Open way of installation of sewer and water pipes in the toilet allows you to operate them safely.
However, not aesthetic appearance makes the owners of apartments and houses rack their brains over how to close the pipes in the toilet. You can do this with your own hands using one of the five methods below.
Content of the article
Drywall box
In order to always have access to sewage and water pipes in the toilet, it is better to equip a drywall box with your own hands. For this, drywall and a metal profile are used to make the frame. After the box is ready, it can be decorated for the style of the room.
Installation steps
Arrangement of the structure includes the following stages:
- Measure the dimensions of the required profile with a tape measure, starting from the floor and towards the ceiling.
- Cut the required piece and put it to the floor, and then measure the estimated distance from the wall to the corner of the box on both sides.
- Drill holes in the floor through the profile using a drill or punch, screw in self-tapping screws.
- At the edge of the lower profile, attach the profile to the side walls using a level and dowels.
- If the box is solid, then the longitudinal profile should be fastened with transverse pieces.
- Cut drywall sheets to the size of the frame. It cannot be broken, since the resulting cracks will be more difficult to decorate.
- Attach the drywall with self-tapping screws in 20 cm increments.
- Fasten the reinforcing mesh to the box with putty. It is needed to prevent the appearance of cracks on the surface of the structure.
- Decorate the box in any way you like: paste over with ceramic tiles, putty, glue paper wallpaper.
Using the locker in the toilet
The household locker is another a convenient way to hide pipes in the toilet. Its advantage is the ability to economically use the space in the toilet. In addition to pipes, it may contain household items.
To do it yourself, you need a chipboard (better laminated) 16 mm thick and wooden blocks 30x30. To fix the product, you must use reliable dowels, because they will have to withstand the weight of household accessories.
The construction of a household locker looks like this:
- Frame installation:
- make markings in the place where the cabinet is attached to the wall;
- assemble a frame of the required size from bars and connect its parts with self-tapping screws and aluminum corners;
- fix the frame along the lines marked earlier;
- clean the bars with sandpaper and cover with stain and paints (this stage can be transferred to the very beginning, before assembling the frame).
- DIY installation of shelves:
- make blank shelves;
- attach aluminum corners to the vertical bars of the frame, which will serve as a support for the shelves;
- cut a hole under;
- put the shelves on the frame. They can be fixed or left on the corners. In the second case they are easier to dismantle to access the pipe.
- Door assembly:
- make blanks for doors (you can make them for one or two sashes);
- apply markings on the block frame for door hinges (piano hinges are preferable due to their long service life and ease of installation);
- fix the hinges on the surface of the frame;
- treat the doors with a special barrier to protect against moisture (as an option, you can use varnish);
- hook the doors onto the frame.
Blinds are plumbing
Blinds or roller shutters are a simple, aesthetic way to hide pipes in the toilet, allowing easy access to them.
The advantage of blinds is a long service life, resistance to moisture.
Suitable for small spaces as it does not clutter up the space. There are two ways to mount the blinds: on a utility cabinet instead of traditional doors, or simply on top of pipes on a block frame, which is mounted under the ceiling itself.
Do-it-yourself blinds installation can be done in three ways:
- Overlay.
- In the opening with the box outward.
- In the opening with a box inward.
The first option is suitable for thin walls, such as a combination of drywall and ceramic tiles... In this case, it is required to install the box outward with an addition from the lower guide. The height of the opening is equal to the height of the box. It is mounted from above with support on the rails. Additional fixation from the ceiling is not required.
The second option is effective, when pipes and meters are located too close to the opening, which prevents a deeper installation of the frame. It's better to install it after the end renovation works, directly onto the tile. It is important that the tile extends at least centimeters into the opening.
The third way to hide pipes in the toilet is the most optimal. However, it requires sufficient space to recess the frame. Measurements can be made before the end of the work, but along the aligned walls. After the blinds are installed, the tiles will be glued from them to the doors.
Plastic panels
To hide the pipes with plastic panels, you need to build a false wall.
Covering with plastic panels is convenient because they are easy to care for and also easy to install. They are much lighter than drywall and have an aesthetic appearance that does not need additional decoration.
Working with plastic panels consists of three stages:
- Frame markup.
- Installation of the frame.
- Fastening panels.
