Three Ways to Keep Basement Pipes from Dripping

Photo by Jiahui Huang

It’s usually about this time of year that we get customer questions about leaking basement pipes.  Of course we always go out to investigate but most of the time this isn’t a plumbing problem at all.  It’s hot and humid outside and cool in your basement.  Your basement plumbing pipes can be quite cool/cold.  When the humid air touches the cold pipe it condenses and eventually forms drips.  So what is the solution?

If your basement is unfinished, you can probably just make sure none of your boxes are underneath and go on with your life.  Typically the quantity of water is minimal from pipe condensation.  However, if the dripping bothers you, or you are afraid of possible damage from the drips, there are a couple of  things you can do to help.  Probably the cheapest approach would be to insulate the pipes.  You can buy pipe insulation at any home improvement store that will help keep the humid air from contacting the cold surface.  Of course, if the condensation is coming from something other than a water supply line (i.e. duct work or drain pipe), the pipe insulation won’t help.

Another option would be to add a dehumidifier to your basement.  The dehumidifier will remove the moisture in the air.  They start at about $100 and go up from there.  It’s best to locate the dehumidifier next to a floor drain and attach a garden hose to it…so you won’t have to keep emptying the collector.

But what if I want to finish my basement and I’m worried the water will damage the flooring, drywall and paint?  When you finish your basement, you will insulate and condition the space.  This should keep the humidity levels down.  You will still want to have a dehumidifier though since basements are sub-grade which makes them more humid from the start.

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