Kohler K-1106 User manual

Installation Guide
Bath Whirlpool with Custom Pump
K-1106, K-1126, K-1131,
K-1139, K-1144, K-1146,
K-1148, K-1157, K-1192,
K-1194, K-1196, K-1198,
K-1201, K-1209, K-1221,
K-1224, K-1226, K-1231,
K-1239, K-1244, K-1246,
K-1248, K-1257, K-1263,
K-1266, K-1337, K-1458
Mproduct numbers are for Mexico (i.e. K-12345M)
Los números de productos seguidos de Mcorresponden a México
(Ej. K-12345M)
Français, page “Français-1”
Español, página “Español-1”
1055820-2-A

Important Information
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed, including
the following:
DANGER: Risk of electric shock. Connect only to a circuit protected by a Ground-Fault
Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI).
Building materials and wiring should be routed away from the pump body and other heat-producing
components of the unit.
Install to permit access for servicing.
Grounding is required. The unit should be installed by a qualified service representative, and grounded.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. A licensed electrician should make all electrical connections.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Disconnect power before servicing.
WARNING: Risk of injury or property damage. Please read all instructions thoroughly before
beginning installation, including the following requirements.
NOTICE: Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes.
Product Information
Electrical Requirements
The installation must have a Class A Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI). The GFCI protects against
line-to-ground shock hazard. Use a 120 V, 15 A, 60 Hz dedicated service for the whirlpool.
″H″models require a separate 120 V, 15 A, 60 Hz dedicated service for the heater.
Product Notices
WARNING: Unauthorized modification may cause unsafe operation and poor performance of the
whirlpool. Do not relocate the whirlpool pump, or make other modifications to the whirlpool system,
as this could adversely affect the performance and safe operation of the whirlpool. Kohler Co. shall not
be liable under its warranty or otherwise for personal injury or damage caused by any such
unauthorized modification.
Factory-Assembled Features
Factory installed components include pump with power supply cord and air switch transmitter, and air
control. No installation is needed.
″H″models are supplied with a factory assembled in-line heater.
An optional timer kit is available for certain models.
The whirlpool pump and piping are factory-assembled.
Connections and Service Access
Before installation, ensure proper access to the final connections.
1055820-2-A 2 Kohler Co.

Important Information (cont.)
NOTICE: Provide unrestricted service access to the pump. You must provide access for servicing the
pump and controls. The access must be located immediately next to the pump. Study the roughing-in
information packed with the whirlpool.
Table of Contents
Important Information .............................................................. 2
Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company .............................................. 4
Tools and Materials ............................................................... 4
Before You Begin ................................................................. 4
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 5
Prepare the Whirlpool ............................................................. 5
Disconnect the Pump .............................................................. 5
Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks .......................................... 6
Secure the Unit — Models With Whirlpool Base .......................................... 8
Relocate and Mount the Pump ....................................................... 9
Install the Plumbing .............................................................. 10
Install a Rim-Mounted Faucet ....................................................... 10
Make Electrical Connections ........................................................ 11
Test Run the Whirlpool ............................................................ 12
Complete the Finished Wall ........................................................ 12
Clean-Up After Installation ......................................................... 12
Confirm Proper Operation .......................................................... 13
Troubleshooting Procedure ......................................................... 14
Kohler Co. 3 1055820-2-A

Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company
We appreciate your commitment to Kohler quality. Please take a few minutes to review this manual before
you start installation. If you encounter any installation or performance problems, please don’t hesitate to
contact us. Our phone numbers and website are listed on the back cover. Thanks again for choosing Kohler
Company.
Tools and Materials
Before You Begin
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pump, or use the
piping or pump for structural support of the whirlpool.
We recommend this whirlpool for drop-in installation.
Inspect the whirlpool for damage before you begin installation.
You must install this whirlpool to an adequately supported, level subfloor.
Confirm adequate mounting and connection space for the faucet specified for your installation.
Sealant Pencil
Level
Pipe Wrench
Plus:
• Conventional woodworking tools
and materials
• Drop Cloth
• Construction adhesive (optional)
• Cement or mortar (optional)
• 2x4's or 2x6's
Safety Glasses
Tape Measure
1055820-2-A 4 Kohler Co.

