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Installing plumbing systems can be one of the most tedious tasks in the construction process. It also involves making a critical decision – to choose between concealed vs. exposed plumbing.
Most people tend to opt for concealed plumbing. However, this may not always be the suitable option for everyone. Even though they may present a seamless front, there are some solid reasons why exposed plumbing systems can be more appropriate for your property.
Graana.com, Pakistan’s smartest property portal, explains the situational elements that play a critical role in the choice of concealed vs. exposed plumbing.
Plumbing systems that are installed during construction and hidden from view behind walls are considered concealed. Accessing them is only possible by deconstructing the wall or area where the concealed plumbing system is installed.
Exposed plumbing systems are usually installed after the basic construction is complete. The pipes and connections are visible, making it very easy to repair and replace in case it is needed.
Exposed plumbing is typically preferred for industrial construction projects.
Deciding on the type of plumbing you want to go for might be confusing. To overcome this, the following are some key considerations that explain the benefits and differences of both systems.
An overview of each of these factors will add a lot to your understanding of concealed vs. exposed plumbing.
Aesthetic appeal for both types of plumbing is equally important, given they make up the interior as well as exterior of a house.
In the case of exposed plumbing, the organisation and set-up of your pipes looks neat and, hence, aesthetically pleasing. However, this is a very intricate detail that not everyone considers while setting up exposed plumbing systems.
For concealed plumbing, since there are no visible pipes, they fit into a modern decor setting seamlessly.
It is important to note that exposed plumbing fixtures, if not done properly, can result in a complete disaster in terms of the design of your home/building.
Being required to clean walls once or twice a month with exposed plumbing may come as an inconvenience to most people. This is because the pipes block the wall behind them, making it very difficult to clean.
Hence, you would need special brushes that go in and around those pipes to give them a thorough cleaning.
Contrary to this, concealed plumbing systems are installed inside the walls, so they can easily be wiped and cleaned.
The installation of concealed plumbing systems come with an added safety feature. This minimises the risk of damage that may have been induced as a result of external factors.
On the other hand, exposed pipes are more susceptible to damage caused by weather, water, dust, and even wear and tear over time.
It will not be surprising to say that, given the easy accessibility of the pipes, exposed plumbing comes out at the top. This is especially useful in case of any damage or repair. You can even DIY or take the help of a professional plumber without causing damage to the walls.
In case there is a problem in concealed plumbing, you will require the assistance of a professional who will first break apart your wall and then fix your plumbing system.
Because of this reason, it is not a preferred system in big industrial projects.
Where exposed pipes make the process of repairing easier, they also make the detection of problems in the plumbing system much easier.
This is especially useful in case you come home to find water leakage and have to find the cause behind it.
In concealed plumbing systems, this can be a serious issue since you cannot figure out the problem as easily. Exposed plumbing systems prove themselves to be much more useful than concealed pipes because they offer easy detection and maintenance of the plumbing system.
Given the above-mentioned factors of both plumbing systems, it should be noted that repair cost is a major factor in choosing the right kind of pipes.
This is because, after initial installation, if the cost of frequent repairs is too high, it can be costly in the long run. For this, exposed plumbing is a more effective option due to the reduced repair cost, since detection and repair are very easy.
For concealed pipes, there comes the added cost of breaking down the wall and then rebuilding it, as well as repairing the pipes. Hence, it can be very heavy on the budget.
Besides this, there might also be the added expense of painting the wall or getting new tiles, which is a major expense given that you just needed to repair the plumbing system.
Considering all the above-mentioned factors, it is also important to analyse which area you should opt for which plumbing system.
Exposed plumbing is ideal for bathrooms and kitchens because these spaces utilise the most amount of water in the house. Hence, plumbing systems in these areas need more repair and maintenance.
For other areas, you should opt for concealed plumbing as they are important for the aesthetic appeal of your house.
Another thing to keep in mind while choosing a system is to opt for exposed plumbing in areas with greater water exposure, and concealed pipes for areas with less water exposure.
It is important to remember that, for each area in your house and for every construction project, the suitability of the plumbing system will be different.
For more information on construction tips, visit Graana.com.
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