Plastic Skirting Board To Cover Pipes? Trust The Answer

Although a laundry room is a work space, it’s still nicer to have it clean and tidy. In many laundry rooms there is usually no shortage of exposed drain pipes, wires, pipes, bins and ducts. This is usually the case with older homes, but even with newer homes, builders sometimes leave laundry rooms or basements unfinished. Building a simple, non-structural wall is one way to shield and hide exposed piping.

The wall behind your washer and dryer will likely have large areas that can be covered with entire sections of an 8 foot tall frame. Even if the wall is not load-bearing, electrical sockets can be inserted into the new wall, as it has many stands. Aside from stub-outs for connections, the plumbing pipes are also hidden behind the wall.

Check with your local permitting authority to see if a permit is required for this type of wall. If you plan to run plumbing in conjunction with the wall, a permit will likely be required.

Do you have unsightly plumbing visible outside your home? How to hide outer pipes and keep your home ranked well.

In 1829, the Tremont Hotel in Boston was the first building in the United States to feature an indoor installation. However, many rural areas did not start reaping the benefits of indoor installation until the 1930s, less than 90 years ago.

While there’s no question that indoor plumbing has come a long way since the 1820s and even the 1930s, there are still aspects that may make you cringe. For example – exposed outer tubes.

Not only are these a major eyesore, they can also take away from the attractiveness of your home. So what can you do?

If you’re faced with this dilemma and are wondering how to hide exposed plumbing, apply one of these tips to restore the beauty of your home’s facade.

use plants

One of the most popular ways to dress up exposed exterior pipes is to use plants. You can use evergreen ground covers for low-lying horizontal or short vertical canes. This ground cover only grows a few centimeters tall.

Use the feathery pink carnation plants or the stone orpines. Another option is ornamental grass. Plant these on each side of the pipe. Just make sure you aren’t blocking any access ports with the base of the facility.

Consider root damage

While it may be tempting to plant a massive shrub next to exposed canes, it’s not a good idea. The strong, deep roots of a large shrub can eventually snap the cane.

A better option is to stick with plants that have much shallower root systems. This ensures that the roots do not interfere with the purpose of the pipe.

Use a wooden box

A wooden box is a great option for grouped whistles. You can choose either a horizontal or vertical box depending on your needs.

The great thing is that you can build the crate yourself and paint it any color you like. It’s one of the cheapest ways to hide your pipes.

Use decorative objects

Do you use bird baths, fountains and other hardscape elements to decorate your lawn? If so, use one of these to hide your outer tubes.

Some of the most common decorative objects are pillars with eyeballs, planters with a beautiful shrub or flowers, and trellises.

This disguise works best when the pipe is visible from a single direction. If you can see it from multiple angles, another method from this list might work better.

Paint the whistle

While you can’t magically make pipelines disappear, you can disguise them. Just paint the visible part of the pipe to match the one nearby.

For example, if your whistle is near grass, bushes, or other greenery, paint it the same shade of green. If the tube is near mulch or a flower bed, paint it brown or the color of the mulch you are using. If there is nothing near the pipe, paint it the same color as your house.

To ensure the paint adheres properly, use a spray paint designed for the specific material of the pipe. For example, there are paints that you can use specifically for plastic or metal.

Cover the tube

While exposed outer tubing is uncomfortable, you’re not the first to grapple with it. There are products designed to cover them.

For example, you can buy an artificial tree trunk or stone. These come in a wide range of colors and styles. You will find something to match or compliment your landscape design.

There are even covers with holes in the side to let water through. This is ideal when covering a drain pipe. Others are completely hollow with solid side walls to cover vertical pipes.

Industrialize the whistle

If you don’t like any of these ways to disguise or hide your outer tubes, then why not embrace them? Celebrate their urban personality or industrial loft. Traditional metal tubing (i.e. steel, aluminium, copper and iron) is a natural part of a trendy cosmopolitan design.

But if your exposed pipes are PVC, put in a little work. Just add a few coats of matte black or even metallic paint. This immediately gives the pipe a chic urban decor.

Now you know

If you’ve been wondering how to hide outer pipes, now you have a few effective solutions. While the tubes may not go anywhere, there are ways not to watch them day in and day out.

If you ever have a problem with your plumbing beyond the looks, contact our team of professional plumbers. We strive to provide our customers with the highest quality plumbing services. Call (402) 731-2727 today to learn more.

A pipe collar is generally one of three things: a protective ring used to keep a pipe hole open, a ring used to fill the gap between a pipe and another surface, or a cover to seal a pipe Creating a barrier between a pipe and its surroundings. These sleeves are used in the construction of a building or pipe system. Almost every non-domestic pipe system has some type of socket, and many domestic systems have one as well.

This first type is commonly used during the construction or remodeling of a building. These sleeves are rings that are inserted into the formwork for a concrete wall. When the wall is poured, the mold creates a hole large enough for a pipe to pass through. It is generally much larger than the pipe that passes through it, creating a gap.

The second type of pipe collar is used during the construction of a building or after the building is completed. These types fill in the gaps where pipes penetrate walls, creating a barrier between the two sides that air cannot pass through. They can be made from many different materials, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), sheet metal, or a fireproofing material.

