Internal pipe boxing in Exeter
Professional internal pipe boxing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-£110
Typical Duration
1.5-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Exposed pipes boxed in with neat timber casing. Primed ready for painting and built with access panels for future maintenance.
Make Ugly Pipework Disappear
You've got pipes running up the wall in full view. Maybe from a bathroom renovation, boiler upgrade, or just because someone ran pipes on the surface instead of through the wall.
Pipe boxing hides them completely while keeping access for when a plumber needs to get at them.
💡 Pro tip: Boxing in pipework before decorating saves hours of fiddly cutting and painting around pipes.
Why Build It Properly?
Here's the difference between a bodge and a proper job:
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Square, level, neat corners | Wonky, gaps visible |
| Access panels for maintenance | Sealed shut, plumber has to rip it out |
| Firmly fixed, doesn't rattle | Loose panels vibrating when pipes used |
| Looks deliberate and finished | Obviously covering something up |
What You Get
🔧 Professional Build
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Measure | Work out boxing size to cover pipes with clearance |
| Frame | Timber battens fixed to walls as framework |
| Panel | MDF/plywood fitted to create neat box |
| Access | Removable panel or hatch for future work |
| Finish | Primed and ready for final painting |
📦 You're Left With
- Pipes completely hidden from view
- Professional, square finish
- Access for future maintenance
- Ready to paint to match your room
Pricing Guide
| Amount of Pipework | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Single vertical run | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Multiple pipes or longer run | 2 hrs | £110 |
| Complex routing or corners | 2+ hrs | £110+ |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Materials (timber, MDF, screws) are extra - usually £20-40 depending on size.
Perfect For Your Home If...
✅ Recent plumbing work - new pipes left exposed
✅ Bathroom upgrade - hide waste pipes and supply runs
✅ Boiler relocation - conceal new pipework routes
✅ Getting house ready to sell - neater finish adds value
Why Choose Us for Internal pipe boxing in Exeter?
Exposed pipes hidden neatly
Built with easy access for maintenance
Primed ready for painting
Looks like it's always been there
What to Expect
Step 1: Measure & Plan
I'll measure your pipes, work out the best boxing size (not too bulky, but with clearance so pipes don't rattle), and plan where access panels need to go.
Step 2: Build Framework
Fix timber battens to your walls to create the frame. This gives something solid to attach panels to.
Step 3: Fit Panels
Cut and fit MDF or plywood panels to the frame. Include access hatches where needed for valves, joints, or future maintenance.
Step 4: Finish & Prime
Fill any gaps, sand smooth, and prime everything ready for painting. You can then paint it to match your walls.
🔧 DIY Tips
If you're handy with timber and want to box in pipes yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- Tape measure and pencil
- Saw (hand saw or jigsaw for cutting panels)
- Drill/driver
- Spirit level
- Screws and wall plugs
- Wood filler and sandpaper
- Primer paint
📐 Getting the measurements right
- Measure pipe diameter and add 25-30mm clearance (pipes expand when hot)
- Mark batten positions on walls with spirit level
- Cut panels slightly oversize, then trim to exact fit
- Remember to plan access panels before fixing everything
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Boxing too tight - pipes rattle or expand and crack the boxing
- No access panels - plumber has to destroy it to fix a leak
- Not priming MDF - it sucks up paint and looks patchy
- Forgetting about pipe clips - they can rattle if loose
💡 Pro trick: Screw (don't glue) one side panel or use magnetic catches on access panels. Makes it dead easy to remove if needed but still looks seamless when closed.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Getting your bathroom done? Perfect time to box in any exposed pipes as part of the overall job.
Building regs? Access must be maintained to certain fittings like isolating valves, stopcocks, and drain connections. I build this in from the start.
Noise? If your pipes bang or rattle, boxing them in won't fix that - the pipes need securing properly first. I can advise if that's an issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would I want to box in pipes?
Mainly looks - exposed pipes running up walls or across ceilings look messy. Boxing them in gives a much cleaner finish. Also protects pipes from accidental knocks and makes decorating easier because you're not cutting around pipework.
Can you still access the pipes after boxing them in?
Yes - that's the key to doing it properly. I build access panels or removable sections so if a plumber ever needs to get at the pipes (for repairs, maintenance, whatever), they can without ripping everything apart. Building regs require this anyway for certain pipes.
What do you make the boxing from?
Usually timber batten framework with MDF or plywood panels. It's solid, takes paint well, and easy to work with in tight spaces. Sometimes I use moisture-resistant MDF if it's in a bathroom where condensation's an issue.
Will it be painted when you're done?
I'll prime it so it's ready for painting, but final paint is usually down to you or your decorator. That way you can match it exactly to your walls. The primer seals the MDF and gives a good base coat.
How long does pipe boxing take?
Depends how much pipework you've got. Single vertical pipe run: about 1.5 hours. Multiple pipes or longer runs: 2 hours or more. I'll measure up and give you a proper estimate.
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