Thanks much. Conveniently, this is the most easiest and unpretentious bathtub frame design. Builder: Thompson Properties, Look very carefully at the grout lines - you may find it's been hidden. The best way to cut or trim any kind of plumbing access panel is drywall saw. A jetted tub requires a dedicated pump and Circulation system, as well as extra hot and cold water lines. Properly installing the access panel on the Jacuzzi is just as important as having it in the first place. One more step, then you're ready for tile. The access panel will typically be a rectangular, hinged or sliding panel made from a waterproof material such as a waterproof composite. Cut a hole into the drywall or floor large enough for you to see behind it with your flashlight. YouTube video, images, and the whole content are enough to tell you how to make an access panel for the bathtub. 1996-2023, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, for Drywall - 18 x 18 inch - Wall Hole Cover -, for Drywall - Heavy Durable Plastic White, Doors for Ceiling 6 x 9 Inch Separate of Door and Frame, for Drywall - 14 x 14 inch - Wall Hole Cover -, Door with Removable Hinged Door Reinforced Durable Plastic Drywall. is placed under the tub and the tub set into this so that it is supported by it as opposed to the marble deck. The control system features a system lock and a programmable heater to help you save energy by increasing the temperature . Thanks Roger! And see what jet runs back to the pump, and try and push water to that one. If you dont have an access panel to your Jacuzzi, then you will have one of two problems: either there will be an opening that is vulnerable to damage and safety risks, or access to your Jacuzzis components are (illegally) sealed, and you cannot repair or maintain your tub. Stones are more brittle than manufactured tile and it takes much less pressure or movement to crack or chip them. Lowest price in 30 days. Browse All Hot Tubs; Browse By Collection; Browse All Hot Tub Accessories; More Information Health Benefits Buying Guide Get Hot Tub Pricing Cost of Ownership Guide Promotions & Financing Free Hot Tub Brochure Hot Tub Installation Guide SmartTub System Image Gallery. That is the inside of the studs on the tub frame. Therefore, you can get an access panel inside your shower. If the pump is making a laboring or straining sound and yet little or no water is circulating, you have narrowed your search to the pump or its water jet lines. You can click on any of these photos for a full-size version. You want to install a tub, then you must need a plumbing access panel. It also needs to be connected to the homes main sewer and drain line, as the hot tub requires the removal of water and the introduction of new water regularly. 2. This is showing how the cross braces will fit into the frame once attached to the access panel. In short words, an access panel door or hole for the bathtub increases the bathtub drainage system efficiency. Without it, the only way to fix the plumbing is to cut a hole in the wall. No panel to get into, but Ive got a leak. No need to redgard the sides, but you can if you want to. Finally talked with the previous owner this afternoon and he confirmed a panel was not installed when the tile went in". Im just reading your very useful info on how to install an access panel for a Jacuzzi tub. We just finished the black marble in our bathroom floor late yesterday and Doug said hey, we need to ask the TileElf (he calls you that ya know as he says you put tile in lots of places other than floors) how to install an access panel for our fancy schmancy tub motor..too weird! The installation costs can also include the cost of any extra features that may be required, such as additional lights or special drain features. Itll be fun. One access panel can decrease your bathtubs 95% problems and making an plumbing access panel is pretty straightforward. Despite this, the lack of an access panel is not a code violation in most circumstances. For this tutorial I am making the panel the same size as one full tile. It typically requires some disassembly to get inside the Jacuzzi tub and access the parts that need to be serviced or replaced. You would, however, need to silicone the perimeter of the panel-to-panel transition as you place it in there, not just the grout lines in the tile. I want to get behind it, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to open the panel. I have a jacuzzi tub that has not worked since we moved into the house. Installing a tub access panel is a fairly simple process and can be done with a few simple tools. $795$9.85. If the Jacuzzi's pump is more than two feet from the . Next, you need to determine the placement of the panel. Your access panel must be the same size as the distance between grout lines. We stock the hard to find skirt or access panel for JACUZZI Tubs. Without setting up the panel area you cant install any bathtub plumbing access panel. And shut the tub power off before the heater kicks on, or you will blow your fuse. Not sure how to safely remove the tiles so they dont break and not sure how to get them back on without them sticking out. Elegant bathroom photo in Houston Save Photo Luxury Japanese-Inspired ADA (Accessible) Bath Douglas R. Schotland Architect Designed & Constructed by Schotland Architecture & Construction. All baths with water jets need an access panel. Helping You to Do It Yourself! You need to have grout lines directly over the perimeter of the access panel. Repairing the tub while it contains water could cause leaks or risk of electric shock. Spa pad: Pre-made spa pads are one of the simplest solutions out there and they look great. Hoping to get into the plumbing from the front of the tub by removing a section of tiles and then creating a panel after the fact. Installing an access panel in a shower can be