Insulation Radon Pipe Condensation
If using a porous insulation material a vapor retarder is absolutely necessary to prevent the water vapor from passing through the insulation and condensing.
Insulation radon pipe condensation. The air around the cold pipe or glass is cooled below the dew point and thus condensation begins to form. Use schedule 20 or preferably sch 40 dwv for strength. However if the insulation is porous the water vapor can still find its way through the insulation and will condense on the cold surface of the pipe regardless of the insulation thickness. On all radon gas mitigation systems condensation will form on and in the pvc pipes.
Removable reusable insulation blankets like thermaxx cold insulation jackets are designed to fit snugly and keep the ambient air temperature and humidity from affecting your pipe. We have a 4 radon pipe that goes from the basement straight up to roof vent passing through 1st floor 2nd floor and attic. Thought we had fixed the problem but again today i see water drops on outside of radon pipe. The less pipe you have exposed to the moisture the less total condensation you will have.
Air conditioner heat pump refrigerant pipe condensation or sweating can occur either because insulation is missing from the suction line or because of an equipment malfunction like liquid refrigerant slugging at the compressor motor. We can prevent condensation from occurring by insulating the pipe with enough insulation to keep the air around the pipe from dropping below the dew point. Insulation the easiest solution for condensation on pipes is pipe insulation which prevents moist air from reaching the cooler surface. Most plumbers recommend plastic foam pipe wrap over fiberglass pipe wrap because the fiberglass is not waterproof and actually absorbs water.
Frustrated not sure what to do and drywallers are scheduled to start tomorrow afternoon. Pipes that run above suspended ceilings for example will often not collect condensation because the area is drier than the basement itself. The amount of condensation is proportional to the amount of exposed pipe. How much insulation does it take to prevent condensation.
When high humidity is present you will get condensation on the outside of the pvc pipes. Most professional installers in cold weather areas try to avoid condensation problems by routing the pipe up through a closet or finished garage and to a fan in the attic that blows the radon out above the roof. Fan must be place outside of the living space. This can also happen inside your home.
This usually takes place in the garage attic and outside. The best way to stop condensation from forming on pipes is to prevent the warm humid air from coming into contact with the chilled pipe s outer surface. Fire barriers must be used where pipe penetrates a firewall. A proper slope must be maintained for condensate drain back.
3 pipe is the minimum if your not sure use 4 keep the vent supported every 8 vertically 6 horizontally.