Notice the gaps between the pipes and the drywall in the pictures above? These gaps appear in both the walls and the ceiling, and I feel like in at least one case, I've noticed a difference in air temperature if I stick my finger in the gap.
Should I try to plug up these gaps? If so, are there any recommendations for how to go about it? Note that I'd need to seal around:
- electric cabling (for a dishwasher and for a hot water heater)
- a hot water pipe (warm to the touch)
- drain for a kitchen sink/dishwasher
- flexible dryer vent hose (not very strong)
My first thought was just to spray in some of that expanding foam, but I'm concerned that it might not be appropriate for electric, hot pipes, or that it might crush the dryer vent when it expanded.
Best Answer
I am proceeding on the assumption that these aren't visible areas, so looks do not matter.
I think you were right the first time, I'd use expanding foam for those jobs. I've used it in all sorts of cases like yours and it has done well. It isn't going to crush anything, even flexible dryer hose.
The alternative would be to cut pieces of drywall with the right diameter holes and to screw and/or glue them into place around this material. You'd need to move those wires around some if you have enough slack. Once the drywall is in place you'd just use caulk or silicone on the remaining small gaps.