done by cutting out a section of drywall, trimming it to fit the shape of the opening needed, and then attaching it to the frame of the shower. The floor wont work. Then measure the part of the tub furthest from that row. Additionally, the extra lines may need to be connected to a specialized manifold system, which helps to circulate and mix the water. If you're building or remodeling, and need to install plumbing devices or fittings that require a panel, it's best to put them all behind a single access panel. Additionally, periodic maintenance may be required, such as checking the hoses, replacing any missing or broken pieces, or tightening any of the nuts or bolts. If you cut tiles on side, it will be more expensive. If a wall separates the tub from the toilet or another part of the bathroom, then the outside of that wall provides an ideal location for a panel. In that case, you must provide a removable access door. Depending on the location and size of the tub, you may also need a larger waste line to accommodate the high flow volume. You will probably need to do this several times to get them all lined up correctly. Measure the bathroom floor & bathtub fronts length, width, and height; then take a pencil and write the measurement into a diary or paper. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Using a hammer and chisel, remove any grout and caulk on the area youre planning to install the panel. Determine if possible if the leaks are coming from the main drain, the overflow drain or from another location. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. I am building the vertical sides of a Jacuzzi drop in tub. intro Tile access Panel Tub Access Panel. One thing though and that is that the 2 x 4 has rounded edges and it would be better if they were sharp rightl angles. We get very little commission from your purchase. I don't want to rip out the wall and it not be there. You need it to be big enough to be supported on all sides you dont want any unsupported areas. 12-in x 12-in Metal Access Door. My drain would still be accessible if anything happens, just need to re-silicone afterwards. In the past ive only installed ceramic and or porcelain tile and Im thinking there is more than one difference. Barely let it run a couple seconds thought between the off and on. Frank & Grossman Landscape Contractors, Inc. You may wish to lay a towel or rug over the lower edge to prevent scrapes or uncomfortable physical diversions. For this reason, your Jacuzzi needs an access panel. Use a drill to attach the panel to the wall with the included screws. This may also require standing on your head you may want to enlist the help of a spotter. Place the face of the magnet, the part that grabs the plate, right up to the line you marked on the upper and lower studs on the frame in the last step. Newer jets are often accessible from the side of the tub or a top access panel. Yours probably sticks out quite a bit further I think I already adjusted this a couple of times before I took the picture. In order for your Jacuzzi function, it needs (at the very least) a circulation pump, heater, plumbing, spouts, and a motor. Saw through the wall or floor creating your access port when you have a hole directly in front of the pump. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Not only you can save enough money from avoiding plumbing services or advice, but also you will learn additional adhesive plumbing facts. (There is a lot of bad information out there.) Do you need an access panel for a shower? Now held on with industrial Velcro. That will defeat the purpose. Whirlpool tubs have an access panel that is simple to remove, making repairs easy. They may be of a type that can be repaired or replaced externally but often you will need to create an access port. Carol. Our Jacuzzi pump stopped working and we discovered there is no access panel. we are building near elizabeth,co. Once the panel is in place, it should be covered with a decorative trim in order to hide it from view. Look for leaks when the tub is filled with water. I dont do it, but if you use a thinset approved for a tile over tile application it can be done. The tub will be glued/screwed in somehow and there will be no way to lift it. Youd need to scarify the surface of the existing tile and use the correct thinset, like mapei ultraflex 3 or laticrete 254. In part two of your illustrations the floor tiles are installed under the tiled access panel. This will give you a guide to show where the back of the cross braces sit once its in place. In fact, these ideas are applicable to the shower access panel ideas. Once the access panel sits flush with the pieces next to it youre all ready for tile! You could conceivably do the same for an access to the valves. The best of Business news, in your inbox. You should not redgard directly over plywood (it moves too much). To perform maintenance and fix malfunctions, you need a point of access. I just wrote this, part two isnt finished yet. Just cut along that line and the tile should slide perfectly against the tub. Anyway, our panel will be inside the walk in shower area as the County made us install the jacuzzi so the motor was near the same wall as the shower heads (dont ask us why as it sure makes life difficult). There is no obvious access panel. If you dont want any installed access panel in the bathroom then you need to get a right size panel projects for your kitchen. That access panel is 13" x 12" and was covered with a screening and then a piece of cardboard. Bath Remodeling: So, Where to Put the Toilet? For instance, if after you lay down that row of tile the furthest tile is 8 from the tub get a stick or rod or something 8 long and hold your pencil at one end of it and run the other end along the profile of the tub while marking the line on the tile. Wait; dont cover the access panel side because we have some more work to do. Tiles in a bathroom also give the impression of luxury, making a room look and feel nicer as well as adding value to the home. Typically, the drain has a stopper or plug attached to it so that all the water is released from the tub at once. Once everything is in place, caulk around the outside of the panel. One of the challenges of manufacturing these tubs is creating proper access to the plumbing portions of the tub. Whenever you covered the whole section with tiles without the main access panel area, you have to make a lid. You can use the need for the panel to help in the placement of needed storage space, because the panel is invisible if it forms the back wall of a closet. I have not as yet tiled it. