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How to cover solar hot water pipes?

Jcroberts001

Hi all,

How do I cover these pipes? The black insulation keeps falling off and it looks terrible.

Anyone have a DIY option?

I’m going to cut the lattice down smaller and put a lid on the cover to ‘hide’ the hot water heater. However it’s the piping that’s the next eyesore :)

looking forward to some tips.

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JacobZ

Hi @Jcroberts001,

The only way I can think to do it is to box them out with framing timber, then attach a fibre cement sheeting, then paint it. In saying this, I can't think of a way to do this that wouldn't have a negative impact on the fascia and gutters, and it would also likely end up filling with water.

It's a tough one because yes, aesthetically it could be better, but functionally there isn't a great way to cover it up.

Have you thought about perhaps contacting a plumber to see if they can route the pipes differently? Perhaps through the roof cavity?

If it went through the roof cavity, you wouldn't have that big visible bend that you have right now and you could box it out against the wall of the house with relative ease.

I'll tag @Dave-1, @TedBear and @Nailbag to see if they have any ideas.

Jacob

Jcroberts001

I was thinking white PVC pipe over the black insulation to make it less of an eyesore.

JacobZ

Hi @Jcroberts001,

I can't find anything that specifically says you couldn't do this, but I would also be inclined to recommend you check with a plumber before doing so to ensure you are not contravening any plumbing regulations.

If it is possible, then I imagine you could use https://www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-adjustable-stand-off-saddle-clips-2-pack_p4920140 with pipe saddle clips of an appropriate size for your pipe, to hold it in place.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

Dave-1

Good afternoon @Jcroberts001

I think white PVC over the pipe would be hard to install without first disconecting the pipes :/

You could use a white gutter section and cut out the rear of it so it covers Icon Plastics 100 x 50mm x 3m Surf Mist PVC Downpipe

use these guys Fielders 150 x 40 x 210mm Metal Gutterguard Support - 10 Pack

to span over the two pipes and then clip the steel mess or whatever to them. GumLeaf DIY 5m Aluminium Gutter Guard Pack

So the surface will be covere dbut the edges wont. It would hide the pipes well and not enclose them. I would use long screws to attach the domes to the house.

Dave

Jcroberts001

how do these work? How would I attach them to the house?

Assuming the mesh then clips to these and runs vertical down the pipe. So it looks like a mesh covering.

Jcroberts001

Could I use white guttering for the vertical parts and then white mesh for the corner bend?

If so, how would I attach the gutter to the house?

Thanks for your help.

JacobZ

Hi @Jcroberts001,

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 so he is notified of your questions.

Jacob

TedBear

Hi @Jcroberts001

I'm sure Dave will get back to you, but I think his idea will be the easiest way to cover the pipes. You can get corner pieces for the downpipe, which you'll also need to cut a slot in the back of to get the pipes in and also brackets that will allow you to attach the covers (modified downpipe) to the fascia and eaves.

There are 1800 lengths available that are more likely to be found in stock.

https://www.bunnings.com.au/kinetic-100-x-50mm-nylon-coated-downpipe-saddle-clips_p4920158

Noyade

@Jcroberts001

My only experience with solar hot water dates back to 1970.

The tank was mounted in the roof over load bearing walls. Do they still do this? Is it worth talking to a solar water specialist? To me you're trying to hide an elephant with lattice. Not gonna work.

Dave-1

Good Evening @Jcroberts001

With either the whitedownpipe (without saddles) or the standoffs I would use extra long screws. Something along the lines of Zenith 10 - 8 x 75mm Galvanised Countersunk Rib Head Timber Screws - 50 Pack. If its the downpipe then you could go for the saddles that @TedBear has suggested.

The standoffs I would place over the pipes and then using those screws and making sure you dont hit the pipes, screw down through the top of the U to fasten it to the wall, I would suggest two screws. Then with the tabs flattened you could mount the tray over the top and use short self tapping metal screws to attach. Buildex 4G x 6mm Zinc Plated Self Tapping Sheet Metal Screws - 50 Pack. I would suggest a tint pilot hole be drilled first to make it easier.

Dave

Nailbag

Hi @Jcroberts001

Looks like you have new guttering and facia wrapping in that area. I would get in contact with the plumber and get them to make up a custom colourbond box. Something as low profile as possible. Most likely out of 3 - 4 sections. The top and vertical section to match the existing flashing which looks like Monument. Then the under eve section in Dova White.

Nailbag