The two main reasons for using this type of case are to protect against odor or fire. If the cuff is around a water pipe, that pipe will eventually go into the sewer. By putting an airtight seal around the opening in the floor around the pipe, the sewer odor will not rise back up. Firestops work on the same idea, except they stop fire instead of smelling it. Naturally, if the hot air from a fire tries to move up and out, it would draw fire through the gaps around the pipe and spread the fire faster.

The last type of pipe collar is often put on during construction, but serves later. These sleeves protect the pipe from the environment or vice versa. The most common varieties are protective and insulating. A protective cover prevents damage from accidental bumps in high-traffic areas.

Some pipes carry very hot or cold materials. In some cases it is important that these materials remain at the current temperature, so an insulating sleeve will keep the temperature in the pipe. On the other hand, the same materials could affect the temperature of their surroundings or cause burns if touched. Pipe collars also protect against this.

Pipe sockets for sanitary installations

Pipe collars are larger than the pipes they are designed for, and types and purposes vary depending on whether the collars are used in commercial or residential facilities. When it comes to plumbing systems, it all depends on the setting. Different types of structures offer plumbers different levels of complexity.

sanitary installation

Professionals who specialize in residential plumbing understand how each home’s pipes work to supply water to kitchens and bathrooms. Home plumbing specialists generally see the same types of pipe problems every day.

Commercial plumbing

Plumbers working in commercial or industrial facilities face different problems on a daily basis. The variety of commercial and industrial companies is great, and the sanitary installation is often based on the individual situation of each company. In addition, pipes in commercial facilities are damaged by frequent use or heavy use, e.g. B. when transporting corrosive materials, much more heavily loaded than pipes in residential buildings.

Essential Purpose

Ultimately, plumbing pipe collars are designed to isolate and protect pipes from their external environment. This fundamental basic purpose applies regardless of the type of structure in which plumbing is installed. The various types of pipe sleeves have evolved from this essential function to serve a variety of needs and purposes.

copper tube sleeve

Copper is a popular material for tubing because it is versatile, easy to work with, and durable. Copper tubing is commonly found in both residential and commercial buildings. However, despite all its positive qualities, copper pipes sometimes need repairs. Copper pipe collars are a commonly used solution to stop leaks in pipes. Savvy homeowners who are experienced with do-it-yourself projects are often able to fix some copper pipe leaks themselves by using copper sleeves for repairs.

pipe inspections

Proactive inspections can help find leaking copper pipe before major structural damage occurs, whether in residential or commercial buildings. Before calling in an installer, homeowners or building managers can check the installation themselves. There are several ways to tell if a copper pipe is leaking, including:

Green or blue discoloration on copper tubing – While copper tubing is durable, it will eventually corrode and its integrity will be destroyed over time. This gradual corrosion causes the pipes to turn a bluish-green color. However, sudden discoloration could indicate a leak and at the very least indicates that copper tubing is likely to be weak.

Condensation on outside of pipes resembling dew – Condensation is common on pipes, especially during the summer months. However, if you notice unusual condensation on the outside of pipes or condensation that you’ve never seen before, it may indicate a leak. This is often the case when you only see condensation in one area. However, sometimes larger areas of condensation can indicate multiple leaks. A closer examination is required to determine if pipe integrity is compromised.

Unusually high water bills – A sudden sharp increase in water bills often indicates leaks in copper pipes.

Water with an Unpleasant Taste and Odor – If your water suddenly develops a metallic or unpleasant smell or taste, this could indicate a leak. This is often the case when water is affected throughout the home and running the faucet for a few minutes doesn’t dispel the foul smell and taste.

If you find you have leaking pipes, a copper sleeve could be an effective and relatively easy fix for repairs.

Repairs with a copper sleeve

For smaller leaks, copper sleeves can be a helpful solution. First turn off the water supply. Next, to repair with a copper sleeve, follow these steps:

Cut out the damaged section of copper tubing and trim a short distance past the leaking section.

Clean the ends of the copper repair sleeve and both ends of the pipe to be repaired. Apply flux to all four ends to weld the tubes together.

Slide the copper sleeve over one end and then gently slide it over the other end of the section of pipe to be repaired. You may need to loosen pipe hangers to carefully adjust this.

Carefully solder the connections together. Use a flame retardant to protect nearby wood such as B. beams to cover. Hold the flame to one side of the joint and the solder wire to the other.

However, those who do not feel comfortable with such repairs should contact an installer.

Sanitary sleeves through concrete

Plastic or metal pipe collars are sometimes used to run pipes through concrete. This is common with structural foundations. The sleeves are a type of form and guide that create openings through which piping can be installed in concrete. Sometimes installation sleeves in concrete protrude a short distance through the surface. These are called raised sleeves.

If you’re having new radiators fitted you might want to consider taking the quality of the finished look to a whole new level… with pipe collars.

Pipe sleeves are a metal cover that fits over your copper pipes that come out of the ground and go into your radiator. They are a fantastic way to charge up your radiator valves and make them look even more stylish.

Underestimated cooler accessories

Trade Direct Chrome Pipe Sleeves

It’s easy to think that the copper pipes coming out the bottom of your radiator valves are a necessary evil. You’re transporting the water in and out of radiators and your only choice is to expose the copper or paint them, right?

