copper water pipes

[Anonymous]

Can someone please help a confused FEMALE??? I was recently getting ready to purchase foam tubing with the intentions of wrapping my water pipes to prevent freezing. I was told by a plumber that you are never supposed to wrap copper, because it will oxidixe and cause pin holes. Also, my house was leaking under the foundation and the person who fixed it encased about 3 inches of my water pipe, where it enters the crawl space in concrete. Will this also cause oxidation and holes? Ann

[GuestParticipant]

I have been a plumber for over ten years and I am certified as journey level in wash and ore as well as a master in wy. trust me you can insulate copper with foam or fiberglass,if your somewere that it gets below zero put heat tape on the pipe before you insulate. as for the concrete if they did it right it should have a sleave or protective wrap. copper pipe should never be in direct imobilizing contact with concrete.

I hope this helps

[SylvanLMPParticipant]

Wow Ann they sure are out there coming out from under rocks or out of caves.

Insulation pipes is the RIGHT THING TO DO.

I have been insulating hot water and cold water pipes for over 32 years.

Insulating copper tubing hot water lines saves energy (less heat loss)
Using foam insulation on chill water systems (ACR Tubing copper) also saves the chillier from over working.

Now about having concrete come in contact with ANY PIPING the cement “specialist” needs a severe BEATING.

In most civilized codes Piping passing through a wall shall be protected from breakage from carrying ANY BUILDING weight of the structure by an arch or lintel constructed above the pipe Or by an iron pipe sleeve greater in size then the pipe passing through wall.

This annular space between the pipe and sleeve shall be filled with or partially filled with polysulphide, lead or other equivalent water proofing material.

No way should copper come in contact with cement without some type of protective covering/coating.
Insulation and heat tapes are you best bet.

When hiring ANY contractor double check to make sure they are licensed in the trade they are dabbling in.

[Author]

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