Asked by: Tommaso Bromstrup
home and garden home appliances

Can you use expanding foam on copper pipes?

Last Updated: 29th March, 2021

9
Can Expanding Foam be used around pipes? Yes indeed it is suitable and also if pipes are copper.

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Accordingly, can expanding foam be used around heating pipes?

Don't use spray foam such as Great Stuff around heat sources: it will melt and produce toxic fumes. BTW, the reason the holes are so big is probably because there used to be three-inch pipes there.

Beside above, can you grout around copper pipes? The answer is that tile grout seems to be very inert and does not normally corrode copper pipes.

Subsequently, question is, is spray foam corrosive to copper?

The chemical reaction to the foam as it expands will react with copper. The EPA and Clean Water ACT strictly prohibit this above the Mason Dixon Line as of 1994, March. Any Plumber or Homeowner who uses this type of insulation aroung copper plumbing without safeguards can, and will be fined by the EPA.

Where should you not use expanding foam?

Spray Foam Around Windows and Doors is A-Ok But it can actually push the jamb inward, making them impossible to open. Avoid this by using minimal expanding foam. It's formulated to fill the space around windows and doors without excess expansion. Look for cans labeled for use on windows and doors.

Related Question Answers

Tisha Chatelain

Professional

What to use to seal around pipes?

Fill smaller gaps or cracks using pipe sealants or caulk. For larger openings, look for expandable polyurethane foam. Some installers prefer to add copper mesh or steel wool as a base layer behind this foam to deter insects that may bore through [source: Potter].

Eda Rozada

Professional

Will expanding foam stop a leak?

Using expanding polyurethane foam is one of the best ways to stop water leaks because the foam will expand into the cracks and help prevent future leaks. Expanding foam bonds to any type of surface and will quickly and effectively solve your water leak problems.

Mamerto Miss

Explainer

Can you put steel wool around copper pipes?

Professional pest companies typically use copper or brass wool around copper pipes. Unlike steel, these materials won't cause a galvanic reaction and corrosion. Professionals also choose stainless steel rather than ordinary steel wool for larger gaps because it won't rust when wet.

Oliveros Bluemel

Explainer

Is expanding foam heat resistant?

Fire rated expanding foam can be used as an efficient seal against smoke and gas, providing up to 240 minutes fire rating. As well as being useful due to its excellent filling characteristics, fire rated foam has high thermal properties and provides acoustic insulation.

Mumtaz Temporal

Explainer

Does expanding foam damage wiring?

As it is, industry groups have conducted several decades of extensive testing, finding that spray foam insulation does not affect electrical wiring when safely applied and installed. Spray foam insulation is not corrosive to metal.

Ibtissame Haeberle

Pundit

Can you spray foam over water pipes?

Insulate your attic or crawl space with spray foam insulation. Spray foam helps protect water pipes from cold temperatures. It is also water resistant which makes it ideal for use near water pipes.

Emese Eccellente

Pundit

Is expanding foam dangerous?

Once the foam has fully expanded and dried, manufacturers say it is inert. If the chemicals are not properly mixed, they may not react fully and can remain toxic. In addition to the dangers associated with installation, these chemicals can potentially remain unreacted in the form of dust or shavings.

Simranjit Zamarbide

Pundit

Does expanding foam corrode copper?

It certainly won't cause any issues with the copper, so don't worry about that. Possibly the heat from the hot pipe will degrade the (some) foam immediately in contact with it, but actually I think even that is very unlikely. (A hot 'cylinder' is effectively a big copper tank covered in exp foam!)

Soumaya Macghabhann

Pundit

Can you use spray foam around PEX pipe?

We use PVC caulking and Great Stuff foam for weatherizing the plywood and framing joints; but they are strictly not to be used with PEX and; then there are the clean up solvents (mineral spirits, et al) and asphalt based window and panel sealing will also harm PEX.

Boyce Ohara

Teacher

Does steel wool corrode copper?

Steel touching copper water pipes can lead to electrolysis. Over time this can destroy the integrity of copper piping. Actually, it is called a "Galvanic Reaction" or "Galvanic Corrosion". In this case, the copper would be fine, it's the steel wool that would corrode.

Anneliese Pelofsky

Teacher

Will spray foam hurt PEX?

PEX piping is chemical resistant and will not adversely react with Versi-Foam products.

Milvia Oelbracht

Teacher

How hot can Great Stuff foam get?

Cured foam is combustible and will burn if exposed to temperatures above 240°F (116°C). Do not apply GREAT STUFF™ foam around heaters, high heat lamps or recessed lighting fixtures, radiators, furnaces or fireplaces where it could contact heat conducting surfaces.

Tanausu Heimig

Beginner

Can you render over copper pipes?

Yes. All copper pipes should be covered with something, especially if sand & cement is used. A bit of movement is better as you say. Some plaster doesnt do any harm to copper.

Darcey Visnapu

Beginner

Does plaster corrode copper piping?

So abit of dried plaster skim is unlikely to corrode a copper pipe. Or were pipes exit ceilings and are plastered up to. As far as I see, the finish itself is fairly harmless. That said, you don't really want any damp plaster or any chemicals on copper pipe.

Parveen Hasenteufel

Beginner

Does drywall adhesive corrode copper?

There is nothing to say that drywall adhesive is corrosive to metal pipework and a quick call to British Gypsum also confirmed that they did not think is would be a significant issue - However it could be an issue in relation to temperature movement - it is not recommended to embed pipes in because of this.

Ranulfo Lacuey

Beginner

Is Copper push fit suitable for central heating?

Push fit fittings and pipes, like copper, can safely withstand heat and pressure so they're suitable for water and heating systems.

Binbin Ostrop

Beginner

Is it safe to use expanding foam around hot pipes?

Don't use spray foam such as Great Stuff around heat sources: it will melt and produce toxic fumes. BTW, the reason the holes are so big is probably because there used to be three-inch pipes there.

Chaima Arburu

Beginner

Can you put expanding foam around pipes?

Can Expanding Foam be used around pipes? Yes indeed it is suitable and also if pipes are copper.

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29th March, 2021

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