Plumbing Re-Do

[Markinalaska]

Thanks silverloaf,
I was considering drilling through the belly pan but I’m not wanting to drop the pan to do it. So I thought I might just use an extension on my drill bit and drill it from the top and then use copper the same size as the hole and feed it down and out. Not sure how feasible that will be but I’m considering it. I plan on using standard water hose connections to and from the water pump to keep the vibrations down and then going pex out of the accumulator. Thanks for the info.

[silverloaf]

A drill bit leaves a real ugly and jagged hole; hence, the reason I used the punch. Are you able to pull down the belly pan just enough to give yourself hand clearance for the tool and threading the drain line?

I wanted a nice, tight interface to keep critters like ants from getting in.

[Salty]

Use a Christmas tree bit on the sheet metal.

[silverloaf]

Interesting on using a rotary file tree bit. Have you used it successfully on thin gauge metal?

[Salty]

Yes, but I confess, I did cheat. I made a 1/8" pilot hole first.
I was of the impression that is what those bits were designed for .
I made good use of one last year when I redid the belly pans.

[Markinalaska]

I think I’ve come up with a solution. I have some extra pieces of aluminum laying around from my roof vent installations so I think I’ll cut a access hole and then cover it with a predrilled cover. That way if for some reason I ever need to get back in there I will be able to.

[silverloaf]

Sounds like a good plan.

I have several access covers in the belly pan. One gives me access to the main drain for the fresh water tank. The other is below the p-trap for the tub/shower.