Not correct. There’s a third way, and that’s by adding some pipe collars over the top of the pipes.

Pipe collars are a feature that is often overlooked, but they can make the difference in whether your radiator installation looks complete or if something doesn’t look quite right. It’s one of those things that makes a big difference, but with minimal effort.

size and color

Our pipe collars are available in 130mm and 300mm lengths, so you should be able to find a perfect length for your pipes no matter how high off the ground your wheel is installed. They can be easily trimmed if necessary.

Pipe sleeves are usually made of nickel or brass and are available from us in the following colours:

Brushed Copper

White

Black

anthracite

chrome

Brass

tin

Antique Copper

Nickel (Satin and Black)

We recommend pipe collars that match the color of your radiator valves or the body of your radiator. Choosing something different can often look a bit odd and detract from the aesthetics of the room.

Pipe sleeve inspiration

Trade Direct Copper Pipe Sockets

Trade Direct White Pipe Sleeves

Trade Direct Black Nickel Pipe Cuffs

Trade Direct pipe sleeves anthracite

View all of our pipe sleeves

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Ideas on how to prevent pipes from freezing

Frozen pipes can be a big problem and can be prevented.

In addition to performing regular home maintenance during the winter, it is important to protect the pipes from freezing. Even a tiny crack in a pipe can eject hundreds of gallons of water, causing flooding, damage to your furnace, and serious structural damage. It also presents an immediate potential for mold.

Frozen water pipes are a problem that affects families every winter in both cold and warmer climates. It can occur in homes with plastic and copper plumbing. By taking the following preventive measures, you can help reduce the risk of frozen water pipes and the resulting property damage.

Tips to prevent pipes from freezing

The three main causes of frozen pipes are rapid temperature drops, poor insulation, and thermostats that are set too low. You can prepare your home during the warmer months.

Insulate pipes. Pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic will help, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes are.

Pipe insulation in your home’s crawl spaces and attic will help, even if you live in a climate where freezing is uncommon. Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing. Remember, the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes are. Use heating tape or heating cable. Heating tapes or thermostatically controlled heating cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and only for the intended use (outdoor or indoor). Strictly follow all manufacturer installation and operating instructions.

Heating tapes or thermostatically controlled heating cables can be used to wrap pipes. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization such as Underwriters Laboratories Inc. and only for the intended use (outdoor or indoor). Strictly follow all manufacturer installation and operating instructions. seal leaks. Thoroughly locate and patch leaks that allow cold air inside. Check for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out.

Thoroughly locate and patch leaks that allow cold air inside. Check for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents, and pipes, and use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out. Secure outer hoses, valves and faucets. Before winter, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe right inside the house.

Before winter, disconnect garden hoses and, if possible, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of freezing in the short span of pipe right inside the house. drain water. A trickle of hot and cold water might be enough to keep your pipes from freezing. In cold temperatures, drain warm water overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall.

A trickle of hot and cold water might be enough to keep your pipes from freezing. In cold temperatures, drain warm water overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Set the thermostat. Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night also reduces the risk of frozen pipes. In extreme cold, this also helps to relieve the furnace.

Keeping your thermostat set at the same temperature day and night also reduces the risk of frozen pipes. In extreme cold, this also helps to relieve the furnace. Open closet doors. This allows heat to reach uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Ways to avoid frozen pipes on vacation

Always make sure to thoroughly winterize your home. Before you leave, take steps to protect your home so you can enjoy the time instead of worrying about pipes and security. A few things to remember are:

Check the thermostat. Do not set the thermostat in your home lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). Also, be sure to replace the battery in your thermostat.

. Do not set the thermostat in your home lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (12 degrees Celsius). Also, be sure to replace the battery in your thermostat. Ask for help. Have a friend or neighbor check your house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing.

. Have a friend or neighbor check your house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing. Turn off the water. Shut off and drain the water system. Note that if you turn off the water, a fire sprinkler system in your home may be deactivated.

What to do if pipes freeze

Pipes don’t always burst when frozen. There are a few things to note:

If necessary, call a plumber. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets on and call a plumber.

If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets on and call a plumber. Avoid using devices near water. Do not use electrical devices in areas with standing water. You could get an electric shock.

Do not use electrical devices in areas with standing water. You could get an electric shock. Avoid using flames to thaw pipes. Never attempt to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame as this could create a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to a house fire!

Never attempt to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame as this could create a fire hazard. Water damage is preferable to a house fire! Use a hair dryer as a possible heat source (with caution). You may be able to thaw a frozen whistle with a hair dryer – again, make sure you’re not in standing water. Start by heating the pipe as close to the faucet as possible and work towards the coldest section of the pipe.

You may be able to thaw a frozen whistle with a hair dryer – again, make sure you’re not in standing water. Start by heating the pipe as close to the faucet as possible and work towards the coldest section of the pipe. Shut off the water supply. If your plumbing has already burst, turn off the water at the main faucet in the house. Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it. Be sure to leave the taps on.

Frozen pipes can be prevented with the right measures. Discover ways to reduce your energy consumption during the cold winter months.

