How to Hide Ugly Plumbing Fixtures

Plumbing is a necessary part of any home, and its not always the most appealing. Awkward pipes, drains or tanks can really detract from your living space. A few handy DIY tips can help you deal with ugly plumbing fixtures without having to do major construction.

Of course, when you have plumbing problems, you should probably call a professional (learn more about this here), but cosmetic touches are easy to tackle on your own. Even with plumbing fixtures, you can show off some creativity.

Pipes Under the Sink

This is probably the most common fixture problem, usually in the bathroom where a pedestal sink has been used. The pipes are clearly visible under/behind the sink when there is no cabinet to cover them up.

A skirt around the sink is the best way to create a cover for the ugly pipes, though it can be a challenge to attach to the sink. Hot glue can be very good for this, or you can use a combination of hot glue and Velcro strips if you want the material to be removable.

If you’re handy, you can even create a unique cover with a tall basket (perhaps a laundry hamper) that fits under the sink. Cut out part of the back and slide it under the sink. The pipes fit into the basket through the hole, and it creates an attractive “pedestal” to your sink.

Pipes Along a Wall or Ceiling

Sometimes plumbing runs from one room to the next, and the pipes aren’t tucked neatly away inside the wall. There isn’t too much you can do with this, but painting the pipes the same color as the wall can give them some good camouflage. You may have some luck covering the pipes with large pieces of molding, depending on their position.

The Hot Water Tank

In most homes, the hot water tank is tucked away in a utility room or a basement corner and not that big of a problem. But if it is out in the open, particularly in a basement you would like to use as living space, it is an eye-sore that’s very hard to hide.

Free-standing screens can do a fabulous job of blocking a water heater from view, and you could also hang a curtain from a few hooks in the ceiling. Even just placing a large bookcase in a strategic spot can at least block the heater from the main sitting area’s viewpoint.