carried out to prevent the formation of condensate, is quite suitable. To put this into practice, you will need to cut the material into the appropriate parts and wrap the pipes with them, filling the annular space with mounting foam.

Condensation in the bathroom

Having found a leak in the riser, you should contact your neighbors: perhaps they have problems with plumbing in their apartment. If moisture has formed on a pipe that is connected to a bathtub or sink, then the first step is to check the serviceability of the faucets, while it is desirable to insulate the pipes. Poor ventilation can also lead to condensation in the bathroom, so you need to make sure it works.

You can also resort to the use of special chemicals in the form of the same "Grafoterm". It will be possible to get rid of condensate if dry structures are rubbed with this substance. However, it should be noted that the effect will be temporary.

Condensate on the gas pipe

A cylindrical product coming from a gas boiler always has traces of drops. It will not be possible to completely get rid of this phenomenon, however, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of moisture on the pipe walls. This is achieved by insulating the structure, focusing on its upper part, which reduces the cooling rate.

To prevent condensation from forming inside the product, it is advisable to use sandwich pipes in which the outer walls act as a heat-insulating barrier.

Condensation in the toilet

Misting can also occur on the pipes in the restroom, which is associated with the appearance of steam in the air or a temperature difference. Settling of water droplets on cylindrical products is a problem that may be due to insufficient ventilation. To understand how true this statement is, you should open the door to the toilet and leave it in that position overnight. If the pipes are dry by morning, then the duct is not coping with its tasks.

Another reason for moisture condensation may well lie in a tank malfunction. Its flow leads to a continuous flow of cold liquid into the sewer drain pipe, which explains the formation of moisture on its surface. This can be avoided by restoring the normal functioning of the reservoir outlet valve.

Why is a wet pipe dangerous?

Condensation on cylindrical structures helps to reduce the life of the pipeline, since such an environment provokes metal corrosion. High humidity in the room is not only the smell of dampness, but also the appearance of fungi and mold, which can adversely affect the health of residents. Finally, abundant condensate causes serious smudges and puddles, and this inevitably brings the repair time closer, which implies an unplanned expenditure of funds.

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