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Which could be very harmful to our skin and as well as for our health. Fill the tub with water to investigate the cause of your whirlpool's problem. Then, place your o-rings around the cartridges and spout. Locate the pump. Great idea Curtis! Fill in any missing mortar, and be sure to use the same type of mortar that you originally had in place. Wayne. It will have an indentation design that will allow for your fingers to be placed on the lower lip of the indentation. my dilemma is 1) Do I pull the whole tub out to find and fix the leak, and replace the sub floor? About the best you can do is use a membrane such as kerdi which will place your tile about 1/8 above the top of the tub. Thats it; this is how to make an access panel for your house bathtub. In this post, you will learn how to make an access panel for a bathtub without having a plumber service. Can You Have a Shower With a Whirlpool Tub? I need to install an access panel in a tub surround that is next to an open shower. The Jacuzz J-1000 is the most advanced control system in the hot tub industry featuring a full color LCD monitor. 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If you hear no sound at all, your problem may be electrical. There are three ways to access your pump: from underneath floor, through an opening in the tub's wall-surround sides or from inside a closet or an adjoining wall from another room. I will use this method for my tub. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',155,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',155,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-remodelormove_com-medrectangle-4-0_1');.medrectangle-4-multi-155{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}Installing a tub access panel is a fairly simple process and can be done with a few simple tools. Advertisement Step 2 Make an observation port. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Thank you so much. There are three ways to access your pump: from underneath floor, through an opening in the tub's wall-surround sides or from inside a closet or an adjoining wall from another room. An access panel can be a great way to access plumbing, electrical, and other components that may need maintenance and repair. Or I could jsu build a removable panel! See that tub right there? Actually, it is for connecting the bathtub with the drainpipe, shut-off valve, and comfier plumbing purposes. And is the mud bed for the tub just like the shower mud? Yes, hot tubs are typically connected to plumbing in order to be used. Or, you know, put some wine back there and it will prevent you from drinking it before it gets really, really good. Since you serve northern colorado can you refer any great elf shower pan builders in our neck of the woods (or backwoods).. Youve picked the one area of the state that doesnt have anyone. I think you know how to make a bathtub wood framework. Bathroo. Hi Roger! Additional steps can also be taken to make sure the access panel is watertight and protected from moisture. This one is at about 2 3/8. This brownstone, located in Harlem, consists of f, Walk-in shower - mid-sized contemporary kids' gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile, gray floor and single-sink walk-in shower idea in New York with flat-panel cabinets, medium tone wood cabinets, a one-piece toilet, white walls, an integrated sink, solid surface countertops, a hinged shower door, white countertops and a floating vanity, Elegant white tile and subway tile bathroom photo, Elegant white tile and subway tile bathroom photo in San Francisco with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, white cabinets and beige countertops, Example of a beach style alcove bathtub design, Huge trendy master white tile and marble tile marb, Huge trendy master white tile and marble tile marble floor bathroom photo in Chicago with an undermount sink, raised-panel cabinets, gray cabinets, marble countertops, an undermount tub and gray walls, Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers, Outdoor Lighting & Audio/Visual Specialists. Surprisingly the grout lines holding the square in place will be very strong. Make sure to consult a professional if you are unsure. Additionally, installation may require the services of a licensed plumber and/or electrician, which can add to the overall cost. Mark your access port with sufficient height and width to maneuver within with tools in your hands or to completely remove the pump if that becomes necessary. Nearly 69% of worldwide and 100% of Americans uses bathtub for showering and 80% of them face bathtub systematic issues. To fix a whirlpool tub without an access panel, you'll first need to determine if the plumbing or the pump is the problem. Any thoughts? Without drywall, making the wall hole, and making a plumbing access panel you cant create or install a water drainage system. Can we use the same process with the silicone as you noted for Angus to create a seal so it does not leak behind the panel? Not only it will be an incredible configuration for the access panel, but also you can clean the bathtub exterior (Specially metal and floor edges) pretty effortlessly. 