To fill or not to fill? Chasing behind kitchen cabinets

[gjcinldn]

Hello.

I have had a series of absolute disasters linked to our new kitchen install. Long story, but the electrician hit a water pipe one day a d a gas pipe the next!
He left chasing around sole sockets and the switch for the oven unfilled. They are a bit of a mess because he had to work around bodged jobs in the past. The areas are deep and irregularly shaped.
The sockets will be behind a large pantry unit and I intend to cut a hole in the back to allow access to the sockets.
Do I NEED to fill the areas? Is it a bit of a bodge job to leave them as they are? We aren't going to be changing this kitchen for a good long time and they will be covered by the pantry and out of sight.

If I should fill them, what's the best way to do it? Can I try to lessen the depth with some MDF or timber and then hardwall over the top? Or is that not advised, being this close to the wires etc?

Any advice very gratefully received!

 

[Jurassicspark]

Are you sure he was an electrician?

I can do better with my eyes closed.

Mix some sand and cement (or get ready to use mortar) and fill in those chases.

Up to you to skim over and paint it as it will be covered but you can do it if you want.

 

[gjcinldn]

Thanks. He came from a well reviewed company but I suspect he doesn't work for them anymore after what happened in our home.

I'll have a go with the things you suggested. Thanks

 

[Murdochcat]

Never believe online reviews.

Ask friends and neighbours for recommendations

I wouldn’t be leaving those cables like that and if they are behind the pantry why is the socket against the wall?

 

[gjcinldn]

Well nothing. As in the main area will be covered by a full height pantry. The rest of the wall will be clad with shiplap/wood cladding.

 

[Murdochcat]

So the cables will be visible at the back of the pantry unit?

 

[gjcinldn]

The pantry is a fully sealed unit. So that will cover the wall totally. I intend to cut a hole to access the socket.
You won't see the wall at all, as it will be covered by a full height kitchen unit

 

[Murdochcat]

The pantry is a fully sealed unit. So that will cover the wall totally. I intend to cut a hole to access the socket.
You won't see the wall at all, as it will be covered by a full height kitchen unit

A hole to access the socket would need to be much bigger than the socket downwards so that the cables aren’t under any undue stress.

Personally i would have mounted the socket in or on the rear panel of the pantry unit

 

[gjcinldn]

Ok. Appreciate your comments and I'll take them on board. we are flexible about the socket.

The issue I need to know, before I can do anything about the pantry itself is, do I fill the raggedy holes?

 

[johnny2007]

JEEESUS CHRIST!!!
Did he use a sledgehammer to chase the plaster???
What else has it bodged?!?!

 

[gjcinldn]

JEEESUS CHRIST!!!
Did he use a sledgehammer to chase the plaster???
What else has it bodged?!?!

I got the impression it was because of dodgy filling previously and the wall just crumbling. We live in an old cottage, where cables are where they shouldn't be and water pipes pop up in unexpected places. This kitchen was built in the 70s without planning permission and it appears to have had numerous refits and random plugs in in and then filled later on.

 

[johnny2007]

I got the impression it was because of dodgy filling previously and the wall just crumbling. We live in an old cottage, where cables are where they shouldn't be and water pipes pop up in unexpected places. This kitchen was built in the 70s without planning permission and it appears to have had numerous refits and random plugs in in and then filled later on.

That being the case, a replastering job should've been essential when installing a new kitchen.

 

[gjcinldn]

Ok. Thanks I think I have my answer.
I'll grab some concrete or mortar.

 

[Jurassicspark]

I'll grab some concrete or mortar.

Don't use concrete.

 

[cdbe]

Mortar/bonding plaster/anything you have lying around will be fine but you should build it up in layers or it'll slump and fall out.