If water is spraying from a small hose under your walk-in tub, or the air line behind the tub has come apart, the air check valve is the first part to look at. It is a replaceable part. The valve, the hoses and pipes that connect to it, a replacement manifold and PVC cement can all ship under your parts warranty once the support team has confirmed the problem, and the team sends photos or instructions with the package so a local licensed plumber or your installer can make the swap. Ella does not send technicians, so plan on your own installer doing the hands-on work.

Where the Check Valve Is and What It Does

The check valve sits in the air line on the back of the tub. It connects the two hoses between the black tee, which is the manifold, and the white air generator. When the valve blows out, bath water can travel back down the line and out of the small hose underneath the tub, which is why a failed check valve usually shows up as a wet floor rather than anything you notice at the controls.

First, Look for the Valve

Sometimes the valve separates from its fittings without being damaged. Check under and behind the tub. If you find it and it is in good condition, it can be reattached with extra strength PVC cement. Keep the cement out of the opening in the valve, because glue inside the valve can block the air path. If the valve is missing, cracked or crushed, open a ticket with your model and serial number and a replacement will be sent.

Replacing the Valve and Rebuilding the Manifold

1. Turn off power to the tub at the breaker and make sure the tub is empty.
2. Locate the check valve on the back of the tub between the black tee and the white air generator.
3. Warm the glued joint. Heat softens PVC cement enough that just the check valve can be worked free of the manifold.
4. If a replacement manifold came in the package, you can rebuild the whole assembly instead of salvaging the old one.
5. Cement the new valve in place with the PVC cement supplied.
6. Let the cement cure as directed on its label before you run the air system.

Getting the Hose Onto the Valve

The air hose is a tight fit and will not slide onto the valve at room temperature. Heat the end of the hose until it is pliable, then push it onto the valve. If it starts to stick part way on, warm it again to loosen it. Needle nose pliers give a better grip if it is hard to push on by hand. Ask the team for a photo of a correctly seated hose if you would like something to compare against.

The Larger 1 1/2 Inch Valve and Pipes

Some tubs were built with a 1 inch check valve and 1 inch air pipes. In some cases the support team recommends switching to a 1 1/2 inch check valve, and the valve and the air pipes are replaced together as a set. The team has a video showing the switch. Mention the size of your existing valve when you open the ticket so the right parts ship.

Reaching the Back of the Tub

How you get to the back depends on how the tub was installed. Ask the team for photos of the valve location on your model before work begins so your installer knows what access is needed. Once the valve, manifold and hoses are back together, run the air massage and check every joint for leaks before closing anything up. For other parts, see how to order replacement parts, and if your tub is an older model, parts and support for older Ella tubs explains what is still available.

Common Questions

Still Need Help?

Open a ticket at ellasbubbles.com/support or call (800) 480-6850 and have your model and serial number ready.