What to do if the cold water pipe is sweating. Condensation on pipes: causes and solutions

The formation of condensation (water droplets) on the surface of pipes is a frequent and widespread phenomenon. Condensation is present in apartments with centralized water supply, country houses and cottages equipped with individual pumping station. It is observed in summer season and in winter. Tiny droplets of water form on the surface of sewer and water pipes, and sometimes on the surface of the walls. This process in itself cannot be considered a big problem. But the accumulation of water leads to a reduction in the service life of the water supply system and to flooding of neighbors due to leaks. Excess moisture causes dampness and dampness in the toilet, bathroom, kitchen. unpleasant odor, leads to the formation of fungus and mold.

The appearance of condensation on the pipes in the toilet

Condensation on pipes cold water formed due to temperature differences. Another reason lies in the poor functioning of the ventilation system or its absence altogether.

Heavy condensation on the pipes in the toilet appears for the following reasons:

Ineffective room ventilation. You can check the correctness of this reason in the following way. Don't close the toilet door at night. If the pipes remain dry in the morning, this will confirm poor performance air ventilation systems.
Regular occurrence cistern. In this situation, the water constantly flows without having time to warm up, so it remains cold. The room air temperature is much higher, due to the temperature difference, condensation appears. To remove condensation from the toilet tank, repair or replace it Exhaust valve or faucet.
Malfunctions and leaks from neighbors. Water flows through the riser, so as a consequence wet pipes in the toilet. You cannot solve this problem on your own. Join forces with your neighbors, or better yet, invite a plumber. But if it is impossible to connect them immediately after discovering the cause, then you can temporarily eliminate condensation on the pipes in the toilet as follows. To do this, wrap four to five turns of a bandage or strip of fabric around the pipe, and lower the remaining fabric into the container. The accumulated liquid should be poured out periodically.

Poor ventilation or exhaust operation, or lack thereof. In this case, the cold water pipe sweats. Sometimes you just need to clean the vents. Unscrew the grille, which is used as a valve to shut off air circulation, and thoroughly clean all structural ventilation elements.
Features of laying water supply and sewerage lines. IN apartment buildings pipes for cold and hot water laid side by side and without any thermal insulation. This circumstance explains the appearance of condensation on the pipes that lead to the mixer. If they are laid inside the wall, then serious repairs cannot be done. In the case of open pipe laying, a thermostat is used.
The valve on the boiler is dripping. This problem can be eliminated by winding a special tape.
Damage (leakage) of the mixer. Constantly leaking liquid causes cold water pipes to sweat and the air humidity in the apartment increases. You can get rid of condensation by replacing or repairing the faucet.
Leaking riser. Get rid of condensation on pipes with this
the problem can be either temporarily (wrap up a bandage or cloth, and lower the free end into a container to collect liquid), or replace the riser or only the damaged part.

To avoid the formation of moisture, it is better to start by checking and adjusting the operation of the ventilation and exhaust system. Humidity should be no higher than 50% in the house. Humidity standards in the apartment are set according to sanitary standards and rules. The optimal humidity is 45 - 30%. If the ventilation is in good condition and works well, then the air humidity remains within normal limits.

The next option is to eliminate possible leaks of faucets and toilet cistern. If they cannot be repaired, then simply replace them.

When these measures do not help eliminate condensation and bring air humidity back to normal, then use other methods. A new innovative method is waterproofing paint. It should only be used on completely dry and rust-free surfaces. If you are lazy, then of course it is not prohibited to paint a pipe with condensate, but this is wasted work. Therefore, before work, be sure to turn off the water.

When cleaning surfaces, it is better to use fine sandpaper and you should not be overzealous (especially if the pipes are plastic), as this can lead to damage.

Another option is insulating pipes with a special cut. Before use, they must be wiped to prevent droplets of moisture from entering the insulating layer.

When applied, the thermal insulation agent “Grafotherm” forms protective film, allows you to minimize the possibility of condensation forming on plastic cold water pipes.

Condensation on water pipes can be eliminated in a simple and economical way, although the pipes themselves will not look very aesthetically pleasing. Wrap them with a bandage or strips of cloth. Alternate layers of bandage with epoxy putty, in this case the waterproofing is much more reliable.

