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Bathroom Basins/Kitchen Sinks Care and Cleaning Design and Colour Faucets Toilets, Bidets & Urinals Whrilpools, Tubs & Shower Bases
Bathroom Basins/Kitchen Sinks
A piece of enamel chipped off of my Americast sink. Can it be repaired?
American Standard offers a user friendly repair kit. It is a filler/repair agent that is color matched to your sink, and dries to a shine. It can be ordered by emailing us or calling our Customer Care Centre at 1-800-387-0369. Please be sure to include your complete mailing address, phone number and color of your sink.
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Can I use a mat on the bottom of my Americast sink?
The use of a rubber mat is acceptable, providing you remove it when your sink is not in use, as certain foods contain acids, that when trapped under the mat can cause discolouration.
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I purchased a pedestal basin and the back of my pedestal did not accommodate my pipes. What can I do?
American Standard manufactures a variety of pedestal lavatories that offer a pedestal that is open from the top to the floor. For your convenience, click on the PDF file below to see diagrams of the drain chase dimensions on all of our pedestals. It is important to note that each pedestal has a coordinating slab (basin) and can not be interchanged.
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I purchased an Americast sink that did not have enough holes. Can I drill an extra hole?
We advise against drilling your Americast sink, because it will void the warranty. However, it can be done by following these simple steps:
Cover area to be drilled with duct tape or masking tape.
Using a diamond carbide drill bit, drill at slowest rate of speed.
Apply at least two coats of anti-rust paint on all exposed metal.
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I would like to match a pedestal slab (basin unit) with the pedestal leg of a different model. Can I mix and match them?
No, our basins and pedestals are designed to compliment each other and cannot be mixed and matched.
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What is Americast?
American Standard improved traditional cast iron by developing Americast...a remarkable alternative that's more durable, weighs half as much, and is easier to install. It's insulation properties allow it to retain heat longer and emits less sound. Americast is American Standard's patented process that bonds high-quality porcelain enamels surface with an enameling grade metal and a molded reinforcement material backing.
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Care and Cleaning
How can I best keep my Faucets clean?
For general cleaning of your fittings (faucets) please use mild soapy water and
anti-bacterial soap. For the removal of mineral deposits we recommend the
use of Tilex Bathroom Cleaning Products®.
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How do I care for my Whirlpool Circulation System?
Once every three months purge and clean the circulating system. Follow the steps outlined below:
Fill whirlpool with warm water and add two teaspoons of powdered dishwasher (not laundry) detergent and one half cup of household bleach to filled whirlpool.
Activate whirlpool system in accordance with operating instructions, for two minutes.
Drain and refill whirlpool with cold water. Circulate for five minutes.
Drain whirlpool completely after step 3 (above) is completed.
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How should I clean my Acrylic Bathtubs, Whirlpools, and Shower Bases?
For general cleaning of the high gloss acrylic surface on bathtubs, whirlpools, and shower bases, we recommend using a mixture of warm water and a mild liquid dishwashing detergent, Granular Spic and Span mixed with water, or Gel Gloss. DO NOT use undiluted, strong detergents formulated for use on tile or porcelain enamel surfaces, or abrasive cleaning products.
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What cleaners do I use to clean my Toilet Seat?
When cleaning your toilet seat, wash it only with mild, soapy water; rinse the seat thoroughly with clear water; and dry with a soft cloth. Avoid detergents, disinfectants, or cleaning products in aerosol cans. NEVER use abrasive scouring powders on your seat. Some bathroom chemicals and cosmetics may damage your seat's finish.
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What cleaners should I use to clean my China Products?
For general cleaning of china, we recommend Tilex Bathroom Cleaning Products® or hot soapy water and liquid dishwashing detergents. Please DO NOT use abrasive products. Please make sure to apply all cleaning products with a soft cloth or sponge.
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What is your recommendation for cleaning Americast Sinks/Bathtubs/Whirlpools?
For general cleaning of your Americast products, we recommend Tilex Bathroom Cleaning Products® or hot soapy water and liquid dishwashing detergents. Please DO NOT use abrasive products. Please make sure to apply all cleaning products with a soft cloth or sponge.