The first step is to draw the outline of the frame on the floor. It is important that the coals are exactly 90˚.
It is easy to control the evenness of the corners with a square. Then you should transfer the applied contour from the floor to the ceiling. At the corners of the box, a rack-mount profile is mounted under the panels. Using a building level, it must be set in a strictly vertical position. Ceiling and floor contours may not match due to uneven floors.
For the installation of the frame, you can use galvanized metal profiles. It is corrosion resistant and easy to install. To work with lightweight panels, you can use a plastic crate. This makes installation easier, thanks to the use of clips.
The installation of the profiles is carried out in the same way as in the case of drywall. First, the guide profile is laid, then vertical products are inserted into it. The frame is fastened with self-tapping screws.
When arranging a false wall, you need to remember about arranging a window for quick access to pipes.
It is mounted opposite the revision. The contour of the opening is performed at the stage of installation of the frame. Self-tapping screws, nails, glue, stapler or clips are used to fasten the walls.
How to make a plastic box for pipes in the toilet (video)
Masking horizontal pipes
In the toilet, you may need to hide not only vertical but also horizontal pipes. it you can do it yourselfusing plastic, plywood or chipboard. Installation begins with measuring the height and width of the highway.
After that, boards of a certain size are cut from the selected material and fastened using perpendicular corners, glue, screws or nails, depending on the material of the walls.
Then the frame is simply placed on the highway. The method is convenient in that the frame is removable. It can be removed at any time and pipes can be repaired. The structure can be easily adapted to the style of the toilet tiles.
Sometimes an abundance of pipes, risers, meters and other communications nullifies all efforts and funds invested in repairs. They are as if silent witnesses of your defeat, seemingly useful, but treacherously “tell” the truth and cause unpleasant emotions. The richest in communication premises are the toilet and the bathroom. Let's talk about how to hide the pipes in the toilet so that the guests admire and the neighbors kindly envy your imagination.
Hiding pipes rules
Usually hidden piping in the bathroom or toilet is done in parallel with the construction of a house or renovation of the premises. But there are times when ugliness is annoying, and special funds for drastic changes no dwelling. Then it is necessary, without restraining creative impulses, to come up with methods of disguise from the series "cheap and cheerful", that is, to do a kind of decorating pipes in the toilet. But first things first.
Example: how to make a tiny bathroom both functional and beautiful
What to mask
What pipes do we usually hide in the toilet? Of course, a lot depends on whether it is combined with a bathroom, what plumbing it is equipped with, but in general it can be assumed that the following structures are present in the bathroom:
- a pipe for connecting a toilet;
- fan tap;
- wiring for sinks, bathtubs, bidets, and so on (both cold and hot water).
As a rule, the diameter of the elements for connecting the toilet is 110 mm, for other plumbing points - 50 mm. The construction material is either plastic or cast iron. The latter is often present in Soviet-format houses and does not differ in good operational characteristics, moreover, it has too thick walls, which is why, when masking such a network, such important centimeters of the area are lost for tiny apartments. But since you have chosen this option, you have to get out.
Closed way to mask the sewer
How to mask
So how to hide a sewer pipe in a toilet? There are two main ways to install communications that "call out" the eyes:
- Closed, when the system becomes invisible due to gating or the installation of special structures. With a closed method of communication, they are completely hidden, the bathroom becomes more beautiful, but smaller.
- Open. System elements are masked, but are located in open access... This method is less aesthetic (although it all depends on imagination), but it saves space. In addition, the decor can be changed, thereby giving a new style to the bathroom.
The frame must be strong, because you have to sheathe it with drywall, and then glue it with tiles, and that's all - weight
How to close up a sewer pipe in a toilet without compromising the performance of the system?
- Do not brick the structure completely, there should be partial access to it for checking the condition, and, possibly, for repairing;
- during installation, be careful not to damage the pipes, especially if you use plastic products;
- make the door or window better near the check valve, because it has to be periodically cleaned;
- remember the angle of inclination;
- before you hide pipes in a bathroom or toilet, check their tightness;
- do not forget about access to the counters, you will have the necessary data on a monthly basis - to pay receipts for services.
Plasterboard box - halfway to the end of the work
Disguise options
Let's look at what and how you can close sewer pipes in the toilet.