Buying ready-made thermal insulation material. Market building materials has them in large assortment. These are energyflex, polypropylene foam, penofol, self-adhesive tape and others.
Plumbers recommend using high-diameter plastic pipes for thermal insulation. Soft but durable, with thick porous walls, this pipe is easy to install.

They are produced in several standard sizes, internal diameter corresponds to outer diameter water pipe.

The thermal insulation pipe is cut lengthwise, put on the water pipe, and the seam is sealed with special tape (metalized). If the pipes in the toilet are sweating, then for lack of funds you can get by with a simple corrugated pipe or thick cardboard. Cut off pieces required length, with a diameter slightly larger than a tap. Then put it on the problem area and fill it polyurethane foam. Short pieces are glued together with tape.
The simplest and economical way insulation, if the cold water pipe sweats, use epoxy putty. Before application, the surfaces must be very thoroughly cleaned of corrosion and rust, and then degreased with a solution containing acetone. When the putty solution has hardened, the pipe is bandaged, and then another layer of solution is applied, after it has dried, the last, final layer is applied.

Getting rid of condensation on pipes

The fight against condensate must be rational. If you cannot completely get rid of moisture droplets or prevent their appearance using any of the methods, you need to pay attention to other reasons:

Weather conditions – humid climate and frequent long rains, prolonged severe frosts or heavy snowfalls increase the level of humidity in the room, and as a result, condensation appears.
Location of the house near natural reservoirs, close proximity groundwater affect the level of humidity indoors at home.
Disadvantages of construction - no foundation waterproofing layer has been laid, no ventilation, cold floor or damp basement located under the house.
Frequent breakdowns of the water supply system and the presence of several sources of evaporation (drying clothes, cooking) are also causes of condensation.

Most often, to solve this problem it is necessary to completely change the internal microclimate of the house, and this requires complex comprehensive measures, including overhaul. Each situation of condensation requires studying the causes and individual choice of method and method of elimination.

Sometimes activities can be simple and economical.

If there is excessive moisture, eliminate the source. Use only well-ventilated areas to dry clothes.
Equip exhaust ventilation, so that it works in several modes, including forced.
Additionally insulate the walls and floor.
Install an air conditioner with a dehumidification function. If this is not possible, then make a moisture absorber yourself.

A common phenomenon today is the formation of condensation on a cold pipeline, which greatly worsens appearance bathroom.

Pipes sweat, become damp, and therefore last much less.

Therefore, such a problem must be eliminated very quickly. However, in order to deal with the consequences, it is necessary first of all to understand why such situations arise.

Why is it formed

People living in apartment buildings can quite often encounter a similar phenomenon. Moreover, there are many reasons for its occurrence.

Most often, condensation forms on pipes through which cold water flows.

The main reasons for its appearance are considered to be:

poor ventilation in the room;
constant supply of water to the tank;
one of the shut-off elements allows water to pass through (this could be a filter or faucet located in the bathroom, kitchen or any plumbing);
temperature environment significantly lower than the indicators in the house;
increased humidity level or water leakage from neighbors above.

That is why it is necessary to regularly ventilate the bathroom or create constant air circulation there. However, in the case of non-stop operation of the tank, moisture will form not only on the riser, but also on the pipes going further.

The situation is similar in case of problems with the flow of the mixer. As a rule, the causes of “fogging” of pipes are several similar problems at the same time.

Master's Note: in the event of sudden condensation on the pipes, it is worth remembering what specific changes you have made in your house or apartment recently. So, this could even be changing windows, as well as installing certain heating equipment.

Possible consequences

“Fogging” of water pipes is not just the formation of water droplets. First of all, this is a very aggressive environment that negatively affects the metal pipeline.

In such conditions, products will be highly susceptible to corrosion and, accordingly, fail. Also, if condensation forms, which greatly increases the humidity, a damp smell appears. This in turn creates excellent conditions for the appearance and reproduction of various bacteria, in particular fungi.

Note: To initially avoid condensation on the pipes, it is recommended to use polypropylene options. In this case metal pipes will only be located near the meter.

If you do not notice the appearance of condensation in time, and also if its formation is very abundant, this can lead to water dripping onto the floor. Prolonged exposure to moisture flooring will cause the need to repair the toilet.

