I'm in the process of building a new home and I want to prepare for an outdoor kitchen by installing PEX water lines through an exterior wall. I'm looking for specific products or boxes that can provide clean, secure, and weather-resistant access to these lines from outside. Ideally, I want a solution with a metal panel visible on the exterior. I've only been finding access panels in my search, but I really need the entire box that the lines will be in. Would it be better to just frame a custom box with OSB and add an access panel? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
If you're in a freezing climate, be careful with this setup. You really need to consider shutting off water to those lines from inside to avoid any freezing issues. Honestly, using just an access hatch might be simpler; I mean, why do you need a full box? If the water lines are already inside the wall, an access panel could work just fine. Plus, sealing a box to the siding might be more hassle than it's worth if it’s not installed securely. If waterproofing is a must, check out some weatherproof electrical junction boxes. They could serve your purpose if you're okay with drilling a few holes for access.
You could frame a box inside the wall and then put an access panel on it with a good gasket for waterproofing. Just make sure you seal it nicely with the siding too. Here's an option that I found that might work for you: [Check this link](https://www.bestaccessdoors.com/12-x-12-aesthetic-access-door-with-gasket-and-hidden-flange/?ab_version=A&campaign=20007491241&content=&keyword=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADxp55ZQkToTjg_jN3AC9fFJNUKIn&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9_bW9Le6jAMV2VFHAR1WORKwEAQYCyABEgKOOPD_BwE). It could keep everything weatherproof!