Replies

1. 
   Ken_McCulloch | Jan 07, 2002 08:32pm | #1

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   We did a system like this a few years back. We cut the access panel such that it was located to match the tiles. when the tile was installed over the panel opening, the panel was fixed with magnets to hold it in place & instead of grout joints, matching caulk was used. In the event of needing to get inside, one could cut through the caulk and pop the panel loose from the magnet.

1. 
   Wet_Head_Warrior | Jan 08, 2002 07:19am | #2

   *I like your idea Ken. Doesn't meet code. BUT! If the inspecter will let it pass who cares? The intent is met. It is a tough place to make form meet function.Jamie, is the motor on a short side? If so can you cut the access from the wall behind?Here is what I mean... if it is a 60" x 60" corner tub you have two joining sides that are 60" long. Joining these at each end will be two sides about 24" long. These two will be connected by the front side. Often the motor is on one of the 24" side. Can you cut your access from the wall the 60" side is against?Hope I made sense...WAIT... you said a garden tub... I know of no code requirement for an access panel there! Only if it is a whirlpool. I could be wrong... just checked my code book and find nothing.A garden tub is like a whirlpool without the jets and motor.

1. 
   Jamie_Case | Jan 09, 2002 01:15am | #3

   *Wet Head,The motor is on one of the 24" legs, but each 60" leg is an exterior wall. Also, I might be misusing the term "Garden Tub" because this one has jets and motor. Also, is there a requirement for air to the motor? such as a louver or something?

1. 
   Wet_Head_Warrior | Jan 09, 2002 01:41am | #4

   *Yeah, that makes it a lot tougher! No requirements for air louvers. The whole point is to be able to get to the motor for service and UPC code says it has to be big enough to get motor out. Hope this helps.

1. 
   Jamie_Case | Jan 09, 2002 03:33am | #5

   *Thanks for the help, I'll let you know how it goes

2. 
   Ralph_Wicklund | Jan 09, 2002 04:08am | #6

   *I don't have a picture available right now but when I designed a bathroom for a customer I put the vanity against the short side (this was a drop-in garden tub with whirlpool on a tiled deck) and designed the entire drawer stack on that side to be removable. Two screws and the stack slides out from the rest of the vanity where the pump could be accessed.What's on the other side of the two walls of the corner tub? Why can't you provide access there? Two exterior walls?

3. 
   Wet_Head_Warrior | Jan 09, 2002 04:31am | #7

   *Ralph, I like that idea. Have seen it done but forgot it. Note they do have 2 exterior walls.

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   Jamie_Case | Jan 09, 2002 06:27am | #8

   *Ralph, We do have the vanity butted up against the tub, but there's a 12" level tile surround plus a 12" tread outside of that. The vanity abuts this tread, but it would be impossible to get to the motor from that low and far away to get any work done on it. And the long legs are on exterior walls. I think I'll investigate the magnet idea with a caulked perimeter.

5. 
   calvin_ | Jan 09, 2002 04:57pm | #9

   *Couldn't you disconnect the motor and replumb to where you could get at it?

6. 
   Wet_Head_Warrior | Jan 09, 2002 05:26pm | #10

   *Just don't ask me to do it. I would run far and fast. I have made a whirlpool out of an existing garden tub though. Worked great. But that is a lot different than moving one. You would have to disconnect all plumbing and redo it ALL! Major pain and then you just voided all warranties whatsoever. For $5000 plus the job I may do it. The $5000 goes into a bank account to cover my a$$ if anything ever goes wrong. Because now it would be my baby.

7. 
   calvin_ | Jan 10, 2002 04:01am | #11

   *No kidding WH, that's the way it is with those tubs? You have no way to spec which end/location for that pump? Never had occasion to work around one cept for a cpl that had the linen closets conveniently placed for an access hole. That's quite a pc of crap that you would have to design the house around the pump location on a tub. Maybe that's why last mo. I looked through the access hole of a problem tub and saw the pump waaaaaaaaaaaaay over under the unnaccessible end of the tub deck.Thank you for enlightening me.

2. 
   Jamie_Case | Jan 10, 2002 04:01am | #12

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   Hey all, I am currently the owner/GC on my new house. The plumber has just started today and wanted to put an access panel to the garden tub. I had wanted an access panel, but I'm guessing it is a code requirment anyway. The tub is a corner model with a tile surround and one riser along the front and sides. How would you guys do an access that doesn't detract from the tile surround? It's on the second floor, and access from the first floor is possible, but not desirable. Any input is appreciated. Thanks!