this post was submitted on 09 Jan 2026
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That's how plumbing is done in most places...behind the wall. If there's a leak you can never get to it. If I ever get a chance to design my own bathroom, I will try to add access panels to get to the plumbing. Access panels don't have to look ugly.
The pipe carrying water sits inside a larger protective sleeve. If it ever leaks, the water runs into that sleeve and drips out the ends onto the floor instead of soaking into the walls or structures.
You can then disconnect both ends, pull the damaged pipe out, and slide a new one in. No joints hidden behind the walls, and leaks in the middle of the pipe are super rare - you'd basically have to drill into it. The manifold above ceiling has a an access panel.
Oh that's neato bonito! Local laws here require fasteners every few inches/feet for electrical and plumbing. They take the pex and clamp it to the inner wall studs. Any leaks then mean that you have to re-do the wall.
The protective outer sleeve is clamped down here as well but you can still pull out the inner pipe. It's not alway the easiest job but it can be done.
Very cool!