Shutters
One of the most effective and cheapest ways to hide pipes in a toilet is to close them with roller shutters, roller shutters or blinds. For cramped and tiny bathrooms, this is generally a salvation. Shutters do not eat up space, look stylish, they can be changed and installed from floor to ceiling. Moreover, in a niche, along with pipes and meters, you are free to place shelves, cabinets where you can store a decent amount of jars, bath supplies and inventory.
And here is the realized idea using roller shutters
Blinds or shutters can be easily assembled and lowered, you can “play” with the shades of products, changing the interior. This option is also great for sealing sewer pipes in the toilet of a rented apartment, when you want it to be beautiful, but it makes no sense to invest in renovations. Installation of such a structure is extremely simple, you can even dismantle it before moving out to another apartment, if you want.
Video: decorating a bathroom with blinds or roller shutters
Locker
In fact, this option is to some extent similar to the previous method of closing pipes in a toilet, with the only difference that this design is more fundamental. You can buy a ready-made locker, meanwhile, due to the peculiarities of the site and individual sizes, not all apartment owners can do this. Often, the owners make an individual order for the manufacture of such a structure. But you can do everything yourself
So, how to hide pipes in the toilet with your own hands using this method?
Start by making the frame - for this, using metal dowels, attach wooden bars to the side walls. Screw the hinges to the frame, hang the doors on them. It is better to buy a moisture-resistant material, but another tree will do. The main thing is to cover the doors with paint or varnish. Do not forget to attach handles, and choose such places so that none of the household members gets hurt while getting up from the toilet.
This is what the locker looks like - beautiful and functional, right ?!
In the locker, you are free to store a bunch of thematic useful tools and things. With the help of this method, the upper part of the pipes will close, while the lower one near the toilet bowl may still "call out" the eyes. Then make or buy a screen, panel or the same shutters. You probably don't need to tell about how to close the pipes in the toilet with plastic panels or a sheet of chipboard / gypsum board.
Simply purchase or cut a piece of the desired size and fit it into the niche so that the top rests against the bottom of the cabinet. If you use chipboard / gypsum board, then the material also needs to be painted (you will most likely have paint after painting the doors).
Another way closed type - installation of the box. Its dimensions can vary: you can make a structure only at the bottom - near the toilet, or you can grab a fragment of the wall to the ceiling.
So, how to close pipes in a plasterboard toilet with your own hands? First you need to make the body. For the base, wooden blocks or a metal profile are suitable. From the tools you will need a puncher, a hammer, a level, a marker, a tape measure. You also need to stock up on dowel-nails, self-tapping screws with a press washer (popularly called "flea beetles") and glue.
See how many communications can be hidden in the box
The structure is covered with plasterboard or plastic. If you choose a plasterboard box, then you will need to glue it over tiled tiles - the same as on the walls or contrasting. Do not forget about the window for checking the status and repairing the system. The box can be multi-level - it all depends on your imagination and plans for arranging a bathroom.
Tiled two-level plasterboard box
Strobing
How to hide a sewer pipe in a toilet so as not to lose a millimeter of usable space? Use gating, which means making a series of grooves in those places on the wall where you plan to lay the network. One of the best ways to camouflage pipes, but laborious and limited.
Photo fragment of the gating process
Meet them:
- the diameter of the pipes should not exceed 50 mm, which means that the connection to the toilet and the riser cannot be hidden in this way;
- the furrow should be less than 15% of the wall thickness;
- installation of inspection hatches is required.
The bathroom is not just a place where a person takes hygiene procedures, but also a comfort zone. After all, where, if not in the bathroom, you can relax as much as possible and forget about pressing problems. A similar attitude applies to the toilet, because sometimes these two rooms are connected into one whole. But in order for a person to feel comfortable, the room should be designed so that it does not cause any aggressive emotional outbursts and emotions. It is worth hiding all protruding pipes and other structures that spoil the appearance of the space. Read the instructions on how to calculate and carry out the drainage of the site.
If there are many pipes in the room, then at the initial stage they should be placed in close proximity to each other. Group, so to speak.
How to hide: methods and photos?
- Size (it can vary from ten millimeters to ten centimeters, there is a tile that is cut to order, but individual work is not cheap).
