What It Means When Your Pipes Are Sweating

By Joseph Miller


Most pipes that are used in homes and commercial buildings often utilize steel, iron, and other types of metal. While it is durable and can last for a long time, it is not impervious to certain damage brought about by the environment. Here are some problems brought by Chilled Surface Condensation.

First, we need to understand what condensation on chilled surfaces means. This more or less refers to when humid air touches the surface of cold pipes resulting in droplets of moisture to form on the surface. Unlike leaking where water seeps out, sweating does not necessarily mean damage to the fixtures although it can lead to that when one is not careful.

One issue that this occurrence can bring is that it also brings excess moisture on other surfaces. For instance, the droplets can plop on the floors which can result in persons losing their balance and accidentally topple over the floor. To prevent such occurrence, clients are expected to wipe down these droplets and strategically place mats on surfaces to avoid slippage.

Next, it may possibly damage the structural density of your material. Moisture leads to corrosion which basically eats away your metals from the inside eventually making it less durable and sustainable. When this happens, it results to leakage and even affects certain structures in your home like your roof.

Another is it can lead to contamination in the water. Drainage fixtures that are poorly insulated and not protected from condensation can result in pieces of corroded surfaces to leak through the water supply. If you are one of those households that drinks water from the faucet then you may be in danger of accidentally ingesting rust.

The next issue that can be brought by condensation is that it creates an environment for mold and mildew to foster. This is especially true for pipe systems that are installed in dark, damp places like the basement. When these pipes are left alone for too long, structural damage and health hazards may occur.

These are just some examples of common problems that moisture can bring. Fortunately, modern solutions offer a variety of investments that can help one prevent moisture buildup. One of which are insulated blankets which are wrapped around these components to prevent humidity from affecting its function.

There are several reasons why removable insulating pieces are much more desirable. One is it contains adjustable features to fit with the measurements of your system. Additionally, they are also known to be less susceptible to damage and make it easier for owners to inspect their pipes should they suspect early signs of corrosion.

In order to get the best deal available, clients should contact a licensed plumber and schedule for an inspection as soon as possible. Additionally, if you use metal roofing, it might also be a good idea to contact a home improvement company to check whether or not these sheets are fitted properly. That way, one can reduce the risks of accidentally inviting moisture right into their homes.




About the Author: