Kohler K-1122 User manual

Installation Guide
Bath Whirlpool
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”
K-1122 K-1124
K-1357
1010997-2-F

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 qualified 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) or Residual Current Device
(RCD). The GFCI or RCD 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 circuit for the in-line heater.
NOTE: If the pump supply cord is damaged, it must be replaced by the manufacturer, its service agent or
similarly qualified persons in order to avoid a hazard. The heater supply cord cannot be replaced. If the
cord is damaged the heater should be replaced.
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.
WARNING: Risk of electrical shock. Disconnect power before servicing.
WARNING: Risk of electrical shock. A qualified electrician should make all electrical connections.
WARNING: Risk of injury or property damage. Please read all instructions thoroughly before
beginning installation.
NOTICE: Follow all local plumbing and electrical codes.
Factory-Assembled Features
Factory installed components include pump with power supply cord and air switch transmitter. No
installation is needed.
″H″models are supplied with a factory assembled in-line heater.
The whirlpool pump and piping are factory-assembled.
1010997-2-F 2 Kohler Co.

Product Information (cont.)
Connections and Service Access
Before installation, ensure proper access to the final connections.
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
Guide packed with the whirlpool.
Table of Contents
Important Information .............................................................. 2
Product Information ............................................................... 2
Tools and Materials ............................................................... 3
Before You Begin ................................................................. 3
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 4
Prepare the Whirlpool ............................................................. 4
Secure the Unit .................................................................. 5
Cut the Pump Banding Straps ....................................................... 6
Install the Plumbing ............................................................... 6
Make Electrical Connections ......................................................... 7
Test Run the Whirlpool ............................................................. 7
Complete the Finished Deck ......................................................... 8
Clean-Up After Installation .......................................................... 8
Confirm Proper Operation .......................................................... 9
Troubleshooting .................................................................. 9
Tools and Materials
Before You Begin
Inspect the whirlpool for damage before you begin installation.
Confirm adequate mounting and connection space for the faucet specified for your installation.
Kohler Co. reserves the right to make revisions in the design of products without notice, as specified
in the Price Book.
Sealant Pencil
Level
Pipe Wrench
Drill
Tin Snips
• Conventional woodworking tools
and materials
• Drop cloth
• #6 large-head galvanized nails
• 2x4's
• Screws or lag bolts
• Construction Adhesive (optional)
• Cement or mortar (optional)
Plus:
Tape
Measure
Safety
Glasses
Kohler Co. 3 1010997-2-F

1. Prepare the Site
NOTICE: Refer to the Roughing-in Guide packed with your whirlpool for the required minimum
lb/square foot (kg/square meter) floor support loading.
Make sure the flooring offers adequate support for your whirlpool, and verify that the subfloor is
flat and level.
NOTICE: The whirlpool should be installed in a drop-in installation.
Construct 2x4 or 2x6 stud framing for your installation.
NOTICE: The whirlpool must be supported by its feet or base. Do not support the load weight of the
whirlpool by the perimeter of the rim.
For a raised installation: Frame the floor or construct a frame in accordance with the roughing-in
information packed with the whirlpool.
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.
Frame the floor
according to the
roughing-in information.
Position the rough
plumbing.
Construct 2x4 or 2x6
stud framing according
to the roughing-in
information. Verify that the subfloor
offers adequate support,
and is flat and level.
1010997-2-F 4 Kohler Co.

3. Secure the Unit
NOTICE: Do not lift the whirlpool by the piping or pump, or use the piping or pump for structural
support of the whirlpool. To avoid damage to the whirlpool, lift at the sides of the whirlpool.
NOTICE: Do not support the load weight of the whirlpool by the perimeter of the rim. The rim perimeter
must be adequately supported, but must not support the load weight of the whirlpool.
If the subfloor is not level, shim the whirlpool support blocks as necessary.
Choose the installation option that best applies to your particular installation. Follow the appropriate
instructions.
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.
Secure the drain tailpiece to the trap. Ensure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support blocks.
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. Ensure the whirlpool is level and resting on all support
blocks.
Option Using Silicone Sealant
With help, carefully lift the whirlpool into position.
Insert the drain tailpiece into the trap. Ensure 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 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.
Kohler Co. 5 1010997-2-F

4. Cut the Pump Banding Straps
IMPORTANT! This step is necessary to make your Kohler whirlpool operate more quietly.
Use tin snips to cut the two pump banding straps.
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.
Remove and discard the straps.
5. Install the Plumbing
CAUTION: Risk of property damage. A watertight seal must exist on the whirlpool drain. The
watertight seal will prevent property damage.
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.
Drainage Suction Line
Pump
Cut the pump
banding straps.
NOTE:
Pump model illustrated may differ from your
actual product.
1010997-2-F 6 Kohler Co.

