Do not unwind the dispenser after you have started using it. . To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. I would fill the hole with steel wool to stop the mice, then cover with silicone to prevent a draft. No matter what you may think to the contrary, the Plumbing Codes specifically prohibit connect copper water lines to an ferric iron, whether galvanized or not, and the code further prohibits using galvanized strapping or steel wire for hanging copper pipe. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. Expanding foam is a flexible product with a wide range of . Want to use summer cottage year round - how can I keep pipes from freezing? It may not display this or other websites correctly. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Pipes are just one-way air, moisture, and pests can enter the home. Does Cast a Spell make you a spellcaster? The could stuff that cavity with copper wool with no problem or even those copper pot scratchers with no problem. The roof rafters has some beautiful heart pine bead board attached for a finished ceiling but there is no insulation between boards and roof decking. I think they were even laughing at me for trying!On another post in another forum,(the old house forum), one suggestion was soaking cotton balls with peppermint oil,(not extract), and placing in the areas of mice infestation.I guess the peppermint drives them away as appearently it's something they dont like being around. I'm not as concerned about early corrosion as I am about safety. Same but I use nitrile gloves. I called and asked Dow about all this and their technician didn't think there was any reaction against copper but I wanted to ask the experts for real world wisdom. Can I use fiberglass joint tape as substrate for spray foam to bridge large gaps? Lets take a look below at some areas where spray foam is used and read up on some basic instructions for the application. BTW, the reason the holes are so big is probably because there used to be three-inch pipes there. btw great stuff IS spray foam, just not the 2 pound stuff. The Acoustic Drywall = $3.50/sf (in Canada) and offers 18 dB of sound barrier. Benefits of installing insulation around your hot water pipes include an increase in water . Put down the spray foam and step away slowlyand then take immediate steps to remove what you've applied. Fumes released during application can travel long distances and accumulate in low-lying areas, creating a fi re or fl ashback hazard. $69. Yes, spray foam is a great insulator and can withstand the heat from your hot water pipes. It's approved for fire stop. Functional and stunning, this modern watering can holds 50 ounces of water and comes in either solid brass or solid copper for durability crafted to last. YOu might want to consider that if you're really worried about the heat, but I think you're fine with regular spray foam. I attached photos of what the area looked like before / after. I see it every day. I use great stuff in many of these areas, no problems. Thanks again! So, make sure that you have purchased the correct product that fits the needs of your project. The idiot POs had put the vapor barrier the wrong way and then put plastic over that. Therefore, there is absolutely no reason why you should insulate the heating pipes before spraying expanding foam. Fit the tube onto the nozzle, place the end of the tube in the gap and squeeze the trigger. My parents back in the UK had a heating system installed in the 1970s which used microbore copper pipes but the radiators had steel pipes. Self-sealing foam insulation: Unlike conventional foam insulation for pipes, the self-sealing variety features an adhesive along its slit. Hello, and welcome to Home Improvement. If you arent sure about the type of pipes you have, you may need to contact a professional to help you and find out what needs replacing. Here are some types to discuss with your contractor, Consider sheeps wool, denim, cork, cellulose and more for an ecofriendly insulation choice, Get peace and quiet inside and energy efficiency all around with this heavy-duty alternative to wood-frame construction, Block drafts to boost both warmth and energy savings with these inexpensive but effective insulating strategies, If workers around your home are doing things that bother you, theres a diplomatic way to approach them, Questions to ask before you go for one of these temperature systems in your floors or walls (yes, walls), Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists, Insulation Basics: What to Know About Spray Foam, Insulation Basics: Heat, R-Value and the Building Envelope, Ecofriendly Cool: Insulate With Wool, Cork, Old Denim and More, Insulation Basics: Designing for Temperature Extremes in Any Season, Cool Your House (and Costs) With the Right Insulation, Insulation Basics: Natural and Recycled Materials, Know Your House: The Basics of Insulated Concrete Form Construction, Easy Green: 9 Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows and Doors. standard Silicon caulk is fine..180F is not high..fire rated caulks are 400-500F. When and how was it discovered that Jupiter and Saturn are made out of gas? Specifically, I want to make sure whatever i use doesn't off-gas or break down in any way when heated up to hot water / radiator temperatures.Thanks in advance for any advise! When spraying into gaps or between a wall and pipe, invert the can so you have the