Tore down wall, how to extend wiring?

I need to relocate 2 switches, but the wiring is not long enough to reach an adjacent wall. Is my only choice a junction box in the ceiling with an ugly cover plate? Actually 2 covers plates since there are 2 circuits on the wall I removed-both need moved. No wiring in crawl space and the attic only would help for the second floor wiring and this is a first floor project. Also how close can copper water pipe be to wiring? Any restrictions?

 

The best option with a short cable is simply to replace the short cable with a longer one. This would require you to follow that cable back to its other end and remove it all. Then install a new longer cable to replace it.

If the above is not possible, then the covered junction box is the next option. Once you put the cover plate on it, give it a few weeks and I'll guess that you'll never notice it again.

Even if you have to cut out some drywall to remove the old cable and install a new one, remember that drywall repair is not rocket science -- it's pretty easy.

No minimum distance from a copper water pipe to an electrical cable.