HouseLogic
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| John Riha for House Logic |
Have you caulked all of your windows and replaced any damaged weatherstripping on doors? That’s great but the biggest leak in your home is probably somewhere you never thought about….
The largest air leak in your home could be coming from a hole that the plumber makes in the sub floor to create room for the drain assembly at the bottom of the bathtub. Since the drain assembly is so large, plumbers usually cut a very generous hole to make room for connecting the pipes. This large hole is usually left open to the space below.
How do you know if you have this hole?
If your first floor bathroom is over the crawlspace or unheated basement, it is likely that you have one of these giant energy wasting holes in your home.
Is it a big deal?
Having one of these huge holes can waste about as much energy as leaving a window open a few inches all day, every day. Another problem? These holes are big enough for critters to get into your home!
What is the best way to fix the leak?
Plumbers can stuff around the hole with loose insulation but that is a temporary fix since fiberglass insulation sags over time, especially if it gets damp. Here’s a better solution:
- Crawl under the bathroom to look at the drain assembly from underneath.
- Patch the hole with pieces of foam board that are cut to fit around the pipes and then screw them into place.
- Seal any remaining gaps with spray foam insulation which only costs around $8 a can.
If you decide to have a plumber do the job instead, it will probably cost about $100-$150 but is worth it so you can know you are both saving energy and keeping unwanted animals out of your home!