Update For Access Panels For Whirlpool Tubs.

threaderman

I just purchased the 06' IPC book [most cities here are just incorporating the new codes now] .and the code states tubs with pumps shall be provided a 12" x 12" access.Where the distance to the pump is greater than 24" a 18" x 18" access is required ,but in no circumstance can the access be smaller the the pump.Thought I'd share.I think it is a smart code .

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

rbsremodeling

We have been doing that for 6 years. I think 12x12 is too small we usually try to make it 16x16 or get the whirpools with the detachable side where you take the whole thing off.

The plumbing inspectors will fail you here in a heart beat if you don't have the access panel


I have had to remove a pump before and its a PITA without sufficient access

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neolitic

Another case where "best practice"
is light years above "to code".

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Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

firemike

Ya think?!?!?!?!? I always make them as wide as the studs (at least the 14 1/2") and 16" to 18" high. I worked on one once where the opening was just big enough to get the pump in. You could only work with one arm inside and couldn't see hardly anything, worked mostly by feel. Major PITA!

Gotta love these people that think this $h!t up!

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-Mike-

te12c02w

I have had some real problems with several general contractors in the last 2 years not wanting to put access in at all or wanting to make itsty bitsy teeny weeny panels. The last 3 jobs they made the opening so small that I couldn't even get both my hands in there to install a gfi receptacle for the pump. Just this morning I had to install a gfi receptacle for a tub. I don't know if he will ever be able to pull that pump. Such a tiny hole that I couldn't even hammer a receptacle box on a stud. Had to cut a short 2x4 nail the box onto that, install the receptacle and then pretend to attach that 2x4 to something in there.

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Jim R

rbsremodeling

Here is my sermon for the day:

I make all my guys from helpers to Lead carpenter work along side my subs. When they do this enough times they know what it takes for the subs to do their jobs. By obtaining this knowledge you think about the next man or sub that is coming to work behind you.

I have a very good relationships with my subs because when they come on my jobs they know its right or I will make it right.

When they come to my jobs its like a breath of fresh air all they do is bitch about the other contractors they work for and the hell they went through to get the job done. I don't want to be that contractor.

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threaderman

I' ve also plumbed this way for years.I mainly started this thread as re-inforcement of the need for access to all pumps,regardless of aesthetics.

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Joe ---International Code Council Member

Your plumbing & gas specialist proudly serving Oklahoma City OK, Moore, Warr-acres, Norman, Midwest City, Edmond, Bethany, Forest Park

te12c02w

Great idea.

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Jim R

Kingfisher

take the hp of the pumb x 3.14 then use that as the radius for a round access hole