Necessary actions

In the event that small drops of water begin to form on your pipes, you need to carry out a certain set of actions:

First of all, it is necessary to check the ventilation for its functionality. To do this, it is enough to ventilation hole bring a thin and oblong sheet of paper. If it is pulled inward, then the operation of this system is normal, otherwise it is necessary to find and fix the problem in the hood. When your bathroom has forced ventilation, you need to start it up and check whether it works properly. If everything is fine, but the condensation does not disappear, the problem is different.
After that check shut-off valves, faucets, as well as the operation of the cistern. If there are problems in their work, it will be immediately obvious. The presence of a leak must be eliminated. This may require either repair or replacement of a specific element.
Also, the cause of the problem may not even be in the apartment itself, but on the riser above. In this case, you need to go to your neighbors and check where the water supply pipe is leaking.

Note: If all of the above systems are working correctly, but the pipes continue to get wet, the main factor in the appearance of moisture will be the large temperature difference between the water in the pipe and in the apartment.

Installing new heating systems, as well as new windows, has a big impact on the temperature level of your apartment. At a room temperature of 18°C or more, without good ventilation, condensation will constantly form.

Use of special means

In the case when the cause of “sweating” is a significant temperature difference, then to eliminate it it is necessary to insulate the pipes.

A variety of insulating materials are used to protect pipes from condensate. various materials, depending on the specific situation.

The easiest way is to use pads made of foam material. They look like soft pipes with a longitudinal section. It is important to choose the correct size so that there is no space left between the material and the pipes.

Very effective method, however, and more expensive is the use of heat-insulating paint. To properly insulate the pipes, it will need to be applied in about 5 layers, allowing each layer to dry.

Also, applying paint requires forced ventilation, which a regular fan can help with.

In addition, plastic linings are also used for decoration. In this case, the space that forms inside these elements will need to be filled with ordinary polyurethane foam.

Take into account: Before starting insulation work, we must not forget about the need for preliminary drying, because wet pipes cannot be insulated.

All of the listed methods for solving the problem of “sweating” are the most effective. However, if you don't have required quantity money to purchase such expensive coatings, you can even make thermal insulation with your own hands. It is also possible to use chemicals“Graphotherm”, which will help eliminate fogging at any temperature.

Making your own insulating material

Actually do it yourself suitable insulation very simple. To do this you need to have a standard set of tools.

As insulation, you can use a regular sheet, bandages or any other similar materials. Large and wide canvases must be cut into long strips, the width of which is no more than 10 cm.

After this, you will need to strip the pipes themselves of paint, as well as degrease their surface. To process them, use conventional nail polish removers. And then you need to clean the pipes from the rust on them using special means.

When the preparation stage is completed, the insulation process itself begins. First you need to apply a small layer of putty to the surface and, without waiting for it to dry, wrap the pipe with the prepared cloth.

It must be applied in such a way that each subsequent turn overlaps the one laid earlier. In this case, the material should be well saturated with putty.

Finally, you need to cover the surface with putty and wait for it to dry. After this, the pipe is sanded and painted in the required color.

There is no need to leave condensation problems on the outside of pipes unattended. In addition to their appearance, this also damages the integrity of the pipes, causing them to fail faster.

That is why it is necessary not only to remove the drops that appear, but to get rid of their formation. However, it is better to take care of this in advance to avoid negative consequences.

Watch the video that explains how you can get rid of condensation on pipes using insulating paint:

Condensation can almost always be observed on cold water supply pipes. This phenomenon not only spoils the appearance of the bathroom to some extent, but can cause serious problems. Constantly wet pipe elements have a limited service life.

Therefore, such a problem should be solved very quickly. In this case, questions arise about what to do if drops of water are detected on the pipeline and how to remove condensation from cold water pipes. Firstly, there is no need to overdramatize the situation. Secondly, you need to familiarize yourself with all the methods for eliminating this problem. Third, choose the most best option and put it into practice.

Causes of condensation

Condensation on cold water supply pipes may appear for the following reasons:

Presence of a source in the room high humidity.
Insufficient ventilation.
Water supply pipes have poor quality thermal insulation.
Temperature changes. For this reason in summer time stronger formation of condensate may be observed, which simply flows down the surface of the pipes.