Wondering what to do with the exposed plumbing and plumbing in your bathroom? We’ve found some neat ways to hide it or incorporate it into your bathroom design.

Maybe you just bought a house or you want to renovate some rooms in your existing house. Your dreams of beautiful bathroom decor are almost complete… but you discover several exposed pipes peeking out from under your sink. What an eyesore, right?

Hide exposed pipes

Plumbing is central to a successful, livable home. However, sometimes it is not hidden and requires a lot of piping that can be extremely visible physically. Of course it would be better if they were built inside the walls, but what can you do?

Luckily, we’ve put together a guide to hiding exposed plumbing pipe that’s great not just for your bathroom, but for other rooms in the home like kitchens, utility rooms, and even loft conversions. But let’s focus on your “smallest space” first.

Here are 12 great little suggestions for design touches to incorporate into your new bathroom to create the look and feel you want without the unsightly plumbing.

1. Box in the piping

Creating a box around your whistles is a very simple but effective way to cover up your unwanted whistles. This can be done with a variety of materials (plywood being the most popular) and can either blend in with your color scheme or accentuate it. Attaching a small box can be done by you with minimal carpentry skills.

All you have to do is frame the tube, seal the edges, let it dry and paint or decorate the wooden cage however you like. You can even tile directly onto it, giving it a seamless floor-to-wall appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges – there’s nothing worse than a villain splinter! It’s easy, fun, and adds character to the room.

If your pipes run along the floor, your box can even be converted into a shelf to store bathroom essentials.

Exposed dump? No problem… Check out what one of our creative clients did with theirs below.

2. Expand the pipes

This is by far the most common solution. Exposed plumbing fixtures are becoming increasingly popular, especially in trendy industrial-style bathrooms, and people are increasingly painting them rather than covering them completely. While some might paint it the same color as the room to blend in, others may choose to make it stand out visually by using complementary colors.

3. Enjoy the twists and turns

If you’re a fan of exposed pipes, there’s another route to go down. Why not consider installing additional connections to twist and turn the tubes in any desired flow. When done correctly, these connections can rotate the tubes 90 degrees to create sharp angles that you can use to hang towels or ornaments, for example.

Use your imagination and create lots of interesting patterns on the wall or manipulate the route in a direction you want to end up. Be sure to consult a plumber so you don’t mess up the flow rate. pressure or temperature. Be sure to turn off the water supply and drain all lines before you begin work, and remember to double check the systems after the job is complete.

4. Decorate your whistles

Depending on the particular theme of your bathroom, you can decorate and highlight your plumbing instead of hiding it. For example, if you want to achieve a nautical or coastal look with motifs of the beach, sand, waves, boats and lighthouses, why not wrap them with rope and decorate them with seashells?

Make sure your bathroom isn’t entirely at sea by labeling your plumbing and plumbing

5. Build shelves

If your pipes run straight down, why not buy a shelf to hide them? If you’re a DIY enthusiast, why not build a floor-to-ceiling shelf yourself? This is a very economical option and you can choose the perfect wood for your shelf. If you’re really creative, you can even build a cavity into the device, leaving enough room for pipes without leaving any other gaps.

This method is great because you can use it to display personal items, including trinkets, photo frames, books, and…well, pretty much anything that makes for a good conversation starter. Not only has this now become a sophisticated area for storage, but it also draws attention away from the plumbing so visitors can focus on the beautiful furniture.

6. Installing a cabinet or vanity unit

This is perhaps one of the most memory-efficient options on the list. Not only can you hide the unsightly pipes from judgmental eyes, but you can also create additional storage space for all your bathroom essentials like toiletries.

There are two ways you can install a vanity cabinet or cabinet, either by making it yourself from scratch or ordering a pre-built one. You may also need to hire a handyman which can cost up to £350 depending on the size of the job and which part of the UK you live in.

Before installing your new vanity cabinet or cabinet, make sure you have measured the area under the sink and determined how you want your plumbing to be fully covered. You can choose whether you want your washbasin to be on top of your vanity unit or integrated into it.

Most Victoria Plum vanity units have a utility cavity in the back that helps you hide plumbing and plumbing

7. False Walls

In some cases, it’s just not possible to pack in all the pipework on display in your bathroom, and if major structural work isn’t an option, a false wall might do the trick. Building a plasterboard wall in front of the existing wall is the most cost-effective plan.

In this case, it’s best that you hire a builder to build the wall and also a plumber to make sure your toilet or sink fits in place. While you’re at it, it’s also worth waterproofing your bathroom at the same time.

8. Place storage baskets around pipes

We’re going from one of the most expensive options to one of the cheapest in one fell swoop! Depending on how much plumbing is on display and where it is positioned, you could simply repurpose some old storage baskets or buy new ones and arrange them around your plumbing. However, make sure you are not impeding access to things you need to use on a daily basis.

If your pipes extend a bit higher up the wall, consider a bathroom laundry basket. They provide the perfect place for used towels or dirty clothes and kill 2 birds with one stone!

9. Assemble a standing pool

By far the classiest option from our list. A pedestal pool or even a semi-pedestal pool is great for hiding unsightly plumbing. However, a wall hung sink can also be a good solution as a range of beautifully designed bottle siphons are available to add a special touch to your installation.

