Chased Wall in Construction: Purpose, Method, and Considerations

In the world of modern construction, especially in electrical and plumbing installations, the term “chased wall“ frequently arises. While it might sound technical, a chased wall is a straightforward yet critical element in both residential and commercial construction projects. It allows essential services to be integrated discreetly into the structure without impacting the building’s aesthetics or functionality.

This detailed article explores what chased walls are, their purpose, how they’re constructed, best practices, materials involved, potential issues, and frequently asked questions to help professionals and homeowners better understand this essential feature of structural design.

What Is a Chased Wall?

A chased wall refers to a wall into which grooves (also called chases) have been cut or carved to house services like electrical conduits, plumbing pipes, or cables. These grooves are then covered with finishing materials such as plaster or drywall compound, making the installations invisible from the surface.

Key Characteristics:

• Used to conceal electrical wires, water pipes, or other utilities
• Typically involves concrete, brick, or block walls
• Grooves are cut using a wall chaser, grinder, or chisel
• Once services are installed, the chase is filled and wall is refinished

Why Use a Chased Wall?

Chasing walls is a widely accepted technique in construction due to the following benefits:

✅ Improved Aesthetics

Conceals wiring and pipes, offering a clean and smooth wall finish with no visible surface-mounted conduits.

✅ Space Optimization

No need for additional trunking or cladding—saves space, particularly valuable in smaller rooms or tight corridors.

✅ Increased Property Value

Hidden services contribute to a more professional and high-end appearance, often increasing appeal to buyers or renters.

✅ Safe Installation

Keeps wiring and plumbing protected inside the wall, reducing chances of accidental contact or vandalism.

Common Applications of Chased Walls

Chased walls are used in a variety of projects, especially where exposed services are not desirable. Examples include:

How Is a Chased Wall Made?

The process of creating a chased wall involves several stages and must be carried out with care to maintain the structural integrity of the wall.

Step 1: Marking the Chase

• Use a level or laser tool to draw the path for cables or pipes on the wall.
• Avoid placing chases diagonally unless necessary.

Step 2: Cutting the Groove

• Use a wall chaser, angle grinder, or chisel to cut along the marked lines.
• The depth and width depend on the conduit or pipe size, typically around 25–40 mm.

Step 3: Installing Services

• Lay electrical conduits or plumbing pipes into the groove.
• Use clips or ties to secure them.

Step 4: Sealing the Chase

• Fill the groove with cement-based filler or plaster.
• Apply mesh tape for larger chases to prevent cracking.
• Allow to dry before finishing with paint or tiles.

Types of Chasing Techniques

1. Vertical Chasing

• Runs from floor to ceiling
• Common for outlets, switches, and pipes
• Structurally safer than horizontal chasing

2. Horizontal Chasing

• Runs along the length of the wall
• Used for low-height services like TV wiring
• Limited by building code due to potential weakening

3. Diagonal Chasing

• Generally avoided, as it weakens the wall structure
• Only used where vertical or horizontal routes are impossible

Materials and Tools for Wall Chasing

Code Considerations and Restrictions

When chasing a wall, especially in load-bearing or structural masonry, it’s vital to comply with building codes:

• Depth limitations: Usually, the chase must not exceed one-third the thickness of the wall (vertical) or one-sixth (horizontal).
• Structural safety: Avoid chasing through reinforced concrete walls or beams.
• Fire safety: In fire-rated walls, use fire-resistant fillers and materials.
• Electrical compliance: Conduits must be rated and protected according to local electrical codes (e.g., NEC in the U.S. or BS 7671 in the UK).

Always consult a structural engineer or qualified electrician/plumber when planning wall chases in sensitive areas.

Best Practices for Chasing Walls

✅ Plan Before You Cut

Map out all service paths on a floor plan to avoid unnecessary damage or conflicts.

✅ Use the Right Tools

Wall chasers provide cleaner cuts and produce less dust compared to grinders or chisels.

✅ Follow Vertical/Horizontal Lines

Avoid zig-zag or diagonal chases for structural safety and easier detection in the future.

✅ Label Hidden Services

Use markers, plans, or embedded RFID tags to record chase paths for future maintenance.

✅ Finish Properly

Use high-quality fillers and mesh tape to ensure a crack-free surface finish.

Potential Issues with Chased Walls

• Structural weakening, especially in load-bearing walls
• Poor sealing, leading to cracks or leaks
• Overheating, if electrical cables aren’t properly rated or ventilated
• Difficulty in future repairs if the chase path is unknown or undocumented
• Code violations due to improper depth, spacing, or fire safety concerns

Chased Wall vs Surface-Mounted Installations

Chased Wall and Smart Homes

In modern smart home construction, chased walls are commonly used to conceal:

• Ethernet cables
• Home automation wires
• Audio and video cables
• Control panels and smart switch wiring

With the growing trend of wireless systems, physical wiring may reduce, but power and charging infrastructure still require reliable chased installations.

Conclusion

A chased wall is a valuable feature in any construction project that requires hidden electrical or plumbing services. When designed and executed correctly, it enhances the building’s appearance, functionality, and safety. However, it’s crucial to follow best practices, structural safety guidelines, and local building codes to avoid long-term problems.

Whether you’re planning a new home, remodeling a space, or integrating smart technology, understanding chased walls ensures you get the balance between design and utility right.

FAQs About Chased Walls

Q1: Can I chase a concrete wall?

Yes, but it requires specialized tools and should be done carefully. Chasing into reinforced concrete is not recommended without consulting a structural engineer.

Q2: How deep can I chase a wall?

As a general rule:

• Vertical chase: Not more than 1/3rd of wall thickness
• Horizontal chase: Not more than 1/6th
  Always refer to local building regulations.

Q3: Is chasing allowed in load-bearing walls?

It depends. In many cases, chasing load-bearing walls is discouraged or prohibited unless reinforced and approved by a structural engineer.

Q4: What’s the best filler to use after chasing?

Use a cement-based filler or bonding plaster for durability. In high-stress or fire-rated areas, use fire-resistant fillers.

Q5: Are chased walls more prone to cracks?

If improperly filled or finished, yes. Use mesh tape and allow sufficient drying time to minimize the risk of cracking.

Q6: Can I chase walls for both plumbing and electrical systems?

Yes, but it’s best to use separate chases to prevent overheating and comply with codes. Avoid placing plumbing directly above electrical chases.

Q7: How can I find chased wires in an old house?

Use a wire tracer tool, inspect architectural drawings (if available), or look for telltale signs like hairline cracks or patchwork along walls.

A properly executed chased wall system is a smart investment in any modern construction project—one that combines practicality with aesthetics and long-term performance.