Is expanding foam corrosive to 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!)

Does expanding foam react with copper pipe?





Moisture curing, polyurethane expanding foam, specifically developed for filling gaps around pipes and other plumbing applications. Adheres to most sanitary and plumbing materials; PVC, CPVC, copper, cast iron, chromed copper and chromed brass. Resistant to water, heat and ageing.

Can you use foam around copper pipes?

You can use Flex Seal, expanding foam, or silicone sealant to fill and seal the gaps and cracks around your copper pipes. These products will effectively fill up the space in between your pipes and walls to ensure that no water, air, moisture, and small insects can get in.

Can you put insulation next to copper pipes?

There is no hazard of any kind to have either type of insulation tight against hot or cold water lines of any type nor ABS, PVC or copper drain pipes.

Will spray foam damage copper 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.

Can I put expanding foam around pipes?





DO use expanding foam to silence noisy water pipes.



Spraying some expanding foam around the pipe will stabilize it and keep it from banging and rattling.

How do you remove spray foam from pipes?

Acetone is a solvent that dissolves uncured polyurethane foam and can be used to clean up foam before it cures. Acetone-based nail polish remover will also work to remove uncured foam.

Is expanding foam corrosive?

Foams can provide useful barriers against moisture, but they are susceptible to corrosion at the margins that compromises the integrity of the foam.

How do you remove expanding foam from pipes?

Expanding foam, which is used as insulation, can come into contact with the skin by accident. You can use a solvent such as acetone or nail polish remover to dissolve it when this happens. If you do not have acetone, then a lacquer thinner or gasoline will work as well.

Can I use foam insulation on hot water pipes?



For electric water heaters, pipe sleeves made with polyethylene or neoprene foam are the most commonly used insulation. On gas water heaters, insulation should be kept at least 6 inches from the flue.

Can you put insulation over plumbing pipes?

The homeowner can simply unroll the material and wrap it around the hot and cold water pipes. Pipes can also be wrapped with fiberglass insulation. The fiberglass may come with a vapor barrier facing on one side, or the plastic can be purchased and wrapped around the pipes after the fiberglass insulation is installed.

Can you cover pipes with insulation?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Another way to do this and I would say this a much better way to do this is to tuck a piece of foamboard insulation behind the pipes.

Where should you not use expanding foam?



When NOT to Use Spray Foam Insulation

  • For areas that are too close to electrical boxes:
  • For areas too close to ceiling light boxes:
  • Open-cell spray foam on your roof:
  • For closed-cavity spaces:
  • If you have a history of skin, respiratory, or asthma problems:


Which is better foam or fiberglass pipe insulation?

Pipe insulation materials, such as fiberglass, are best for pipes exposed to hot temperatures, while foam and rubber are a better fit for cold water pipe lines but work in hot pipes as well.

How do you insulate copper water pipes?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Don't wrap it too tightly secure. The ends of your wrap with acrylic tape or duct tape tubular pipe insulation or pipe sticks come in a variety of sizes. And are useful for copper.

What’s the best insulation for copper pipes?



Rubber Insulation



This insulation is the typical go-to option for copper pipes because it can contract and expand according to temperature changes. It is also extremely durable and affordable. It’s easy to install rubber insulation, and it prevents heat loss from hot water pipes as well.

What temperature is foam pipe insulation good for?

(Don’t) Feel the Heat



Depending on their usage, pipe temperatures may vary broadly, so it’s necessary to choose insulation that can handle the output. Foam, for instance, has a much lower threshold (around 250˚F) in comparison to fiberglass (1000˚F), and lower still than mineral wool or ceramic fiber (2200˚F).

Will foam pipe insulation keep pipes from freezing?

For many residential plumbing applications a PE pipe insulation product like Tubolit® and Tundra® is the perfect option. Economical and easy to install, PE foam insulation will prevent pipes from freezing and keep hot pipes hot and cold pipes cold.