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Just wonderning if I cover my cold water pipe w/an insulated sleeve if this would cause any condensation problems (excess moisture). The water pipes run from the cellar to an upstairs bath and are exposed in a first floor room. I have built a frame around the water and drain pipes and I am ready to cover w/drywall. Thought maybe the extra insulation would cut down on noise from the pipes when the water is running through them. Running them in the wall is out of the question, that’s why I boxed them in.
Thanks.
Delmar.
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No, it would reduce condensation. It's a good idea to insulate cold water lines for that reason. Use foam insulation, not fiberglass, and tape the joints along the length and where they join with a plastic tape (not duct tape).
Your only problem might be if you can only get insulation on the first floor. In that case, condensation from above might run down the pipe and into your insulation. Not a big deal, but a bead of caulk at the top of the insulation would keep the water out. Use latex, not silicone, because the acetic acid that silicone gives off can corrode the pipes a bit.
*Thanks Wayne.Frank
*What Wayne said. And the best tape for sealing the seams is "Pipe wrap" tape, 10 mil is fine, although 20 mil is available. It looks like electrical tape on steriods, 2" wide, black, often with white writing on it. It is designed to last forever underground. I have had it remain intact and sticky afer many years in the sun - something that most tapes do not do. -David