Condensation on pipe + fur like material underneath stopcock

[Rachelism]

Hello,

I have just noted some fur-like material underneath my stopcock. Also there seems to be a fair amount of condensation, but that could be normal given the current temperature/time of year

Can someone tell me what that stuff is and if there anything to worry about?

Untitled

• Rachelism
• 25 Oct 2013
• 1

 

[OwainDIYer]

efflorescence, i.e. salts crystallising in the damp.

 

[Rachelism]

Thank you. Other than looking disgusting, is that a problem? Should I be removing it?

 

[Agile]

efflorescence, i.e. salts crystallising in the damp.

Yes, but exactly which salts are they?



You can wipe them off with a damp cloth!

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

The pipe is carrying the cold water supply into the building, so the water within is at a lower temperature than the moist air within the building, condensation naturally occurs as a result.

Wipe with a cloth as Tony suggests, other than that I would leave well alone, incoming pipe is lead and if damaged then repairs are going to be expensive..... Best plan is fit a cover over it, but allow for easy removal should you need to turn the water off in a hurry. (That assumes stoptap will turn off!)