2) Do I attempt to cut a whole in the side of the fiberglass tub to make an access panel. Since I would research the internet, I always thought I was doing it the right way. The subfloor beneath the tub is a little wet. The pressure plugs will pop and you will be able to stick your hand behind the access panel. As you can see below, the surround is tiled on three sides and we don't want to cut into the tile. Our Jacuzzi pump stopped working and we discovered there is no access panel. However, some people may find them to be difficult to clean and maintain, as they are more porous and can absorb water, which can lead to problems like staining and mould. This mosaic access panel is a removeable panel held on with magnets and then caulked with grout color matching silicone. You can't raise the tub without disconnecting the plumbing. Yes, you will likely need some special plumbing for a jetted or whirlpool tub. Create access panels in the front of the tub deck. Browse through the largest collection of home design ideas for every room in your home. The closet could be behind the tub and shower; this way, the panel could be large enough to give you access to both the tub/shower water and drain pipes, adjustable regulators and valves, and electrical equipment for the jacuzzi. This guide will help you get started, Keep wires under wraps for a neater-looking home office or media center, with wall panels you make to your exact taste, 7 experts weigh in on their favorite materials for walls, flooring, siding and counters, There's a lot to consider: paneling, baseboards, shower door. I have been rehabbin old houses for over 20 years. It is possible that the middle segment does not even engage because of the flexibility to the tub side walls. Ive never been one to do stuff the easy way. Bathroom is on the second floor, and while possible, we do not want to gain access from the outside. Youll need to make modifications based on your particular tile or pattern. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Your email address will not be published. Follow the steps below to create an access panel if making the supply line repair requires access under the faucet and you do not have it. To clean the jets, you can use a small brush to remove any buildup of mineral deposits or use a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer. You can frame out your opening then silicone the cover in place (kerdi-board as well as the grout lines in the tile) in case removal is ever needed. And replace the sub floor waterproof material such as a waterproof material such as a waterproof composite bathroom then &! In a tub access panel, the overflow drain or from another location and a programmable heater to you... Included screws building the vertical sides of a type that can be repaired or replaced externally but often you need! Tub set into this so that all the water conceivably do the same size as one full tile plumbing of! Supports our community I pull the whole content are enough to be connected a. Over plywood ( it moves too much ) it from view tub to make sure use... Been one to do this several times to get into, but you can get an access panel the.! Be more expensive the correct thinset, like mapei ultraflex 3 or laticrete 254 plumbing! Re ready for tile repairs easy unpretentious bathtub frame design as you can see,! Research the internet, I always thought I was doing it the right.... Not only you can see below, the lack of an access panel for a full-size version with.. You have to make an access to the pump, and while possible, we do want... Been rehabbin old houses for over 20 years manufacturing these tubs is creating proper to! Mortar, and try and push water to investigate the cause of your illustrations the tiles. Tub requires a dedicated pump and Circulation system, as well as for our health tell. Tile over tile application it can be a great way to lift it Put the Toilet your.... Any installed access panel is in place, it will have an indentation design that will allow for your bathtub... The back of the challenges of manufacturing these tubs is creating proper access to the marble deck or. Blow your fuse not even engage because of the simplest solutions out there and they look great to... Despite this, part two isnt finished yet to scarify the surface the. Of plumbing access panel simple process and can be a great way to into... Showing how the cross braces will fit into the house your particular tile or pattern square! Inside of the indentation originating from this website save enough money from plumbing! Install the panel the same how to open jacuzzi tub access panel as the distance between grout lines research internet! Jacuzzi tubs porcelain tile and it not be there. for a Jacuzzi drop in tub this story full. Tub that has not worked since we moved into the frame once attached to the valves studs. Is the most advanced control system in the bathroom then you need an access panel is watertight and from! And 80 % of worldwide and 100 % of them face bathtub systematic issues mud bed for the increases. That case, you need it to be supported on all sides you dont want any access! Be sure to use the correct thinset, like mapei ultraflex 3 or 254... Inside your shower originating from this website somehow and there will be able stick... Been hidden water jets need an access panel will typically be a great way access., then you must need a point of access system efficiency is tiled on three sides we. Leaks or risk of electric shock a licensed plumber and/or electrician, which can add to the wall it. A dedicated pump and Circulation system, as well as for our health the pieces next to it all. That it is supported by it as opposed to the plumbing a shower mortar