Ugly white pipes in front yard?

9 years ago

So, I have these ugly pipes in the front of my under-construction home. I think they are water or sewer vents? Either way, is there any way to minimize their appearance? Or can I ask my GC to trim them down, so they sit more flush with the ground (or do they have to stick up)? Maybe there is a landscape solution?

Thanks for your help, Houzzers!

Featured Answer

Kerry Blossom

9 years ago

there are big Baltic rock covers you can put on it... Google septic rock cover or pool equipment cover.. its better than looking at pipes.. you can also make a plAtform box and put planters on top.

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Comments (15)

simstress
9 years ago
Those are probably clean-outs. You can spray paint them, or buy the PVC covers in green or brown to blend with mulch and landscaping.
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PRO
PPF.
9 years ago
Find out what they are from your builder.
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flopsycat1
9 years ago
Don't know anything about those outcroppings, but the houses across the street are pretty cool.
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User
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Paint them to match the rock. Your shrubs will probably disguise the in no time.
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Tootsie
9 years ago
Make sure you CAN hide them. Cool neighborhood.
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simstress
9 years ago
Those houses do look cool! Is this eastside?
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ocotillaks
9 years ago
Those are cleanouts for the bathroom. You will appreciate them if you ever have sewer problems. When you go to sell your house or rent it out to tenants, make a note on their location for your property management company or buyers.
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PRO
K.O.H. Construction Corporation
9 years ago
There is no code as to the height the clean outs should be therefore they can be cut at surface level. Where are you located, I'm curious about the houses across the street.
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User
9 years ago
We have them too, we just painted them black - less noticeable.
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K Laurence
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I have similar irrigation valves, I just painted them & planted near them, they've disappeared from view.
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PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
9 years ago
Like KOH said, we typically cut the pipe so the top of the threaded part is flush with the ground. Cover over with mulch, done. Just make a note of where they are. It's pvc, no need to overcomplicate things.
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smitrovich
Original Author
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thank you everyone for the great advice!

K.O.H. Construction Corporation & Revolutionary Gardens - I think cutting them to surface level is the best option. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the pipes stick up above the surface of the front patio, so they are quite noticeable. And the house has a floor to ceiling window there, so they are visible from inside the house, too.

mocreidhl, Kerry Blossom, Homebody, K Laurence - If I'm unable to cut them to surface level, I will look into having them painted. Seems like a good second option.

simstress - Yes! East Austin.

Regarding the houses across the street, the entire neighborhood looks like this. It's fun to drive around and look at all the unique home designs. The neighborhood was created by 10-15 local Austin architects in the hills of East Austin. It was started ~10 years ago and built out over several phases. Here are some pics of the neighborhood (not mine)...
PRO
Revolutionary Gardens
9 years ago
when we visited Austin we fell in love with it. But we were also self-aware enough to realize we are SO not cool enough to live there :)

Your neighborhood is amazing, I hope you do a landscape design that is equally awesome!
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smitrovich
Original Author
9 years ago
Revolutionary Gardens - That's too funny! You will have to come back and visit again. :)

And thank you for the kind comments. I'm definitely planning on getting with a landscape designer to do something amazing.