just sheetrock over studs, or do you have tongue and groove wood, like the old style houses? Cuz for sheetrock you only needed a utility knife or a little pocket saw to cut through.. believe me, I've had to cut so many holes in this house's walls.. I got tired of fixing sheetrock holes and texturing etc..
You're lucky, tho, to only have plumbing issues in the wall.. we have a slab and have had two slab leaks, which means jack hammering holes in the house foundation to get to the leaks... no fun at all..
Friendship is like peeing your pants.. Everybody can see it, but only you can feel the warmth..