This article was originally published on RealLifeDIY
Have you ever wondered about the most versatile material for countless DIY projects? Surprisingly, it's not the first thing that comes to mind, and you might not even be familiar with PVC pipes. PVC pipes are commonly used in plumbing, are easily found in most hardware stores, and are budget-friendly. But they can actually be used for so many fun projects around the house. Let's dive in and explore the amazing things you can create with these pipes!
DIY Vertical Planter
Gardening and having countless plants in the house are becoming more and more common as the years go by. It looks like the human desire for nature is growing and along with it the plant collections. What do you do with all of your plants though, especially if you live in a small apartment? Try using some PVC pipes to build a vertical planter that you can fill with all different types of plants and flowers.
This will be both beautiful and functional. The plants and flowers will hide any less aesthetic aspects of the planter itself and you will have a great and inexpensive planter!
The Perfect Drawer Organizers
Everyone has one (or two..or three) drawers in their house that could do with a little bit of organization. Whether it is just a junk drawer that has been neglected or a utensil drawer that just needs a little support, PVC pipes are there for you. Cut each pipe in half and make it to your desired length. That's all you have to do to divide all of your different miscellaneous items in one place.
This could be very useful for utensils drawers. The dividers are perfect to keep the spoons and forks and knives separate. After all, no one wants to be injured going to grab a spoon and being sliced by a knife instead.
DIY Towel Drying Rack
Summertime brings along with it lots of wet days in the pool or the sprinkler, just trying to beat the heat. You are probably presented with an excessively high number of towels that are wet and used on a daily basis. If you are sick of having wet towels hanging around, why not make a snazzy DIY towel rack from PVC pipes? It is cheap, functional, and a fun project for the summer.
You won't regret this useful drying rack that can also be used for things other than towels. Bathing suits and other swim toys and supplies can also be hung out to dry here.
Organize Your Nails and Screws
In case you haven't noticed, perhaps the most useful aspect of a PVC pipe is how many different ways you can use it to organize various tools and supplies. You've already seen a drill organizer, a small tools organizer, and now you are presented with a nails and screws organizer. You can even compartmentalize it to divide the different sizes and types of screws and nails. What a builder's dream!
This one is easy to make by cutting a pipe directly in half and then adding in small pieces of wood to divide into multiple compartments...you choose to size and amount.
Desk and Tool Organizer
What do you do with all the pencils and pens and art supplies that you have lying around? It can be overwhelming and exhausting trying to keep them all in order and in one place. You never have to worry again though, because PVC pipes are there to help. With just a few of them, you can solve all of your organizational woes and never have your things a mess again.
This is perfect because you can separate all the items that you commonly use and make sure that they all remain organized and tidy at all times.
Create Your Own Table
There are so many different occasions that require an extra table. A house party, an event, a garage sale. And you do not always want to have to buy a table for just one event. What's the simplest solution? Grab some wood planks and some PVC pipes that you have lying around the garage and you can make a whole new table quickly that will hold up well and come in very handy.
Although it may not be the most beautiful table you have ever seen, it will at least be functional and get you through the event. And you can always cover it with a nice tablecloth!
The Simplest Way to Clean Your Gutters
Cleaning out the gutters is perhaps one of the most arduous and unpleasant housework jobs out there. It involves so many tools and so much effort. Alas, it is very much necessary and cannot be avoided for too long, especially if you live in a rainy place. If you want to avoid the extra hassle, you can use PVC pipes to create a ladder-free gutter cleaner that will be a lifesaver.
You'll never have to worry about grabbing that ladder and trudging through the gutters again. Just build the pipe to your desired length so that you can reach the gutters from the ground and you are good to go!
Decorations for Your Fish Bowl
Not everyone has a dog or a cat and wants to make fancy things for them from PVC pipes. But, if you're the owner of a different pet, like a fish, there are plenty of fun things to do with PVC pipes also for you. Why leave the fish tank boring and dull when you could liven things up by adding decorational PVC pipes that the fish can swim in and out of?
