Retrofit some level of rodent protection on plastic pipes

[srdegnan]

Hi

I live in a rural property where the prior owners unfortunately cut a few corners with an extension. Upshot is there's a few long plastic pipe runs (water and central heating) in the loft. All insulated - but with the inevitable rodent chew marks on insulation now and then. Swapping to copper would be expensive and messy - several rooms would need new plasterboard/decorating.

I regularly bait the loft (and swap poison type every 6 months) - but I'm looking for something I could potentially retrofit around the pipes bearing in mind it will need to slip over and around the pipes as all in situ.

I appreciate nothing will be 100% effective - but if it provides additional protection I'm happy to maintain/replace it if needed. I was thinking some speedfit conduit would help - though I'd need to cut it lengthways - but open to and appreciate any ideas!

 

[footprints]

One of the reasons I hate Lego plumbing! Only suggestion I have is to form a box around the pipe with anything ply, hardboard, plastic gutter, timber etc and stuff the box with coarse steel wool. Steel wool is one way to discourage vermin from coming in holes etc so might well work for you. Or maybe simply wrapping steel wool around and tying in place with wire might work.

 

[fourtytwo]

I found they love grey foam pipe insulation and are also partial to the bubble-wrap/foil style.
As for wire wool I tried that for many years but they ignored it.
In the end I moved (not for that reason) but the new owner has 4 cats and no rodent problem!
Conclusion, get one or more cats

 

[srdegnan]

I found they love grey foam pipe insulation and are also partial to the bubble-wrap/foil style.
As for wire wool I tried that for many years but they ignored it.
In the end I moved (not for that reason) but the new owner has 4 cats and no rodent problem!
Conclusion, get one or more cats

Thanks! I've already got 2 cats that certainly help!