After a long day at work, you look forward to soaking your tired muscles in a warm bath. But when you go to turn on the jets, nothing happens. You check the breaker box and the power is on to the bathroom. So what’s causing your bathtub jets to refuse to turn on?
A few different things could cause such a problem. Let’s look at some of the most common reasons bathtub jets won’t turn on and what you can do to fix the problem (to solve the opposite problem, read here to figure out what to do if your jets won’t turn off).
An air lock in the system, clogging, malfunctioning control panel, and a bad motor are all potential causes of bathtub jets that won’t turn on. You can fix these problems by scheduling a repair with a licensed bathtub technician. You can also prevent the problems by regularly cleaning the jets, replacing them, and using a water softener.
Keep reading to understand why your bathtub jets won’t turn on.
5 Reasons Why Your Bathtub Jets Won’t Turn On (And How to Fix Them)
If you’re not an experienced plumber, fixing a problem like this can seem daunting. But don’t worry; we’ll walk you through some of the most common issues step-by-step so you can get your bathtub jets up and running again in no time.
Here are five reasons why your bathtub jets won’t turn:
An Airlock in the System
When there’s air in the line, it prevents the water from flowing properly and can cause the jets to malfunction. It can take a little while to get all the air out of the system, but once you do, your jets should start working again.
To get rid of an airlock, open the drain and let the water run until it’s clear. You may need to do this a few times to get all the air out. You can watch this tutorial to help you understand how to do it.
A Clogged Jet
Over time, soap scum, hair, and other debris can build up in the jets and cause them to become clogged. This is one of the most common reasons bathtub jets stop working. If you delay fixing the problem, the jets could become permanently damaged.
To clean out the jets, remove any visible debris with a pair of pliers. Then, use a pipe snake or other plumbing tool to clear out the rest of the clog. Be careful not to damage the jets as you work.
Most jets can be unscrewed by hand, but if they’re too tight, you may need to use a wrench. Just be careful not to over-tighten the screws, or you could strip them.
If you’re unsure how to clean the jets, you can always call a professional plumber for help.
The Pump Isn’t Working
If the bathtub jets won’t turn on, but the power is on, the problem may be with the pump. The pump is responsible for circulating the water through the jets, so if it’s not working, the jets won’t either.
First, check to ensure the pump is turned on. If it is, then the problem may be with the pump itself. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to look at it.
Malfunctioning Control Panel
The control panel allows you to turn the jets on in the first place. If it’s not working, then the jets won’t either.
There are a few different things that could be wrong with the control panel. First, check to see if the power is on. If it is, then the problem may be with the control panel itself. In this case, you’ll need to call a professional to look at it.
If you have an older bathtub, the problem may be with the wiring. Over time, the wires can become corroded or frayed. If this is the case, you’ll need to hire an electrician to replace the wires.
Leaking Jets
If your bathtub jets are leaking, it’s a sign that they need to be replaced. Jets can become worn out over time, and when they do, they can start to leak. If you ignore the problem, it will only get worse.
To replace the jets, you’ll need to unscrew them from the bathtub. Be careful not to strip the screws. Once you’ve unscrewed the jets, you can screw in the new ones.
If you’re unsure how to do this, you can always call a professional plumber for help.
As you can see, there are a few reasons why your bathtub jets might not work. But don’t worry; the problem is relatively easy to fix in most cases. With a little patience and some elbow grease, you can get your bathtub jets up and running again in no time.
3 Ways You Can Prevent Your Bathtub Jets From Malfunctioning
Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in your home, so keeping it in good working order is essential. That includes your bathtub jets. If you’re not careful, your jets can become clogged or damaged. But don’t worry, you can do a few things to prevent this from happening.
Here are three ways you can prevent your bathtub jets from malfunctioning:
Clean the Jets Regularly
As mentioned, soap scum, hair, and other debris can build up in the jets with regular use, leading to clogs or other problems. To prevent this from happening, cleaning the jets regularly is essential.
Plumbers also offer professional cleaning services that help keep your bathtub jets in good working order. They will use tools like pipe snakes to clear any clogs and build-up. Such a preventative measure can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.
Use a Water Softener
Having hard water can lead to mineral build-up in the jets, which can eventually lead to clogs or other problems. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to use a water softener.
Water softeners work by removing the minerals from the water, which can help to extend the life of your bathtub jets.
You can purchase water softeners at most home improvement stores. Consult a professional to help determine which type of water softener is right for your home.
Replace the Jets Regularly
As mentioned, bathtub jets can become worn out or damaged over time. When this happens, they can start to leak or become clogged. To prevent this from happening, regularly replacing the jets is essential.
Plumbers typically recommend replacing bathtub jets every three to five years. But, if you have hard water, you may need to replace them more often.
If you’re not sure how to replace the jets, you can always hire a professional plumber to do it for you.
Following these three tips can help prevent your bathtub jets from becoming clogged or damaged.
Final Thought
Bathtub jets are a great way to relax and unwind after a long day. But, if they’re not working properly, it can ruin your experience. If you’re having problems with your bathtub jets, don’t hesitate to call a professional for help. In most cases, the problem is relatively easy to fix.
For instance, if the jets are leaking, it’s a sign that they need to be replaced. To do this, you’ll need to unscrew them from the bathtub. Be careful not to strip the screws. Once you’ve unscrewed the jets, you can screw in the new ones.
If you’re unsure how to do this, you can always call a professional plumber for help. As you can see, there are a few different reasons why your bathtub jets might not work.
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