This is great because it is both cute and functional. It gives your fish something fun to do while swimming around in the tank and also makes it look prettier!
The Perfect Heavy Object Transporter
No one likes to have to transport a heavy object across their house or their yard and some people are actually not capable. Whether the piece simply weighs too much or you would just like to save some effort, PVC pipes are a great support. Take inspiration from the ancients by placing a row of PVC pipes on the ground and rolling your object across the top of them until you reach your destination.
After all, there is a theory that this is how the ancient Egyptians moved the stones to build the pyramids, so why wouldn't it work for you as well?
The Tool Holder for Small Tools
If you can use PVC pipes to create the perfect organizational tool for drills and big tools, why not use it for some of the smaller tools as well? Not everyone has the perfect little kit to store all of their screwdrivers, wrenches, and other small tools. That's where PVC pipes can come in handy. Purchase a few small and thin pipes, between 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch, cut them to the desired size and you are good to go!
This also allows you to clearly see all of your different tools in one glance instead of having to rummage through a messy toolbox to find what you are looking for.
The Perfect Plastic Bag Dispenser
Who doesn't have an excessive amount of plastic bags lying around the house? They usually get shoved into another bigger bag that holds them all, but it can be quite a mess. Luckily, there is a simple solution! Create your own plastic bag dispenser from PVC pipes. You can hang it in your kitchen or wherever you would use the bags the most often. You'll be surprised how it will change your life.
All you have to do is insert the plastic bags into the top of the pipe and the pressure and gravity will push them to the bottom. Take a bag from the opening in the bottom whenever you need and never worry about the mess again.
The Convenient Hammer Holster for Your Tool Belt
Any true lover of DIY projects knows that the hammer is perhaps the most important tool of all. They also know that it is perhaps the most inconvenient tool to have to carry around all the time. It doesn't fit in a pocket and it takes up a lot of space when trying to hold it. Enter the PVC hammer holster for your tool belt. Never have to worry about where to store that hammer again!
All you have to do to create this is slice two slits in the plastic pipe so that you can thread it through your belt...and voila! You are ready for any DIY project that might come your way.
Use a Pipe to Create a Rack for Pipe Clamps
Many people are ready for any type of home fix-it situation that may arise. And as a result, they have a few different pipe clamps hanging around the house or garage. The problem is that it can get pretty difficult to organize them and keep them easily accessible. Luckily, there is a pretty simple solution. You can use a pipe (PVC obviously) to create little hangers for the pipe clamps.
Now you never have to worry about finding your pipe clamps when you are in a jam. They will always be organized and in the same place every time you search for them.
Replace a Broken Shovel Handle
Who doesn't love a good shovel? They are the essential tool for gardening and you would probably be lost in the garden without one. Sometimes though, they can be overloved and it shows...in the form of broken pieces. The handle is often the first to go as the most pressure is applied there. But before throwing away your favorite shovel, PVC pipes can help you repair it in a jiffy!
Take the tee of a PVC pipe and attach it where the handle used to be, replacing it entirely. It is comfortable, cheap, and has a great grip.
Cover up That Table Saw
Table saws can be a pretty terrifying thing. Saws of any kind (and all blades for that matter) are always a safety risk. They are dangerous for both adults and children and it is always recommended to keep open blades covered when they are not in use. PVC pipes can be very useful in creating a custom cover for a table saw blade to make sure that no one runs the risk of slicing themselves.
You do need a few different pieces for this DIY project, but it will prove very useful and helpful in the long run and very much worth the extra effort.
Grease Gun Holster
Many people love their around-the-house projects, DIY, and building various things. But one thing no one likes is grease. Grease stains are just about everything and it is nearly impossible to ever get the stains out. Grease guns in particular can be quite the messy thing. What's a simple solution to using your grease gun and not making a complete disaster of it? A PVC pipe holster made specifically for this.