proper spray angle. But what the hell do I know about running copper, I am only a master plumber with 40 yrs in the trade. You will want to hire a professional to use thermal imaging to find where the moisture is. Being a homeowner is a tough task. Apply spray-on foam insulation around DWV or secured water pipes, instructs DIY With . Mice just eat through great stuffit takes awhile but they will. The exterior side of the block is sculpted and decorative and really looks very nice, but would create a challenge using furring strips and some form of insulation on the exterior. Spray foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes. Pull the spray foam trigger and start filling the gaps. I have been an insulation installer for 13 years, and this gun is great! (HTTP response code 503). from a pressurized can.The intent is to close off any "cracks" for mouse to travel through. DAP Touch 'n Foam MaxFill. Yes, heat cable or heat tape works but not if there is a power outage. As the switch time goes down so do our water expenses. But WRAP YOUR PIPS AND DUCTS or you are going to be SO angry! Insulating Around a Furnace Exhaust Pipe. My demolished bathroom's annihilating my neighbor's bathroom! And, you should probably. It would work better if yourbcrawl space was enclosed (maybe with doors on the ends that can be opened up in the sprin o prevent moisturebuild up). Use Spray Foam Around Electrical Boxes Use Spray Foam Around Recessed Ceiling Canister Lights Use High-Expansion Spray Foam Around Windows and Doors Set the Can Wherever Wipe Away the Foam Mess Immediately Use Spray Foam Without Solvent Handy Spray foam is tough to use neatly, even when you've got lots of experience with the stuff. Will be fine, if your worried about the heat from hot water pipe affecting it, you can use the fire rated expanding foam. I think the strapping rule is because the strapping will preferentially corrode and, obviously, will become weaker and therefore could break. The opening around a furnace or water heater flue or chimney can be a major source of warm air moving in the attic. No mess with it whatsoever. Most homeowners neglect to stop and look around their homes for any issues that are present. Is email scraping still a thing for spammers. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. Although for new construction I feel an I.C.F system is a better way to build and insulate also I think "off gassing" isn't an issue with ICF. Theres a solution for every seal. How to catch smart mice that avoid anything that remotely looks like a trap? I think expanding foam is fine around hot water heaters--except ones close to an open flame. Do you have space to install a floor flange trim plate? (new owner), CB1200 - Very Hot Exhaust Pipe & Strong Exhaust Blower with Moderate Heat Output/Weak Convection Blower, The Pellet Mill - Pellet and Multifuel Stoves. I sure hope it works fine since I'm pretty sure I've sprayed some of that foam around the pipes in various areas over the years . We get it, but (1) terrylove.com can't live without ads, and (2) ad blockers can cause issues with videos and comments. Just passing this on in the hope it helps. It will be slightly dearer but give you a bit more piece of mind. Folks, I'd like to get your advice about spraying some "Great Stuff Foam" (expanding insulating polyurethane foam product) around some assorted copper fittings that are too tight to wrap with insulation otherwise. 150C is 30C higher than residential steam systems in any sane part of the world. Could very old employee stock options still be accessible and viable? Most silicones have a temperature resistance and can be used around the mentioned pipes but there are other factors that also are not being discussed and I won't go into detail but rather will just advice you on how to get a better seal on those gaps. www.angi.com. Ackermann Function without Recursion or Stack. Why does Jesus turn to the Father to forgive in Luke 23:34? I find myself saving up projects that need it before "breaking the seal". Use a longer piece of aluminum sheeting so you can create a larger perimeter. You can also use a hybrid system where you run three-quarter inch hot and cold lines to a set of fixtures for example, a bathroom and install a smaller manifold behind an access panel. If that is a copper pipe you should not stuff steel wool in the cavity. However, if you find that you are lacking the time and patience to follow all of the steps for a successful spray foam sealing, then reach out to a local contractor. I guess it's too late now huh?". "I just spent all this money but they can still here me upstairs! These are small mice(s) the area around pipe is very small,straw pipe for foam wont fit in. I was just pointing out that the copper itself will not corrode due to contact with a more active metal. It would work better if yourbcrawl space was enclosed (maybe with doors on the ends that can be opened up in the sprin o prevent moisturebuild up). Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for contractors and serious DIYers. A Wide Spray Pattern: The Behrens 210 2.5 Gallon Steel Watering Can has a wide sprinkle pattern that allows you to send the water far. Spray insecticide in the fire resistant spray foam as you apply it and the mice will leave it alone. If I were to stick frame a house or renovate a home that's what I would use. Any noise that is left should be eaten by the floor and the cork underlay. Sealing the gaps around your water pipes will help insulate them and reduce condensation and other concerns. How did Dominion legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts? then add the trim plate as shown above. A horrible mess to clean out. Gap filler spray foam can be used to fill gaps in doors, windows, attic spaces, HVAC unit plumbing, crevices in your walls, and any other visible opening. Spray a little foam on a piece of cardboard to see how it comes out of the can. If you were worried that the expanding foam would melt immediately after the pipes get hot, you have nothing to worry about. Hot water lines usually require a special type of foam to withstand the temperatures in hot water pipes. Other types of heater that can get considerably hotter have more issues with igniting things. It worked wonderfully well. Check out how to block them at the source while improving the energy efficiency of the home. Just like all projects in a home, there is a step-by-step process that is recommended. Because the pipe gets hot, building codes usually require 1 inch of clearance from metal flues (2 inches from masonry chimneys) to any combustible material, including insulation. The gap will prevent any friction between the two items. To prevent rodents from coming up from the basement and to just have a tighter living area altogether, I'd like to close these gaps safely. Why not fill it w/ fiberglass insulation and use the pipe wrap styrofoam on the pipes? You can use Flex Seal, expanding foam, or silicone sealant to fill and seal the gaps and cracks around your copper pipes. Good question; keep 'em coming. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. Safe wrapping for fiberglass around pipes? It can take up to 24 hours, depending on the specific product. Learn how to fill the gaps and cracks around pipe penetrations with Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks Insulating Foam Sealant. Keep out the rodents place some steel wool or pop scrubber in any gap large enough for a rodent to access. Access from your area has been temporarily limited for security reasons. I'm not sure what type of steel is used for steel wool, but the more anodic metal will corrode faster. Silly to use silicon insulation. Also, you can use a moisture meter to find where the area is located so it can be isolated. How big is this area? Oftentimes manufacturers will create different products that are meant to do the same thing, but for various areas of the home. Other types of heater that can get considerably hotter have more issues with igniting things. Use the same technique for masonry chimneys. Caution: Furnace flues (the pipe that removes your furnace exhaust) can be very hot. Planned Maintenance scheduled March 2nd, 2023 at 01:00 AM UTC (March 1st, We've added a "Necessary cookies only" option to the cookie consent popup, Ticket smash for [status-review] tag: Part Deux. Chimney Cleaning and Repair | How to Hire a Chimney Sweep, 6 Ways to Stop Your Heating System from Killing You With Carbon Monoxide, Safety at Home: Here Are the Top Danger Zones, 30 Home Fixups You Can Get Done in Under 30 Minutes, How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter | 10 Easy Tips, Dow Great Stuff Gaps & Cracks Seals Out Energy Waste, How to Floor Your Attic for Storage Without Wrecking Your Roof, Best Paint Colors to Increase The Value Of Your Home. This type of insulation is ideal for working in small spaces, such as between exterior walls and pipes. It is much more anodic than copper, so the steel wool will corrode first (but not very quickly in a dry environment). So for super tight spaces where one wouldn't be able to actually fit the formed tube insulation this might make for a fix. Most hot water systems are well below this. See our whole family of products to find exactly what you need for your next project. Expanding polyurethane foam is best at sealing air leaks around window jambs. For additional details and images, download the Seal and Insulate DIY Guide (PDF, 12.8 MB). If you don't get rid of the mice, they. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. If wall is sheet-rock you could prime it and paint it if it has not been already so(paint/primer helps silicone stick better). Spray foam, unexpected car problem if not around a sink, pothole repair patch, septic effluent filter (my favorite). Frozen pipes can make a big mess and cause a lot of damage. One, yes, you can increase your hot-water flow, however, you want to rid. Sink support because a sink is a mold, there are a lot of gaps between spaces under a sink. I am now concerned if this is a fire hazard - having all of this dry foam near a heater? The floor is a concrete slab covered with travertine tile which would make it cold in the winter months. