What is an access panel?
An access panel is some sort of paneling that can be removed with little effort and provide access to plumbing valves, piping, electrical, or to provide access for rodents or insect exterminators. Plumbing access panels are by far the most common and make some plumbing jobs, inspections or just trying to find a leak a lot easier.
What are access panels used for?
They are particularly useful to use behind a shower or tub valve to make changing, repairing or just inspecting the valve go a lot smoother. They can also be cleverly disguised and used to secretly store valuables and personal property.
Where to purchase an access panel?
Usually, the big box stores will have the in-store but not many options available. However, there are a lot of different types of access panels and material options. Anything from metal, fiberglass or plastic. The metal panels are usually used in commercial settings and can be painted. The plastic panels are the most readily available at most big box stores and can also be painted. Another option is finding an access panel that works for you is to find your local plumbing supply stores. Plumbing supply stores can help with choosing one and order it for you. It’s likely that a plumbing issue is why you need a panel in the first place. So while you’re there looking at plumbing options grab an access panel or have it ordered. Of course, ordering online is the best option for me because of the ease and option available.
How to make your own access panel?
There are a number of different ways to make your own access panels and the sky is the limit on ways to disguise them. It is not a requirement that your access panel stick out like a sore thumb or stick out at all. You can make a picture frame type access panel that would frame up a mirror, picture or painting, use your imagination. Doors can have exposed hinges, snap one door panels or some sort of hidden furniture magnets that you would simply pull the panel of the wall. The material could be anything from plywood, sheetrock, glass, plastic, etc.
What size access panel to use?
The size depends on what use using your access panel for. For instance, if you use it to have access to one small valve in order to periodically turn it on/off let’s say for a hose bibe somewhere, then it doesn’t need to be big at all, probably 6×6 panel would be a good size. You just need to get your hand in there and turn the valve either off or on. This goes for access panels for exterminating purposes also you might go with say an 8×8 to there’s just enough room to get your arm in there and really spray or sprinkle around but doesn’t need to be that large. Think about how far your arms need to go in and maneuver. So if your needing to connect a tub drain or repair/replace a shower valve for example, then you would need a bigger panel maybe around 16×16 at the bare minimum. Usually, around 24×24 would be a good size when work is required in the wall.