You can make specific compartments for each part of the grease gun so that there are no leaks on your clothes, on your tools, or on your workspace.
Oversized Storage Cylinders
Everyone has a few items around the house that are difficult to store. Usually, they are too long, making it nearly impossible to keep them anywhere convenient. Plugs, adapters, large papers, and blueprints just to name a few. But there is no need to worry anymore, PVC pipes are the perfect solution. They are long and easy to seal to keep those random, oversized items stored safely and conveniently.
Consider decorating these storage cylinders to make them a bit more visually appealing. Add some colors or paper to the outside and you can even make it look like a decorational piece as well as a functional organizational one.
Overhead Garage Storage
Although the garage is a wonderful place to store just about every tool and big item that doesn't belong in your actual house, you don't want it to look like a big mess. In order to keep things organized, especially when you have so many large items to store, you should look up. Don't forget about all the space on the ceiling when it comes to organization and don't forget about the awesome option of PVC pipes!
Using PVC pipes on the ceiling allows you to hang long or bulky items without worrying about them taking up too much space in the regular area of the garage. It also adds a nice "builder" touch.
The Dopest Dowel Holder
Many people have multiple dowels lying around their houses. In case you were wondering, a dowel is a long rod that is usually made of wood, but can also be made from plastic or metal. They can be used to support a project or to create nice edges and joints. Regardless of their uses, they are often misplaced as they can roll far away from sight. This PVC holder allows them all to stay in one place, nice and organized.
All you need to do to create this is cut a PVC pipe into the desired shape, make sure the bottom is sealed, and screw it into the wall.
Organize Your Wrapping Paper Collection
Although not everyone has an entire wrapping paper collection in their house, for those of you who do, this may just be the best tip out there for you! Wrapping paper and gift wrapping supplies can turn into some of the biggest messes, causing something that is supposed to be fun to be a total disaster. But, PVC pipes can prevent all of that and it only takes minimal effort.
This helps to keep your gift wraps perfectly organized and also clearly visible. You will never have to search and rummage around for the perfect paper again, everything will be in plain sight.
Dry Out Those Gloves on a PVC Pipe
If you were impressed with the towel drying rack then you will most likely be thrilled about this idea. Perhaps the simplest thing to do with a PVC pipe as you just need to make one cut, this glove or mitten dryer is a lifesaver. If your gloves or mittens get wet while gardening or in the cold winter months, it can be quite a hassle to dry them from the inside. A PVC pipe is the perfect, simple solution for that!
You'd be surprised how fast your gloves will dry with just a little bit of extra support from the pipe. Place it over a hot vent for extra circulation!
Organize Your Fishing Rods
Every fisherman's worst nightmare is to go into their garage and see that all of their fishing rods have gotten tangled together. It can take hours to fish the strings apart (pun intended) and the frustration can almost ruin the enjoyment of a fishing trip. You can prevent this forever by creating a DIY PVC pipe fishing rod holder. It is a simple project that will save you hours of headache.
Your fishing friends will also be pretty impressed when they can look at your fishing rod collecion in awe and choose their fishing rods without the concern of tangling.
Make Some Spare Spring Clamps
Spring clamps are a very underrated and important little piece when it comes to DIY and building projects. They are so small and seemingly insignificant that people often forget to buy them. But don't worry if you forget, they can be made pretty easily with the spare PVC pipes you might have lying around. All you have to do is cut the pipes to the desired shape and you are good to go.
You can make so many of these spring clamps out of just one PVC pipe, making it truly worth the investment of time and energy.
The Organizer for All of Your Elastic Cords
Elastic cords can be tricky little things. They move around a lot and are hard to get control of. You probably have quite a few of them lying around the house or garage in weird places such as under the bed or in a shoe. If you are sick of looking for a place to store them all, this PVC pipe trick could be just for you. It keeps the cords stretched and aligned....and all in one place.