For the removal of stubborn pan/metal marks in your Americast sink, we recommend either Cook Top Cleaning Cream or Pfaltzgraff dish cleaner. Cook Top Cleaning Cream can be found in appliance stores and/or in the appliance section of your local department stores. Pfaltzgraff can be found in stores where the Pfaltzgraff brand of dishes is sold. The use of a rubber mat is acceptable, providing you remove it when your sink is not in use, as certain foods contain acids, that when trapped under the mat can cause discoloration.
For cleaning of the slip resistant (Stansure) surface on Americast Bathtubs and Whirlpools, we recommend sprinkling either Bon Ami, Spic and Span, DiDi Seven or Zud onto a wet sponge, applying to the surface, and rinsing with water.
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What should I use to keep my Enameled Steel Sink/Bathtub clean?
For general cleaning, we recommend Tilex Bathroom Cleaning Products® or hot soapy water and liquid dishwashing detergents. Please DO NOT use abrasive products. Please make sure to apply all cleaning products with a soft cloth or sponge.
For cleaning of the slip resistant (Stansure) surface, we recommend sprinkling either Bon Ami, Spic 'N Span, DiDi Seven or Zud onto a wet sponge, applying to the surface, and rinsing with water.
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Design and Colour
How can I find out what colors are available for a fixture?
The Product Detail listing in the Individual product showroom identifies what colours are available for each American Standard product. Please visit one of the American Standard Showrooms in your area, you can find a showroom in the Where to Shop section of our site. Showrooms have colour swatches or products on display for your reference.
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How do I find a bath or kitchen designer?
Bath and kitchen design specialists can save you time and money. They have the training and experience to help you create a new bathroom or kitchen that you'll enjoy for years to come. Please call or visit one of the American Standard Showrooms for information about designing your Bath or Kitchen, you can find a showroom in the Where to Shop section of our site.
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Faucets
Can I replace my faucet myself?
Installing a faucet requires access to common tools along with some time, patience and good judgement. American Standard provides easy to follow instructions and illustrations with each new faucet. The most time consuming part of the installation is usually the removal of the old faucet, particularly when the water supply connections are corroded. We recommend you contact a professional plumber for difficult installations.
Call our helpline at 1-800-387-0369 with any installation questions or assistance.
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I have a single lever faucet and I can't get the handle off.
Turn off the water under the sink.
Put your handle in the "on" position
If you have an index button pop it off with your fingernail
With a 3/32" Allen wrench, loosen the set screw and lift straight up to remove the handle.
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I installed a pressure balance bath and shower unit and I am not getting any water out of it.
You must have both hot & cold water turned on, it is part of the pressure-balancing feature to shut down if there is not pressure to both sides.
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If my faucet comes with a putty plate do I have to use putty?
To insure a waterproof connection we do recommend you use the putty also
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My handles are turning in the same direction.
Remove the handle that is turning in the wrong direction.
Remove the spring clip from the cartridge.
Rotate the stop washer 90 degrees.
Replace the spring clip.
Replace the handle.
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My newly installed kitchen faucet drips after I shut it off.
If there is NO handspray, operate the handle on and off about 15-20 times. If you have a handspray, hold it in the sink and operate it 15-20 times real fast, this will remove any air left in your supply lines.
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My stopper top has come off and won't screw back on.
Our drain stoppers have a left-hand thread, screw it on counter clockwise.
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The drain assembly that came with my basin faucet are not long enough.
The drain assembly that came with your American Standard faucet is a standard 4 inches, if you need a longer one you can purchase it at any hardware store.
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What can I do if my faucet / fixture is old and I cannot find repair parts for it?
Call our Customer Care Centre at 1-800-387-0369 for assistance.
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What is ceramic disc valving?
