A timber frame home shows its structure, and the plumbing has to hide within it. The open beams and the insulated wall cavities are where the pipes run, and the plan is worked out before the walls close.
The structure
The exposed timber frame is the design, so the plumbing is routed through the wall cavities and the floors rather than against the beams.
The planning
The fixture locations are set with the frame, because cutting into a timber beam is structural, not cosmetic. freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes In Chicago, a pro coordinates with the builder.
The runs
The supply and drain lines follow the interior walls, and the long, open spaces can mean longer hot water runs.
The insulation
The pipe insulation and the air sealing go in with the walls, protecting the lines before the finish.
The access
Access panels are planned where the valves and connections live, so future repairs do not require cutting the finish.
The call
Route the plumbing through the frame cleanly. Call 888-217-3585 and Chicago Home Plumbing Co will match you with a Chicago pro.
Plumbing in Chicago: what to know
In Chicago, freezing winters put stress on exposed lines, and many older homes still have aging galvanized pipes. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Cook County — from Cicero, Stickney and Berwyn to ZIP codes like 60608, 60623, 60609 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Chicago?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Chicago Home Plumbing Co will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Chicago.