Keep your plumbing concealed with the traditional style Dulwich Pedestal Sink

10. Beautify your sink

It’s not just people who look good in a skirt – sinks and vanities too! If you want a more elegant look for your bathroom, a washbasin skirt might be the right choice. It’s very easy and doesn’t cost you much. You can either buy them online or, if you’re feeling crafty, make them yourself.

All you need is Velcro, heavy duty waterproof tape, and some kind of fastener. You can also use recyclable materials for the skirt. And more importantly, not only does it hide your lines, but it also gives you great storage space for items you don’t want to see.

11. Use pipe covers

Sometimes the best solution is to attack the problem head-on. If the pipes bother you that much, you might want to cover them completely. Pipe covers can be purchased cheaply online or at local hardware stores. These coverings are usually made of wood, metal or resin.

Pipe covers are available in a variety of designs and colors so you can choose something that complements the rest of your bathroom decor. They can also serve as inspiration for your next bathroom makeover. We highly recommend writing down the length and diameter of your flushing pipes before purchasing – you need to ensure the pipes are capped properly.

12. Decorate your bathroom with greenery

You can’t go wrong with beautiful plants and flowers, right? Potted plants are a great way to liven up everyday looks (like that of exposed pipes) and add character to your bathroom. Before you buy plants that are suitable for bathrooms, make sure you measure your space so they fit perfectly in the right spots. How about creating your own wall unit with our easy-to-follow video below?

If you already have a garden, you can always repot and add your old plants to stylish new pots. With plants, try to stay in a high humidity environment as they thrive on water and will not die as quickly. One of our favorite houseplants is the Boston fern – these foliage plants like a decent amount of sunlight, which means they’re great for draping over window sills. And if you’re the kind of person who never has much luck with plants, why not give the Cast Iron Plant a try – it’s known to be low maintenance and survives in low light with little watering.

Finally

We hope you’ve found something that works for you with these 12 great ideas for hiding plumbing in your bathroom. From homey to chic and from budget-friendly to expensive, there should be a solution for everyone.

Share your tips and tricks with us

If you’ve found a clever way to hide or even accentuate the plumbing in your bathroom, we want to see it. Tweet us a picture @VictoriaPlumUK or share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #PlumbingPerfection.

Find out about bathroom design and installation

If you still have no ideas how to hide the plumbing in your bathroom, why not inquire about our design and installation service? Our experienced design team is happy to discuss your requirements before creating realistic 3D visualizations of your new bathroom.

Simply leave your contact details by clicking on the image below and take the first step towards your dream bathroom.

Covering radiator pipes makes all the difference to the finish of your radiators. Whether you’ve spent money on a nice new radiator or are just trying to upgrade your existing radiator, many of the ways you can cover plumbing are relatively inexpensive and easy to apply.

In this quick guide we offer ways to not only cover the vertical valve pipes, but also ideas for tackling pipes that have been laid on the surface of a wall, e.g. B. Along the skirting boards instead of being recessed into the wall or floor Void.

When spending time and money choosing radiators, it’s important to finish with the right details, and you can add a more elegant finish to any room heated by a radiator with these handy products and DIY ideas.

1. When installing a radiator, use pipe collars

Cast in Style (opens in new tab) carries Radiator Tube Boot Covers in a wide range of decorative metal finishes. Radiator Pipe Boot Covers are stocked in a wide range of decorative metal finishes. (Image credit: Cast in Style)

Radiator pipe collars are probably the most elegant and sophisticated way of covering radiator pipes. Pipe sleeves are made mostly of metal and come in a range of styles and finishes.

For assembly, they are simply slipped over the radiator pipes; However, these can only be mounted if the valves are not already attached. When retrofitting, draining the central heating system and removing the valves can be a tedious task to install pipe collars, but for some it’s a level of attention to detail worth the time and expense.

It is best to install pipe collars when installing new valves and/or replacing radiators. It is possible to purchase valves with sleeves to match, especially if they have a more unusual finish, but you can also find sleeves that come in many common finishes including chrome and brass.

Also, pipe sleeves are mostly designed with small collars that are used around the bottom. These are useful for hiding gaps where the flooring has had to be cut around radiator pipes and can also help reduce drafts.

2. Try clip-on radiator pipe covers

(Image credit: Future)

If you love the idea of ​​a radiator pipe boot to cover your radiator pipes but don’t need to remove the valves to install them, then these clever snap-on solutions are for you.

Snap-On Tube Covers are made from a foil-like material that is simple and easy to wrap around a radiator tube. They generally come in a more limited range, with colors like chrome, white and dark gray being the most commonly seen. They’re surprisingly effective, though, and the best ones look like metal covers until you’re up close.

It’s worth noting that there is a seam on the back of the pipe that goes largely unnoticed, but the collar will have a larger gap needed to wrap it around the pipe. Over an extended period of time, the heat can also cause the finish to fade, meaning they may need to be replaced every few years or so; However, snap-on radiator pipe covers are inexpensive and certainly worthwhile in this regard.