Ceramic disc valving is an innovative water control system found in each American Standard faucet. Each time you use one of our faucets, two discs control water flow by gliding back and forth in an airtight seal. American Standard's Ceramic Disc Valves are smooth and almost as hard as diamonds. The valves are unaffected by temperature extremes, sand, rust or hard water conditions. American Standard is the only faucet manufacturer to engineer and produce our own ceramic discs, ensuring complete quality control. Extensive life cycle testing assures that each valve will survive more than 1.5 million uses. With ceramic disc valving, American Standard guarantees a lifetime of drip-free and maintenance-free performance.
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What is PVD?
Physical Vapor Deposition processing, better known as PVD, is a manufacturing technique utilized by American Standard to create a durable, long lasting polished brass faucet finish. The process was originally developed to improve the durability of tools and has even been used on NASA's space shuttles. During an intense, high-tech procedure, the finish forms a permanent bond with the faucet, rather than a simple coating over the faucet body. The result is a brass faucet that provides protection from every day wear, corrosion and scratches - even in coastal climates. Faucets manufactured with PVD processing provide enduring beauty and are backed by American Standard's lifetime warranty.
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When installing my faucet what type of putty do I use or can I use silicone instead?
We recommend Plumber's putty but you can use silicone if you wish.
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Toilets, Bidets & Urinals
Can I mix and match tanks and bowls?
While there are a few models that can interchange tanks and bowls, most are configured to work optimally as a set as indicated in our Product Showcase. In fact, if you do your own mixing and matching, the toilet may not flush at all!
Gravity Fed and Pressure Assisted tanks and bowls cannot be mixed.
A 13 Litre per flush tank and 6 Litre per flush bowl (and vice versa) will not function together, as the trapway designs are completely different based upon the gallons per flush of the entire unit.
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How do (1.6 GPF) 6 Litre low consumption toilets differ from older model toilets?
Since a 6 Litre toilet is designed to flush with less water, you'll notice all the water does not leave the tank upon flushing.
You'll also notice the water surface in the bowl is smaller, since less water is needed to operate the toilet efficiently. The toilet will operate optimally if all contents are placed within the water surface of the bowl, and not on the china sides.
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How do I know if my toilet seat is round front or elongated?
To determine if your toilet is round front or elongated, measure the distance between the center of the bolt holes(A) (which connect the seat to the bowl) out to the front rim of the toilet(B).If it measures approximately 16 1/2" your toilet is a round front. If it measures approximately 18 1/2", it is an elongated model. You'll need this information when replacing your toilet seat.
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What are all the parts in the tank?
The Water Control is the means of supplying and controlling the water level in a tank.
The Trip Lever is located on the outside of the tank, and is used to actuate the flush valve to initiate the flushing cycle. Try our new SmartParts™ replacement trip levers and water control, designed to fit virtually all toilets.
The Flapper is a rubber disc that retains water in the tank. Upon flushing it lifts to release water out of the tank and into the bowl for a complete flushing cycle.
The Flush Valve is located at the bottom of the tank and is used to discharge the water from the tank into the bowl.
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What can I do to achieve optimum toilet performance?
American Standard does not recommend the use of bluing agents or in-tank cleaners. Since some of these products may contain chlorine, they may damage the rubber components in your tank. If you have used these types of cleaners, you may want to replace your flapper.
Everyone knows a mirror can be very revealing. The same holds true for your toilet bowl. Standing in front of your toilet bowl, take a mirror and hold it inside the bowl, looking up at the rim. Take a look at the rim holes, which provide water to cleanse your bowl during flushing. If you notice materials blocking the holes, take a six or eight penny nail, and work around the whole bowl to remove the mineral deposits being careful to follow the contour of the holes. After you have removed the mineral deposits, you should see a better flush since you have effectively increased the volume of water entering the bowl.
To give your toilet a quick check-up be sure the water level in the tank is no lower than 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube. The float on the chain should be as close to the flapper as possible. Check the slack on the chain; it should only have 1/4" of slack. To measure the slack - depress the trip lever. The arm should move a maximum of 1/4" before it activates the flapper.
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What does it mean if I hear water running in my toilet?
If your toilet is "running" it may be leaking internally. While a plumbing professional's advice is recommended, if your toilet is leaking internally, you can perform the following test.
