Beatrice Lang
Exposed pipes on walls can detract from the aesthetics of your home and even pose safety hazards. Covering them can create a cleaner, more polished look and allow other design elements to stand out. There are several ways to conceal pipes, including painting them, using pipe covers, installing false walls, and building shelves or furniture around them. Before covering pipes, it's important to check local building regulations and consider safety standards. Let's explore the various methods for covering electrical pipes on walls to enhance the appearance and safety of your living space.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons to cover electrical pipes on walls | Aesthetics, safety hazards |
| Simple ways to cover | Painting, using pipe covers, installing false walls, boxing in, using furniture, hanging plants |
| Painting | Choose a matching or contrasting colour, use a metal primer, clean pipes before painting |
| Pipe covers | Plastic, metal, foam, decorative, cut to fit around bends and corners, range of colours and styles |
| False walls | Drywall, plasterboard, timber |
| Boxing in | Evaluate pipes before boxing in, avoid blocking access to pipes |
| Using furniture | Freestanding furniture with thick legs, custom-built furniture |
| Using plants | Potted plants like money tree or umbrella plant, hanging plants |
| Other methods | Kitchen cupboards, mounting shelves, decorative screens, radiator covers |
| Safety considerations | Check local building regulations, distance between pipes and electrical wiring, materials used to cover pipes |
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What You'll Learn
Paint the pipes to match the wall colour
Painting your pipes to match the colour of your walls is a simple and beginner-friendly way to disguise exposed electrical pipes. This method requires minimal effort and can help blend the pipework into your decor.
Before painting, it is important to prepare the area to ensure a clean and colourful finish. Start by spreading a plastic tarp or drop cloth underneath the pipe to protect the surrounding area. You can also use painter's tape to apply the remaining sheets to any nearby walls. If you don't have plastic sheeting, old newspapers can be used instead.
Next, you'll want to find a paint colour that matches your walls. If you have the original paint used for your walls, you can simply use that. If not, there are several ways to find a matching colour. One way is to scrape off a small chip of paint from a relatively hidden area of the wall, such as behind a couch or bookshelf, and take it to a hardware store to get a colour match. You can also take pictures of the wall at different times of the day and compare the pictures with paint swatches at the store or use brand-specific colour-matching apps.
Once you have your paint, it's time to start painting. If the pipes are removable, take them down to make the process easier. If you're using a brush, start at one end of the pipe and work your way towards the other, being careful not to get paint on nearby walls. If you're using spray paint, hold the canister about 6 inches (15 cm) away from the pipe and sweep it from side to side while gradually moving down. If you're only able to paint one side of the pipe, let it dry before flipping it over and painting the other side.
By following these steps, you can effectively paint your electrical pipes to match the wall colour and create a seamless look in your space.
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Use pipe covers
If you're looking for a quick fix to conceal electrical pipes on your wall, consider using pipe covers. This method is ideal for small pipes and can be easily found at your local hardware store. Pipe covers are available in a range of materials, including wood and plastic, allowing you to choose an option that complements your decor.
To use a pipe cover effectively, follow these steps:
- Measure the height and width of your pipes to ensure a precise fit.
- Use a tape measure to determine how far the pipes extend from the wall.
- Purchase a pipe cover that aligns with your measurements.
- Apply adhesive spray to the pipe.
- Wrap the pipe cover around the pipe, ensuring complete coverage.
- Use a box cutter or utility knife to trim away any excess material for a neat finish.
For a seamless look, you can paint the pipe cover to match the colour of your walls. This technique is especially useful if you want the pipe cover to blend in seamlessly. Alternatively, you can paint them in a contrasting shade to make it a decorative feature, adding a unique touch to your space.
Using pipe covers is a straightforward and beginner-friendly approach to disguising exposed electrical pipes. With the right materials and measurements, you can easily enhance the aesthetic of your space without undergoing a major renovation.
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Install a false wall
Installing a false wall is a great way to hide unsightly pipes in your home, particularly in the basement or laundry room.
First, measure the height and width of the pipes you want to conceal. This will help you determine the size of the false wall you need to build. Remember to consider how far the pipes protrude from the wall and plan accordingly.
Next, decide on the type of false wall you want to install. You can build a small bump-out or box to cover the pipes, or you can construct a completely new wall inside the existing one. If you choose to build a bump-out, you'll need to cut and attach wooden boards to create a rectangular frame that fits snugly around the pipes. This method is less invasive and can save space in a small room.
On the other hand, if you have the space and prefer a seamless look, you can opt for building a new wall. This involves framing the new wall with wooden studs and attaching drywall to create a smooth, continuous surface.
Once the basic structure is in place, you can finish it to match the surrounding walls. Paint the false wall to blend in seamlessly, or add a fun accent colour or wallpaper to create a unique feature.
Remember, if you're unsure about any part of the process, it's always best to consult a professional for advice or assistance.
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Place furniture in front of the pipes
Placing furniture in front of electrical pipes is a great way to hide them. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, ensure that the furniture does not lean against the pipes, especially if they get hot. If you're handy with a saw, you can even create a piece of furniture that fits around the pipes perfectly. Just be sure to double-check your measurements before cutting.
If you have radiator pipes near your baseboards, freestanding furniture with thick legs can be a great option. You can also use a tall houseplant, such as a money tree or an umbrella plant, to disguise the pipes. If your pipes are small, a standing piece of furniture can be an effective cover.
In the kitchen, lower-wall piping can be covered by kitchen cupboards, while upper-counter pipes can be concealed by mounting shelves above them. For larger pipes, boxing them in can be a popular choice, but it's important to evaluate your pipes first to ensure easy access in case of any blockages.
While placing furniture in front of electrical pipes can be a simple solution, it's important to consider the potential risks. Socket-related fires are rare, but not impossible, and electromagnetic fields (EMFs) produced by electrical outlets and systems have been recognised as potentially carcinogenic. Therefore, it is recommended to deactivate any disused sockets and cover floor-based outlets with a rubber mat before placing furniture over them.
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Chase the pipes into the wall
Chasing pipes into a wall is a great way to hide unsightly pipework and keep your home looking its best. This process involves cutting a chase into the wall and placing the pipework inside, so it rests behind the plasterwork. While it is not a common practice, it can be a good solution for certain situations.
Before starting, it is important to check for existing pipes or cables in the intended chase area using a pipe and cable detector. This will help avoid any accidents or damage to the existing infrastructure. The chase should always be cut vertically or horizontally, never diagonally, to reduce the risk of someone driving a nail into the pipes or cables in the future. The depth of the chase should also be considered, as it should not exceed a third of the wall's thickness for vertical chases and a sixth of the wall's thickness for horizontal chases.
Once the chase is cut, use a cold chisel to knock out the waste material between the parallel lines. Prepare the chase by clearing any loose dust and debris, then wet the back and sides with clean water. Apply a clear coat of PVA to enhance the adhesion of the filler. Place your pipework into the chase and secure it with pipe clips screwed into the wall. It is important to insulate the pipework with foam covers or gaffer tape before applying the filler to prevent contact with the filler. Cover the pipework and chase with the filler of your choice, such as One Coat plaster.
If you are unsure about any part of the process, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional handyman or plasterer. They can guide you through the steps and help you choose the appropriate filler for your walls and the desired finish.
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