Adding in little holes to the PVC pipe allows you to hook the bungee cords in one place, making sure that they stay stretched apart and organized at all times.
A New Bed for Your Dog
Who doesn't want to spoil their dog a little bit? After all, they are adorable and loyal creatures full of love. It's no coincidence that they are known as man's best friend. So why not make a little bed for your best friend using some PVC pipes and fabric? It's simple and easy and will surely make your dog very happy. You can make an outdoor version or an indoor one.
This is particularly nice if you want to put the bed outside. The cushions and mattress have some extra space between the ground, so you don't have to worry about it getting wet or dirty.
Store Your Curling Irons Perfectly
Although most of the items on this list are geared more towards DIYers, crafters, and builders, here is a use for PVC pipes that is for the everyday person. Are you at a loss for what to do with your hair curlers and their long, extensive cords? Worry not, PVC pipes can help you. You can create the perfect little tube to hold your curling irons and a separate tube just for the cords.
You'll never have to worry about untangling your curling iron cords again...and you will always have them in one organized place whenever you need them.
The Snazzy Drill Organizer
Who doesn't like to have things organized? Most people are more than happy to have new organizational ideas to keep their favorite items tidy and in place. If you are a user of drills, then this hack is for you. PVC pipes can be cut to various lengths and then used as the perfect drill hanger and organizational piece. If you're extra handy, you can create the wooden hanger yourself.
The entire shelf is pretty useful, with its multi-tiered organizers, but the snazziest part is definitely the drills that are perfectly organized across the bottom...it's so satisfying to see!
Hidden Storage and Secret Compartments
Who isn't always on the lookout for a new idea of where to hide those precious valuables in the house? Ditch the traditional safe and store your goodies in a PVC pipe. The pipes under the kitchen sink are a great option for stashing away those valuables. After all, who would ever think to look there? You would have to be one pretty creative and adventurous thief to open a pipe to look for expensive things.
Just to clarify, do not put this in the pipe you actually use. You need to attach a fake pipe that looks just like the regular one to really confuse people.
PVC Pipes for Baseball Equipment
Sports supplies can be some of the most difficult things to store. They are awkward shapes that take up a lot of room and oftentimes end up just one big mess. It's hard to keep everything organized. Instead of panicking about where to put your baseball bats and balls, consider grabbing a PVC pipe and creating your own little organizational tool. Custom-made to perfection, you will be so happy with the results.
Your children (or whoever is using these baseball bats on a regular basis) will be so happy to have one place to store their supplies whenever they want to play.
The Vacuum Attachments Holder
Just about everyone can a vacuum cleaner to keep their floors and carpeting dust and dirt free. Although a vacuum is a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning tasks, vacuum cleaner storage is not ideal. There are many different heads and parts that have nowhere to stay and end up getting lost or lying in a random closet. That is exactly why you need this convenient PVC vacuum attachment holder.
All you need is to attach the heads of a few pipes and you can insert the vacuum attachments right on top. It is a simple and easy way to keep everything organized.
Create an Extended Vacuum
Vacuums are a wonderful invention. It's hard to imagine a life without vacuum cleaners and it's crazy to think that they were invented fairly recently. Cleaning would be such a hassle without vacuum cleaners! Sometimes, though, the vacuum is not quite enough. In that case, you may be interested in a vacuum extension to help you reach those difficult and far away corners. It's perfect for cobwebs and dust on the ceiling!
Of course, you could always just buy a vacuum attachment, but why be basic when you could create your own attachment for a fraction of the price from a PVC pipe?
A Vacuum Dust Collector
Continuing on the theme of the vacuum cleaner, another snazzy attachment you can add to your vacuum is a dust collector. Dust is a problem for just about everyone in the world and in just about every home. So why not create a solution and make a simple PVC pipe dust collector? All you need is a PVC pipe, a few tools, and a magnet. Just a little bit later and your new vacuum tool will be ready to go.
