Kohler K-1126 User manual

Installation Guide
Bath Whirlpool
K-1106, K-1112, K-1114,
K-1126, K-1131, K-1139,
K-1144, K-1154, K-1157,
K-1160, K-1192, K-1194,
K-1209, K-1224, K-1239,
K-1244, K-1257
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”
1011092-2-F

Important Information
WARNING: When using electrical products, basic precautions should always be followed,
including the following:
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 service for the 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 also supplied with a factory assembled heater.
The whirlpool pump and piping are factory-assembled.
Connections and Service Access
Before installation, ensure proper access to the final connections.
1011092-2-F 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
Guide packed with the whirlpool.
Table of Contents
Important Information .............................................................. 2
Product Information ............................................................... 2
Tools and Materials ............................................................... 3
Before You Begin ................................................................. 4
Prepare the Site ................................................................. 5
Prepare the Whirlpool ............................................................. 5
Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks .......................................... 6
Secure the Unit — Models With Whirlpool Base .......................................... 7
Secure the Whirlpool to the Stud Framing ............................................... 8
Cut the Pump Banding Straps — Models With Support Blocks ............................... 8
Install the Plumbing ............................................................... 8
Make Electrical Connections ......................................................... 9
Test Run the Whirlpool ............................................................. 9
Complete the Finished Wall ........................................................ 10
Removing the Apron .............................................................. 10
Clean-Up After Installation ......................................................... 10
Confirm Proper Operation .......................................................... 11
Troubleshooting ................................................................. 12
Tools and Materials
Silicone Sealant Pencil
Level
Safety Glasses
Tape Measure
Pipe Wrench
Plus:
• Conventional woodworking tools
and materials
• Drop Cloth
• Construction adhesive (optional)
• Cement or mortar (optional)
• 2x4s or 2x6s
• Screws or Lag Bolts
Kohler Co. 3 1011092-2-F

Before You Begin
For whirlpools without an apron: A drop-in installation is necessary. For whirlpools with integral
or optional apron: An alcove or corner installation is recommended, depending upon the model
chosen.
For corner units with integral apron: Have a qualified electrician install the outlets for the pump
and heater (if used) at the specified location on the whirlpool. Refer to the above illustration.
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.
Install the outlets for
the pump and heater
(if used) to the
mounting plate.
Outlet
1011092-2-F 4 Kohler Co.

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.
For Whirlpools without Apron:
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.
Carefully lay out and cut the rough deck material. Use the cut-out template, if one is provided, or
refer to the Roughing-In Guide for cutout information.
For Whirlpools with Integral or Optional Apron:
The whirlpool should be installed in an alcove or corner installation, depending upon the model
chosen. Construct 2x4 or 2x6 stud framing designed for your particular installation. Construct a
frame in accordance with the roughing-in information packed with the whirlpool.
For All Installations:
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.
Construct 2x4 or
2x6 stud framing
according to the
roughing-in
information.
Position the
rough plumbing.
Verify that the subfloor
offers adequate support,
and is flat and level.
Kohler Co. 5 1011092-2-F

3. Secure the Unit — Models With Support Blocks
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.
Clear space for pump.
Spread a 2" (5.1 cm) layer of
cement or mortar bed material.
Clear spaces for
support blocks.
Apply construction adhesive
to the support blocks.
1011092-2-F 6 Kohler Co.

4. Secure the Unit — Models With Whirlpool Base
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.
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 (not
provided) to secure the whirlpool base to the floor. Drill small pilot holes through the whirlpool
base as needed.
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 (not
provided) to secure the whirlpool base to the floor. Drill small pilot holes through the whirlpool
base as needed.
Spread a 2" (5.1 cm) layer of
cement or mortar bed material.
Apply construction adhesive
to the whirlpool base.
Kohler Co. 7 1011092-2-F

5. Secure the Whirlpool to the Stud Framing
Drill a small pilot hole through the nailing-in flange at each stud. Add shims between the nailing-in
flange and the studs as needed to eliminate gaps.
Nail 1/4″(6 mm) thick furring strips to the studs to shim out to the edge of the nailing-in flange.
Use #6 large-head galvanized nails to secure the nailing-in flange to the studs.
6. Cut the Pump Banding Straps — Models With Support Blocks
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″(1.3 cm) until they rest on the subfloor. If the pump
drops more than 1/2″(1.3 cm), shim under the pump support bracket so there is a 1/2″(1.3 cm)
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).
7. 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.
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.
Stud
Nail 1/4" (6 mm)
thick furring strips
to the studs.
Drill a small hole
through the nailing-in
flange at each stud.
Use #6 large-head
galvanized nails to secure
the nailing-in flange to the
studs.
Drainage Suction Line
Pump
Cut the pump
banding straps.
NOTE:
Pump model illustrated may differ from your
actual product.
1011092-2-F 8 Kohler Co.

8. 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.
9. 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.
NOTE:
Pump model illustrated may differ from your actual product.
Install a GFCI- or RCD-protected 120 V, 15 A grounded outlet. Install
a second GFCI- or RCD-protected outlet for "H" models for the heater.
Make sure air actuator tubing
is securely attached to the pump.
Optional Heater (models may vary)
either T-style (shown) or water intake
(not shown).
Bond in accordance with applicable codes.
Plug pump and heater
into these outlets.
Kohler Co. 9 1011092-2-F

10. Complete the Finished Wall
NOTE: If your whirlpool has an integral apron, it is designed so the finished wall material (1-1/2″[3.8 cm]
maximum) will overlap the apron columns. The finished floor material (2″[5.1 cm] maximum) should butt
against the apron.
If you have not already done so, carefully remove the protective tape from the whirlpool rim.
If necessary allow for deck-mounted valves and spout.
Cover the framing with water-resistant wall material. Seal the joints between the whirlpool rim edge
and the water-resistant wall material with silicone sealant.
Tape and mud the water-resistant wall material. Install the finished wall to the water-resistant wall
material. Seal the joints between the whirlpool rim and the finished wall material with silicone
sealant.
Install the faucet trim according to the trim manufacturer’s instructions.
11. Removing the Apron
Your whirlpool may be equipped with an integral apron which allows you convenient access to
your whirlpool controls. To remove the apron, insert the edge of a flat blade screwdriver or dull
knife under the edge of the apron panel. Be careful not to scratch the visible surfaces. Gently pry up
at one end. Carefully pull the apron panel off.
To reinstall, bow the apron slightly so both ends can be inserted at the same time. Gently press in
the center of the panel to secure the apron in place.
12. 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.
Framing
Whirlpool
Finished Wall
Water-Resistant
Wall Material
Apply silicone sealant to the
joint between the whirlpool
and the finished wall.
On models with an integral apron,
access the pump by gently prying
at the apron edge with a
screwdriver or dull knife to remove.
1011092-2-F 10 Kohler Co.