Most of the reasons for the formation of condensation do not require explanation. As for the first item on the list, some clarifications need to be made.

Sources of high humidity include the following:

Problems arising during the functioning of communication systems and buildings. This may be the formation of steam during cooking, evaporation from wet laundry, a flooded basement, a pipeline accident and a ventilation system clogged with debris.
Building defects resulting from violations of construction technology.
Geographical features of the region: the proximity of large bodies of water or high humidity levels combined with rocky soil, which contributes to the formation of condensation.
Unfavorable natural phenomena: wet snow, prolonged rains or humid climate of the area.

Prerequisites for the appearance of condensation on cold water pipes

In most cases, condensation appears on pipes located in bathrooms. Despite the specifics of these rooms, this is not the only reason why pipes become wet.

There are a number of factors that can cause condensation to form on toilet pipes:

Insufficient ventilation. To determine that condensation appears precisely because of this, it is enough to leave the toilet doors open at night. If the pipeline turns out to be dry in the morning, then you should repair the ventilation system and make it better.
Constant leakage of water in the tank due to malfunction of the valve. This leads to the fact that the pipeline begins to cool, resulting in marks on its surface. larger cluster condensate A simple repair of the inlet valve and tank taps will help fix the problem.
There is a leak in the toilet of neighbors living on the top floor. In this case, you need to inform the owners about the situation. If they are absent, you can temporarily eliminate condensation with your own hands. To do this, the section of the pipeline on which an accumulation of water drops is detected is wrapped with a bandage in several layers and one end of the winding is lowered into a container, the accumulated water is regularly poured out. Read also: "".

Water accumulation on cold water pipes in the bathroom can occur in the following situations:

Incorrect location of the water supply system. If hot and cold water supply pipes pass close enough to each other and do not have thermal insulation, then an accumulation of water droplets is observed on the elements through which cold water flows. The way out of this situation is to ensure high-quality thermal insulation of pipe elements using suitable materials.
Mixer malfunction. If water constantly drips from the tap, the overall temperature of the working environment decreases, which leads to the cooling of the pipes and the formation of condensation on their surface. Repairing the mixer will help solve the problem.

How to remove condensation, how to wrap pipes

Those who have encountered this phenomenon immediately have a question about how to wrap the pipe to prevent condensation. There are several ways to prevent water droplets from appearing on the surface of cold water supply pipes, one of which is thermal insulation. This option is considered the most effective, as it eliminates the cause of their appearance - temperature changes. The easiest and fastest way to solve the problem is to use an insulating tube, cutting it lengthwise for convenient placement. Foamed polyethylene, energyflex or thermoflex are used to make the tube.

There is another way to deal with condensation on pipe elements, but it is considered more complex. Using this option requires the following materials: epoxy putty, acetone, rust solvent, sanding paper, spatula, nylon thread and strips of fabric about 5 cm wide.

The process looks like this:

The pipe is being cleaned sanding paper to improve surface adhesion.
Degrease the sanded area with acetone.
The surface is treated with a rust solvent and allowed to dry (read also: " ").
Thick epoxy putty is applied to the pipe and wrapped with strips of fabric. The edges are secured with thread.
Another layer of putty is applied on top and again wrapped with cloth.
Cover the fabric with putty and leave until completely dry.
After all layers have dried, the pipe is sanded and painted.

If drops of water appear as a result of a malfunction of the plastic pipeline, you can independently replace the damaged section of the pipeline with a new elbow. Metal pipelines can only be replaced by plumbing workers who have special equipment and skill.

To prevent the formation of condensation on plastic cold water pipes, it is recommended to use the following types of insulating materials:

Polystyrene foam or expanded polystyrene is considered a universal insulation material for pipelines made of polymer materials. It comes in the form of a shell consisting of two halves. They are connected to each other by means of a tongue-and-groove lock. The use of such insulation is quite simple: the shell halves are put on the pipe and secured with adhesive tape.
Mineral wool for insulation of pipelines is produced in rolls, which greatly simplifies the use of this material.
Polyurethane foam is a type of insulation material with high insulating characteristics. The temperature range of such material is quite wide, from -160 0 C to +150 0 C. Almost all polypropylene pipes have such a layer, it is formed on products during the production process. In this case, the thickness of the insulation reaches 5 cm.