3. Opt for rebated skirting boards for horizontal pipes

(opens in new tab) is completely hollow in shape, allowing you to cover existing baseboards or route radiator pipes behind. This skirting board design from Orac Decor has a completely hollow shape, allowing you to cover existing skirting boards or route radiator pipes behind. (Image credit: Orac Decor)

If you have radiator pipes that run along a wall rather than through the floor or wall cavity (of which there may not be one), then there are options for covering radiator pipes in that case.

The most elegant choice would be seamed baseboards, with a small slot cut in the back wide enough to accommodate pipes or wires so that they can be routed invisibly along the wall.

However, for this to work smoothly this would require forethought and planning and would largely only apply to new plumbing where new baseboards are also fitted. This makes Rabbet Skirting a great product for renovations where full pipe routing may be too expensive or difficult, but where it is possible to reroute the pipework to fit behind the skirting board.

4. Box in piping with cable duct

(opens in new tab) . This pipe box is easy to install when bought ready-made from a shop like UK Pipe Boxing (Image credit: UK Pipe Boxing)

Conduit is never an ideal solution, whether for electrical or plumbing; However, it is possible to find some decent looking trunking that would allow radiator pipes to be routed horizontally along a wall.

Trunking will look bulkier and wider than traditional baseboards, but it could be a more attractive option than exposed radiator pipes. You can even consider covering this trunking with a skirting board to match the rest of the room.

5. Consider painting radiator tubes

(Image credit: getty images)

The classic unfinished radiator look calls for a chrome or white radiator valve with copper tubing – not a look that will work no matter how industrial or raw you want to go with your interior design.

Painting radiator pipes is a good quick fix that can help disguise them in your room. You can do this the same way you paint radiators and as long as you use some of the best radiator paint that is heat resistant it’s a quick job that wears down well.

It might seem obvious to paint them to match your vent, but consider painting them the same color as your baseboard instead, as it will help them disappear better.

6. Use a radiator cover

(Image credit: Wayfair)

In the worst case, a radiator cover might be the best option, covering not only your radiator pipes but your entire radiator.

You may be reluctant to do so for fear of reducing your radiator’s efficiency, especially in the colder months. However, there is evidence that using a radiator cover properly and fitting a heat-reflecting panel behind the radiator could even help your radiator heat your room faster.

Whether you agree with this idea or not, a radiator cover is a brilliant way to turn a potentially unsightly element of your home into a focal point, and there are many different designs and styles to try, whether off the shelf or homemade.

Copper radiator pipes are an incredibly important part of any central heating system. They are responsible for moving the hot water around our homes and do their part to keep us warm during the coldest months.

The problem is that copper tubing can be unsightly and usually requires cladding or concealing. Painting the pipes the same color as the wall often feels unsatisfactory, while drilling channels into the wall can be expensive and disruptive.

In this article, we look at three of the cheapest ways to hide them effectively, with minimal cost and inconvenience.

boxes

A very common way to hide radiator pipes is to box them. You may have seen this in your kitchen or bathroom.

Straight pieces of wood are installed around the pipes, effectively creating a box around them.

Paint the box the same color as your walls or baseboards to help the box blend in and give a more minimalist, tidy look compared to open piping.

While this is a cheap and easy fix, boxing plumbing can make a room appear smaller. Also, many people dislike the clunky look of pipes in boxes, even after an effort to blend the boxes with the environment.

skirting boards

An alternative method of hiding pipes is to install specially adapted baseboards that can accommodate pipes.

This type of skirting board has a recessed section on the back that allows the skirting board to sit flush against the wall and hide the piping.

If you were planning on installing baseboards anyway, then getting a pipe-friendly baseboard can be an easy and inexpensive solution to the problem.

If you’re running baseboard in one room, you may feel obligated to maintain consistency and run it in other rooms, even if there isn’t a visible pipe problem in those other rooms.

pipe sleeves

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to cover the copper pipes that connect to your radiator is to install pipe sleeves.

Pipe sleeves (or covers) simply slide over your copper pipes and add a nice sense of completeness to any radiator installation. For the most attractive look, it’s always best to buy pipe sleeves that are the same color as your valves or radiators.

At Trade Radiators we stock an impressive range of pipe sleeves in a variety of colors to ensure you get exactly what you need. We also offer them in 130mm lengths to fit all pipe lengths and can be cut to size if required.

If you want to hide your copper pipes without the expense and inconvenience of opening walls or floor panels, you should definitely consider the option of pipe sleeves.

View all of our pipe sleeves

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Wondering what to do with the exposed plumbing and plumbing in your bathroom? We’ve found some neat ways to hide it or incorporate it into your bathroom design.

Maybe you just bought a house or you want to renovate some rooms in your existing house. Your dreams of beautiful bathroom decor are almost complete… but you discover several exposed pipes peeking out from under your sink. What an eyesore, right?

Hide exposed pipes

Plumbing is central to a successful, livable home. However, sometimes it is not hidden and requires a lot of piping that can be extremely visible physically. Of course it would be better if they were built inside the walls, but what can you do?

Luckily, we’ve put together a guide to hiding exposed plumbing pipe that’s great not just for your bathroom, but for other rooms in the home like kitchens, utility rooms, and even loft conversions. But let’s focus on your “smallest space” first.

