An access panel opens the wall behind the shower valve or the shutoffs without tearing out the tile. The install is a cut-and-fit project.
The why
An access panel reaches the valve or the shutoff behind the finished wall. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Olympia, the panel saves the tile on the next repair.
The location
Mark the panel location over the valve or the shutoff. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Olympia, the location is behind the fixture.
The cut
Cut the drywall opening, sized to the panel's frame. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Olympia, the cut follows the panel's template.
The frame
Set the panel frame in the opening and secure it to the studs. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Olympia, the frame screws into the framing.
The door
Snap the door onto the frame, hinged or removable. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Olympia, the door closes flush.
The finish
Paint or trim the panel to blend with the wall. rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often In Olympia, the finish hides the access.
The call
Add the access before the next repair. Call 888-217-3585 and Olympia Plumbing Helpers will match you with an Olympia pro for the job.
Plumbing in Olympia: what to know
In Olympia, rain and older housing stock mean corroded fittings and slow drains show up often. Pros in our network know the local quirks and bring the right parts on the first visit.
Across Thurston County — from Tumwater, Lacey and Dupont to ZIP codes like 98505, 98501, 98506 — homeowners deal with the same kinds of issues. The tips above apply locally, and when a job goes beyond a quick fix, a vetted local pro is only a call away.
Need a hand in Olympia?
If a plumbing issue is beyond a quick fix, don't wait for it to get worse. Call 888-217-3585 and Olympia Plumbing Helpers will match you with a vetted local pro — usually within minutes. Learn more about plumbing help in Olympia.