Chemical elements that help get rid of condensation

Chemical industry products help protect cold water supply pipes from condensation: Stermizol, Corundum, Teplomet and others.

The use of these insulating mixtures involves the following steps:

The pipe is cleaned of dirt and rust.
Apply a layer of primer for better adhesion of the insulation to the surface and leave to dry.
Using a roller, brush or spray, cover the surface with a protective mixture. The most effective is the application of 5 layers of insulation, and each layer must dry thoroughly before the next application. The optimal drying time for such mixtures is about 1 hour.
A special fixer helps to extend the service life of a thermally insulated pipeline, which at the same time makes the pipes more attractive.

Which method to use to combat condensation on cold water supply pipes depends on the reasons for the formation of this phenomenon and the specific operating conditions. It is very important to consider how often the problem occurs, as well as at what stage it is at.

Device for condensate drainage - condensate drain

To drain the formed condensate into automatic mode A float-type condensate trap is used. This device is installed at the outlet of the apparatus providing heat exchange, including water heaters and air heaters. Through this technical device the water accumulated in the system simply evaporates.

Steam traps are divided into three main groups:

Combined type devices.
thermostatic.
Float

The operation of float-type steam traps is based on the use of the difference between the densities of condensate and steam. These devices are very popular due to a large number of positive characteristics.

The main advantages of a device of this type are the following:

High degree of reliability.
Excellent performance indicators.
Ability to work with minimal loads.
No need for condensate cooling.
Resistant to sudden temperature changes.
Uninterrupted operation under increased loads.

It is also impossible not to note the optimal energy saving indicators of thermal systems that have float-type condensate traps.

To combat condensation, you can choose any of the listed methods. In most cases, their use helps eliminate unwanted moisture. If these options are insufficiently effective, you can get rid of the formation of condensation on cold water supply pipes by waterproofing all surfaces of the room. High-quality execution This type of work is only possible with special knowledge and skills.

Condensation on pipes is a very common operational problem. sewer system. Such situations arise for many reasons, but the main one is wet pipelines that create dampness in the rooms of houses and cottages. The formation of condensation can lead to the formation of mold, and hasten the need for repair work water supply This article is devoted to ways to solve condensation in a private room.

In most cases, the formation of condensation is associated with poor performance of the ventilation system in the house. It is this factor that influences the formation of droplets on the walls of the water supply when interacting with air. It is for this reason that before installing pipes in the toilet and bathroom, you need to perform thermal insulation. The layer should protect the pipes from temperature changes. This situation most often occurs when warm and cold water risers are located close to each other. Let's list all the reasons for the formation of this phenomenon:

Condensation always appears on a riser with a cold flow. There are two reasons for this: water leakage and from the faucet. You can hear both phenomena by the noise that the flow of fluid creates.
Poor functioning of the hood. Today this is the most common problem, especially this situation is typical for new buildings. It is worth considering that if installed plastic windows, then the hood does not work when they are closed. It is for this reason that a forced pulling system is required.

Attention! You can check the need for a hood in the following way: close all the windows and apply a sheet of newspaper to the grille, and you will immediately see the effect.

On the wiring in a private house, condensation forms on the pipes. The reasons for this are the same as for previous situations, for example, the toilet tank is leaking.

Causes of wet pipes in the bathroom

The first thing we need to do is check the ventilation, since pipes may become clogged during operation. For this process we unscrew the grille that covers the channel opening. If that was the reason. Then a craving should appear or intensify.

Another factor that should not be overlooked is the features of the riser and distribution of cold and hot sewer flow in the bathroom. Most often, additional insulation is not performed. It is worth considering that if they are very close to each other, then protection from temperature changes is simply necessary.

Very often, the formation of condensation in the bathroom or toilet is caused by a faulty faucet. If the water flow is constantly dripping, then you will pay more for your utility bills and will contribute to the acceleration of the need for repair work. It is also worth considering that mold can form, which is harmful to human health. Plus, getting rid of the unpleasant smell of dampness is very difficult.

