 
Over 704,000 strictly plumbing related posts
Welcome to Plbg.com (aka: PlumbingForum.com) where plumbing advice, education, information, help and plumbing related suggestions are provided by some of the most experienced plumbers and plumbing contractors anywhere who all wish to "give back" to society. Since 1996 we have been free without popup or other invasive ads and known to be the best online STRICTLY PLUMBING advice site. If you have questions about plumbing, toilets, sinks, faucets, drains, sewers, water filters, venting, water heating, showers, pumps, and other strictly PLUMBING related issues then you've come to the right place. Please refrain from asking or discussing legal questions, or pricing, or where to find and/or purchase products, or any business issues, or for contractor referrals, or any other questions or issues not specifically related to plumbing. Keep all posts positive and absolutely no advertising. Our site is completely free, without ads or pop-ups and we don't track you. We absolutely do not sell your personal information. We are made possible by: 
|
|
Author:
mumoftwo (TX)
I need to install shut-off valves and an access panel for 2 pipes (hot and cold water) that run down the inside of our bedroom wall to an open porch on the other side of wall (they were added for a future outdoor kitchen). Since we sometimes get hard freezes that can last several days, I want to make sure I can shut off the pipes under such conditions. I have a few questions:
1) Can the panel be installed higher up on the wall (so that it can be hidden behind a picture), or will it need to be installed lower down, close to the point where the pipes lead outside (see picture).
2) A plumber I consulted said that an approx. 16" opening would be needed for the valve installation, which would require a large panel and is therefore likely to be an eyesore in the master bedroom. Would a smaller opening work, and if so, what is the approx. minimum size that would work?
3) Any suggestions for a robust and attractive panel that can be used for such a job, to decrease the eyesore factor  ?
Thank you!
Edited 1 times.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
The access panel can be installed at whatever height you desire. Your bedroom wall is not drywalled over yet, so the job is going to be easy if the shutoffs are installed now
A 8in x 8in panel is plenty large enough for each pipe. The hot and cold seem to be about 14 in apart, so use two panels.
This Watts panel will do the job
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
To add to my post - your bedroom wall is perhaps drywalled over now and the pic you posted was from before the drywall went up.
Still doable with a 8 x 8 panel for each pipe. A bit more work with the drywall in the way.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
sharp1 (IL)
Use a return air grill as an access cover, maybe one that is hinged for a filter. It will almost disappear if painted the same as the wall. To me, they are no more noticeable than an electrical outlet. Plus it will allow heat in the cavity if there is a chance of freezing.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
mumoftwo (TX)
I see the advantage of letting the warm air in to warm the pipes, but would it also allow some cold air into the bedroom, or would this be negligible?
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
george 7941 (Canada)
Yes, you will lose some heat with a grill on the wall. If the water is turned off to the pipes via the yet to be installed shutoff valves and the remaining water downstream of the valves drained out, it does not matter how cold the pipes get, it will not hurt them.
|
|
Post Reply
|
|
|
Author:
mumoftwo (TX)
Thank you George 7941 and Sharp1 for your input.
Edited 1 times.
|
|
Post Reply
|
Please note:
- Inappropriate messages or blatant advertising will be deleted. We cannot be held responsible for bad or inadequate advice.
- Plbg.com has no control over external content that may be linked to from messages posted here. Please follow external links with caution.
- Plbg.com is strictly for the exchange of plumbing related advice and NOT to ask about pricing/costs, nor where to find a product (try Google), nor how to operate or promote a business, nor for ethics (law) and the like questions.
- Plbg.com is also not a place to ask radiant heating (try HeatingHelp.com), electrical or even general construction type questions. We are exclusively for plumbing questions.
Search for plumbing parts on our sponsor's site:
Special thanks to our sponsor:
|
