Putting plumbing in an exterior wall may be tempting for design purposes, but it comes with a significant drawback – an increased risk of pipe freezes or explosions. As a result, savvy designers will typically avoid this practice altogether, opting instead for other solutions that are safer and more practical.
Here are a few reasons why designers tend to avoid putting plumbing in exterior walls:
Exposure to cold temperatures: Exterior walls are far more exposed to outdoor temperatures than interior walls, which means that pipes running through them are more likely to freeze during cold weather. This can lead to a burst pipe, water damage, and costly repairs.
Making repairs can be difficult and expensive: If a pipe does burst in an exterior wall, repairing it can be a complicated, expensive affair. Cutting into exterior walls to fix pipes can be trickier than fixing pipes inside a home, and this can lead to increased labor costs.
Building codes might prohibit it: Depending on where you live, building codes may prohibit running plumbing inside exterior walls. This is because of the high risk of pipes freezing during cold weather, which can lead to costly water damage and other structural issues.
Alternative solutions exist: Instead of placing plumbing in an exterior wall, there are plenty of other solutions available. For example, running pipes through interior walls, cabinets, or crawl spaces can be a safer and more practical option.
While no solution is perfect, there are plenty of reasons why experienced designers often avoid putting plumbing in exterior walls. By keeping these considerations in mind, you can make smart decisions for your home or business that will protect your pipes and keep your living space comfortable all year round.
