Maya Ellison
Plastic pipes are incredibly versatile and can be used for a variety of DIY projects. They are sturdy, affordable, and easy to work with, making them perfect for household projects. Whether you have leftover PVC pipes from a plumbing project or are looking for creative ways to reuse old pipes, there are numerous ways to put them to good use. From practical solutions to decorative pieces, plastic pipes can be transformed into something useful and unique.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Uses | Preventing water damage to homes, DIY irrigation systems, trellis for climbing plants, storage for tools and toys, cord organizers, chicken feeder, drawer organizer, shoe rack, lamp, fold-down greenhouse, wall hooks, curtain rods, holiday wreaths, garage organizer, sprinkler water toy, tape dispenser, modern centerpiece, furniture decoration |
| Joining Pipes | Use PVC primer and cement, or glue |
| Safety | Solvent vapors are dangerous to health; ensure good ventilation or wear an approved organic vapor respirator |
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What You'll Learn
Create a fold-down greenhouse to protect plants from frost
Plastic pipes can be used to create a fold-down greenhouse to protect plants from frost. This simple, inexpensive project can be completed in a single afternoon and will help you nurture your plants in a controlled environment.
First, pick a flat, well-drained area along a wall of your home, garage, or outbuilding that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Ensure that no wiring or pipes run within one foot of the wall and that you have clearance of about eight feet away from the wall for the greenhouse assembly.
Using a rubber mallet or small sledgehammer, drive two five-foot sections of conduit pipe at least 12 inches into the ground adjacent to the wall, leaving about eight feet between them. Place them as close to the wall as possible. If you have trouble driving the pipe into the ground, you can use a 3/4- or 1-inch soil auger to create a hole. Cut each PVC pipe part as needed using a hacksaw, jigsaw, or miter saw. Double-check your measurements at each step, or consider having the pipes pre-cut at your local home improvement store.
To create the back frame stiles, insert a 72-inch length of PVC pipe over each piece of conduit. Hold the plastic sheeting in place against the back frame rail and stiles using spring clamps. Drive #8 x 3/4-inch lath screws through the plastic and into the pipe, working from the center of the rail outward and adding a screw every few inches. For added stability, attach 1-1/4-inch galvanized pipe straps over the back frame stiles and/or the back frame rail, screwing them into the wall.
At the bottom frame stile, begin pulling the plastic underneath and inside the entire bottom frame, working from back to front. Do not attach the plastic to the bottom frame yet. To hold the frame in place when it's down, weight the bottom edges with bricks or paver pieces. Attach one spring link to the end of each length of chain, and connect the ends of the chain using the spring link. Position one chain near each end of the assembly and one in the center.
When arranging your plants inside the greenhouse, ensure they do not touch the sides or top of the lowered structure. Plastic will conduct cold to anything it's directly touching.
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Make a shoe organiser for your hallway
Plastic pipes, such as PVC pipes, can be used to create a variety of household items, including a shoe organiser for your hallway. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make one:
Firstly, gather your materials. For this project, you will need PVC pipes, a PVC pipe cutter or a handsaw, sandpaper or a pocket knife, PVC primer, and solvent cement. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area or wear an approved organic vapour respirator when using the primer and cement, as the solvent vapours can be dangerous to your health.
Next, you will need to decide on the design of your shoe organiser. You can cut the PVC pipes to the desired length and either stack them horizontally or vertically, depending on your preference and available space. If you choose to stack them horizontally, you can create a rectangular frame and attach the pipes together with PVC pipe connectors. If you go for a vertical design, you can cut the pipes to the height of your hallway wall and attach them to the wall directly.
Once you have cut the pipes to size, use sandpaper or a pocket knife to smooth out any rough edges. This step will ensure that your shoe organiser has a neat finish and is safe to use.
After that, it is time to assemble your organiser. Dry-fit the pipes and connectors, using a torpedo level to ensure everything is aligned. Mark the fittings and pipes with a pencil, so you know where to apply the cement. Before gluing the pieces together, wipe the inside of the fittings and the outside of the pipes with PVC primer. Then, spread the solvent cement onto both the pipe and the fitting, and press them together. You will only have a few seconds to get the alignment right before the cement sets, so work quickly and carefully.
Finally, you can customise your shoe organiser by painting it to match your hallway decor. You can also add extra features, such as a shelf on top to display plants or other decorations.
And there you have it! A creative way to reuse plastic pipes and add extra storage to your hallway.
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Prevent water damage by channelling water away from your home's foundation
Firstly, you can install a gutter system with downspouts to direct water away from your home's foundation. Gutters catch water from the roof and route it towards the downspouts, which carry the water away from the house. It is important to ensure that the downspouts are drained appropriately to prevent water from pooling next to the foundation. You can attach a perforated PVC tube to the end of the downspout, lay it in a shallow trench, and cover it with gravel to create an effective drainage system.
Another option is to install a French drain, an underground gutter system that collects water from the soil near the foundation and redirects it to a safe disposal area. French drains are often used when gutters would ruin the aesthetic of the building. However, it is important to note that French drains should not be placed right next to the house, as they can cause more problems than they solve. French drains can be directed towards a storm water pipe or an above-ground portion of the property, but the slope of the pipe must be sufficient.
Additionally, creating a swale on your property can help redirect water away from the foundation. A swale is a depression in the landscaping where water can collect and is designed to slope downhill towards a safe release area, such as a dry well, arid forest, or pond. It is important to size the swale appropriately to handle the expected runoff on your property.
