The Pros and Cons of Exposed Pipework

From traditional country style washrooms in a friendly gastropub to the achingly cool toilets in a trendy bar, exposed pipework is a feature many interior designers are embracing. However, while this method of practical decoration can look very cool, it also poses some downsides.

Here, we share some inside advice on exposed pipework, helping you to weigh up those pros and cons.

Playing into a theme

Exposed pipework is as important to industrial design as exposed brickwork, galvanised electrical conduit and surface mounted light switches. If you’re working to a theme, putting those pipes on display can help accentuate the look of a space. Sometimes it can even be used to create additional features by redirecting the pipes in an unusual way.

Using copper

Copper is king when it comes to industrial or country style design, but bear in mind that those clean bronze pipes will eventually begin to turn green through oxidisation. You’ll also want to make sure the soldering on joints and elbows is neat, while also ensuring pipe-runs are level and straight.

The risk of damage

One of the major risks of exposed pipework is damage. Concealing them within ducting protects them against vandalism, but also from accidental knocks and scrapes. This needs to be assessed on a case by case basis, as your clientele and location will be strong factors in whether exposed pipework is right for you. A busy pub might not be the right environment, but a quiet restaurant or café might be.

The cleaning conundrum

When pipework is hidden behind a duct set, you reduce the overall exposed surface area in your washroom as well as any tricky or hard to reach areas. This makes for a much easier to clean washroom that can deliver a huge saving on time over the course of a year. If opting for exposed pipework, be sure to make sure there is enough clearance between the pipes and wall surfaces so that you can clean them effectively.

Easy access for maintenance

While exposed pipework can make for easy maintenance, don’t make this a deciding factor over having them concealed. Today's duct systems provide you with swift, easy access through removable panels. However, where space is too limited for ducting voids, keeping pipes surface mounted can be a sensible option and provide you with a Victorian or urban industrial feel, playing into effective interior design.

If you’d like further advice on exposed pipework and surface mounted fittings, or would like to learn more about our design and specification service, our team are at the end of the telephone for all your queries and questions and have a wealth of knowledge they’re happy to share with you.

Please feel free to get in touch with one of the team today on 01202 650900.