How to Cover the Holes in Your Bathroom

Because of the different fixtures that are installed inside a bathroom, including the toilet and lavatory, there are often holes around the fixture drainpipes where they enter the bathroom wall. Outside of being unsightly, these holes create passages for small creatures like mice to follow and enter the bathroom. They also allow inside air to escape, and allow in drafts. Cover up these holes yourself to better seal the bathroom walls.

Things You'll Need

• Escutcheon
• Backer rod
• Utility knife
• Acrylic caulk
• Weatherstripping

Instructions

1. Slide an escutcheon that matches the outside diameter of the drainpipe over the pipe and against the wall. Do this if there is a large gap around a drainpipe where it goes through the wall. Obtain the escutcheon, which is a protective plate, from a local home improvement or hardware store.

2. Cut a length of foam backer rod to fit around the pipe, using a utility knife. Backer rod is nonabsorbent, closed cell polyethylene precaulking material. Press the backer rod into place to seal a large gap around a drainpipe. Do this instead of installing an escutcheon, if you choose.

3. Apply acrylic caulk over the backer rod to seal any remaining gaps and spaces. Install only acrylic caulk around a drainpipe if the gap is too small for the backer rod.

4. Cut a length of foam weatherstripping as an alternative to using caulk or backer rod. Use a utility knife to cut the weatherstripping. Press the weatherstripping into place around the drainpipe to seal any opening.