You can also consider using rain barrels or collection systems to capture and treat rainwater, preventing it from reaching the foundation. This treated rainwater can then be reused for domestic purposes or watering plants during dry periods.
Finally, when paving walkways, patios, or driveways, use permeable materials with small gaps to allow water to seep through the surface and slowly trickle into the soil, reducing runoff and the risk of water damage to your home's foundation.
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Create a garage organiser for all your garden tools
Plastic pipes, especially PVC pipes, can be used for a variety of DIY projects to create a garage organiser for your garden tools. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Wall-mounted PVC pipe organiser
This idea is perfect for storing long-handled garden tools such as rakes and shovels. First, cut the PVC pipes to the desired length, considering the types of tools you'll be storing. Smooth the edges of the pipes using sandpaper for a finished look. Next, attach the PVC pipes to a wood backing, creating sleeves for your tools. Finally, screw the entire unit onto your garage wall. This method keeps your tools organised, upright, visible, and out of the way.
Overhead PVC pipe storage rack
If you're short on wall space, consider utilising your ceiling space. Attach wood slats to a long PVC pipe, one slat at each end, and mount the slats to the ceiling. This is ideal for storing items you don't frequently use, such as seasonal gear like rakes, snow shovels, or even fishing rods.
PVC pipe screwdriver holder
If you have a length of leftover PVC piping, you can create a functional holder for your screwdrivers. Drill a few holes down the length of the pipe until it resembles a flute. This DIY project will keep your screwdrivers organised and easily accessible.
PVC pipe cord and cable organiser
Cut a piece of PVC pipe to the desired length and thread cords or cables through it. Secure the pipe behind furniture or along baseboards to prevent tangling and reduce tripping hazards.
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In addition to using plastic pipes, there are other budget-friendly ways to organise your garden tools. Consider using plastic bins and containers to store and protect smaller tools and accessories. Label each container for easy identification, and stack or store them under a workbench to save space. Old golf bags, especially those on carts, are also perfect for storing and transporting garden tools.
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Make a soccer goal
Plastic pipes, such as PVC pipes, can be used for a variety of DIY projects. One fun and creative use for plastic pipes is to make a soccer goal. This project is perfect for soccer enthusiasts of all ages and can provide hours of entertainment in the backyard or local park. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a soccer goal using plastic pipes:
Materials and Tools:
Firstly, gather the necessary materials and tools. For each goal, you will need:
- Plastic pipes (PVC pipes are a common choice) with a diameter of 1 1/2" or 2". You can also use smaller diameters like 1 1/4" for lighter weight goals.
- PVC connectors (T-style or L-style)
- PVC cement or glue
- Drill with a bit larger than the wire
- Handsaw or hacksaw
- Pliers and/or wire cutters
- White duct tape or galvanized wire
- Nylon cord or a ready-made net
- Sand (optional)
Planning and Cutting:
Decide on the size and design of your soccer goal. A common size is 6' x 4', but you can adjust the dimensions to your preference or available space. Cut the plastic pipes to the correct sizes using a handsaw or hacksaw. Make sure to cut the pipes straight so that they fit nicely into the connectors. You may also need to drill holes to reinforce the structure.
Assembly:
Start assembling the goal by dry-fitting the pieces together without glue to ensure everything aligns properly. Once you're satisfied with the fit, disassemble the joints and apply PVC cement or glue to both the connectors and the pipes. Reassemble the goal, making sure to press the pipes firmly into the connectors. Allow the glue to set and cure for a while.
Reinforcement and Net Attachment:
To reinforce the joints and prevent the goal from moving around, wrap duct tape around the joints. For added strength, you can use galvanized wire underneath the duct tape. If you want to weight the goal, pour sand into the vertical pipes before cementing the last horizontal pipe. Finally, attach the net to the goal using nylon cord, bungee cords, velcro attachments, or duct tape.
Final Touches:
Once the glue has dried completely, your soccer goal is ready for action! You can add some extra style or visibility by attaching flags, t-shirts, or any visible markers to the top of the goalposts. Now you can enjoy countless hours of soccer fun with your very own handmade goal!
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to repurpose plastic pipes for creative DIY projects. Here are some ideas:
- Storing tools, children's toys, or hardware like nails and screws
- Organizing cords and cables
- Making a fold-down greenhouse
- Creating a shoe organizer
- Building a chicken feeder
Plastic pipes can be used for a variety of garden projects, such as:
- Creating a DIY irrigation system for potted plants
- Building a trellis for climbing plants
- Preventing water damage to your home's foundation by channelling water away
- Making a garage organizer for garden tools
- Building a parking structure for kids' vehicles
Plastic pipes can be used for various indoor projects, including:
- Making a unique lamp
- Creating extra seating for kids
- Building a drawer organizer
- Making a holiday wreath
- Decorating old furniture
The three common types of plastic plumbing pipes are PVC, CPVC, and ABS.
Gluing plastic pipes together requires the use of a solvent formulated for the specific type of pipe. Here are the general steps:
- Dry-fit the pipe and connectors, marking the alignment beforehand.
- Spread solvent cement on both the pipe and fitting, then press them together.
- Use PVC primer on the inside of the fitting and the outside of the pipe.
- Tighten the bands and seal the joint with a nut driver.
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