Flush the toilet allowing the tank to refill.
Make sure the water level in the toilet is approximately 1/2" below the top of the overflow tube.
Put a pencil line where the water level is - this is your starting point.
Shut off your water supply.
Disconnect the rubber hose that goes from the water control to the overflow tube. (The use of a rubber hose varies by water control model; there may not be one.)
Wait 24 hours - check the difference in the water level from the marking.
After this test, reconnect the rubber hose and turn the water supply back on.
If the water level leaks to the seat that the flapper rests on, you may need to replace the flapper. If you feel any nicks on the flapper seat, you may need to replace the flush valve. If the tank empties completely, you may need to replace the flush valve.
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What is a bidet?
The bidet, the French word for little horse, dates back to the 18th century. Today, the bidet is installed near the toilet, so you can be refreshed after using the toilet. Male or female, you straddle it, either facing the faucet handles or away from the wall. You can fill the bowl or wash in the spray. There's the traditional "rim-and-spray," with upward spurt in the middle. Or, the simpler "over-the-rim."
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What is the difference between a 10-inch, 12-inch and 14-inch toilet rough-in?
In order to determine your rough-in dimension, please measure from the centre of your toilet bolt holes to your finished wall. Most of our toilets are manufactured to accommodate a 12" rough-in model toilet. If, however, you find yourself in a situation where you do not have enough space to install your tank onto your bowl because the wall is in the way, the solution is our 10" rough-in toilet. If you get the feeling that your toilet is sitting in the middle of your bathroom because of a sizable gap between the tank and the wall, a 14" rough-in toilet may be a better choice.
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What is the difference between gravity-fed & pressure assisted toilets?
The traditional toilet flush is gravity-fed. All the water stored in the tank rushes down, forcing everything out through a built-in pipe called the trap. The trap curves down, then up like an elbow. Water fills it to keep sewer gases from entering the house.
There is an alternative flush type called pressure-assisted. A canister inside the tank holds trapped, compressed air. It acts like a spring to shoot the water forward at high speed. A large percentage of the 6 Litres of water used is delivered directly to a jet at the bottom of the bowl. The jet is the force that removes the waste.
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What is the difference between washout, siphon jet and blowout urinals?
In a washout urinal, water runs down the rim holes which washes the side walls, floods the sump (bowl area) and a water exchange is made exiting through a bottom outlet. This method is like a dilution process.
A siphon jet urinal has a jet hole on the inlet of the trapway. When flushed, water is fed into the jet creating a stream that assists in pulling the water out of the urinal. With this method, the entire amount of liquid is displaced when flushed and siphon jet action will flush away the waste.
A blowout urinal has a hole on the inlet of the trapway. This is the most aggressive flush, and as a result, is the noisiest of the three options. With this method, the entire amount of liquid is displaced when flushed. The high velocity jet action with larger trapway assures better drainline carryout and is recommended for stadium and other high-usage commercial applications.
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What is the difference between “vertical spray” and “over-the-rim in a bidet faucet?
The vertical spray comes from the bowl of the bidet, aiming the stream of water upward. An over-the-rim faucet is similar to a basin spout, where the water would come from a fitting on the bidet.
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What is the recommended psi for each urinal?
The recommended psi at the valve is 20psi for all urinals.
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What should I do if my toilet leaks water onto the floor?
If your toilet is dripping from the tank to the floor, make sure the supply tube nut (coupling nut) is tightened and that there are no cracks in the supply tube. If the supply tube nut is tight, and there are no cracks in the tube, this type of leaking may indicate a non-visible crack in the water control, and its replacement is recommended.
Water collection between the tank and the bowl area may indicate leaking between the tank and bowl, which may require replacement of the gasket. Before replacing the gasket, be sure the tank and bowl are securely connected together by checking to see if you can move the tank back and forth.
If the tank moves, remove the tank cover and put a level across the top of the tank. Pull the tank down evenly and try to level it out. Using a screwdriver to hold bolts secure, turn the nut with a wrench 1/4 turn left side, then 1/4 turn right side. Turn the wrench and not the screwdriver to avoid cracking the tank. Go from side to side until tank is secure on the bowl and level.
