DIY Doctor UK DIY Forums

To allow some leaking underfloor pipework to be replaced, I've had to remove the kick-board and base of my sink unit, and was it damp under there! I'm 99% sure that it's not because of the pipe leaks, and it's drying out quite nicely with a dehumidifier. But at one end there's the rising main (which, of course, was above the unit base) and my water-meter. The rising main has been dripping condensation, the more so since I had double-glazing installed last year, and perhaps this has soaked down to the concrete floor.

I understand why the rising main gets wet, but I'm wondering whether it would help to incorporate a ventilation grill in the kickboard when I re-instate it (and fit a new base)?

On the one hand, it would allow warm air to interact with the rising main, increasing condensation; on the other hand ventilation is meant to reduce it. Perhaps if I installed the grill at the end of the kickboard four feet from the main?

As for the main itself, I intend wrapping felt lagging around it and the other pipework, which will leave some of the meter still exposed. I'm thinking of applying a spray mastic to it (apart from the screen, of course).

What do others think?


Marlburian

I would insulate the pipework and the ventilation is going to do more good than harm, as a good airflow will help dry the concrete if it does get wet off the condensation.

That's what my plumber reckoned yesterday, agreeing that the grill should be at the far end, away from the rising main. Thanks, HTG.

(Incidentally, I was just a little bemused that I had to lend the plumber a marking pen, a Stanley knife, a flat file and a junior hacksaw. I would have thought that most of these would have been standard kit?)


Marlburian