1. Prepare the Site
NOTICE: Unless otherwise specified, floor support under the whirlpool must provide for a minimum of
80 lbs/square foot (390 kg/square meter) loading.
NOTICE: Do not support the whirlpool by the rim.
Make sure the flooring offers adequate support for your whirlpool, and verify that the subfloor is
flat and level.
The whirlpool should be installed in a drop-in installation. Construct 2x4 or 2x6 stud framing
designed for your particular installation. Provide for a 1/16″(2 mm) gap between the bottom of the
whirlpool rim and the stud framing. Frame the floor, or construct a frame for a raised installation in
accordance with the roughing-in information packed with the whirlpool.
Carefully lay out and cut the rough deck material. Use the cut-out template if one is provided, or
refer to the roughing-in cut-out information.
Position the plumbing according to the roughing-in information packed. Cap the supplies, and
check for leaks.
2. Prepare the Whirlpool
Install the drain to the whirlpool according to the drain manufacturer’s instructions. Do not connect
the trap at this time.
Position a clean drop cloth or similar material in the bottom of the whirlpool. Be careful not to
scratch the surface of the whirlpool.
3. Disconnect the Pump
NOTE: No cutting of the whirlpool harness (piping) is required for this installation. Any cutting of the
harness will void the warranty.
Disconnect the pump and in-line heater (if equipped) from the shipping location by cutting the two
banding straps with tin snips.
Move the pump and in-line heater (if equipped) aside.
Relocate the pump and heater (if equipped) next to the customized inlet/outlet connections of the
whirlpool harness. The pump may protrude beyond the rim of the bath. See the rough-in details.
Frame the floor
according to the
roughing-in information.
Position
the rough
plumbing.
Verify that the subfloor
offers adequate support,
and is flat and level.
Provide a 1/16" (2 mm)
gap between the bath rim
and framing.
Construct 2x4 or
2x6 stud framing
according to the
roughing-in
information.
Cut the pump
banding straps.
Kohler Co. 5 1055820-2-A

4. Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pump, or use the
piping or pump for structural support of the whirlpool.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not support the whirlpool by the rim.
Choose the installation option that best applies to your particular installation. Follow the
appropriate instructions.
If the subfloor is not level, shim the whirlpool support blocks as necessary.
Option Using a Cement or Mortar Bed
NOTE: Do not use gypsum cement or drywall compound for this application, as they will not provide an
acceptable, durable bond.
NOTE: The pump support bracket (when the pump banding straps are cut) and support blocks must
rest directly on the subfloor.
Spread a 2″(5.1 cm) thick layer of cement or mortar on the subfloor where the whirlpool will be set.
This will help secure, level, and support the unit. Clear all the material away from the pump
support bracket and support block locations.
Position a piece of plastic drop cloth material on top of the cement or mortar bed. With help,
carefully lift the whirlpool into place, and make sure the pump support bracket and support blocks
do not rest in the bed material.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Remove the protective tape from the rim. Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant
around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Option Using Construction Adhesive
Apply a generous amount of high-quality construction adhesive to the bottom of the support blocks.
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Remove the protective tape from the rim. Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant
around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Option Using Silicone Sealant
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Clear space for pump.
Spread a 2" (5.1 cm) layer of
cement or mortar bed material.
Clear spaces for
support blocks.
Apply a bead of silicone sealant around the entire rim.
Apply construction adhesive to the support blocks.
or
1055820-2-A 6 Kohler Co.

Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks (cont.)
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Remove the protective tape from the rim. Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant
around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Kohler Co. 7 1055820-2-A

5. Secure the Unit — Models With Whirlpool Base
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pump, or use the
piping or pump for structural support of the whirlpool.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Do not support the whirlpool by the rim.
Choose the installation option that best applies to your particular installation. Follow the
appropriate instructions.
If the subfloor is not level, shim the whirlpool base as necessary.
Option Using a Cement or Mortar Bed
NOTE: Do not use gypsum cement or drywall compound for this application, as they will not provide an
acceptable, durable bond.
Spread a 2″(5.1 cm) thick layer of cement or mortar on the subfloor where the whirlpool will be set.
This will help secure, level, and support the unit.
Position a piece of plastic drop cloth material on top of the cement or mortar bed. With help,
carefully lift the whirlpool into place.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level. Use screws or lag bolts to
secure the whirlpool base to the floor. Drill small pilot holes through the whirlpool base as needed.
Remove the protective tape from the rim. Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant
around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Option Using Construction Adhesive
Apply a generous amount of high-quality construction adhesive to the bottom of the whirlpool base.
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level. Use screws or lag bolts to
secure the whirlpool base to the floor. Drill small pilot holes through the whirlpool base as needed.
Remove the protective tape from the rim. Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant
around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Option Using Silicone Sealant
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Make sure the whirlpool is level. Use screws or lag bolts to
secure the whirlpool base to the floor. Drill small pilot holes through the whirlpool base as needed.
Remove the protective tape from the rim. Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant
around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Spread a 2" (5.1 cm) layer of
cement or mortar bed material.
Apply construction adhesive
to the whirlpool base.
1055820-2-A 8 Kohler Co.

