chasing pipes into wall

[dumpkin]

Hello, I have some pipes currently boxed in that I would like to be chased in to the wall as I want to put shelves into the alcove they are currently in. Is this a big job? Any ideas of cost?

It isn't a difficult job, albeit a messy one. Keep in mind building regulations (and common sense) in order not to interfere with the integrity of the wall.

If memory serves, you should not make vertical chases deeper than one third of the wall thickness. Horizontal chases not deeper than one sixth.

@HappiestSleeping thank you that’s helpful

Is it a stud /lathe and plaster wall , or solid brick or breeze block?

If it’s solid it’s a bigger and messier job (very dusty) still doable but expect more cost and time.

The difficult bit I suspect will be finding someone who’s willing to do it all - you need a bit of plumbing work to take out the pipes and redo the angles on them, building work to do the chasing in, and then filling and redecorating (unless you do this bit). You kind of need a small building firm but they may not be that keen for just a small job like this- at least that’s been my experience.

My plumber did this for me when I had the central heating fitted. The pipes will need wrapping so that they don’t come into contact with mortar as otherwise they corrode and leak.
Make sure you note where all the pipe chases are so that you don’t drill into them at a later date.

@minipie solid wall, the making good bit will be done as part of a bigger project so hopefully can find someone.

@Helenahandkart thank you

Any idea of cost?

Sorry no idea on cost, only had this done as part of a much bigger project and it was a few years back