Kohler K-1109 User manual

1010997-2-C
Drop-In
Bath Whirlpool
Installation Guide
Français, Page 12
Español, Página 22
K-1357
K-1109

1010997-2-C2Kohler Co.
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 electrical shock. A
licensed electrician should make all electrical
connections.
WARNING: Risk of electrical 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.
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
serviceforthein-lineheater.
NOTE: If the pump power cord is damaged, it must be
replaced with a service kit available by contacting the Kohler
Co.
Factory-Assembled Features
Factory installed components include pump, air switch
transmitter, and power supply cord. No installation is
needed.
The whirlpool pump and piping are factory-assembled.
“H” models are also supplied with a factory assembled,
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.
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
information packed with the whirlpool.

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Kohler Co.
Table of Contents
Thank You 4..................................
Before You Begin 4............................
Recommended Tools and Materials 4............
Prepare the Site 5..............................
Prepare the Whirlpool 5.........................
Secure the Whirlpool to the Subfloor 6............
Cut the Pump Banding Straps 7..................
Install the Plumbing 7...........................
Make Electrical Connections 8...................
Test Run the Whirlpool 8........................
Complete the Finished Wall 9....................
Clean-Up After Installation 9.....................
Confirm Proper Operation 10.....................
Troubleshooting 11..............................

1010997-2-C4Kohler Co.
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.
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.
-The installation of a rim-mounted faucet is not recommended with this whirlpool.
Recommended Tools and Materials
Silicone Sealant Measuring Tape Pencil
Safety Glasses Pipe Wrench Level
Tin
Snips
Plus:
Conventional Woodworking tools
and materials
Drop cloth
Construction adhesive (optional)
Cement or mortar (optional)
2x4’s and/or 2x6’s
Screws or lag bolts

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Kohler Co.
Verify that the subfloor
offers adequate support
and is flat and level
Frame the floor
accordingtothe
roughing-in
information
Position
the rough
plumbing
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. Frame the floor, or construct a frame for a raised installation 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 product.

1010997-2-C6Kohler Co.
Clear spaces
for support
blocks
Spreada2”
(5cm) layer of
cement or mortar
bed material
Apply a bead of
silicone sealant
around the entire
rim
or
Apply construction
adhesive to the
support blocks
3. Secure the Whirlpool to the Subfloor
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.
-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 for Using a Cement or Mortar Bed
-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.
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 and support blocks must rest directly on the subfloor.
-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.
Option for 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.
Option for 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.
-Apply a continuous bead of high-quality silicone sealant around the entire rim of the whirlpool.

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Kohler Co.
Suction Line
Pump
Pump Support Bracket
Drainage
Leave the pump support board
attached to the whirlpool.
Cut the pump
banding straps
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 from the whirlpool pump.
-To minimize whirlpool noise and vibration, be sure the pump is not in direct contact with the whirlpool harness
after the pump banding straps are cut.
5. 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.

1010997-2-C8Kohler Co.
Bond in accordance
with applicable codes
Install a GFCI-protected 120 V, 15A
grounded outlet
Plug the pump into this outlet
Install a second
GFCI-protected outlet for
“H” models for the in-line
heater
6. Make Electrical Connections
NOTE: The whirlpool model number is printed on a label near the whirlpool pump. This label also identifies the
electrical rating of the whirlpool.
WARNING: Risk of electrical shock. To reduce the risk of electrical shock, connect the pump to a properly
grounded, grounding-type receptacle protected by a Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter (GFCI). Do not remove
the plug’s grounding pin. Do not use a grounding adapter.
-Your Kohler whirlpool bath is equipped with a cord and plug. All wiring of the pump and control has been
completed at the factory. A licensed electrician must install a GFCI-protected, 120 V, 15 A, grounded outlet. No
other load should be on this circuit. Locate the outlet behind the whirlpool, and within 24” (61cm) of the pump.
-Plug the pump into this outlet.
NOTE: Make sure the air actuator tubing is securely attached to the pump and actuator switch, and is not kinked
or damaged.
In-line Heater Wiring
-“H” Models: The in-line heater is equipped with a cord and plug. All wiring of the heater has been completed at
the factory. A licensed electrician must install a GFCI-protected, 120 V, 15 A, grounded outlet. No other load
should be on this circuit. Locate the outlet behind the whirlpool, and within 24” (61cm) of the heater.
-Plug the in-line heater into this outlet.
7. Test Run the Whirlpool
-Check all electrical connections, and make sure the electrical power to the whirlpool is turned on.
-Make sure all union connections to the pump are securely hand tightened.
-Verify that the pump banding straps have been cut.
-Fill the whirlpool to a level at least 2” (5cm) above the top of the highest jet.
-Operate the whirlpool for 5 minutes, and check all whirlpool piping connections for leaks.
-For additional information on whirlpool operation, see Confirm Proper Operation on Page 10.

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Kohler Co.
Apply silicone sealant to the
edges of the water-resistant
wall material and the finished
wall
Whirlpool
Framing
Water-Resistant
Wall Material
Finished Wall Material
8. Complete the Finished Wall
-Ifyouhavenotalreadydoneso,carefullyremovetheprotectivetapefromthewhirlpoolrim.
-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 instructions packed with the trim.
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.

1010997-2-C10 Kohler Co.
Press the air actuator to turn on and
off the whirlpool
Turn the jet trim
ring clockwise to
decrease the flow
Turn the jet trim ring
counterclockwise to
increase the flow
Fill with water 2” (5cm)
above the highest jet
Position the jet
nozzles to direct
the water flow as
desired
10. Confirm Proper Operation
Fill the Whirlpool
NOTE: Please read these steps carefully before you operate your 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” (5cm) above the top of the highest jet.
NOTE: The water temperature in the whirlpool should not exceed 104_F(40_C).
Operating Sequence
-Presstheairactuatortoturnonthewhirlpooljets.
-Adjust each jet for optimum flow. Turn the trim ring clockwise to reduce the flow, and counterclockwise to
increase the flow.
-Press the air actuator a second time to turn off the whirlpool.
NOTE: Whirlpool will operate until it is turned off by pressing the air actuator.