Whirlpool Tub Doesn't Work - DIY Chatroom

Scott_K · 04-07-2005, 10:45 PM

We had a new whirlpool put in recently. It is built with a push button switch (air actuator) turn on. The access panel was just put in today, so I can see the power is plugged in and there is power going to that GFCI. The motor/jets do not turn on though. No humming, nothing. I looked to see if the hose from the button to the motor was crimped, but I wasn't able to see to much since the access panel is only about a square foot. And from what I was able to see, the hose looked fine.

I will check with the contractor to see what's wrong. Is this common ? What are the success rates on whirlpool installs ?
Thanks,
Scott

pipeguy · 04-08-2005, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scott_K

What are the success rates on whirlpool installs ?

I self-installed a small Kohler whirlpool tub. It worked perfectly for about a week when one day I discovered that several of the jets had stooped working all together and several others had reduced output. I was very worried about it and was on the verge of calling the mnanufacturer. At that point I decided to read the Owner's manual
and discovered that the jet output was variable by rotating the covers around the jets. It seems that the cleaning lady was turning them in the 'closed' direction as she cleaned the tub. Problem easily remedied.

My brother put one in also, without complication. I'd bet the contractor can remedy your problem pretty quickly.

Scott_K · 04-11-2005, 10:52 AM

Pipeguy, Thanks for the feedback.
It is a Kohler whirlpool tub. I saw that part in the manual about rotating the jets. I tried turning the outer ring, but it seems to only turn about 10% left or right. I'm assuming it should turn more, but I don't want to force it because I'm scared about breaking something.
Also, when I hit the turn on button, I don't even hear the motor hum or anything. But I have confirmed that there is power to the motor.
I will take a look at the jets again.
Thanks again,
Scott

Scott_K · 04-11-2005, 06:02 PM

One more question, were those tubs using Air actuator switches ? Or are they electric ?...I see two types of switches on Kohler's site. I have the air actuator which looks kinda wimpy.
Thanks,
Scott

pipeguy · 04-11-2005, 06:11 PM

Both have air actuators. Both work flawlessly.

Scott_K · 04-11-2005, 11:12 PM

ugh...I pulled off the hose that goes from the air actuator to the motor. Put a windshield wiper hose on the acutator on the motor. Wrapped my hand around the hose and gave it a little puff of air. Motor kicks on, all jets are active and bubbles...bubbles...bubbles...
So this tells me that the line going from the air actuator button to the motor is either crimped or not connected....Guess they didn't read that part on the bright orange warning label ....ehhhhhh

pipeguy · 04-12-2005, 10:35 AM

Great diagnostic trick. Glad you found the problem.

Scott_K · 04-12-2005, 11:50 AM

Yeah...the only problem is...it's not the way I wanted it to be. I think I'm going to order a new switch and hose from Kohler or whoever. Pull out the original switch and hose and see if I can fish a new hose through.
Ideally, I think this is the installer's fault because they didn't ensure that the hose was working upon install. However, I don't think I want them to fix it because they won't be as careful as I will be. Or they'll pull the tub out and make a mess, etc.

Thanks for your posts Pipeguy. Really appreciate it.

Essprince · 10-02-2007, 01:20 AM

Hi Guys!

I just wanted to say THANKS! I bought a house about 7 months ago that has an American Standard Whirlpool tub. (at least that is what the name plate says). About two months ago it stopped working, and I had no idea why. I have limited DIY experience, so sometimes the process is slow! LOL I thought that there was something wrong with the pump, since when I turned the switch on, it made noise like it was trying to work. I have searched the web previously but didn't find anything, and since I didn't have the owner's manual, I didn't know what to do. I now know about turning the faceplates around the jets. I am sure I will frequently use this site, since this is an old house and needs some repairs.

Cathy