How to insulate a pipe with cold water - an overview of the

Even in a temperate climate, cold winters are not uncommon, therefore the issue of cold-pipe insulation with hot water is quite relevant. Moreover, it is necessary to insulate not only the outer part of the water supply system (which passes outside), but also the pipeline inside the house.

Why is pipeline insulation performed?

Insulation of the outer part is necessary in connection with the freezing of the soil in winter. Of course, during installation, the depth of frost penetration is taken into account, and the installation of plumbing and sewage systems is performed below the calculated depth of frost penetration. But insulation is a good insurance in case of a harsh winter, besides the price of insulation is not so high compared with the replacement of the pipeline.

Inside the house, it is advisable to warm the cold water supply pipeline at least in unheated rooms, for example, in the basement. The main reason for this is the fight against condensate, moisture that collects on the metal surface reduces the service life of the metal. In addition, in a humid environment, bacteria and fungi dangerous to humans actively proliferate.

Types of insulation

Depending on the location of the pipeline, the types of recommended insulation materials also differ.

In general, you can select these types of materials:

• foam pipes. Soft material, with its use most often performed warming pipes with cold water in the house;

• polyurethane foam or polystyrene shells - is issued in the form of 2 halves of the cylinder. The rather rigid structure allows it to be used for insulating the outer pipe;

• basalt fiber insulation it is produced in the form of cylinder halves, they can be connected with double-sided tape or a lock connection is used;

• mineral wool - you will need to cut in place, and additional insulation of the material from the outside with a layer of fiberglass or roofing material (for external work);

• insulation for cold water pipes using electric heating. The system automatically turns on when the temperature drops, for example, to 3 - 5? С below zero;
• heat insulation paint - it is put with a spray, the layer is thicker, the big thermal insulation is guaranteed.

Installation of thermal insulation

The technology of the work is somewhat different depending on the location of the pipes. A common step can be considered a preliminary cleaning of the pipe surface. After cleaning, the metal can be painted, the paint layer will act as an additional protection against corrosion.

Indoor use

Note! It is undesirable to use heat insulation with foam pipes, mineral wool, basalt fiber for insulation of communications going underground. Under the action of the weight of the soil material will shrink and will not provide protection from frost. In addition, it is necessary to arrange a layer of waterproofing.

Insulation based on basalt fiber is divided into 2 halves and the pipe is laid between them. Then the halves are fastened with double-sided tape.

The joints between the cylinders also need to glue the tape. To protect against high humidity, it is desirable to also protect the surface of the insulation with waterproofing.

As for the mineral wool, with thermal insulation with its own hands, it is simply wrapped around the pipeline and fixed with ties. After that, the surface of the insulation is pasted with adhesive tape.

Note! Waterproofing insulation in this case is obligatory, because the mineral wool perfectly absorbs moisture and without additional protection will quickly get wet and become unusable.

Warming outdoor plumbing

To do this, we can recommend foam or polyurethane foam cylinders. They have sufficient rigidity and poorly absorbed moisture, besides the outer part of such cylinders has a protective coating.

Due to this, such insulation for cold water pipes can be laid not in a protective box, but in the ground. The strength of the connection of the cylinder sections is achieved by connecting the groove-spike (on one half - a ledge, on the other - a groove under it).

Of the features of the technology, it can only be noted that the order of connection of insulation sections:

• the section of a heater keeps within a trench;
• the pipe keeps within it;
• the second half of the cylinder is put on top and is shifted back about 15 to 30 cm;
• joints are taped or coated with sealant.

Note! The offset of the upper section is mandatory. If the joint of the upper and lower halves of the cylinder will coincide, then under the action of soil pressure, the tightness of the joint will be broken.

Warming with heating cable

The main advantage of this method is that the pipeline depth can be reduced to 0.5 m.

Instructions for the device of electric heating of the pipe looks like this:

• a double-sided tape is pasted on the pipe in a spiral;
• then the cable is wound (on the tape);
• above the cable, it is desirable to additionally fix the tape;
• A heater is placed over the cable, and the seams are sealed with tape.

Note! To insure against the penetration of groundwater, tape the entire pipe with adhesive tape. Otherwise, possible failure of the heating system.

Pipeline condensate control

Quite often, moisture condenses on the surface of the pipeline, but not everyone knows why cold water pipes are sweating. The main reason for fogging is the temperature difference in the room and on the surface of the pipeline. The situation is aggravated by poor ventilation in the room.

You can overcome this phenomenon with the help of competent insulation.

When using conventional insulation should:

• dry the pipe, clean it from fungus and rust;
• wrap aluminum tape;
• wrap insulation;
• from above, carefully wrap the insulation with the same tape, special attention should be paid to the joints.

In addition, you need to check the ventilation in the room and the presence of leaks in the pipe. Sometimes the source of moisture is a small leak. In this case, the usual cold welding for water pipes will help.

You can get even easier and use ceramic insulation (sold in the form of liquid). It is a universal solution, it provides thermal insulation, corrosion protection and at the same time is a barrier to the development of mold and bacteria. If the cold water pipe is mistreated, then it needs to be simply cleaned and put a heat-insulating solution on it.

Water pipe clearing

Sometimes there is a need to clean the plumbing. The signal for this is a reduction in pressure, even at the maximum open tap. Before insulation, it is imperative to ensure the normal functioning of the water supply, so the question of how to clean a cold water pipe is quite relevant.

You can use one of the following methods:

• check the mesh on the mixer, rust flakes could just clog it;
• tapping the open section of the water supply (if it is metallic), rust from its walls will peel off and come out with water;
• with the help of sanitary cable. The mixer will have to be removed, and then just gently insert the cable into the pipe, the blockage is guaranteed to break through its tip;

• dismantle the pipe away from the mixer and connect a hose for supplying water under high pressure to the remaining section of the pipeline. There is a chance that the blockage will break;
• with the help of chemical agents. It is necessary to use only substances safe for the person.

Summarizing

Pipeline insulation is a necessary operation when installing a pipeline in temperate climates. Due to this, the water supply will not be interrupted even in the most severe winter. Ultimately, the small cost of insulation will save in the future to replace the damaged pipeline.

The video in this article describes an example of the insulation of the water supply system.