Submitted by MCap1028 t3_yew6os in DIY

Hello all. I want to renovate our small laundry room. But there’s this paneling on the back wall that is hugged by all these pipes. Any idea how I can remove the paneling without disrupting the pipes?

Thank you I’m advance!

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ok46reddit t1_iu08gwo wrote

Literally just cut it up in sections. I would use an oscillating tool.

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Kesshh t1_iu0a77n wrote

Looks like layer over layer. Are you planning on changing/redoing the cabinet and shelves? If so, I’d take those off first. Then check and see how far those vertical panels go across. They must be fake planks (large solid back) so it can be attached to the studs or real planks nailed/screwed to plywood or something. Also check the pegboard. Is it behind the panels? Or just butt up against it?

Also, you’ll have to unplug the electrical, unscrew the plate, and see. I bet the plate it’s screwed into the panel too.

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dr_leo_spaceman_ t1_iu0ak2e wrote

Not sure what you plan on putting back in its place, but it's gonna be hard without moving/disrupting the pipes.

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MCap1028 OP t1_iu0bhdh wrote

Nothing really. The paneling is flimsy and I can honestly remove with my hand. But I don’t want to damage/disrupt those pipes. There’s drywall there. Either painting or wallpaper

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jaxpaboo t1_iu0mzwd wrote

Those pipes are flexible and being held in with small screwed in clamps. Go ahead an temporary remove them to get to paneling.

Looks like cabinet was installed on top of paneling. I would temporarily remove the cabinets as well. I'm guessing they are screwed in as well as opposed to be 'liquid nailed' to the wall.

Alternatively, you can try to carefully score the paneling a few times with a utility knife flush with the sides of the paneling and see if you can snap the paneling apart with a clean line.

Geez... every time I look at the picture I see more... they installed the paneling before adding the drop ceiling as well. Maybe try the score with utility knife trick there as well.

BTW... if it was me, I would just paint over it.

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dasookwat t1_iu0vpki wrote

my approach to this would be: first remove everything that can be removed. You want space.

next up, most pipes have some movement room. The only ones you need to be carefull with, are the water lines.

Adding on to that: water pipes aren't as dangerous as you might think. You can always remove them, and reconnect later. worst what could happen is a wet floor. Just make sure, befor you start doing that, you need to add some endcaps on the open ends or you will have no running water untill you're done.

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calcul8r t1_iu0w3r3 wrote

Those panels are attached with finishing nails (see second photo). If you pry the panel away from the stud you may be able to get ahold of the nail head and pull them out. Then just slide the panel to the right or left until it’s no longer trapped behind pipes.

Note that you’ll still have to remove anything attached to the paneling, and if you can’t move the whole panel right or left you may need to cut it up. An oscillating cutter or even a dremel tool would be good to have.

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