This project requires a few more tools than some of the other ones on this list, but if you are up for the challenge, it can be pretty rewarding in the end!
Organize Your Caulk Tubes
Everyone loves caulk. It is one of the best tools to have on hand in case you need to seal seams or joints in any project around the house. However, no one is really quite sure how to store the tubes once you have used them. They have long, extended pointers and don't always come with lids. PVC pipes are a great way to keep them all separate and organized in a tidy way.
With this snazzy DIY organizer, you never have to worry about buying that extra container of caulk because you will always have somewhere to store it.
Store Your Knives Safely
Although everyone uses knives on a daily basis for their various meals, many people do not know how to properly store them without causing potential injury. No one wants to reach into a drawer and come out with a bloody hand, so these blade covers can come in pretty handy. They ensure that each knife has its own little cover to keep everyone safe (and organized) at all times.
This is also great if you need to transport your knives anywhere (for a picnic or a camping trip). The PVC pipe cover makes sure that it can be carried without risk of harm.
PVC Pipes and a Wooden Box
Are you sick of seeing a bunch of options for PVC pipe DIY projects that aren't visually appealing enough? A great solution to keeping the amazing storage capabilities of this while also making it look nice is to add in some cardboard or wood. You can create a whole box that looks like it comes right out of IKEA with just a little bit of extra effort.
This is great to organize collectibles or kids' toys and to make sure that it looks stylish and fun at the same time, not like you have a bunch of pipes lying around the house.
DIY Bicycle Rack
Whether you are a large family or just have multiple bicycles, who wouldn't want a nice way to keep all the bicycles organized? No one wants to spend the money on an expensive bike rike to put in the garage, so why not make your own PVC pipe bicycle rack? It's simple and inexpensive, and you can use recycled PVC pipes to keep it environmentally friendly.
The best part about this is that you can customize it to the exact amount of space you need. Whether you have just two bikes or five or six, you can make it the perfect size.
Stabilize Your Sprinkler
Everyone wants a beautiful green lawn with perfectly watered grass. However, it's not always that easy of a thing to attain. Maybe you live in a place that doesn't have a lot of rain and you need to constantly make sure that you are watering the grass enough to keep it alive and healthy. That's where sprinklers come in and sprinkler stabilzers. No one wants that water flinging around everywhere, so use PVC pipes to hold them perfectly in place.
Without a stabilizer like this, you could end up wasting a lot of water. Sprinklers sometimes have a mind of their own but PVC can help you fix that pretty simply.
Lawn Mower Accessories Holder
If you enjoyed the idea of using PVC pipes to create a holder for different vacuum accessories and attachments, you'll be thrilled to realize that the same thing can be done for lawn mower accessories. You can use the PVC pipe to create a nice and tidy attachment to the lawn mower, making your mowing experience significantly more enjoyable. The accessory allows you to attach pruners to the lawn mower.
With this attachment, you can kill two birds with one stone by cutting the grass and any stray weeds at the same time.
Your Own Oil Recovery System
If you are among the many people who are increasingly thinking of their impact on the environment, this hack is for you! Oil is both one of the most useful things and one of the most damaging things to the environment. Unfortunately, we are not able to do away with oil entirely, but we can minimize its effect on the environment. Using PVC pipes you can create an oil recovery system.
This contraption will ensure that you are able to get every single drop of oil from your containers, without wasting even the littlest bit of oil.
The Perfect Way to Block the Light
Many places are full of alarms. Although they are great in that they keep you safe, they can be quite bright. If you want to block the alarm's light while ensuring that everyone still stays safe, PVC pipes can come in very handy. All you need to do is create a cover from the pipes that will keep the light out of your eyes. Don't worry, the alarm will still function!
This won't harm the function of the alarm as long as you make sure to leave a significant portion of it uncovered.