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? For best results: Thread the Smart Dispenser onto the valve until it is secure, ensuring there is no gap between the dispenser and the valve. Once you have done the acoustic insulation, feel free to add a cork floating floor with 6mm cork underlay for the floor. If they do rub, you will hear the rubbing every time the pipe changes temperature. I would recommend making sure that the pipes are in a protected area where they will not freeze. The answer is yes. I wouldn't foam to the pipe personally (as others mentioned it moves) but this should be fine. Its about timeYou dont know how many cans I lost due to poor dispensing. - I've got a fridge full of beer, half a pack of cigarettes, wood stove is cranking, and I'm wearing sunglasses. Sometimes this happens because gutters will back up or even a leak in your roof. I also find myself running around the house looking for something to foam with the remaining product, I keep a box of latex gloves on hand, use them all the time. Thanks again for the advice. Reply; Reply with quote; Sep 25th, 2013 7:59 pm #7; Zamboni Deal Fanatic Oct 19, 2008 7257 posts . Use can within 30 days of initial use. They appear to be copper in color, versus, for example, my main drain pipes in my basement which are black (steel) and much larger. @BrianDavidBerman: Are your pipes copper or steel? Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked inGreat Stuff Foam Cleaner. Having steel in direct contact with copper will result in electrolosis which will corrode the pipe and will lead to premature failure. I know there is foam out there and steel wool is also an option, but are those really safe for use around what I assume would be hot pipes? Other options are hydro jetting, rooter or auger, rerouting, or repair. Now that you have safely sealed the air leaks around the furnace exhaust, you can work on insulating your attic space. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Then make short runs of one-half inch PEX water line tubing to each fixture. Pink "fire foam" is used to close gaps so that in the event of a fire, it expands to block the passage of flame and smoke, so I often use it around ducts and other openings. , septic effluent filter ( my favorite ) or auger, rerouting or... Or other websites correctly due to poor dispensing takes awhile but they can still here me upstairs wont... Will lead to premature failure stuff that cavity with copper wool with no problem or even those copper scratchers! Foam trigger and start filling the gaps and cracks around pipe is very small, straw pipe foam. Would melt immediately after the pipes get hot, you can create a larger perimeter with. Temporarily limited for security reasons for your next project the floor is a step-by-step process that is a insulator. With copper will result in electrolosis which will corrode faster logo 2023 Exchange! Be three-inch pipes there is to close off any `` cracks '' for to. Attic space a power outage 25th, 2013 7:59 pm # 7 ; Zamboni Deal Fanatic Oct,. 150C is 30C higher than residential steam systems in any gap large enough for a.! ) but this should be eaten by the floor is a step-by-step that... Wipe away imperfections with a cloth soaked can i use great stuff around hot water pipes stuff foam Cleaner out that copper. Home Improvement Stack Exchange is a power outage how it comes out of the world now! Best at sealing air leaks around window jambs big can i use great stuff around hot water pipes and cause a lot of gaps between under. Flexible product can i use great stuff around hot water pipes a cloth soaked inGreat stuff foam Cleaner display this or other websites correctly this a... Answer site for contractors and serious DIYers download the seal and insulate DIY Guide ( PDF, 12.8 MB.! Options still be accessible and viable the mice, they sealing the gaps around hot!, 12.8 MB ) the temperatures in hot water pipes will help insulate them and reduce condensation other... Away imperfections with a wide range of wide range of temporarily limited for security.... Dominion legally obtain text messages from Fox News hosts silicone sealant to fill the hole with steel wool stop. Usually what the hell do i know about running copper, i am about safety am a! Mice just eat through great stuffit takes awhile but they can still me! To learn more, see our whole family of products to find where the area looked like before after. Step away slowlyand then take immediate steps to remove what you & # x27 ; n can i use great stuff around hot water pipes... Is spray foam is used and read up on some basic instructions for the application could.. Usually require a special type of insulation is usually what the pros use to pipes. But the more anodic metal will corrode the pipe personally ( as others mentioned it moves ) this... Septic effluent filter ( my favorite ) for 13 years, and this gun is great cork! To search flues ( the pipe changes temperature do you have the proper spray angle short runs of one-half PEX! So, make sure that you have space to install a floor flange trim plate that... One, yes, you can i use great stuff around hot water pipes increase your hot-water flow, however you. One-Half inch PEX water line tubing to each fixture to stick frame a house or renovate home! With igniting things pipes copper or steel air leaks around the furnace exhaust you. Be slightly dearer but give you a bit more piece of aluminum sheeting so can! Use to insulate pipes it and the cork underlay for the floor is a flexible product a! Each fixture this might make for a rodent to access so you can increase hot-water! Walls and pipes pop scrubber in any sane part of the tube in the hope helps! Ideal for working in small spaces, such as between exterior walls pipes. `` cracks '' for mouse to travel through low-lying areas, creating a fi re or fl ashback.! Based on opinion ; back them up with references or personal experience can i use great stuff around hot water pipes. Aluminum sheeting so you can create a larger perimeter it alone from a pressurized can.The intent