what is a chase in a house

3 min read 26-12-2024

What is a Chase in a House? A Comprehensive Guide

A "chase" in a house isn't about exciting car chases or thrilling escapes. Instead, it's a practical, often unseen, element of home construction. Understanding what a chase is and its purpose can be invaluable whether you're building a new home, renovating, or simply trying to understand your existing plumbing or electrical systems. This guide will explain everything you need to know about chases in your house.

What is a Chase in a House?

A chase, in the context of home construction, is a concealed vertical channel or shaft built into the wall structure. These channels house pipes, wires, and other utilities, keeping them organized, accessible, and out of sight. Essentially, they're built-in conduits for your home's infrastructure. They're often found in walls and sometimes in floors or ceilings.

Types of Chases and What They Contain

Chases come in various forms, depending on their purpose and location within the house:

Plumbing Chases: These contain pipes for water supply, drainage, and sometimes central heating systems. They're crucial for efficient plumbing and easy access for repairs or maintenance. Locating a plumbing chase is vital during renovations or repairs.
Electrical Chases: These house electrical wiring, conduits, and sometimes low-voltage cabling for data and communication systems. Properly installed electrical chases ensure safe and organized wiring, reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
HVAC Chases: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) chases accommodate ductwork, pipes, and wiring associated with your home's climate control system. These chases often require significant space.

Why Are Chases Important?

The benefits of incorporating chases into a home's design are numerous:

Organized Utilities: Chases keep pipes, wires, and ducts neatly organized and concealed, improving the aesthetics of your home. This is especially important in open-plan designs.
Accessibility for Repairs and Maintenance: When issues arise, having a dedicated chase makes accessing and repairing utilities much easier. This saves time and money in the long run.
Improved Home Value: A well-designed chase system demonstrates quality craftsmanship and adds value to your home. Hidden utilities contribute to a clean and professional appearance.
Safety: By keeping utilities contained within chases, the risk of accidental damage or electrical hazards is reduced.
Future-Proofing: Chases provide space for potential future upgrades or additions to your home’s utilities.

How Are Chases Constructed?

The construction of a chase depends on the building materials used for the house. Common methods include:

Drywall Chases: These are often created using sturdy framing within the wall cavity, finished with drywall to match the surrounding walls.
Brick Chases: In brick homes, chases may be built using bricks, ensuring structural integrity and fire safety.
Concrete Chases: For concrete structures, chases are usually formed during the concrete pour, requiring careful planning during the design phase.

Identifying Chases in Your Home

If you are unsure if your home contains chases, check the following:

Access Panels: Look for small access panels in walls, especially in bathrooms, kitchens, and utility rooms. These often indicate the presence of chases.
Wall Thickness: If you notice unusually thick walls, it could be because of incorporated chases.
Consulting Building Plans: If you have access to your home's original building plans, they should clearly show the location of any chases.

Potential Problems with Chases

While chases offer numerous benefits, there are potential drawbacks:

Limited Space: Insufficiently sized chases can lead to overcrowding and make repairs difficult.
Poor Installation: Incorrectly installed chases can lead to leaks, short circuits, or other problems.
Accessibility Issues: If chases are not properly accessed, repairs can be significantly more difficult.

Understanding chases is crucial for homeowners, builders, and contractors alike. Knowing their purpose, construction, and potential issues ensures that your home's utilities are efficiently managed and easily accessible for years to come. Properly planned and executed chases are a key component of well-designed and functional homes.