How to get rid of condensation in the toilet

The situation with a bathtub in the toilet is similar, but it is worth considering that the second option is characterized by the presence large quantities pipes If you are going to make a sewerage system in a private house, then it is better to immediately separate the cold water riser from the hot one, or you need to insulate the pipes. Regular leakage from the toilet tank may occur.

It is worth considering that all materials have their own indicator of the ability to conduct heat. But this fact does not force you to carry out complete replacement pipelines, for example, from cast iron products to PVC. There are many options to correct the situation. We will discuss them further in the article.

Methods for eliminating leaks

We have already found out the reasons for the formation of condensation in the toilet and bathroom. Now let's find out how to solve problems with leakage. The first thing to do is to find the location of the water flow in the system. Its formation can occur:

If the tap and mixer have a malfunction. In such a situation, you will see constant dripping of water from the taps.
In case of a breakthrough in the pipeline;
Fitting wear.

The biggest difficulty in determining is a pipeline break and unsuitable fittings. To identify the malfunction, you need to partially disassemble the box that covers the pipes. To make the process easier, it is better to seek the help of professionals. Specialists can easily determine the problem using thermal imagers - special equipment. It is worth noting that both options require cash investments. When you discover a leak, you can do the following repair steps:

The gasket needs to be replaced. A set of tools for work can be purchased at any specialized store. To make a purchase, you need to know information about the brand and manufacturers of the faucet. This work you can do it yourself.
If after the repair procedure nothing has changed, then it is necessary to replace the mixer.

If the sewer system pipeline in a house is leaking, the following measures can be taken:

Replace the area of the system with problems. To complete the work, you need to cut out a section of the leaking pipe and install a new part. In most cases, if there is a metal pipeline, the help of specialized equipment will be useful. To do this, you can order a car from a specialized company.
Install a plug on the pipe in the place where there is a water leak. It is worth noting that this method is less effective, so it should not be used.

Replacing fittings on a pipeline is not difficult. To do this, you need to remove the unusable part and replace it with a new one. Before starting such work, it is necessary to shut off the water supply to the house.

Troubleshooting ventilation problems

Getting rid of condensation due to poor functioning of the ventilation system is quite simple. To do this, you can use the following methods:

Use the services of specialists. Who will come and diagnose and clean the ventilation in the house. It is worth noting that such a service should be performed free of charge, as this is provided for by the warranty standard.
But it happens that even after cleaning the mines, the condensate does not disappear. For this reason, you need to install an additional fan in the bathroom. Such a device can either be turned on as needed or used constantly.

Pipeline thermal insulation

The most basic way is to purchase special factory materials. It is worth noting that any thermal insulation material can be used to insulate the pipeline. If you can’t afford the purchase, then the task can be accomplished in the following ways:

You can use a plastic pipe and foam for installation. To do this, you need to cut the insulation so that you can wrap the pipe. Fill the space between the pipes with foam.
It is possible to use old rags and special putty. To do this, we sand the pipe to remove rust and apply the first coat of putty. And we do this several times.

So we found out why condensation forms on the sewerage pipeline. Now you also know ways to solve this problem, so operating the water supply system will become more comfortable.

Few people have ever encountered such a phenomenon as condensation on the surface of a cold water pipeline. Although this unpleasant phenomenon can also occur on other structures - windows, external walls, in the corners of rooms.

The cause of condensation is moisture vapor contained in the air. When they come into contact with a cold surface, they cool down and turn into drops. The higher the humidity in the room and the greater the temperature difference between the air and the cold surface, the greater the likelihood of this unpleasant phenomenon occurring.

If pipes and windows in your house are chronically crying, then you urgently need to deal with the causes of this phenomenon.

This mainly affects areas such as the bathroom and toilet. This is where the risers of cold and hot pipelines are usually located.

There are several reasons for water condensation on pipes:

poor ventilation of the bathroom and toilet, leading to the persistence of high humidity and increasing the overall temperature in these rooms;
in the toilet, the cause of the problem may be a malfunction of the valve that shuts off the water in the toilet tank - leakage of water leads not only to leakage, but also to constant cooling of the cold water pipe;
in the bathroom, condensation often forms for the same reason - a malfunction of the mixer valve that shuts off the cold water;
high humidity in an apartment or house, which can be caused by many faults - poor ventilation, leaking roofing, incorrectly chosen insulation.

