Are jucuzzi tubs plugged in somewhere?
by
Nikki
+17
So, we've been in our house for almost a year and half and finally decided to use the jacuzzi tub. We filled the tub, pushed the button, and nothing. No sound, no bubbles...nothing. We don't see any plugs or switches or panel doors anywhere to turn it on. I read something online about a GFCI being tripped, but where would I find that to check it?
18 answers
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most of the time these days there is a "faceless" GFCI (GFCI without plug holes) hidden behind the water closet door up high that can be tripped. If not it controlled by a GFCI breaker in the panel or in a small access under the tub. Good Luck www.electramedics.com
ElectraMedics Electrical Services
on Mar 26, 2012
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Nikki, To add to Electra's good info, code requires that there be access to the tub so a repair technician can get to the electrical components of the system. My eyes aren't what they used to be, but it looks like yours is a drop-in, in a platform with a tile front. Is there an access panel on the left side? It isn't likely but perhaps there is a front panel/tile that pops off/out?
Hewitt Remodeling Services LLC
on Mar 26, 2012
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ElectraMedics and Hewitt, thanks for responding. I've looked all over and there is nothing that looks like an access panel anywhere near the tub. Worrying now that the builders may have covered it with the tile! Or, maybe it's in the little crawl space in the closet which is on the other side of the wall to the right of the picture. Going to check now.
Nikki
on Mar 26, 2012
- See 1 previous
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How old is this house? If it's newer there should be a GFCI that controls it somewhere in the bathroom. If not, it's more than likely to the right of the tub...probably in the crawlspace. We often find that they access has been tiled over. I have that issue right now in a home in Country Club of the South. You may also need an inline heater to even begin enjoying the tub....unless you like cold baths!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Mar 26, 2012
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I checked in the crawlspace, but I didn't see anything. But, then I really didn't go all the way to the end of the space because it was just too hot in there. I'll send my husband in tomorrow. HandyAndy, the house was built in 2007.
Nikki
on Mar 26, 2012
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They may have tiled over it. It would have to have a GFCI in order to have passed inspection and Fulton County..especially in the city of Atlanta is pretty tough on electrical. Have him put a good "headlamp" on....energizer makes one for about $8 that works pretty well.
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Mar 27, 2012
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Ohhhh! Looks like somebody broke code! Shame, shame on them!
AA Marble & Granite, LLC
on Mar 27, 2012
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check the breaker box should be special breaker for that alone and gfi should be around sink area
Ann W
on Mar 27, 2012
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Often times, a separate GFCI is located underneath the tub or placed somewhere on a wall in the bathroom. More often than not, they are under the tub and get covered over with all that ice tile. Sometimes, you'll find that they have been wired to a separate breaker in the box as Ann mentions. I'm not sure of the code on this to be honest....but that's how we find them
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Mar 27, 2012
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ours has a switch on the wall next to the light switches but a little over from them. You also might check the circuit breaker for that area. Make sure their is water in the tub before you try it.
GEORGIA M
on Mar 27, 2012
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They have a receptacle(maybe the gfi) under the tub that the motor plugs into, you should have an access panel. The GFI could be under the tub, in the breaker panel or just about anywhere, but try those two first. www.brightenelectric.net
Stuart M
on Mar 27, 2012
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Usually there is an access panel somewhere close to the plumbing. Was this a remodeled bathroom or original to the home. It would not have passed inspection unless there was a way to access the plumbing and electrical. I have seen some very clever ways of disguising the access locations. . . look for any loose tiles, the ledge on the niche or even inside the lower cabinet to the right. I love puzzles and mysteries!!! LOL
WallsTreat Studio/ Kass Wilson
on Mar 28, 2012
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Unfortunately I have seen too many times when the "access" is not accessible because it is near the tub and the tub surround is tiled. The original builder of my home did the same and I made an access panel a contract requirement.
Kevin M. Veler, Law Office of
on Mar 28, 2012
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Once you do figure out how to turn the whirlpool on you will want to clean it before you use it the first time. Fill the tub up and either use whirlpool cleaner that is made to clean out the plumbing that the water passes through or just put some liquid Cascade (or similar) in and let it run a complete whirlpool cycle. You don't want any black gunk coming out of your jets when you are in the tub.
Erin C
on Mar 28, 2012
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is there a heating vent near the floor to the left of the tub, maybe in the room with the toilet, if so that may be your access.
Plumbrite
on Mar 29, 2012
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We have a "light switch" in our bathroom that I could never figure out what it turned on/off.....until I tried our jacuzzi tub - that's what it controls! Hope you find your switch soon!!!
Tracy Oliver
on Feb 04, 2015
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We had to go under the house to turn ours on. It was under the tub and I guess the electrician failed to turn it plug it in. So, I have this big beautiful tub that I can't turn the jets on. I went about 2 years without having jets. My son finally took the initiative and went under the house to fund out what the problem was. He came out and said it will not work if it's not plugged in. After 2 years of waiting on the jets, my son saved the day.
Rhonda
on Mar 02, 2015
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I've even seen some access panels on the exterior of the house. Had to use an extension ladder to get up to this random opening in the siding on the second floor
David Gnida
on Mar 06, 2015
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