Are you concerned about the presence of radon in your home? Radon gas can harm your health, so it’s important to take steps to reduce or eliminate it.
If you have a radon pipe in your basement, it can be an eyesore and a danger to your family’s health. Luckily there are many options to keep this pipe out of sight while also making sure that it functions properly and safely.
In this blog post, we will discuss different ways to hide a radon pipe in your basement, such as using strategically-placed furniture or decor items to camouflage them amongst other objects. We’ll also address important safety considerations for successfully hiding the pipes and some creative ideas that turn ugly pipes into decorative elements.
If you’re looking for ways how to hide radon pipe in basement, then read on!
What Will You Need?
Before you start hiding the radon pipe, it’s important to make sure that you have all the necessary materials. You’ll need something to cover the pipes, such as follows:
- Furniture
- Decorative elements
- Paint or wallpaper
- Plastic sheeting
- Caulk
- Tubing insulation
- Nylon cable ties
You’ll also need to ensure that you have some basic tools and supplies, such as a drill and screws for mounting furniture, a measuring tape, a leveler, and other items you may need for the specific project.
10 Easy Steps on How to Hide Radon Pipe in Basement
Step 1. Measure the Area:
Measure the area in which you need to hide the radon pipe so that you know how much space is available for your project. You can use a measuring tape or simply measure the area using other objects as a reference. It will be helpful to make a sketch of the area and note down all measurements.
Step 2. Select a Covering:
Once you know the measurements of the area, you can start selecting a coverage that best fits your need. You may choose to use furniture or decorative elements to hide the pipes, or you can opt for more heavy-duty items such as paint, wallpaper or plastic sheeting. Best to consider which option you find most attractive and convenient.
Step 3. Install the Covering:
Once you’ve selected the item you want to use as a covering, it’s time to install it. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions when doing so, and take extra caution when dealing with items such as plastic sheeting or caulk. Try to keep the covering in place without damaging the pipes or compromising their effectiveness.
Step 4. Secure the Covering:
Once your chosen covering is installed, make sure that it is firmly secured in place by taping or using other fastening methods. This will ensure that it does not move out of place and exposes the pipes again. Additionally, you should use tubing insulation and nylon cable ties to protect the pipes from temperature changes.
Step 5. Remove Exposed Pipes:
If there are still exposed pipes even after installing your chosen covering, try to remove them carefully and replace them with shorter ones if possible. This can help to reduce the visibility of the pipes even more. If this is not possible, then you can use a combination of the methods described above, such as placing furniture or decor items over the exposed pipes.
Step 6. Add Tubing Insulation:
Adding tubing insulation around the pipes can also help to improve the appearance and reduce their visibility. It can also help to provide better sound insulation if you have a noisy radon fan in your basement. You can find insulation at most home improvement stores.
Step 7. Use Nylon Cable Ties:
Nylon cable ties are another great way to secure and hide exposed pipes in your basement. They come in a variety of colors so you can choose one that best matches your decor while making sure that they remain securely fastened in place. If you need to adjust the size of the nylon cable ties, you can use scissors or pliers.
Step 8. Install Fixtures or Artwork:
Installing fixtures such as lamps or artwork on the wall can help to distract from exposed radon pipes. You can also use plants, bookshelves, or other decorative items to draw attention away from the pipes and make your basement look more attractive. This is a good option if you want to hide the pipes without using furniture or other items.
Step 9. Paint or Wallpaper:
Painting or wallpapering over exposed pipes is another way to hide them. Choose colors that match your decor so you don’t pay too much attention to the area. Make sure that you use high-quality paint or wallpaper for a long-lasting finish.
Step 10. Regular Maintenance:
Finally, be sure to perform regular maintenance on your hidden radon pipes to ensure that they function safely and properly. This includes checking for leaks, replacing broken pipes, and inspecting the area for any other signs of damage. Additionally, you should also replace insulation or cable ties as needed.
Following these steps should help you to easily hide your radon pipes in your basement so that they are no longer visible or a source of distraction. Just remember to be cautious when dealing with plastic sheeting and caulk, and ensure regular maintenance for optimal safety.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Paint the pipe to match the color of your walls. This will make it less noticeable and blend in with the decorations.
- Install a cover around the pipe to disguise it. This could be something like a piece of wood or decorative molding that covers up the pipe while adding to the overall look of your basement.
- Place furniture around the pipe to hide it from view. Sofas, bookcases, etc., can all provide visual barriers that help keep prying eyes away from your radon system’s piping.
- Use plants as part of a larger décor scheme for concealing the pipes aesthetically pleasingly. Potted plants, hanging vines, and even garden statues can help cover up the pipes while accentuating a room’s style.
- Place a rug over the pipe to disguise it from view. This is an effective and affordable way to conceal the pipe, with the added benefit of creating a cozy atmosphere in your basement.
These are just some of the ways that you can hide your radon pipe in the basement. With a little creativity and imagination, you can create a neat and organized space where your family can enjoy being together without worrying about radon exposure.
5 Things You Should Avoid
1. Don’t try to cut corners by simply painting over the pipe. This can cause the paint to chip and wear away, revealing the pipes underneath.
2. Don’t attempt to cover or hide the pipe with duct tape. Not only is this an eyesore, but it’s also ineffective at keeping radon out of your home.
3. Avoid using any type of adhesive product like glue, caulk, or sealant on your radon pipes, as they may not be able to withstand high temperatures or pressure changes in your basement.
4. Don’t forget about proper ventilation when hiding these pipes in the basement- make sure you maintain a ventilation system that keeps air circulating around the pipes to prevent any buildup of radon.
5. Finally, never attempt to hide or cover up a pipe without professional help- this could lead to dangerous situations like structural damage and even fire hazards. It’s best to hire an experienced contractor who can ensure that your radon system is properly hidden and secured in the basement.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to successfully hide the radon pipe in your basement for a safe and attractive environment that you and your family can enjoy for years to come.
What Material Blocks Radon?
There are several materials that can be used to effectively block radon from entering your home. These include:
- Sealing cracks and openings in the foundation or walls with caulking, concrete, or foam sealant
- Installing a gas-permeable membrane on top of the foundation floor
- Adding ventilation fans in areas where radon may enter the home
- Covering sump pump pits with a gas-tight lid
- Installing an active soil depressurization system (ASD) to draw radon away from home.
When using these materials, it’s important to make sure a professional contractor correctly installs them to ensure they properly block out radon and don’t allow any other gases to enter your home.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a few key points to consider when looking to hide a radon pipe in the basement: avoid cutting and drilling into walls or floors, use flexible and durable piping materials, insulated ducts for better sound attenuation and moisture control, secure tightly with cable ties and wall mounts.
Additionally, if you are worried about aesthetics, there are always creative ways to blend a radon pipe into the overall room design. Try adding removable wall panels or paintings over the pipe that matches your decor. Getting creative with box planters may be the perfect solution for a stylish look if all else fails.
With this knowledge about how to hide radon pipe in basement, you should now have all you need to easily conceal your radon pipe without sacrificing safety or style.