6. Relocate and Mount the Pump
Relocate the pump and in-line heater (if equipped) next to the customized inlet and outlet
connections of the whirlpool harness. The pump may extend beyond the rim of the whirlpool.
Remove all protective packaging from around the whirlpool harness. Cut only those cable ties
supporting the union nuts.
Remove the plugs from the pump inlet and outlet openings. Install the O-rings into the grooves on
the inlet and outlet connector fittings.
Set the pump on the support bracket.
Thread the plastic inlet and outlet attachment nuts onto the pump until the O-rings make initial
contact.
Tighten each nut a quarter turn after initial contact. Do not overtighten these nuts.
NOTE: Do not shim the pump more than 1/2″(1.3 cm). Raising the pump too high will prevent the pump
from priming properly.
Make sure the whirlpool harness inlet piping (suction line) is pitched downward from the pump
toward the suction fitting. This is important so the pump will drain water properly. Shim the pump
if necessary to promote proper drainage.
Secure the pump support bracket with four screws or lag bolts (not provided).
Connect the air actuator tubing to the air switch on the pump.
Relocate
Pump
Provide access to the installed pump for servicing.
Pump
O-Rings
Air Switch
When installing the pump, make sure
to remove the plugs from the inlet and
outlet piping.
Kohler Co. 9 1055820-2-A

7. Install the Plumbing
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. Ensure a watertight seal on the whirlpool drain.
Connect the drain to the trap according to the drain manufacturer’s instructions.
NOTICE: An access panel will simplify future maintenance.
Install the faucet valving according to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions. Do not install the
faucet trim until instructed. Open the hot and cold water supplies, and check the supply
connections for leakage.
Run water into the whirlpool, and check the drain connections for leakage.
8. Install a Rim-Mounted Faucet
K-1226 and K-1231 Only
Measure and cut a piece of 1/2″exterior grade plywood 4″(10.2 cm) x 11-1/2″(29.2 cm) for the
K-1226, or 4″(10.2 cm) x 15-1/2″(39.4 cm) for the K-1231.
The faucet should be located in the center of the flat area of the rim. Refer to the faucet
manufacturer’s instructions. Use a pencil to mark the faucet centerlines for drilling.
NOTE: The K-1226 will accept faucets with 4″(10.2 cm) centers, and the K-1231 will accept faucets with 4″
(10.2 cm) or 6″(15.2 cm) centers.
CAUTION: Risk of product damage. Position a thin piece of cardboard on the finished surface of the
whirlpool before clamping the plywood in place. Make sure the clamps do not make direct contact
with the finished surface of the whirlpool.
Set a thin piece of cardboard on the finished surface of the whirlpool rim. Position the plywood on
the bottom of the rim, and carefully clamp the plywood in place. Make sure the clamps are in
contact with the cardboard, not the finished surface of the whirlpool.
Carefully drill the faucet holes to the size required by the faucet manufacturer. Remove the clamps
and cardboard.
Install the faucet to the rim and plywood according to the faucet manufacturer’s instructions.
Open the hot and cold water supplies, and check the supply connections for leakage.
Run water into the whirlpool, and check the drain connections for leakage.
4" (10.2 cm)
Measure, cut, and drill a piece of 1/2" exterior
grade plywood 4" (10.2 cm) x 11-1/2" (29.2 cm) for
the K-1226, or 4" (10.2 cm) x 15-1/2" (39.4 cm) for
the K-1331.
Whirlpool Rim
Install the faucet to the rim and
plywood according to the faucet
manufacturer's instructions.
1055820-2-A 10 Kohler Co.