Waterproofing a Basement includes Wrapping Cold Water pipes

By Mark J. Donovan

When waterproofing your basement it is just as important to address your cold water plumbing pipes, as it is the basement walls and floors.

High moisture vapor, which is typically found in a basement, will condense on cold water pipes and form puddles on the basement floor below. You can observe this phenomenon during summer months by seeing puddle lines on the basement floor that follow the cold water pipes above.

To prevent sweating cold water pipes, wrap the cold water pipes with a plastic foam pipe wrap and tape all cracks and seams with electrical tape. Make mitered cuts (45o angles) with the foam pipe wrap to ensure tight connections.

In addition to the cold water pipes, also wrap the well water holding tank with a plastic blanket wrap to eliminate it from sweating as well. As with the cold water pipes, tape all seams.