Cold bathroom, how to block holes around pipework..?

StretchArmstrong · 8 Sep 2015

So, our bathroom is cold in winter.
We removed carpet tiles for sanded floorboards.
They have had the gaps filled between.
My only guess for the source of the cold could be the gaps around the pipework.. Such as this

Do we think this would be the culprit?

And any tips on how best to block the gap in, other than scribing out some wood?

Thanks in advance..

endecotp · 8 Sep 2015

Maybe; is there a cold draught from that hole?

But more obviously, is there not enough heating or poor insulation?

Burnerman · 8 Sep 2015

I'd use expanding foam to fill the gaps, but Id guess there are other reasons for the chill factor!
John

StretchArmstrong · 9 Sep 2015

thanks both..

to try to answer your questions -
the room is small, here's a picture.

it was previously warm, despite a rotten window with large gaps, and a vent, but with the dirtiest carpet tiles to grace the earth.

so, I removed the carpet tiles, had the floor sanded and gaps filled,

the radiator is the same, and it gets very hot, so I don't think that's the problem.

I've put beading around much of the skirting boards, although still need a bit of caulk..

so, am not sure what else it could be?
unless I get a temp gauge on the walls to see if one has a problem?

cheers.

Burnerman · 9 Sep 2015

Personally I wouldn't expect much heat coming off that towel rail - they are rarely as effective as a standard radiator (which could be twin panel.)
Is there any draught coming up from the skirting area?
You will get some draught coming from under the door, with the carpet tiles removed - that can be a good thing!
John

StretchArmstrong · 9 Sep 2015

okay, thanks burnerman,
I will consider radiator options.

the door does have a gap, but the rest of the house is normally warmer than the bathroom...
will checkfor drafts as it gets colder..

JohnD · 9 Sep 2015

expanding foam will do it, but it will also glue the pipes, walls, floor and ceiling together. ?You could also pack it with mineral wool and cut a piece of ply to blend in with the floor.

I only use mineral wool treated with Ecose now, which does not shed irritating dust and fibres. It is made by Knauf but also sold as own-brands. Look for the word on the packaging. It is brown and feels smooth.

BTW if air is coming in, it is also going out. Some will be through the extractor fan, but also look for holes in the ceiling where pipes, cables and light fittings go through. Airing cupboards are often very shoddily finished because they are out of sight.

Any external walls will also be cold, as will the ceiling if loft not well insulated or gappy.

StretchArmstrong · 9 Sep 2015

thanks John.
I will look for mineral wool.
my confusion is that the bathroom was warm enough for years, and the only thing changed is the removal of the carpet tiles.

although, I think it also coincided with my wife moving in... hmm, perhaps that's the most significant change...

endecotp · 9 Sep 2015

Cork tiles make bathroom floors feel much warmer.
That radiator will not have much heat output and you have insulated it by putting towels on it.

StretchArmstrong · 9 Sep 2015

yeah, the carpet tiles down before did nothing, but collect dirt.

we had got to the stage of removing towels to keep the room warm, which was silly.

there's bathroom towel rads with 3K+ btus, double what the room theoretically needs, so that is one option if plugging gaps fails. cheers endecotp.

JohnD · 9 Sep 2015

StretchArmstrong said:
although, I think it also coincided with my wife moving in...

Perhaps she has been opening windows to ventilate the house, especially the bathroom <parp>

A extractor fan is useful in a bathroom. Modern ones are very economical on electricity, and can be very quiet.

If your bathroom is modern and well insulated, a 600W radiator would do, but if it is in an old house, 1kW might be better. A thermostatic radiator valve will prevent the room being overheated and wasting energy.

diynot

If you need to find a tradesperson to get your job done, please try our local search below, or if you are doing it yourself you can find suppliers local to you.

Select the supplier or trade you require, enter your location to begin your search.

Are you a trade or supplier? You can create your listing free at DIYnot Local

Cold bathroom, how to block holes around pipework..?

Similar threads