Rats Chewed the Tubing Under My Tub. Can It Be Replaced?

Yes. If rats chewed the tubing under the tub, or the tubes have simply become brittle and are breaking, the air tubing and the connectors that join it are replaceable parts. The lines run in the space behind the front apron, so the first thing to do is remove the access panels on the apron and look at what you have: the small hoses that carry the air signal from the push buttons to the control box, the larger tubing that feeds the air jets, and the elbow, tee and straight connectors between them. Photograph the damaged runs, and the team matches tubing to your serial number.

Likely Causes

• Rodent damage to tubing that was reachable through an open end of the tub or a gap in the apron.
• Older clear air hose that has deteriorated with age and lost its hold on the fittings. The team's answer for this style is a set of red replacement hoses.
• A line that was pulled tight or snagged during installation and has split at a connector.
• Jets on the underside of the tub that broke off when the tub was set down on them during a move, taking the tubing with them.

What to Check, in Order

1. Switch off power to the tub, then remove the front apron access panels. Depending on the model they are held with clips, screws under screw caps, velcro tape or magnets. Our guide to service access and the front apron shows where they are on each family.
2. Follow every air line from the push buttons and the air manifold behind the seat to the control box and the jets, and mark each chewed or brittle section. There is no printed hose schematic, so your photos are the map.
3. Photograph the tubing next to a ruler, and photograph both ends where it connects. Tubing sizes have changed over the years; on older tubs the small line has measured about 1/4 inch inside diameter by 3/8 inch outside, but the team confirms against your serial number before sending anything.
4. Count the connectors you need by type: elbows (the push 90s), tees and straights. Estimate the total length so enough can be cut.
5. Note your model and serial number from the label inside the removable panel next to the door. Air jet covers, tubing and connectors explains what is and is not replaceable on the jet system.
6. If the tub is an older or retired model, read parts and support for older Ella tubs; legacy requests are handled case by case with the model and serial.

When to Open a Ticket

Contact your Ella dealer or the team at (800) 480-6850, or open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support, with the model, the serial number, photos of the damaged runs with a ruler in frame, your connector count and a length estimate. The published warranty covers defects in material and workmanship rather than outside damage, so the team confirms from your photos how each run is handled. While the panels are off, do not pack insulation around the equipment; the pumps and electronics need that airflow.

The video shows how each air tube seats on its nipple at the control box with a firm twist and push, which is how the new tubing is reconnected once the damaged runs are replaced. Watch: How to Secure Air & Hydro Connections in Your Walk-In Tub with chapters and a full transcript.

Related Guides

• Air Line Leaking Under the Tub: Cut Out the Hole and Rejoin With a Coupling
• Why Are There Two Crimped Pieces of Tubing on the Air Manifold Under My Tub?

Common Questions