How to Reseal a Leaking Hydro Pump Intake on a Walk-In Tub

A drip from the hydro pump intake on the underside of the tub is fixed by cleaning the fitting and resealing it with 100 percent silicone, not by replacing the pump. Ella's technical support sends photo instructions for this repair, and the steps below follow them. It is a job for your installer or a local licensed plumber, and the tub must sit unused while the silicone cures. Owners who have followed the instructions report that one careful reseal ends the drip.

Find Where the Water Is Coming from

Water can come from two places, and the photo instructions from support show both. The first is the suction fitting itself, where the intake pipe assembly passes through the shell. The second is a silicone plug next to the fitting. A plug leak only needs the old silicone cleaned off and fresh 100 percent silicone applied, then time to dry. A fitting leak is handled by one of the two methods below. The intake screen you see inside the tub is the part described in What Is the Pump Inlet Cover on a Walk-In Tub?.

Quick Fix: Reseal from the Outside

Technical support sometimes suggests trying the easier method first. With the tub drained, clean off the existing silicone around the fitting on the underside of the shell, apply fresh 100 percent silicone all the way around, and let it dry overnight before testing. If the drip stops, you are done. If it continues, support's preference is that the whole intake be resealed using the full method.

Full Reseal of the Intake

1. Turn off power to the tub at the breaker or GFCI and drain the tub completely.
2. Cut the zip-tie strapped around the intake pipe assembly so the assembly can be removed.
3. Take care with the gray braided hose so it does not break off the pump while you work.
4. Remove the inside screen. Some screens are held on with Phillips screws. Others have no screws and are threaded, so turn the screen counterclockwise to remove it.
5. Turn the inside threaded nut counterclockwise with a pair of pliers and lift it off.
6. Clean all old sealant from the fitting and from the shell.
7. Apply 100 percent silicone and reassemble the fitting in reverse order.
8. Let the silicone cure for at least 4 hours before testing. An overnight cure is the safer choice.
9. Refill above the intake, run the hydro system, and confirm the drip is gone.

If your plumber would rather have a new suction fitting on hand, technical support can ship one before the repair so it is there if needed. Ask for it when you request the photo instructions.

Advice for Installers

Level the tub and run a water test before it is set permanently in place. One owner found the intake leak during that test, while the underside was still accessible, and resealed it with the instructions above before finishing the installation. Catching a weep early saves a second visit. Once the leak is sealed, return to the regular schedule in the monthly maintenance guide.

Who Does the Work

Ella does not send technicians. Technical support provides the photo instructions and, if needed, the suction fitting, and is available by phone and email while the repair is under way. Your installer or a local licensed plumber performs the reseal. Have your model and serial number ready when you contact support.

Related Guides

• Hydro Pump Only Hums After a Repair: Why an Empty Tub Shows Nothing
• Pump or Massage System Not Working: Connections, Relay Switch, and What to Check First
• Hydro Pump Not Pushing Water: How a Replacement Water Pump Is Matched and Shipped

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.