How can I better seal this old house basement closet to prevent moisture from getting in?
Asked by Emily Ross 
2 months ago
Last Updated: September 11, 2024
So, there’s this old house I’m dealing with and I didn’t build it. Any tips on how to fix up this patch in the basement closet to keep the moisture out?
Foam spray
I would fire the person who cut around it initially. Lag it to prevent moisture from the pipework
Hey Joey, I think this basement was a DIY project before YouTube became popular. There are so many problems down here. I’m gaining a ton of knowledge from dealing with the issues in my first home!
Make sure to insulate up there and box the pipe in, adding an access panel for the clean out.
Hey , could you remove this shelving, box the pipe from top to bottom, and include an access panel at the very bottom? Also, what type of insulation would you use? Thanks for your help!
Hey Ben, what’s up above the ceiling? I’d recommend insulating with the appropriate R value and unfaced insulation for the situation. If you want to keep the shelving, we can remove it, box it in, and reinstall it to fit the new area. By the way, do you know if there’s a clean-out on this pipe? I can’t see it in the photo. If it’s on the bottom, we should consider putting in an access panel.
Let’s box it in with 2×4 and then add drywall. And don’t forget to wrap the pipe with pipe insulation.
I found this under my sink – looks like blocks were cut to fit around the water lines.
‘t search that online.
I wish that was the only issue hidden in the closet – check out my reply to ! 😄
Wow, that cabinet is really nice. Usually drain pipes don’t cause condensation.
Oh, I see. It’s possible that the pipe is affected by the cold Minnesota ground and room temperature differences.
Yep, they’re made of metal. Just be cautious of any cracked pipes above. Perhaps a smoke test could provide some clarity.
Thanks a lot
What kind of moisture? If it’s indoors and at basement level, there shouldn’t be any…
If it’s condensation, then the pipes should be boxed and insulated.
I recently purchased this house and noticed a leaking hose shutoff valve above. There is condensation on the pipe and some mold stains that I have tried removing. I believe the closet needs to be torn out and redone. Oh, and those are asbestos tiles on the floor. It’s an old house. Do you think insulating the pipe and then drywalling around it would be a good idea?
Lower a box over the single vertical pipe to create a seal around it.
Another option is to use spray foam, trim it evenly with a long knife, and then paint over it.
Polyfoam
Expanding foam is used to fill gaps, after which you can trim off any excess before applying fiber tape and durabond 20 for easy sanding. Look for the white bag.
Create a bulkhead for it