Kohler K-1106 User manual

Installation Guide
ProFlex™ Series Bath Whirlpool
K-1106, K-1106-H, K-1126,
K-1126-H, K-1131, K-1131-H,
K-1139, K-1139-H, K-1144,
K-1144-H, K-1146, K-1146-H,
K-1148, K-1148-H, K-1154-CC,
K-1154, K-1154-H, K-1154-HC,
K-1157, K-1157-H, K-1192,
K-1192-H, K-1194, K-1194-H,
K-1196, K-1196-H, K-1198,
K-1198-H, K-1201, K-1201-H,
K-1209, K-1209-H, K-1221,
K-1221-H, K-1224, K-1224-H,
K-1226, K-1226-H, K-12441B,
K-1244, K-1246, K-1246-H,
K-1231, K-1231-H, K-1239,
K-1239-H, K-1244-H, K-1248,
K-1248-H, K-1257, K-1257-H,
K-1263, K-1263-H, K-1266,
K-1266-H, K-1337, K-1337-H,
K-1458, K-1458-H
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”
1010564-2-B

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 in-line 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. No
installation is needed.
“H” models are also supplied with a factory assembled, in-line heater.
An optional timer kit is available for this product.
The whirlpool pump and piping are factory-assembled.
Connections and Service Access
Before installation, ensure proper access to the final connections.
1010564-2-B 2 Kohler Co.

Product 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
Product Information ............................................................... 2
Electrical Requirements .......................................................... 2
Product Notices ................................................................ 2
Factory-Assembled Features ...................................................... 2
Connections and Service Access ................................................... 2
Thank You For Choosing Kohler Company .............................................. 4
Tools and Materials ............................................................... 4
Before You Begin ................................................................. 4
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 5
Prepare the Whirlpool ............................................................. 5
Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks .......................................... 6
Option Using a Cement or Mortar Bed ............................................... 6
Option Using Construction Adhesive ................................................. 6
Option Using Silicone Sealant ..................................................... 7
Secure the Unit — Models With Whirlpool Base .......................................... 8
Option Using a Cement or Mortar Bed ............................................... 8
Option Using Construction Adhesive ................................................. 8
Option Using Silicone Sealant ..................................................... 8
Cut the Pump Banding Straps — Models With Support Blocks ............................... 9
Install the Plumbing ............................................................... 9
Install a Rim-Mounted Faucet ....................................................... 10
Make Electrical Connections ........................................................ 11
Pump Wiring ................................................................. 11
In-Line Heater Wiring ........................................................... 11
Test Run the Whirlpool ............................................................ 11
Complete the Finished Deck ........................................................ 12
Clean-Up After Installation ......................................................... 12
Confirm Proper Operation .......................................................... 13
Fill the Whirlpool .............................................................. 13
Operating Sequence ........................................................... 13
Troubleshooting Procedure ......................................................... 14
Remove the Factory Installed Jets ................................................. 14
Reinstall the Jets .............................................................. 14
Troubleshooting Guide .......................................................... 14
Kohler Co. 3 1010564-2-B

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 your 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.
Pencil
Safety Glasses Level
Silicone Sealant Measuring Tape
Pipe Wrench
Plus:
Conventional woodworking tools
and materials or conventional
bricklaying tools and materials
Drop cloth
Construction adhesive (optional)
Cement or mortar (optional)
2x4’s or 2x6’s
1010564-2-B 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” (2mm) 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.
Position
the rough
plumbing
Frame the floor
according to the
roughing-in
information
Verify that the
subfloor offers
adequate support,
and is flat and level
Provide a 1/16"
(2mm) gap
between the
whirlpool rim
and framing.
Construct 2x4
or 2x6 stud
framing according
to the roughing-in
information
Kohler Co. 5 1010564-2-B

3. 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” (5cm) 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.
Clear spaces
for support
blocks
Spread a 2" (5cm)
layer of cement or
mortar bed materia
l
Clear space
for pump
Apply a bead of
silicone sealant
around the entire
rim
Apply construction
adhesive to the
support blocks
or
1010564-2-B 6 Kohler Co.

Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks (cont.)
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 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 1010564-2-B

4. 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” (5cm) thick layer of cement or mortar on the subfloor where the whirlpool will be set. This
will help secure, level, and support the unit.
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.
Position a piece of plastic drop cloth material on top of the cement or mortar bed. With help, carefully lift
the whirlpool into place.
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 and resting on all support blocks.
Use screws or lag bolts to secure the whirlpool base to the floor. Drill small pilot holes through the
whirlpool base as needed.
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.
Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant around the entire rim of the whirlpool.
Spread a 2"
(5cm) layer
of cement o
r
mortar bed
material
Apply a bead of
silicone sealant
around the entire
rim
or
Apply construction
1010564-2-B 8 Kohler Co.

5. Cut the Pump Banding Straps — Models With Support Blocks
NOTE: For models with a whirlpool base, proceed to the next section.
IMPORTANT! This step is necessary to make your Kohler whirlpool operate more quietly.
NOTE: Do not raise the pump higher than it was before you cut the pump banding straps. If the pump is
raised too high, it will not prime properly.
Use tin snips to cut the two pump banding straps. When the banding straps are cut, the pump support
bracket and pump will drop about 1/2” (1.3cm) until they rest on the subfloor. If the pump drops more
than 1/2” (1.3cm), shim under the pump support bracket so there is a 1/2” (1.3cm) gap between the pump
and bracket to allow for proper drainage.
To minimize whirlpool noise and vibration, be sure the pump is not in direct contact with the shipping
bracket after the pump banding straps are cut.
Secure the pump support bracket to the subfloor with screws or lag bolts (not provided).
6. 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.
Kohler Co. 9 1010564-2-B

7. Install a Rim-Mounted Faucet
Measure and cut a piece of 1/2″exterior grade plywood 4″(10.2cm) x 11-1/2″(29.2cm) for the K-1226, or
4″(10.2cm) x 15-1/2″(39.4cm) 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″centers, and the K-1231 will accept faucets with 4″or 6″
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.
Measure, cut, and drill a piece o
f
1/2” exterior grade plywood 4”
(10.2cm) x 11-1/2” (29.2cm) for
the K-1226, or 4” (10.2cm) x
15-1/2” (39.4cm) for the K-1331
4” 4”
Whirlpool Rim
Install the faucet to the ri
m
and plywood according to
the faucet manufacturer’s
instructions
1010564-2-B 10 Kohler Co.