Here are 12 great little suggestions for design touches to incorporate into your new bathroom to create the look and feel you want without the unsightly plumbing.

1. Box in the piping

Creating a box around your whistles is a very simple but effective way to cover up your unwanted whistles. This can be done with a variety of materials (plywood being the most popular) and can either blend in with your color scheme or accentuate it. Attaching a small box can be done by you with minimal carpentry skills.

All you have to do is frame the tube, seal the edges, let it dry and paint or decorate the wooden cage however you like. You can even tile directly onto it, giving it a seamless floor-to-wall appearance. Don’t forget to trim the edges – there’s nothing worse than a villain splinter! It’s easy, fun, and adds character to the room.

If your pipes run along the floor, your box can even be converted into a shelf to store bathroom essentials.

Exposed dump? No problem… Check out what one of our creative clients did with theirs below.

2. Expand the pipes

This is by far the most common solution. Exposed plumbing fixtures are becoming increasingly popular, especially in trendy industrial-style bathrooms, and people are increasingly painting them rather than covering them completely. While some might paint it the same color as the room to blend in, others may choose to make it stand out visually by using complementary colors.

3. Enjoy the twists and turns

If you’re a fan of exposed pipes, there’s another route to go down. Why not consider installing additional connections to twist and turn the tubes in any desired flow. When done correctly, these connections can rotate the tubes 90 degrees to create sharp angles that you can use to hang towels or ornaments, for example.

Use your imagination and create lots of interesting patterns on the wall or manipulate the route in a direction you want to end up. Be sure to consult a plumber so you don’t mess up the flow rate. pressure or temperature. Be sure to turn off the water supply and drain all lines before you begin work, and remember to double check the systems after the job is complete.

4. Decorate your whistles

Depending on the particular theme of your bathroom, you can decorate and highlight your plumbing instead of hiding it. For example, if you want to achieve a nautical or coastal look with motifs of the beach, sand, waves, boats and lighthouses, why not wrap them with rope and decorate them with seashells?

Make sure your bathroom isn’t entirely at sea by labeling your plumbing and plumbing

5. Build shelves

If your pipes run straight down, why not buy a shelf to hide them? If you’re a DIY enthusiast, why not build a floor-to-ceiling shelf yourself? This is a very economical option and you can choose the perfect wood for your shelf. If you’re really creative, you can even build a cavity into the device, leaving enough room for pipes without leaving any other gaps.

This method is great because you can use it to display personal items, including trinkets, photo frames, books, and…well, pretty much anything that makes for a good conversation starter. Not only has this now become a sophisticated area for storage, but it also draws attention away from the plumbing so visitors can focus on the beautiful furniture.

6. Installing a cabinet or vanity unit

This is perhaps one of the most memory-efficient options on the list. Not only can you hide the unsightly pipes from judgmental eyes, but you can also create additional storage space for all your bathroom essentials like toiletries.

There are two ways you can install a vanity cabinet or cabinet, either by making it yourself from scratch or ordering a pre-built one. You may also need to hire a handyman which can cost up to £350 depending on the size of the job and which part of the UK you live in.

Before installing your new vanity cabinet or cabinet, make sure you have measured the area under the sink and determined how you want your plumbing to be fully covered. You can choose whether you want your washbasin to be on top of your vanity unit or integrated into it.

Most Victoria Plum vanity units have a utility cavity in the back that helps you hide plumbing and plumbing

7. False Walls

In some cases, it’s just not possible to pack in all the pipework on display in your bathroom, and if major structural work isn’t an option, a false wall might do the trick. Building a plasterboard wall in front of the existing wall is the most cost-effective plan.

In this case, it’s best that you hire a builder to build the wall and also a plumber to make sure your toilet or sink fits in place. While you’re at it, it’s also worth waterproofing your bathroom at the same time.

8. Place storage baskets around pipes

We’re going from one of the most expensive options to one of the cheapest in one fell swoop! Depending on how much plumbing is on display and where it is positioned, you could simply repurpose some old storage baskets or buy new ones and arrange them around your plumbing. However, make sure you are not impeding access to things you need to use on a daily basis.

If your pipes extend a bit higher up the wall, consider a bathroom laundry basket. They provide the perfect place for used towels or dirty clothes and kill 2 birds with one stone!

9. Assemble a standing pool

By far the classiest option from our list. A pedestal pool or even a semi-pedestal pool is great for hiding unsightly plumbing. However, a wall hung sink can also be a good solution as a range of beautifully designed bottle siphons are available to add a special touch to your installation.

Keep your plumbing concealed with the traditional style Dulwich Pedestal Sink

10. Beautify your sink

It’s not just people who look good in a skirt – sinks and vanities too! If you want a more elegant look for your bathroom, a washbasin skirt might be the right choice. It’s very easy and doesn’t cost you much. You can either buy them online or, if you’re feeling crafty, make them yourself.

All you need is Velcro, heavy duty waterproof tape, and some kind of fastener. You can also use recyclable materials for the skirt. And more importantly, not only does it hide your lines, but it also gives you great storage space for items you don’t want to see.

11. Use pipe covers

Sometimes the best solution is to attack the problem head-on. If the pipes bother you that much, you might want to cover them completely. Pipe covers can be purchased cheaply online or at local hardware stores. These coverings are usually made of wood, metal or resin.

