There are times when water pipes are visible on the outside of walls. Finding inventive solutions for what to do with exposed pipes can be very challenging. Should you cover the pipe or try to remove it? We've researched this topic and have found the best information for your concerns.
You can remove or cover the water pipe that sticks out of your wall. There are creative ways to cover your water pipe, such as boxing it in, using paint, shelves, decorations, and furniture, and making it function as a support beam.
Although pipes are a fundamental component of every home, having them visible on a wall can be unattractive. We will discuss the possible ways to cover exposed pipes in the wall and how to cover or remove them. Keep reading to learn all the answers to these queries.
Water Pipe Sticking Out Of Wall
Perhaps you recently purchased a new home or planned to remodel a few rooms. However, there are exposed water pipes attached to your walls. The last thing you want is to have to complete a room remodeling.
There are plenty of ways to conceal the pipes. You can either cover or remove them, as both methods will work. However, it might be challenging to cover a pipe because it frequently results in additional labor. Still, there are a lot of artistic ways that you can do to hide them.
If only one pipe is behind the water heater, the pipe's opposite end typically exits at the house's external wall, pointed downward and close to the ground. To prevent insects from entering the house, you should ideally remove abandoned piping like this.
What Can I Use To Cover Exposed Pipes?
The exterior pipes of your property can sometimes seem unattractive. However, there are plenty of ways to completely cover your pipes and give the walls your desired appearance.
With these approaches, you may achieve the change you want, whether it occupies a small or large area. We've put together a list you can do to hide your water pipes:
1. Box The Pipes
Many people opt to surround a pipe with a tiny wooden frame to box it in. Boxing your pipes is an excellent alternative for those with small parts to conceal.
Using a tape measure, note the length and width of your pipes. Draw the location of the pipes on a long structural piece of wood held up to the ceiling. Leave about an inch above and below.
Click here to see this 16-foot tape measure on Amazon.
For your wood piece to fit snugly around the pipes, make sure the marking is accurate. Using a jigsaw, cut the pipes according to their accurate measurements.
Click here to see this Dewalt jigsaw on Amazon.
Make sure to have gloves and safety goggles when you use a jigsaw to cut the boards.
Click here to see these safety glasses on Amazon.
To attach the wood to the wall with screws, drill a few holes along the wood's edge. Then drill in the middle. Use a concrete screw to attach it to the wall.
Click here to see this concrete screw on Amazon.
If your walls are paneled with wood, you can also opt to stain the wood to match the paneling. This is simple, good-looking, and gives the space a hint of three dimensions.
For more details, check out this video.
2. Paint The Pipes
This one is the most popular and user-friendly approach to hiding visible pipes. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh coat of paint to hide your unsightly water pipes. You can paint the pipes the same shade as the wall behind them so they blend in.
You may also develop creative pipe cover ideas based on the room's concept. You could paint a mural that becomes more obvious the further you are from them. This method is inexpensive to complete, and you may modify the various techniques to fit everyone's budget.
Click here to see these multi-color acrylic paints on Amazon.
3. Shelves
You can create a bookshelf to conceal the pipes, depending on where they run. Use the ones that run horizontally along the wall as supports for shelving. You can also opt to buy a shelf and put it in front of the pipes to conceal them.
Click here to see this five-shelf rack on Amazon.
The greatest thing about this method is that you can use the shelves to display things like books, pictures, and other exciting items that will divert attention from the fact that pipes might be concealed behind them.
4. Decorations
You can focus the room's design on disguising the pipes. Try utilizing fake greenery, like leafy vines. This will add some color and the beauty of nature to your design.
When trying to conceal pipework, a potted plant might be helpful. Find a tall houseplant that can stand in front of your unsightly pipes.
Click here to see this vine decor on Amazon.
5. Furniture
Using freestanding furniture can help you address your problems. The aim is to conceal most of the pipes while leaving some exposed ones in the upper half of the room. You can utilize your couches, large potted plants, and other furniture.
It requires less effort than other methods of reducing visual distraction. However, you may also create a piece of furniture to fit around your pipes if you are skilled with a saw.
Click here to see this Stone & Beam couch on Amazon.
6. Support Beam
The pipe can be concealed while being used as a support beam for a structure that must support the weight. You can construct any style of column to match your aesthetic preferences.
How To Remove Water Pipes From The Wall
Use a stud finder to locate the studs on either side of the waste stub-out you wish to remove.
Click here to see this stud finder wall scanner on Amazon.
Cut a rectangular piece of drywall that spans from a foot above the stub-out to the floor using a drywall saw. Using a hacksaw, cut the PVC pipe at any place inside the wall that enables you to remove the stub-out.
Cap the wall pipes instead of removing them entirely after cutting off the stub-out. While leaving unused pipes on your walls is a potential drawback, capping the pipes is a safe choice that won't harm the fittings. Capping the ends also prevents insects and rodents from entering the pipe.
Click here to see this PVC cap on Amazon.
Can Air In Water Pipes Cause Damage?
The air could harm your plumbing system in your water pipes. The main reason for air in the water lines is water system upkeep. Air can enter the system if the water supply is temporarily shut off. Plumbing systems tend to generate pretty odd noises if your water pipes have air trapped.
You can clear air bubbles from the pipes by turning on the water again. Turn on the water and let it run for about two minutes. Start with the lowest faucet in your home and work your way up.
This enables the system's water pressure to push all the air out of the pipes. Remember to turn off all outlets once the water is flowing regularly from them.
Contact a qualified plumber to determine your issue regarding pipes. A plumber can assist you in addressing air in your pipes, stopping the vibrating of your pipes, and reestablishing steady water flow to your fixtures.
In Closing
Each situation will require a different approach, but if you use a little creativity and hard work, you can conceal your exposed pipes.
Every homeowner hates dealing with plumbing fixtures and stuck or rusty parts. There are typically a good number of threaded plumbing fixtures inside a home that a knowledgeable homeowner can replace.
We hope this post about exposed pipes has given you the answers you need. We have other related articles that you might want to check out:
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