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What supports a urinal to the wall?
Each urinal comes with specific hangars (either K-2 or T-62) that must be attached to studs located behind the wall. These studs (i.e.2 x 6) must be substantial enough to hold the weight of the fixture.
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Whrilpools, Tubs & Shower Bases
Can I purchase a heater to field install?
No. We can not sell a heater for field installation. The heaters must be factory installed to meet CSA standards.
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Can we use bath oils or bubble bath in the whirlpool?
These products will not harm the integrity of the whirlpool. You do not however want to run these products through the whirlpool system. You need to use the whirlpool with clean water. After you shut the tub off then you can add these products. Drain the whirlpool before reuse.
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How can I remove the glue from the labels on the tub?
Peal the label off the best you can. Then rub automobile wax into the glue. Go back over the glue and put the wax on a little thicker. Let stand for a couple of hours then buff off with a soft cloth. You can also use "Goo-gone", mineral spirits, or painter's naptha to get them off. Just scrub the area with hot soapy water after.
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How many bags of mortar do I need to support my whirlpool?
Two 90-pound bags of mortar with the sand already mixed in should suffice for any size whirlpool
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I purchased an American Standard bathtub/whirlpool. I would like to remove the surface that was applied to the bottom of the tub. What products and process will remove this surface?
As this surface is applied in compliance with industry standards, we do not recommend removing it.
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I would like to purchase an Americast bathtub/whirlpool, but I do not want the surface that comes on the bottom of the tub?
All of our bathtubs have a slip resistant surface that is applied to the bottom of our tubs in compliance with industry standards. Our bathtubs cannot be purchased without this surface.
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If I use a cleaner on my shower walls and doors that is not a recommended cleaning product for my Americast tub; will it harm my tub?
It should not harm the finish of your tub, provided you rinse the tub immediately and thoroughly.
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Is the removable apron panel good enough to be used as access for the pump/motor?
No. They must still provide the correct access as shown in the installation instructions. The apron is basically a cover for the front of the tub. It is made removable to provide extra access to other areas.
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My whirlpool leaks, what should I do?
In our installation instructions it states to water test the whirlpools before closing in with any wallboard, tile, etc. Make sure you have access to the leak and then contact us. This way you will be able to give us an accurate description of the leak and will be able to give us the Model #, Serial # and MFG. Date.
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The Motor trips the G.F.C.I., what should I do?
Our motors almost never trip the G.F.C.I. breakers. This is normally an electrical problem at the power supply. Plug something with three prongs (w/ ground prong) into the outlet. Try to run that device to see if it trips the G.F.C.I. If it does than it is the electric. If it does not then contact us.
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The on/off button sticks down when I push it, what should I do?
Two things can cause this problem: dust in the on/off button or a bad switch in the motor. The easiest way to trouble shoot this is to pull the air tube off of the nipple from under the on/off button. If the button goes back up, then the switch is bad in the motor. If the button does not go back up then it means that there is dust in it.
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The rings (escutcheons) on the whirlpool are cracking. What should I do?
This is ALWAYS caused from cleaners. The following are part numbers for the escutcheon rings and tools to change them. These parts can be ordered from an American Standard distributor.
Escutcheon Ring = 047588-XXX0A
Escutcheon Tool = 047605-0070A
Nozzle tool = 047530-0070A
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The whirlpool will not turn on/off when I push the button, what should I do?
The air tubing might have been pulled off during installation. Please look under the on/off button to see if there is a BLACK ¼" rubber tube pushed over the nipple in the center of it. Then check to see if it is pushed over the switch in the back of the motor. If it is connected to each end, check the power supply for power. If all of these things are correct, contact us with the Model #, Serial # and MFG Date.
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There are black particles coming out of the jets / Orange bubbles in water causing an oily ring.
The black particles are algae build up breaking loose from the piping. It is caused from running oils, bubble bath, etc. through the jets. It is also caused from not purging the system on regular bases. The yellow foam is flux from the soldering of their water supply lines. You need to run an extra strong purge.