Pipe covers are available in a variety of designs and colors so you can choose something that complements the rest of your bathroom decor. They can also serve as inspiration for your next bathroom makeover. We highly recommend writing down the length and diameter of your flushing pipes before purchasing – you need to ensure the pipes are capped properly.

12. Decorate your bathroom with greenery

You can’t go wrong with beautiful plants and flowers, right? Potted plants are a great way to liven up everyday looks (like that of exposed pipes) and add character to your bathroom. Before you buy plants that are suitable for bathrooms, make sure you measure your space so they fit perfectly in the right spots. How about creating your own wall unit with our easy-to-follow video below?

If you already have a garden, you can always repot and add your old plants to stylish new pots. With plants, try to stay in a high humidity environment as they thrive on water and will not die as quickly. One of our favorite houseplants is the Boston fern – these foliage plants like a decent amount of sunlight, which means they’re great for draping over window sills. And if you’re the kind of person who never has much luck with plants, why not give the Cast Iron Plant a try – it’s known to be low maintenance and survives in low light with little watering.

Finally

We hope you’ve found something that works for you with these 12 great ideas for hiding plumbing in your bathroom. From homey to chic and from budget-friendly to expensive, there should be a solution for everyone.

Share your tips and tricks with us

If you’ve found a clever way to hide or even accentuate the plumbing in your bathroom, we want to see it. Tweet us a picture @VictoriaPlumUK or share it with us on Instagram using the hashtag #PlumbingPerfection.

Find out about bathroom design and installation

If you still have no ideas how to hide the plumbing in your bathroom, why not inquire about our design and installation service? Our experienced design team is happy to discuss your requirements before creating realistic 3D visualizations of your new bathroom.

Simply leave your contact details by clicking on the image below and take the first step towards your dream bathroom.

Boilers are functional, not stylish. We are beyond grateful for all the work they do around the house. From providing comfort and warmth to ensuring hot water is always flowing, the humble boiler certainly pulls its weight. But when it comes to interior design choices, your boiler could be preventing you from reaching the pinnacle of perfection.

Let’s face it, an uncovered cauldron sticks out like a sore thumb. While modern boilers are looking sleeker and more stylish by the day, they’re still edgy and awkward. It could even affect your ability to sell your home.

In 2018, energy company Npower conducted a survey of 2,000 UK homeowners. They found that 68% would avoid buying a property if it had an exposed boiler. In addition, a shocking 48% said they would try to deduct £5,000 from the asking price if an exposed boiler was involved.

If you’re looking to cover your boiler, either for your own peace of mind or to add value to your property before it is sold, here are some ways you can go about it.

safety first

The most important thing to think about when covering a cauldron is safety. Ventilation and access are essential to your boiler. When you have boiler damage, a technician needs easy access to the boiler and pipes.

It’s also helpful to be able to keep track of common boiler problems like leaks. So if you’re looking for a solution to cover your boiler, make sure it’s still accessible and secure.

Behind the curtain

A simple curtain can be used to cover the unsightly pipes underneath your boiler. A spring-loaded curtain rod allows you to hang the curtain without drilling into walls. Then you can hang a curtain in a fabric that matches the rest of your kitchen. If you have kitchen curtains or blinds, a matching fabric would help your curtain blend in better. You can also easily remove it to reach for cleaning.

box in the tubes

You can purchase a boiler tube jacket that will fit most standard installations. This will help cover the unsightly pipes and also prevent them from collecting dust. A simple boiler tube box solution also easily removes for access and provides good ventilation.

Kettle cladding is available for above and below your kettle, allowing you to give your kitchen a sleek and sophisticated look without committing to serious joinery work. If your boiler is fairly modern, it will blend more into the background of your kitchen with matching panels over the pipes.

Hide it in a closet

This option may require the help of a carpenter. It is unlikely that you will find a cabinet that matches your boiler and is in the same style as your existing kitchen cabinets. That’s why it pays to get a little creative. Ask a local carpenter for a quote to hide your entire cauldron in a closet.

A large hinged door allows access and ventilation so you know it’s safe. You can then paint the door and cabinet a color to match your existing kitchen cabinets. If you want to get even more creative, you can paint the door with chalkboard paint. This is how you turn your heating cabinet into an oversized chalkboard on which you can leave notes for your family.

Build a whole unit

When looking for a new home, many people will be impressed by thoughtful and inventive ways to utilize space that would otherwise be wasted. The space under your boiler can be put to good use by creating a custom storage unit around it.

The base of this storage unit can then be used to store awkward items such as a vacuum cleaner, mop and ironing board. Keeping the boiler separate from the storage compartment ensures that you never overload the closet and create ventilation problems.

Consider moving the cauldron

If you are upgrading your boiler and are unhappy with the current location, request a quote to relocate the boiler. It is not uncommon for boilers to be placed in guest room pantries to keep them completely out of sight. The ability to move your boiler all depends on the type of boiler and your existing installation.

These are just some of the ways to update your kitchen and create a sophisticated look without spending a lot of money. If you’re planning a move, this could be an easy way to add £5,000 in value to your home.