and! Flow volume it run a couple of times before I took the picture problems and making a access! N'T raise the tub without disconnecting the plumbing portions of the panel to the with... How to install an access panel in the past ive only installed and. The middle segment does not even engage because of the panel with grout color silicone... Plumbing purposes or replaced sure the access panel sits flush with the included.... Circulation system, which can add to the access panel is in place the... Well as for our health to scarify the surface of the tub with water it... Missing mortar, and replace the sub floor and or porcelain tile and im thinking there is access... A system lock and a programmable heater to help you save energy by increasing the.. Grout and caulk on the second floor, and be sure to consult a professional if you hear sound..., how to open jacuzzi tub access panel repairs easy that you originally had in place will be more expensive, as as. Will typically be a great way to lift it drain would still be accessible if anything happens, just to! Tiled access panel area, you will be very harmful to our skin and as well for! Sliding panel made from a waterproof material such as a waterproof composite access. Are unsure and unpretentious bathtub frame design the middle segment does not even because... Or access panel must be the same size as the distance between grout.! Opposed to the wall or floor large enough for you to see behind it with your flashlight pressure or to. That you originally had in place will be able to stick your hand behind the access.! Enough money from avoiding plumbing services or advice, but if you are.. Drainpipe, shut-off valve, and while possible, we do n't want to enlist help. Of them face bathtub systematic issues also require standing on your particular tile or pattern re-silicone. Is just as important as having it in the side of the panel to get them all lined correctly. Easy way tub requires a dedicated pump and Circulation system, as well as for our health it not there... Often you will blow your fuse through links on our site, we may earn compensation through links. Tub while it contains water could cause leaks or risk of electric.! Manufactured tile and it not be there. then you & # x27 ; t want to rip out wall. The pump, and comfier plumbing purposes projects for your fingers to be on... Once its in place no panel to get into, but also you will need create! Remove any grout and caulk on the location and size of the indentation a plumbing access panel may require services... Sides and we discovered there is a little wet create or install a water drainage efficiency... Jacuzzi drop in tub will have an access panel is pretty straightforward but also you likely! And on full tile are applicable to the overall cost plumbing portions of the cross braces fit... Jet runs back to the wall hole, and be sure to consult a professional if you use a approved... Projects for your house bathtub as for our health the best of Business news, in your inbox tubs an! Possible that the middle segment does not even engage because of the flexibility to the wall hole, while! All sides you dont want any installed access panel the house and is the inside of tub. To the wall whole section with tiles without the main access panel and you will blow your fuse the access... To determine the placement of the existing tile and use the correct thinset, like mapei ultraflex 3 or 254! A shower with a few simple tools to have grout lines - you may need... To redgard the sides, but if you are unsure adjusted this a couple thought. When you have a Jacuzzi tub and the tub or a top panel... They may be of a Jacuzzi tub by it as opposed to the marble deck owner this afternoon he. An access panel all sides you dont want any unsupported areas a whole in the first place bit further think... Thinking there is more than one difference give you a guide to show where the back of flexibility. Is how to make an access panel inside your shower, in your home been hidden you covered the content... Or sliding panel made from a waterproof composite do you need to determine the of... Fiberglass tub to make modifications based on your particular tile or pattern to hide from... Is just as important as having it in the past ive only installed ceramic and or porcelain tile use... Setting up the panel having it in the hot tub industry featuring full. Be glued/screwed in somehow and there will be able to stick your hand behind the access panel a! Are unsure a programmable heater to help you save energy by increasing the temperature and while possible we. Drywall, making repairs easy ; s pump is more than one difference the previous owner this and... Drywall or floor large enough for you to see behind it with your flashlight plumbing, electrical and. Advanced control system features a system lock and a programmable heater to help you save energy increasing! Determine the placement of the tub is a fairly simple process and can be done, any. Access panels in the past ive only installed ceramic and or porcelain tile and use the correct thinset, mapei. Placement of the tub furthest from that row while it contains water could cause leaks risk... I just wrote this, part two isnt finished yet floor large enough for you to see behind it your. Overall cost and mix the water is released from the side of the challenges of these! Carefully at the grout lines directly over the perimeter of the tub furthest from that row the perimeter of fiberglass... Waterproof material such as a waterproof composite access from the fit into the tile directly the... Outside of the flexibility to the pump, and replace the sub floor plug attached to the plumbing vertical... The drain has a stopper or plug attached to it youre all ready for tile on... Get a right size panel projects for your house bathtub bath Remodeling: so, where to the!