Fill tub with hot water.
Turn on motor.
Put into circulating water a ¼ of a cup of powdered dish washing detergent and 1 full cup of standard household bleach.
Run tub for 30 minutes.
Shut off motor and drain tub.
Fill tub with cold clean water. Turn on motor for 10 minutes for a rinse.
This procedure might need to be repeated two or three times to get the system totally cleaned out. Once it is cleaned follow the normal purging instructions as stated in the owners manual.
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What are StayClean Whirlpools?
StayClean whirlpools are designed to prevent the build-up of mold, mildew and bacteria in the whirlpool system, making them the easiest and most effective way to keep your whirlpool system clean.
StayClean whirlpools incorporate a cutting-edge new material known as Antimicrobial AlphaSan into the internal plumbing of these whirlpool bathtubs. American Standard is the first whirlpool manufacturer to incorporate Antimicrobial AlphaSan into the whirlpool bathtub. AlphaSan is a patented antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi that can cause odors and discolouration, deterioration and decay of the whirlpool plumbing.
Antimicrobial AlphaSan is a silver-based antimicrobial agent. Silver is well know to be effective and safe against a broad spectrum of micro-organisms. The purpose of using Antimicrobial AlphaSan in whirlpool plumbing is to inhibit bacteria and bio-film build-up in the plumbing, resulting in a cleaner whirlpool.
Long-lasting Antimicrobial AlphaSan is processed into the whirlpool plumbing components and will protect your whirlpool system, no matter how many whirlpool baths are taken.
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What are the electrical requirements for the whirlpools?
Sys 1 = Run a dedicated 15 amp G.F.C.I. protected electrical line. If it is equipped with a heater they need to run a separate dedicated 15amp G.F.C.I. protected line for the heater.
Sys 2 = Run a dedicated 20 amp G.F.C.I. protected electrical line. If it is equipped with a heater they need to run a separate dedicated 15amp G.F.C.I. protected line for the heater.
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What should I consider when planning a new shower?
Issues to consider when creating a new shower in a new or existing bathroom include:
- Check your available space.
- The minimum space required for a single-person shower is 32" by 32". When planning your shower, include adequate space for all users to comfortably maneuver but still be in close proximity to the shower sprays.
- Identify who will use the shower.
- Will two people be showering together? You may want to consider separate control valves for more personalized comfort.
- Remember the age of users.
- Scald-protection safety valves are important for everyone, but especially children and the elderly. A hand-held personal shower on a slide bar is ideal for a family as it easily adjusts to users' different heights.
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What should I do if my motor smells hot?
It is common for the motors to smell this way when they are new. It is just like getting a new exhaust on a car. It will smell until the oils burn off of it. The motors are equipped with a heat sensor so if they get too hot they will turn themselves off.
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What should I do if some of jets do not work?
The jets are more than likely turned off. With the exception of the 2732 Renaissance all of the jets are individually adjustable. On the 2732 Renaissance only the lumbar jets are adjustable. The Renaissance lumbar jets adjust by gripping the outer ring around the jet (not the eyeball) and rotating it counter clockwise, this should be done with the motor off. At ½ of a revolution it will hit a voluntary stop. Now the jet is open. If you break past the stop the jet will screw out. This is no big deal. Just screw it back in until it is as tight as you can get it then rotate it counter clockwise until you feel the stop. - On all the other whirlpool tubs, all of the jets are adjustable. You adjust them by rotating the jet nozzle (not the outer ring) ½ rotation counter clockwise. Note: Sometimes when the units are new you will have to rotate the nozzle two rotations counter clockwise with the motor in the off position. This will rectify itself after time.
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Why do I need so much mortar to support under the sump of my whirlpool?
Some of our customers use the optional apron panel when installing the whirlpool. This apron must be installed at a certain height to function properly. The remaining amount of space under the tub sump must be completely filled in with mortar to ensure even support. Since the apron can be used for various tubs, the space to be filled in with mortar will vary, depending on the depth of the tub.
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