Access panel for plumbing – worth buying or make one myself?
Hi guys, I'm renovating my bathroom and need to install an access panel for the plumbing/shut-off valves behind the tiles. Saw some ready-made ones online but not sure if they're any good or if it's better to just cut a piece of drywall and make a simple cover myself. What do you usually do? Are plastic/metal panels durable enough or do they crack/break easily over time? Thanks for any advice!
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I've used both homemade ones and bought ones. Homemade from drywall is cheap and quick, but if you ever need to open it often (like for yearly checks), the edges get beat up and it looks messy after a while. I ended up getting a proper access panel last year – plastic frame with metal door, magnetic catch, pretty sturdy. This one I got is holding up well even in a humid bathroom: https://www.amazon.com/Access-Panel-Drywall-Plumbing-Durable/dp/B085617TBL?tag=contractorhub-20
Not super expensive and it was easy to install. For plumbing access I think it's worth it if you want something clean and reliable long-term. Just my 2 cents.