Do you have unsightly plumbing pipes visible outside your house? Here’s how to hide exterior pipes and make your home rank well in curb appeal.
In 1829, Boston’s Tremont Hotel was the first structure to have indoor plumbing in the U.S. However, many rural areas didn’t reap the benefits of indoor plumbing until the 1930s, less than 90 years ago.
While there’s no question indoor plumbing has come a long way since the 1820s and even the 1930s, there are still aspects that can make you cringe. For example – exposed outdoor pipes.
Not only are these a huge eyesore, they can detract from your home’s curb appeal. So what can you do?
If you face this quandary and wonder how to hide exposed pipes, apply one of these tips to restore the beauty of your home’s façade.
Use Plants
One of the most popular ways to disguise exposed exterior pipes is to use plants. You can use evergreen ground cover for low-lying horizontal or short vertical pipes. This ground cover only grows a few inches tall.
Use the feathered pink dianthus plants or the stone orpine. Another option is decorative grass. Plant these on each side of the pipe. Just make sure you don’t block any access ports with the plant’s base.
Consider root damage
While it may be tempting to plant a massive shrub next to exposed pipes, this isn’t a good idea. The strong, deep roots of a big shrub may eventually break the pipe.
A better option is to stick with plants that have much shallower root systems. This will assure the roots don’t interfere with the purpose of the pipe.
Use a Wooden Box
A wooden box is a great option for pipes grouped together. You can choose either a horizontal or vertical box, based on your needs.
What’s great is you can build the box yourself and paint it any color you choose. It’s one of the most affordable ways to hide your pipes.
Use Decorative Objects
Do you use birdbaths, fountains and other hardscape features to decorate your lawn? If so, use one of these to hide your exterior pipes.
Some of the most common decorative objects include columns holding gazing balls, planters with a beautiful shrub or flowers, and trellises.
This disguise works best if the pipe is visible from a single direction. If you can see it from several angles, a different method from this list might work better.
Paint the Pipe
While you can’t make plumbing pipes magically disappear, you can camouflage them. Simply paint the visible part of the pipe to match what’s nearby.
For example, if your pipe is near the grass, bushes or other greenery, paint it the same shade of green. If the pipe is near mulch or a flower bed, paint it brown or the color of the mulch you use. If there’s nothing near the pipe, paint it the same color as your house.
To ensure the paint properly adheres, use a spray paint that’s designed for the pipe’s specific material. For example, there are paints you can use specifically for plastic or for metal.
Cover the Pipe
While exposed exterior pipes are unpleasant, you aren’t the first one to deal with them. There are products designed to cover them.
For example, you can buy a faux tree trunk or rock. These come in a wide array of colors and styles. You’ll find something that matches or complements your landscape design.
There are even covers with holes on the side to let water move through. This is ideal if you cover a drainage pipe. Others are completely hollow with solid sides to cover vertical pipes.
Industrialize the Pipe
If you don’t like any of these ways to disguise or hide your exterior pipes, then why not embrace them? Celebrate their urban persona or industrial loft. Traditional metal pipes (i.e., steel, aluminum, copper and iron) are natural parts of a hip cosmopolitan design.
But if your exposed pipes are PVC, put in a bit of work. Simply add a few coats of matte black or even metallic paint. Doing so instantly gives the pipe a look of chic urban décor.
Now You Know
If you wondered how to hide exterior plumbing pipes, you now have a few effective solutions. While the pipes may not go anywhere, there are ways to avoid looking at them day after day.
If you ever have issues with your pipes that go beyond their appearance, reach out to our team of professional plumbers. We’re dedicated to giving our customers the highest quality plumbing services. Call (402) 731-2727 today to learn more.