how do i fix a leak in a garden tub if I can't reach it through the access panel?

Answer 1

Just where is the leak? Is it in the fiberglass? At a jet or fitting (assuming it has jets)? or the plumbing?

I wouldnt advise that you use plumbers epoxy without knowing what type of leak youve got... and that stuff can damage some parts of an acrylic tub (what most garden tubs are made of).

Worst case scenario -- undo the plumbing, remove the trim, and pull it away from the wall -- then it's easy to get to any part of it, to work on it (or replace it, if necessary).

If this tub is in a manufactured home, you can access part of the plumbing through the panel, and part from underneath the home (The drain line goes thru the floor, and some of the plumbing can often be reached through this space). Though this can be an awkward reach. (Ive worked on enough over the years, lol) In this scenario, you would have to go through the underbelly, pull back the insulation, and access the plumbing through the hole in the floor,where the drain falls through. -- Oh, yes... some of these mobile home tubs can be accessed through a closet, located on the other side of the wall. If you are in a home like this, this would probably be the easiest way to get to the plumbing, if that is where your leak is at.

If the tub is in a vinyl sided home, you might be able to reach it by coming at it from outside (This scenario assumes that you have a leak in the 'spa' plumbing, on the 'wall' side). Remove the vinyl siding over the area where the tub is located, and any sheathing & insulation. Fix the leak, replace the insulation, sheathing, and siding. Sounds simple, but it can be time consuming.

Obviously, Ive not given detailed instructions here - without knowing where the leak is at, that'd be too time consuming.
If you want to provide better details, then we can go from there.

Have Fun

Answer 2

most hardware stores sell a stick of plumbers epoxy. It is two colored paste. You rub the colors together untill you get a solid color. Keep working for about 5 min. until you notice an increase in temperature (this means the epoxy is chemically reacting and setting up). Fill your leak with this and it will set up and dry under water.

Answer 3

If you can see it and describe it call the manufacturer.They might have an answer.