We bought a house with a broken whirlpool tub. When we turn it on, we can hear the motor hum but no air comes out of the jets. The previous owners inherited the tub in the same condition and made no attempt to get it repaired.
The problem I have is, how can I identify who made this tub and what model it is? I think it dates from the 1990s, when the bathroom was supposedly remodeled. But the only clue I have as to its identity is that the drain switch says "Kohler." Looking at Kohler's Web site, though, I can't find a model that looks like this one (this is not a high-end product and I'm guessing it's a cheaper brand that happened to use Kohler hardware).
Is there any kind of Web site that has a database of old models, or is there some secret place in the guts of the tub (I haven't opened the access panel yet) that would contain this info?
Chris
This is a problem common to all whirlpool/air jet style tubs. The pumps become air locked due to the water evaporating from lack of use. All tubs need, and have, SOME means of priming the pump, this is most likely what the problem was, originally, for you. This time in particular you found it to be electrical in nature but for future reference, for you and all who have these style of tubs, I am putting this out there. Some where on the tub, usually along the top edge of the tub is a vent knob that controls the amount of air that the pump is allowed to mix with the water for the jets, usually by closing this valve all the way (tub needs to be full of water of course) and running the pump for a minute or 2, you should be able to get the pump pumping water again, if not you may need to do something else with your particular set-up to get it purged of air, the pumps in jacuzzi tubs are designed to pump water, not air, so if the motor is running but you get no jet action, your most likely air locked and need to prime pump/purge air.
I use to work at kohler and my uncle still does he's a production designer so he would know. take a few pictures and e- mail me at [email protected] and i will get back to you. please rate thanks
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