Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In most renovations, routing a clear path for the drain lines is a challenge. The master bath of the Saratoga house presents some additional obstacles in form of steel I-beams. Most of the house has enough partition walls to accommodate plumbing runs, but there are no walls beneath the master bath. And the steel prevents any easy runs to the exterior walls. Richard Trethewey and our plumber, Joel Schaperjahn explore other options—namely a coffered ceiling that will hide the pipes.
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Where to find it?
Plumbing contractor: Gateway Mechanical [linkedin.com/in/joel-schaperjahn-687a9a3b/#experience]
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
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About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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Using a Coffered Ceiling to Hide Plumbing | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
In most renovations, routing a clear path for the drain lines is a challenge. The master bath of the Saratoga house presents some additional obstacles in form of steel I-beams. Most of the house has enough partition walls to accommodate plumbing runs, but there are no walls beneath the master bath. And the steel prevents any easy runs to the exterior walls. Richard Trethewey and our plumber, Joel Schaperjahn explore other options—namely a coffered ceiling that will hide the pipes.
SUBSCRIBE to This Old House: bit.ly/SubscribeThisOldHouse.
Where to find it?
Plumbing contractor: Gateway Mechanical [linkedin.com/in/joel-schaperjahn-687a9a3b/#experience]
Looking for more step by step guidance on how to complete projects around the house? Join This Old House Insider to stream over 1,000 episodes commercial-free: bit.ly/2GPiYbH
Want weekly tips, project guides, and behind-the-scenes content from the TOH crew?
Sign up for our free newsletter here: thisoldhouse.com/pages/newsletters
Plus, download our FREE app for full-episode streaming to your connected TV, phone or tablet: thisoldhouse.com/pages/streaming-app
About This Old House TV: This Old House is America’s first and most trusted home improvement show. Each season, we renovate two different historic homes—one step at a time—featuring quality craftsmanship and the latest in modern technology. We demystify home improvement and provide ideas and information so, whether you are doing it yourself or hiring out contractors, you’ll know the right way to do things or the questions to ask. Our experts including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor give you the tools you need to protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
Follow This Old House:
Facebook: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseFB
Twitter: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseTwitter
Pinterest: bit.ly/ThisOldHousePinterest
Instagram: bit.ly/ThisOldHouseIG
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thisoldhouse
Using a Coffered Ceiling to Hide Plumbing | This Old House
youtube.com/user/thisoldhouse