- Color - depending on the style, the color can vary from milky to deep black. The main thing when choosing a color scheme is to know that dark tones make the space smaller, and light airy shades increase it. Read how to choose metal-plastic pipes for plumbing.
- Texture. Can be matte, glossy, smooth or rough.
To decorate a room beautifully, it is worth initially deciding which style will be used. Then you need to think about what large elements will be installed in the bathroom - jacuzzi, sink, toilet, bath or shower.
When decorating with tiles, it is better to use a harmonious combination of several colors. So the space will sparkle with new colors and will be completely individual.
How to hide?
To hide pipes in the toilet, you can use the following methods:
To close the sewer pipes in the toilet yourself, you should use the video below. This will greatly simplify the finishing work.
Video
Watch the video on how you can close the pipes in the toilet:
A person spends almost a third of his life in the toilet. To make the pastime there as comfortable as possible, it is worth taking care not only of the external decoration, but also of hygiene. It is best to use air fresheners, hygienic fillers and substances that can resist the development of disease-causing agents.
Oct 22, 2015 Tatiana Sumo
The interior of the most beautiful bathroom can be spoiled by many causal factors. Among them, communication pipes, water meters, valves and other elements left without cover are the most frequent sources of absurdity. Of course, this circumstance must be fought.
In order for the room to be distinguished and pleased with its completeness and accuracy, all unsightly elements should be correctly hidden. This idea must be carried out reasonably.
It is important that plastic box for pipes did not interfere with free access to communications, otherwise in the event of force majeure, it will take precious minutes to ensure sufficient operational space.
Considering all the nuances, it can be stated that optimal solution will create a multifunctional box. Let's take a closer look at the technology for creating such a kind of masking from PVC panels in the bathroom.
Advantages of a plastic tubing box in the bathroom
The box covering the pipes can be made of various materials, however, the most popular options are plasterboard or plastic panels... Both of these solutions are remarkable in their own way, although the PVC box, from a functional and practical point of view, surpasses the drywall counterpart. First of all, it compares favorably with the following advantages:
- no need for subsequent decoration of the structure. Panels, unlike drywall, by their intended purpose are finishing materialperforming the function finishing;
- the ability to quickly dismantle the box without damaging the material. This useful feature is especially relevant for various pipelines that have threaded or fitting butt joints. Such places very often break and leak, so access to them should not be difficult;
- ease of installation of a PVC box. Self-assembly of the structure is quickly feasible, does not need special or expensive devices and tools;
- ease of repair and good deformation resistance. The plastic used for the production of panels is very flexible, but at the same time very durable, which leads to an increased resistance of the material to damage. In case of damage to the panel, it is quickly and easily replaced by new part;
- compactness and capacity of the PVC box. The panels are insignificant, due to which the created structure will take up little space in the bathroom, while remaining quite roomy;
Read also: Ventilation device in frame house
- a plastic box is practical and functional - it can be repeatedly disassembled and reassembled, and if there are free internal spaces, store various accessories and substances in it, for example, cleaning agents, brushes, etc.;
- affordable total cost. Plastic panels, fasteners, frame profiles and other materials are not expensive and scarce.
Cons of PVC box for masking pipes in the toilet
Characterized by many positive qualities of the box made of plastic material are not devoid of some disadvantages. Of course, they are not so significant, but they are worth mentioning:
- flammability and thermal deformation - when exposed to critical temperatures, for example, fire or sparks from welding, the material melts, burns with the production of highly toxic smoke;
- a pungent smell - an irreplaceable companion of all PVC products;
- low environmental friendliness - a property inherent in all polyvinyl chloride materials (linoleum, pipes, baseboards, etc.). As a result of natural decomposition, this polymer releases some volatile compounds into the air. They can harm health, but due to extremely short contact, a person does not receive a toxic dose.
Installation of a plastic box: preparatory stage
Before installing a masking box made of PVC panels, a number of preparations must be made:
- carefully inspect each pipe, valve, meter and their joints. If any defect is found, then it should be immediately eliminated, while there is direct access to communications;
Advice! When new pipes are wired before installing the box, you need to try to resort to the minimum number of connections, wiring and small inserts. Each such element is potentially dangerous in terms of sudden breakdown, accompanied by water leakage!