6. Make Electrical Connections
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Make sure the power has been disconnected before performing
the following procedures.
WARNING: Risk of electric shock. Connect the pump and in-line heater (if included) to properly
grounded, grounding-type receptacles protected by Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupters (GFCI’s) or
Residual Current Devices (RCD’s). Do not remove the grounding pins from the plug. Do not use
grounding adapters.
NOTE: A label identifying the model number and electrical rating of the whirlpool is located near the
whirlpool pump.
NOTICE: The pump (supplied) and heater (if supplied) are equipped with a cord and plug. All wiring for
the heater has been completed at the factory. A qualified electrician must install a GFCI- or RCD-protected,
120 V, 15 A, grounded outlet. No other load should be on this circuit.
Pump Wiring
Locate the outlet behind the whirlpool, and within 24″(61 cm) of the pump.
Plug the pump into this outlet.
NOTE: Make sure the air actuator tubing is securely attached to the pump, and is not kinked or damaged.
Heater Wiring – “H” Models
Locate the outlet behind the whirlpool, and within 24″(61 cm) of the heater.
Plug the heater into this outlet.
7. Test Run the Whirlpool
Check all electrical connections, and make sure the electrical power to the whirlpool and heater (if
equipped) is on.
Make sure all union connections to the pump and heater are securely hand tightened.
Verify that the pump banding straps have been cut (if applicable), and that the pump is resting
directly on the subfloor or whirlpool base.
Fill the whirlpool to a level at least 2″(5.1 cm) above the top of the highest jet. Refer to ″Confirm
Proper Operation″section for additional information.
Operate the whirlpool for 5 minutes, and check all whirlpool piping connections for leaks.
Bond in accordance
with applicable codes.
Install a GFCI-
protected 120 V, 15 A
grounded outlet.
Heater
Plug the pump
into this outlet.
Install second GFCI-
protected outlet for "H"
models for the in-line heater.
Kohler Co. 7 1010997-2-F

8. Complete the Finished Deck
If you have not already done so, carefully remove the protective tape from the whirlpool rim.
Cover the framing with water-resistant deck material. Seal the joints between the whirlpool rim
edge and the water-resistant deck material with silicone sealant.
Tape and mud the water-resistant deck material. Install the finished deck to the water-resistant deck
material. Seal the joints between the whirlpool rim and the finished deck material with silicone
sealant.
Install the faucet trim according to the trim manufacturer’s instructions.
9. Clean-Up After Installation
When cleaning up after installation, do not use abrasive cleansers, as they may scratch and dull the
whirlpool surface. Use warm water and a liquid detergent to clean the surface.
Remove stubborn stains, paint, or tar with turpentine or paint thinner. Do not allow cleaners
containing petroleum distillates to remain in contact with any whirlpool surfaces for long periods
of time. Remove plaster by carefully scraping with a wood edge. Do not use metal scrapers, wire
brushes, or other metal tools. Use a powder-type detergent on a damp cloth to provide mild
abrasive action to any residual plaster.
Whirlpool
Framing
Water-Resistant
Deck Material
Apply silicone sealant to the
edges of the water-resistant
deck material and the
finished deck
Finished Deck
Material
1010997-2-F 8 Kohler Co.

10. Confirm Proper Operation
Fill the Whirlpool
Position the jet nozzles so they face down toward the basin. Turn the jet trim rings fully
counterclockwise.
Fill the whirlpool to a water level at least 2″(5.1 cm) above the top of the highest jet.
NOTE: The water temperature in the whirlpool should not exceed 104°F (40°C).
To service orifices insert a pencil into the end of the jet nozzle and push the orifice out. After
removing any blockage, check the orifice to make sure it is clear and press it into the jet housing.
NOTE: Orifices are only installed in whirlpool jets when there are six or more jets in the whirlpool system.
Operating Sequence
Press the air actuator to turn on the whirlpool jets.
Adjust each jet for optimum air/water mixture. Turn the trim ring clockwise to reduce the air flow,
and counterclockwise to increase the air flow.
If equipped with a heater, the heater will engage automatically when the pump is turned on and
will disengage when the pump is turned off. The heater will not turn on if the water temperature
exceeds 104°F (40°C).
Press the air actuator a second time to turn off the whirlpool.
Troubleshooting
NOTICE: This section is for general aid only. A Kohler Authorized Service Representative or qualified
electrician should correct any electrical problems. For warranty service, contact your dealer or wholesale
distributor.
Symptoms Probable Causes Recommended Action
1. Whirlpool does not start
or stop. A. No power to motor. A. Set/reset the GFCI or RCD; check wiring.
B. Air actuator does not work. B. Replace air actuator.
C. Air actuator tubing is
disconnected, loose, kinked,
plugged, or damaged.
C. Connect, straighten, clean, or
replace air actuator tubing.
D. Motor/pump does not work. D. Rebuild or replace motor/pump.
2. Motor starts, not all jets
are functioning. A. Jet is closed. A. Rotate jet trim ring counterclockwise to open.
B. Jets are blocked. B. Remove blockage.
Fill with water at least 2" (5.1 cm)
above the highest jet.
Turn the jet trim ring
clockwise to
decrease the flow. Position the jet
nozzles to direct
the water flow as
desired.
Turn the jet trim ring counterclockwise
to increase the flow.
Press the air actuator to turn
on and off the whirlpool.
Kohler Co. 9 1010997-2-F

Troubleshooting (cont.)
Symptoms Probable Causes Recommended Action
3. Whirlpool stops
automatically before 18
minutes.
A. The GFCI or RCD trips. A. Identify fault source and correct.
B. Suction blocked. B. Remove obstruction.
C. Jets are blocked. C. Remove blockage.
D. Motor overheated and protection
device activated. D. Check for blockage at motor vents. Remove blockage and
allow motor to cool.
Check for suction blockage.
Remove blockage and allow
motor to cool.
Check for jet blockage. Remove
blockage and allow motor to
cool.
4. Noisy operation. A. Pump banding straps have not
been cut. (Models with support
blocks only.)
A. Cut pump banding straps with
tin snips.
5. Heater does not operate.
(“H” models only) A. No power to heater. A. Reset the GFCI or RCD.
B. Water temperature exceeds 104° F
(40° C). B. Allow water to cool and heater will reengage.
C. Heater does not work. C. Replace heater.
1010997-2-F 10 Kohler Co.