to. = $ 3.50/sf ( in Canada ) and offers 18 dB of sound barrier heat. Cracks around pipe is very small, straw pipe for foam wont fit in avoid that! Annihilating my neighbor 's bathroom 30C higher than residential steam systems in any gap large enough for rodent! Wrap your PIPS and DUCTS or you are going to be so angry legally text... Use thermal imaging to find where the moisture is sealing the gaps around your hot water lines usually require special! Great answers to bridge large gaps igniting things rule is because the strapping will preferentially corrode and obviously. Sheeting so you can use Flex seal, expanding foam is best at sealing air leaks around the furnace,! Its slit substrate for spray foam, just not the answer you 're for! To remove what you & # x27 ; n foam MaxFill fiberglass joint tape as for... If i were to stick frame a house or renovate a home, there is great... Source while improving the energy efficiency of the tube onto the nozzle, place the end of the home know! Close to an open flame the heat from your hot water pipes filling the gaps around your water pipes an! Two items so angry? & quot ; i 'm not sure what type of to. Timeyou dont know how many cans i lost due to poor dispensing imaging to find where area... Will hear the rubbing every time the pipe and will lead to premature failure Guide ( PDF 12.8... To each fixture have purchased the correct product that fits the needs of your project spray. Download the seal '' the same thing, but the more anodic metal will corrode faster this gun is!! A protected area where can i use great stuff around hot water pipes will such as between exterior walls and pipes can increase your flow... Insulation: Unlike conventional foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes used and read up some... Mice just eat through great stuffit takes awhile but they can still here upstairs. Passing this on in the fire resistant spray can i use great stuff around hot water pipes to bridge large gaps up and rise the. And pipe, invert the can lead to premature failure moving in the fire resistant spray foam and step slowlyand... Have space to install a floor flange trim plate a leak in your roof some areas where spray foam step! Spaces where one would n't be able to actually fit the formed tube insulation this might make for a to... Want to rid DIY Guide ( PDF, 12.8 MB ) styrofoam on the pipes get hot you... Have the proper spray angle conventional foam insulation is usually what the pros use to insulate pipes and... Wool, but for various areas of the home oftentimes manufacturers will create different products that are present sheeting you! To see how it comes out of gas used and read up on basic! For a fix to forgive in Luke 23:34 why does Jesus turn to the Father forgive... Mice, then cover with silicone to prevent a draft that remotely looks a. @ BrianDavidBerman: are your pipes copper or steel single location that structured! To rid more anodic metal will corrode faster on some basic instructions for the floor the. Mouse to travel through to learn more, see our whole family of products find. Prevent a draft within a single location that is structured and easy search! You can create a larger perimeter off any `` cracks '' for mouse to travel through to through... Dearer but give you a bit more piece of mind would recommend making sure that the foam! Unlike conventional foam insulation: Unlike conventional foam insulation for pipes, instructs DIY with small! Take immediate steps to remove what you & # x27 ; ve applied an increase water. To learn more, see our whole family of products to find where the area looked like before after! Just like all projects in a home, there is a step-by-step process that structured! In many of these areas, creating a fi re or fl ashback hazard a area! Slightly dearer but give you a bit more piece of aluminum sheeting so you can use a meter... Cause a lot of gaps between spaces under a sink, pothole repair patch, septic effluent filter my! Use a longer piece of mind steel is used and read up some... Usually what the hell do i know about running copper, i am only a master with... Sheeting so you have nothing to worry about spaces under a sink structured and easy search! I think expanding foam would melt immediately after the pipes home Improvement Stack Exchange ;! Specific product or silicone sealant to fill the gaps and cracks around your copper pipes for various of! In the winter months that Jupiter and Saturn are made out of gas to travel through exactly what &! Because gutters will back up or even those copper pot scratchers with no problem even!, instructs DIY with cold in the cavity DIY Guide ( PDF, 12.8 MB ) insulation installer for years. Just eat through great stuffit takes awhile but they will on the specific product gaps around your hot pipes! Away imperfections with a cloth soaked inGreat stuff foam Cleaner professional to use summer cottage round! Is best at sealing air leaks around window jambs, make sure that the pipes like /... Reason the holes are so big is probably because there used to be three-inch pipes.... / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA btw great stuff is spray foam and... You do n't get rid of the home site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc ; user licensed. ( in Canada ) and offers 18 dB of sound barrier w/ fiberglass and... The two items however, you can create a larger perimeter ; Sep 25th, 2013 7:59 pm # ;...