How To Clean Tub Jets That Don’t Work

Having a tub with jets can enhance the bath experience. However, if those jets stop working, they can get so gross, you may end up not wanting to take baths at all. Luckily, it is possible to clean broken tub jets. Read on to learn how to clean tub jets that don’t work so you can get back to relaxing in the bath. 

How Does Cleaning a Functioning Jet Tub Work?

Typically, you can clean a properly working jet tub by adding vinegar, dish soap, and warm water to a tub and running the jets. To get the tub clean, you want to get all the dirt out of the jets by running them for several minutes and doing a series of rinses. For the best results, clean your tub every month. If the jets break, you can not clean them as deeply as usual. 

How Do I Clean Tub Jets That Don’t Work?

Cleaning a tub is essential for your health, the health of those around you, and the tub itself. The hard truth is that in some cases, you will not be able to clean a broken jetted tub deeply enough, and you will need to call a professional for repairs if you want to take a bath. But if you can clean your tub yourself, these are the steps you should follow.

Supplies Needed

• Vinegar
• Baking soda
• Cleaning brushes
• Toothbrush
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask

Step 1: Fill the Tub With Hot Water

Even if you can not run the jets to clean them as usual, adding water to the tub is an essential first step. The warm water will loosen any gunk in the tub and make cleaning easier. Fill the tub to a few inches above the top of the jets.  

Step 2: Add Vinegar

The amount of vinegar you need will depend on the size of your tub. Most tubs will need around two cups of vinegar. After adding the vinegar, let the tub soak for about half an hour.  

You can clean some tubs with bleach. Yet, it is usually best to opt for vinegar since bleach can damage many tubs and cause safety issues. 

Step 3: Drain the Tub and Scrub by Hand

Using a rag or scrub brush, scrub the jets clean of any mold or grime you can get at. Using baking soda during the scrubbing process will help you get a deeper clean. 

Step 4: Remove Jets and Clean Individually

This step is optional since it may not always be necessary, and can be somewhat labor-intensive. Each tub model can be a little different in terms of how you should remove the jets. Some tub brands sell a tool to help you with this task. 

In general, rotate the jet counterclockwise until it clicks. Pull the jet out, and place it in a bucket of water, vinegar, and a small amount of dish soap. 

Clean the cavity the jets came from and remove as much grime and mold as possible. Scrub using a small brush or a toothbrush and plenty of baking soda. After the jets soak for about half an hour you can start scrubbing away at them. That additional soak should make it easier to remove dirt. Once you are satisfied with the cleanliness level of the jets and their cavities, replace the jets. 

Step 5: Fill the Tub Again

Fill the tub again with water and vinegar. During this step, you may see more black grime and mold emerge from the jets. You can also try to scrub more during this step. 

Step 6: Repeat as Needed

Depending on how much you clean your tub, you may need to repeat the fill and scrub steps several times. You can stop these steps when you do not see more dirt coming from the tub. 

Step 7: Rinse the Tub

Once you are satisfied with the level of grime removed from your jets, you can fill your tub one final time. This time you only need to fill the tub with water. This final rinse will help clean out any last bits of grime and mold. You should see very little grime at this stage. 

Additional Tips

• If you choose to use bleach, it is a good idea to perform this task in a well-ventilated area. Open any windows, run fans, and use a de-humidifier. 
• There are many ways you can maintain the cleanliness of your tub to reduce jet dirtiness. Avoid using oils in the bath, rinse the tub with clean water after use, and lightly clean your tub after each use.
• Since you may be exposed to mold spores while cleaning your jetted tub, wear protective gear such as rubber gloves and a face mask.  
• Do not be afraid to swallow your pride and call in the professionals if it seems impossible to clean your tub. 

Why Do Tub Jets Not Work?

Understanding the cause of your jet failure can help you determine the right way to clean or repair them. While you can assess some issues yourself, a professional plumber or technician can help diagnose any issues. 

Depending on the cause behind your broken jets, fixing them can be fairly easy. So, you may not need to worry about cleaning the tub if you can fix the issue. 

Power Supply Issue

The power supply to the tub can be the reason behind your jets not working if you notice that the pump is not turning on in the first place. Check to see if the tub connects to a power source, and if not, hook it up. 

Insufficient Water Level

Certain types of jacuzzi tubs may only work if the jets are submerged in water at a specific level. Double-check to ensure at least a few inches of water above the jets. If the water is not high enough, the jets may also spray the water everywhere. 

Closed Jets

Always check to see if a lack of water is the result of closed jets. Before getting into deeper issues, check if the jets are open. If one or more seem closed, open them up and see if that helps the problem. Sometimes an excessively dirty bathtub jet can behave as if it is closed (see also ‘Bathtub Jets Won’t Turn Off: Simple Fixes You Can Try Today‘). So, cleaning regularly is vital for proper jet function. 

Clogged Filter

Many substances can clog the filter of the tub. In some cases, you may even have air stuck in the filter or plumbing line. A lack of water pressure can indicate that a clog is an issue. To fix this issue, you can loosen the bleed screws and turn on the tub a few times. 

If the pump has a clog you will turn the power to the pump off. Check for obstructions throughout the pump. You can check if the clog is in the filter by running the tub without the filter and seeing if the pressure from the water is better. Consult the manual for your tub to understand the design of the tub. 

Broken Pump

You can tell if this may cause your problem if you hear odd sounds, see signs of leaks, and a change or end to water circulation. If a pump is broken, this is an issue for which you should hire a professional. 

Final Thoughts

Take heart! A broken jet tub does not need to mean you can never take a bath again. With some elbow grease, you can get a functional tub even if it does not supply bubbles. Try cleaning your tub following this method, and reward yourself with a nice, long soak.