- to carefully analyze the type (size, shape) of the box to mask communications. Several options are possible here - the structure can cover the entire length of the pipes or hide only a small section. The latter solution will save space and material. The first project is good in that it becomes possible to create additional spaces for storing improvised detergents, brushes, household chemicals, rags, etc .;
Read also: How to install an electric storage water heater
- carefully carry out accurate measurements and correctly draw a detailed drawing of the box. Here it is necessary to provide for every nuance, for example, the place of hatches and their size for easy access to valves, questionable connections and meters;
Recommendation! If you plan to tiled walls, then it will be more rational to first install the box. The structure will hide a section of the wall on which you do not have to lay tiles!
Required tools and materials
To make a high-quality plastic box you will need:
- rack or sheet plastic panels;
- frame steel profiles of rack-mount (cd mark) and guide (ud mark) type;
- plastic skirting boards to close seam joints;
- self-tapping screws;
- silicone sealant;
- sharply sharpened assembly knife and building level;
- inspection hatches-doors.
Installation of a frame for a box made of PVC panels
Self-assembly of the frame from metal profiles, the process, in principle, is simple. Follow the steps outlined below:
- install on the walls adjacent to the corner of the profile of the guide type, which will determine the dimensions of the created box. The evenness of all installation manipulations must be controlled by a bubble or pipe building level;
Prompt! You can reliably attach the steel profile to the wall using dowels and confirmations (euro screws). When installation is carried out on a tile cladding, you need to use self-tapping screws (diameter 3.50, length 25.0 mm) for metal, which should be screwed into the tile joints!
- start forming the outer corner. To do this, you need to twist the corner post from the guides of the galvanized profiles. The shelves of these elements must necessarily be directed (right angle) in different directions and fastened with self-tapping “flea” screws with ends sharpened like a drill for metal;
- cut the cw profile into fragments corresponding in size to the length and width of the structure to be installed. Fix the corner stiffener to the wall, into which the end of the cut profiles should be inserted. Their other ends are inserted into the guide profiles installed earlier (at the 1st stage). As a result, both parts of the corner are connected using a profile;
Read also: Balancing valve for the heating system: device and types
- add jumpers for attaching PVC panels, which must be placed at 50.0 cm intervals;
- install the remaining corner profile in a similar manner to the opposite wall.
Sheathing of the frame with plastic panels
After completing the assembly of the skeleton, you can start to skin it. It is more convenient to mount the panels according to the following scheme:
- carefully, being careful not to deform, fix the starting profile on the previously installed ud-profile using self-tapping flea screws;
- measure and mark with a marker a fragment of the PVC panel of the required size. Cut it off with an assembly knife;
- pin one panel in the initial (start) profile. The other panel is to be fitted to the corner profile, which in turn is attached to the second plane of the box to be assembled. All fastenings are carried out by means of "flea beetles";
- the second side of the box is assembled in the same way. The starting steel profile must be fixed on the last PVC panel. Then you need to fix it;
Feature! If fastened with a sealant, then the structure in the future can be disassembled very quickly in case of force majeure!
- cut holes for access to the most important parts of the pipes closed by the box: butt joints, meters, wiring, taps, etc .;
- decorative hatches are inserted into the created openings and fixed with silicone sealant;
- the cladding is completed by installing decorative skirting boards at the butt joints of the panels with the ceiling, walls, floor and with each other.
Conclusion
Taking into account the above technology and important design nuances, you can easily independently build a box of PVC panels, which will perfectly mask all the pipes in the bathroom.
Such concealment of the communications passing in the bathroom makes the room aesthetically more attractive, improving its design. In addition, additional spaces are created for the systematic storage of the necessary formulations, detergents, brushes, rags, etc.
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A quality toilet renovation requires attention to every detail. Pipes, confusion of wiring, check valves, meters and filters, without which communications in a modern apartment are unthinkable, will not add beauty to freshly laid tiles or decorative panels... They just need to be hidden. The same desire may arise among the owners of toilets without fresh repair, in order to somehow improve this room. There are many options for masking pipes, and for each case you can choose the appropriate one.
Locker
The easiest and most proven method for decades is to hide pipes in a cabinet. This is the most suitable option for toilets in which renovation is not planned in the near future. The locker is convenient because there will always be free access to pipes, meters and filters for their maintenance and repair. In addition, there is a place for storing household chemicals and hygiene products. The cabinet is placed above the toilet, in the place of the greatest accumulation of pipes and the passage of the sewer riser. The space underneath it, right up to the floor, can be hidden behind a decorative screen.
