No access panel in 80s jetted tub, help! (floor, bathroom, cabinet)
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I have a late 80s home that we are continually updating, and it's time for the bathroom. It has a cultured marble corner tub with jets and a curved front with absolutely no access label. The jets no longer work, and I'd like to at minimum change the chrome faucet / fixtures out. Why would they design it this way? No access from underneath also. So, is my only alternative to pry the entire curved face off of the front? Photo should be attached.
I have a late 80s home that we are continually updating, and it's time for the bathroom. It has a cultured marble corner tub with jets and a curved front with absolutely no access label. The jets no longer work, and I'd like to at minimum change the chrome faucet / fixtures out. Why would they design it this way? No access from underneath also. So, is my only alternative to pry the entire curved face off of the front? Photo should be attached.
It's POSSIBLE there's an access panel in a closet on the other side of one of the bathroom walls. I had an access panel there once, for access to the tub/shower plumbing.
No panel, believe me. Another bathroom is on one wall, an exterior wall is on the other. I think my only alternative is to take the entire front off, and quite possibly break it in the process if I attempt.
I had a nearly identical jetted tub, except with a step along the curved front instead of a straight panel. The entire step assembly had to be moved to access the pump and connections. I'm betting that yours is the same. The whole panel should be caulked in place, so you'll have to run a utility knife all around it to loosen it up. Hopefully, the floor tile runs under the panel and is not butted up against it.
To change the faucet you will have to remove the curved panel skirt. Depending on how tight the fit is you may be able to just cut all the caulk loose and pull it out. If it's a tight fit, cut a couple of 2X4's about an inch longer than the height of the lip of the tub. Use them as leverage under the lip to take the weight of the tub off the skirt.
Obviously, from the design of the tub the pump and motor are in the back corner. So, whatever room that backs to that corner is where you'll need to cut an access hole to get to them. The most likely reason for non-function is the pump shaft is "frozen" to the seal. This can usually be remedied by turning the shaft on the motor end (they usually have a slot for a screwdriver).
To keep this from happening in the future make sure to "burp" the system when the tub is drained; and occasionally run the pump for a few seconds every month during times of non-use.
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