Are open cavity vent returns and exposed pipes normal in new construction?
Open-cavity plenum returns and exposed bathroom pipes are shortcut building methods used to save installation time and material costs. These makeshift setups compromise indoor air quality, create noise issues, and expose plumbing lines to potential damage inside the HVAC pathway.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Seeking second opinions online
- 2seal the gap using rolled mastic sealant or tape
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
Where this came up
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