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shepstone's avatar
shepstone
Explorer
Oct 13, 2015

Access door

I was tired of removing most of the basement wall just to get at the hot water heater bypass valve, so I went to Lowes and picked an 8x8 plastic access door, only a 20 minute job and saves a lot of hassle. It cost about 12 bucks. They can put a levelling system on the rv but not a little access door??



Sorry the pic is dark , but the valve is straight back from the door. I had to move the screw at the top left corner as it was to close to a P-trap. It also makes it easier to find the valve because it isn't as visually confusing without all the wires and plumbing cluttering up the place


Moderator edit to re-size pictures to forum recommended limit of 640px maximum width.

9 Replies

  • shepstone's avatar
    shepstone
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2015
    I found it in the plumbing / plumbing parts dept. There are other types there too but this one seemed the right fit for what I needed. They are normally used for laundry's etc to provide access to the shut off valves. It was about $12.00 cdn
  • Campinfan's avatar
    Campinfan
    Explorer III
    Oct 16, 2015
    I have the same issue with mine. So now I know how to fix it for next year. I already winterized for this season :(

    Thanks for passing this great idea along!! Where in Lowes are the access panels?
  • shepstone's avatar
    shepstone
    Explorer
    Oct 14, 2015
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    NICE Job on that access panel. Well Done!!!



    I removed ALL of that false walling in my basement compartment when I had to work on ATS.

    After I got it out I looked at how easy it would be to get to all the water lines/fittings, the furnace, the low point drain valves, the wiring going thru to main panel etc. PLUS the additional space

    The false wall didn't go back in.

    I seriously thought of doing the same thing but with my luck something in the basement would rub up agianst the plumbing or wiring and poke a hole in it.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Oct 13, 2015
    NICE Job on that access panel. Well Done!!!



    I removed ALL of that false walling in my basement compartment when I had to work on ATS.

    After I got it out I looked at how easy it would be to get to all the water lines/fittings, the furnace, the low point drain valves, the wiring going thru to main panel etc. PLUS the additional space

    The false wall didn't go back in.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2015
    How much extra would you pay for the access door package on an RV? Maybe they would even bundle it with accurate wiring and plumbing diagrams.

    And yes, this looks very neatly done indeed.
  • Tin_Pusher's avatar
    Tin_Pusher
    Explorer II
    Oct 13, 2015
    "They can put a levelling system on the rv but not a little access door??"

    Right, well Marketing is all over levelling systems. Access doors, not so much.

    Forget the lawyers, we need to kill all the Marketers :)
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Oct 13, 2015
    nicely done. my bypass is located in a box under the bed. wouldn't be bad if I were 100 lbs. lighter and 40 years younger. you gave me an idea, thanks.
    bumpy

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