Insulating fresh water supply

[camerart]

Hi,
In the summer I fitted 2x large windows into what was an outside toilet/coal lean to.
I battened the wall for 100mm insulation boards.
It was passed by building control, plastered decorated and it's now an asset to the house, and nice and warm.

Today I woke up to no cold water, because the pipes had frozen behind the insulation
When insulating it all I shoved fibreglass wool behind the water pipes, but was a bit slap hazard, it was hot weather!

I'm now paying for it! This isn't something I'll ever do again, but for anyone starting such a project take note.

The inside stop cock, is working ok, and the outside tap has water, so I can still have a cuppa
Happy new year
C.

 

[Wayners]

Sound frustrating.
It's unusual though as it takes some cold air to freeze a pipe.
How much damage will happen when you replace pipe?

 

[camerart]

Sound frustrating.
It's unusual though as it takes some cold air to freeze a pipe.
How much damage will happen when you replace pipe?

Hi W,
Yes, it is a bit.
My main worry is a pipe burst.
When insulating a wall in the way I did with Building control, there must be weep vents, which add some ventilation to the inner wall surface. I have now blocked these, and any vent areas I can find, but there is still a slight draft where the stop cock is. (hole through the insulation)

Last night was frosty, but with a couple of night time toilet flushes (bringing above freezing water through), it didn't freeze this time, so maybe it won't happen again?

To fully check and insulate the offending pipework, for me it would be a big job, and I'm at the age where I'm past all that. Cutting through plaster, ceilings, insulation boards and fibre glas, in a small area, then restoring.
C

 

[Wayners]

Is blocking vents going to cause condensation?

Could you create a access hatch in outside wall to gain access

 

[camerart]

Is blocking vents going to cause condensation?

Could you create a access hatch in outside wall to gain access

Hi W,
The reason the vents are there, is for any moisture will be ventilated outside, and not run down the cold wall, and into the room. It's not until this happens that you would wish for them, in a similar way to the feezing problem.
C.

 

[Wayners]

What about access hatch in outside wall to get at it.
That's easy job

 

[camerart]

What about access hatch in outside wall to get at it.
That's easy job

Hi W,
Good idea, that's what I did to fit the purlin needed, and as it's in a narrowing space, is not easy, so never again for me I'm afraid.
C