If condensation began to form recently, then the cause should be found out immediately, and not wait until the problem becomes chronic. Perhaps you have recently replaced windows or installed some equipment in your home that contributes to “warming the microclimate”.

It must be remembered that although condensate is just water, it is the main aggressive medium that destroys steel structures, including pipes.

In addition, excess moisture will sooner or later cause the appearance of fungus and mold not only on the pipes, but also in any parts of the apartment where there are cold surfaces.

And this is not just unsightly, but often even dangerous for people living in the house, especially allergy sufferers.

What to do if steamy pipes appear

The algorithm is very simple - you need to find the cause and eliminate it:

You can start by checking the tank drain system and shut-off valves. To do this you will have to watch them. Sometimes people, leaving the bathroom, do not notice that the faucet is leaking, and the toilet valve periodically opens due to a decrease in the float level due to a small leak from the tank.
Check the operation of the ventilation using a piece of paper or holding a lit match to ventilation grille. If the piece of paper falls and the match burns evenly, it means the ventilation is not working.
If you haven’t found any faults in your apartment, you will have to visit your upstairs neighbors and find out from them whether they have encountered the same problem. A malfunction on any floor located above leads to a constant circulation of cold water in the pipe, which significantly reduces its temperature.

If in the bathroom and toilet you have forced ventilation, then it is worth checking the effectiveness of its operation.
If everything is in order, but the pipes are “crying,” then the reason for this is that the temperature difference between the surface of the pipe and the surrounding air exceeds 17 degrees, and special methods will have to be used to solve the problem.

Options for solving the problem

The main idea of all the methods listed below is to thermally insulate the cold water pipeline to reduce the intensity of its exposure to too warm air.

Painting pipes heat-insulating paint. This is a rather expensive, but at the same time effective way to solve the problem at hand. Here you should be patient, because to achieve the desired effect you will have to paint the pipe at least 5-6 times. Each previous layer of paint must be dried thoroughly and only then the next one must be applied. In this case, the room will have to be forcedly ventilated - a regular fan is suitable for this.

Pipe insulation using foam insulation pads. The linings are soft pipes with a longitudinal section. They are put on a dry pipe like a cover, and the edges are then glued together. To achieve the desired effect, it is very important that the size of the lining ideally matches the diameter of the pipe. if it turns out to be larger, then there will be no effect at all, and if it is smaller, then you will not be able to glue the edges of the overlay. You can combine the two previous methods: first paint the pipe, dry the paint and put covers on it, which can also be painted on top with heat-insulating paint.
Putting it on the pipe plastic pipe bigger size and filling the space with polyurethane foam, you can also achieve good results. But here it is important that the foam completely and evenly fills the space between the pipes, otherwise the method will not work.
Independent creation of thermal insulation on the surface of the pipe. This is an inexpensive but troublesome method, which is a completely reliable solution to the problem.

To create it you need to stock up on the following materials:

epoxy putty;
simple cotton fabric (for example, old sheets);
strong thread or thin twine;
putty knife;
sandpaper;
pipe rust remover;
acetone or other suitable substance to degrease the pipe surface.

The fabric needs to be cut into strips approximately 10 cm wide and rolled into rolls. You can also use medical bandages of suitable width.

Next we proceed as follows:

We clean the pipe from paint and thoroughly degrease its surface.
Next, the pipe is treated with a rust preventative.
After drying the pipe, you need to apply a layer of epoxy putty on it and immediately quickly wrap it with cloth from bottom to top. In this case, the turns of the fabric should overlap each other and be impregnated with putty. The fabric is then secured with thread.
After the first layer has dried, several more are applied in the same way.
At the end of the work, I coat the top of the pipe again with putty.

After the insulation has completely dried, it can be sanded and painted with paint of a suitable color.

In solving the problem of “crying” pipes, the main thing is not to miss the moment before the pipes begin to corrode.

If the problem cannot be eliminated by eliminating leaks in the valves of plumbing fixtures and good ventilation, it is better to immediately resort to thermal insulation.