Ever run into issues with exposed pipes getting knocked around or banged up, especially in tight bathrooms? I get the appeal for access, but I always wonder about long-term durability or if it’s just me being overly cautious. Also, anyone ever regret going wall-mount with older plumbing—like, did you have to reinforce the wall more than expected?
Ever run into issues with exposed pipes getting knocked around or banged up, especially in tight bathrooms?
Oh man, you’re not alone worrying about those pipes. I had a tenant once who managed to dent the chrome trap under a pedestal with a mop handle—don’t ask me how. Tight spaces seem to attract chaos. As for wall-mounts, learned the hard way that old plaster walls aren’t always up for the job... ended up adding blocking after the first one started to sag. Worth double-checking what’s behind your wall before you commit.
Pedestal sinks look great, but yeah, exposed pipes in a tiny bathroom are just asking for trouble. I wrapped mine with some leftover insulation—helps with noise and keeps them from getting too cold. Not fancy, but it works.
Pedestal sinks look great, but yeah, exposed pipes in a tiny bathroom are just asking for trouble. I wrapped mine with some leftover insulation—helps with noise and keeps them from getting too cold.
I did something similar with pipe insulation, but I used those foam covers you can pick up at the hardware store. Not the prettiest, but it definitely helped with the winter chills. Ever tried painting the pipes to match the wall? I’ve seen folks do that and it kind of blends everything in, but I’m not sure how well it holds up over time.
Painting the pipes can work, but you gotta prep them right. If you just slap paint on without cleaning and priming, it’ll chip or peel pretty quick, especially with the temp changes in a bathroom. I’ve seen some folks use a spray primer made for metal, then a coat of paint that matches the wall. It does blend in better than the shiny chrome or copper look, but over time, you might see some nicks or scratches if you’re bumping into them.
Honestly, I’ve done both—insulation and painting—and insulation’s way more practical if you’re dealing with cold pipes or condensation. Looks-wise, painting wins, but only if you don’t mind touching it up every couple years. If you’re worried about looks and function, there are also decorative covers out there, but they can get pricey for what they are.
Pedestal sinks look sharp, but you do trade off some storage and easy pipe access for repairs. Just something to keep in mind before making the switch.
