Insulating Cold Water Pipes

When Insulating cold water pipes with an appropriate insulating material is essential to prevent condensate formation on plumbing pipes during hot humid summer months. Condensate will form on chilled and cold water pipes that are uninsulated or poorly insulated and will drip onto ceilings and onto floors and cause water damage and mold growth on surfaces. Insulating cold water pipes with Armaflex elastomeric closed cell thermal insulation with seal-sealing edges will prevent condensate formation.

When dissimilar metals are joined, electrons from one metal will flow to the other metal to offset electrical conductivity differences. The transfer of electrons oxidizes and weakens the metals, which results in precipitate deposits forming on the surfaces of the pipes. Check all pipe fittings and connections for corrosion, which is usually indicated by green-colored precipitate deposits on the interface of the pipe connectors. The presence of these deposits indicates an imbalance between the conductivity of the two materials that are being joined together. Over time, these fittings will fail.

Drain connections should be inspected for leaks at the traps. Dripping drain pipes lead to water damage and mold growth on wood surfaces inside kitchen sink and bathroom cabinets. Water damage and mold growth on surfaces can cause musty and mold growth related odors to develop inside the cabinets. Such odors may adversely affect the air quality in the kitchens and bathrooms and cause elevated levels of airborne mold to occur.

Condensate drain lines for air conditioning units and air handlers should be inspected for proper pitch. They should also be inspected for clogs. Clogged drain lines cause condensate collection pans to overflow. In attics, condensate overflow will cause the ceilings beneath the condensate pans to become wet, and water damage and mold growth will likely develop on the topsides of the ceilings in the underlying rooms.