The plumbing cabinet is easy to assemble with your own hands. First, its frame made of timber is attached to the walls on the corners and dowels. The sections of the timber are connected with self-tapping screws. The frame should have the shape of a parallelepiped, its edges should be strictly horizontal or vertical (checked by level), so that in the future there will be no problems with hanging doors or installing shelves. Vertical edges in 2-3 places are connected by horizontal pieces of a bar, possibly a smaller section. Shelves will be attached to them in the future. If the walls are curved, then it is necessary to use wedges and gaskets, which can later be decorated with panels in the color of the walls.
The hinges are attached to the external vertical hinges and the doors are hung. For them, you can use chipboard or laminated MDF boards, cut to size, with glued edges, or you can choose suitable doors for kitchen facades (they are sold separately in building supermarkets or Ikea-type stores). Shelves are mounted inside, recesses for pipes are cut out in them with a jigsaw.
For the screen, a frame in the form of a simple rectangle is attached in a similar way under the cabinet. This structure should be from floor to cabinet and fit snugly against the walls. They also make exactly the same frame and fix a sheet of plywood or chipboard with holes for pipes on it with screws or nails. The screen is connected to the frame with self-tapping screws in the upper part or with the help of metal plates and a screw connection, the second is easier to unscrew if you need to urgently remove the screen to access the pipes.
Roller shutters
The locker is undoubtedly convenient, but small toilet there may not even be room to open the doors. In such cases, the pipes can be covered with roller shutters. This is a modern and convenient option, albeit more expensive. Roller shutters can also be used in the overhaul of a toilet, by matching their color to the tiles or plastic panels and covering niches with a boiler and other equipment with them. An additional plus - they are lockable, which means that dangerous cleaning products will not be available to children.
It is impossible to make a hole in the roller shutters, therefore, a screen is mounted under them, as well as under the cabinet, but at a small height, exactly to the level at which the pipes go to the toilet. The roller shutters themselves are attached to the ceiling, and the shaft on which they will be wound must be horizontal, only this way they will not get stuck.
Stationary option
If the toilet has been renovated with the replacement of all pipes, then it makes sense to hide them behind a fixed box or drown them into the walls. To do this, you need to make sure that a number of requirements are met:
all connections are made with high quality and tight,
in case of an emergency, the communications must be accessible through the hatch,
a door or hatch is also installed in front of valves, meters and filters for their maintenance,
in areas to which access will be impossible, there should be a minimum of connections,
if fully assumed closed box or a false wall, it is necessary to take care of the thermal insulation of the pipes in advance so that condensation on them does not lead to mold.
Before tightly bricking up the pipes, it is better to observe them for a while (a week or two), whether everything is sealed, whether there is a leak.
In the most common case, when the pipes are located vertically in one of the corners or go all together along the floor, they can be closed with a non-removable box.
1. First, a frame is mounted from a bar or metal profile, the choice of material depends on what the box will be finished with in the future. All edges of the frame should be parallel to the floor or walls, unless a beveled or curved structure is provided.
2. At the stage of assembling the frame, places for hatches are provided and contours of the appropriate size are made for them. They should not be made smaller than 15 * 15 cm, since it is difficult to work through a small hole.
3. The frame is sheathed with plasterboard sheets on self-tapping screws or plastic panels if the walls in the toilet are finished with them. For the panels, you will have to install additional profiles, the same ones on which they are attached to the walls.
4. Tile or wallpaper is glued to the gypsum box, as well as to the rest of the walls in the toilet.
5. Openings for hatches are closed with plastic doors (sold standard sizes in plumbing stores).
If the box in the toilet is mounted from drywall, then a moisture-resistant material is used, since it is difficult to avoid condensation. Tiled, this design looks attractive and does not stand out from the rest of the walls. However, in the event of an accident, the plasterboard box will have to be completely dismantled and then made of new material, while the box made of plastic panels can be disassembled and reassembled.
Thinking over the masking of pipes in the toilet, you need to take into account not only the aesthetic side, but also the convenience of repair and operation. Better to have more removable parts and hatches than have to break the whole structure.
