Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Regarding Cold Water Supply, Domestic Hot Water, Central Heating Supply and Central Heating Return.......

Is it acceptable to chase these pipes into a brick wall?

In the Bathroom, I have the Cold Water going up to the Boiler in the Loft and the Domestic Hot Water coming down from the Boiler to the bath. I would really like these to be chased into the wall. Infact, I have already done it!!

In the Dining Room, I have the Central Heating Supply and Return, which I would also like chased into the wall (which I have already done).

It was mentioned that the pipes may crack the plaster etc as they expand/contract/move? Is this true? Is there any other reason that they couldnt be buried in the wall?

CosRush

Christian,

You are indeed right that if you dont make provision for the expansion under heat then you will probably cause small cracks in the plaster.

Normally its best to hide them inside trunking chased into the wall, that way they have air around them to expand and contract, you then plaster over the top of the trunking in the wall...

Its what ive done several times now and never had any problems...

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Thanks Jared.

In both cases, the pipes run in wide chased out sections of the wall, probably about 8cm wide per pair of pipes. The pipes are held in pipe clips. Both of the walls that have pipes in them are going to be 'Dot & Dab' boarded with 12.5mm Plasterboard. I figured that if I dont actually fill the chase, then they will have room to expand/contract and the fact that they are boarded should prevent the risk of cracking.

Does this sound likely?

St3V3_C

I would want to put metal capping over it to stop some muppet drilling/nailing into it later.

CosRush

yes i'd agree with that...

The problem in my experience only comes when people fill the wall completely around the pipes, the expansion can then only push agains't that material, which on the surface is outwards showing cracks.

As long as there is is space for the expansion, it shouldn't be a problem...

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Well, the Heating pipes in the Dining Room will be behind a Radiator that is 1800mm Tall, which I will fit, so there is no chance that anyone will drill into those. The Bathroom ones are right in the corner, but I suppose there is a chance, so I may do something protective with those. Good point!

Christian and Beccy

iTrader: (14)

Almost literally.

Well, at least I get it done the way I want it!! Thats more important to me than the cost issue.

JoeE30

you should also protect the pipe with some tape, prefer duck tape as when you fill over the pipe with what ever method you chose it doesnt attack the pipe in anyway....I.e tile adhesive can be corrosive to copper pipe, so needs to be protected........