Specifically cold water pipes in warm places think basements crawlspaces attics can produce condensation.
Pipes sweating in attic.
Because the average humidity level is 10 20 in phoenix.
If your cold water pipes are sweating more than you are on these hot summer days here s the simple cure.
Cut pipe insulation to length with a serrated bread knife.
I noticed the last time i went into the closet the copper pipes that go into the air handler were sweating and dripping on the floor.
This may be more common on metal pipes which conduct thermal energy more easily and so often grow colder than other pipe materials.
How to fix sweating copper pipes richard we have an air handler in a finished attic closet.
The condensation that forms on the outside of a cold pipe or component is actually moisture from the air not the pipe.
Solutions for attic condensation.
This how to article will provide the steps for insulating your pipes.
In other words cover as much pipe as you can without sacrificing your sanity or the economic security of your family.
Like a cold bottle of soda on a hot day when humid air comes in contact with a chilled pipe or component the air loses its capacity to hold water vapor as a result excess water forms into liquid water droplets on or near the.
Run down to the local.
On the other hand if there s a minor hair line crack in the pipe it could release a very small yet still damaging amount of water.
We use the attic for our home office and tv room.
If the pipe is completely busted then you ll likely experience a severe flooding of the attic.
Well pressure tanks are also the source of mucho condensation.
Broken water pipes may also cause trigger condensation in attics.
Insulating your pipes reduces heat loss and keeps cold pipes from sweating in warm weather.
In either case when warm humid air reaches cold pipes drops of moisture form and drip as if there was a tiny hole in the pipe.
Seal joints between lengths of tubing with special peel and stick seam sealing tape or foil duct tape.
During the summer the surrounding air is naturally hot.
In winter the air is heated by the furnace.
When insulating pipes in the attic there are some steps you need to follow.
Those of you who read this blog regularly understand the importance of insulating your pipes before winter.
However an attic in pensacola florida is likely to have a humidity level closer to 100 and the risk of condensation on ductwork would then go up quite a bit.
Think about it condensation on ductwork probably isn t a big problem in phoenix arizona but why.
There are self adhesive or drip tape types of insulation that adhere to pipes to prevent moisture.
Pipes that run above suspended ceilings for example will often not collect condensation because the area is drier than the basement itself.
