Having taken ownership of a new build next week I have noticed that the cold water pipes have condensation forming on them. This seems to occur mostly at night (presumably when the heating is on) and if we are using the washer / dryer, as the waste pipe runs adjacent to the cold water pipe. I’ve tried to make sure there’s is sufficient ventilation in the room by opening all window and door vents. There doesn’t appear to be condensation forming anywhere else in the house having checks the other rooms and walls. Is it normal for this area to form condensation droplets? I don’t believe it’s a lot or enough to form Mold but I’d rather it not be there. I can’t tell whether it’s more pronounced because the walls / plasterboard etc.. are starting to dry out due to the age of the building (a few months). I’ve considered lagging the pipes but don’t want to take a sledgehammer approach if this will eventually rectify itself.
Quote "Having taken ownership of a new build next week ", Ok I think we know what you mean.... "I can’t tell whether it’s more pronounced because the walls / plasterboard etc.. are starting to dry out due to the age of the building (a few months)." I think you have answered your own problem here. The house has not dried out yet. You will need lots of ventilation, low heat & time. Leave the lagging of the pipes till then. Have you moved in, before the paint has dried?
Plaster can take a month to throughly dry, floor screed can take at least 12 weeks to dry, but it' all depends on the temperature, there a lot of moisture to dry out in a new build.
Thanks both - looks like what I am seeing is to be expected for now. I have only added lagging to the cold water pipe for the outdoor tap to try and counteract the cold weather we are having - everything else has been left as is. From a nervous first time buyer, thanks!!
A lot depends on the temperatures and levels of humidity. Any exposed cold water pipes can attract condensation. Basically its cold out at the moment and when you run the water the pipes get darn cold. If the house has a high humidity, then any air contacting the cold pipes will cause condensation. The moment you stop using the cold water then the pipe temperature rises to the same as the room and the condensation stops and the water will evaporate if your house is warm enough. So basically when you are running a bath, using a machine or whatever you get condensation that should quickly disappear. In a less well heated area, especially in the winter when the cold supply is very cold and the inside humidity is very high... well the problem may not go away. The simplest solution is to insulate the cold pipes with a closed cell foam insulation - the type you can buy at Wickes for a very few £. Job done. Then just don't worry about it again.
Forums
Facebook
Twitter
You Tube
Instagram
Shop