Pedicure chair plumbing questions

[kunghanner]

I have 6 pedicure chairs with drain pumps. If I disconnect the line going into the wall (5/8" ID hose) the pump pumps water, but when connected the pump does not pump the water out of the tub. What is needed to fix this???? Thanks

https://terrylove.com/forums/showthread.php?26744-Help-with-Pedicure-Spa-chairs-plumbing

 

[Gary Swart]

Sounds like the line between the pump and the tub is clogged. Since this is obviously a commercial establishment, you should check with local health department regulations to see if you are allowed to DIY plumbing problems. Probably will be OK since this is not a new installation, but won't hurt to check.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[Jadnashua]

You may need an air compressor or a flexible wire or something to poke into the discharge line to try to dislodge whatever is plugging it up. Do they clip the nails and cuticle, then flush that? Some of those could be quite large, and clog up a 5/8" line after time. Sounds like a lousy design, but would have to see it to reserve judgement.

 

[kunghanner]

Thanks, but this is a new nail salon - only one week.

 

[kunghanner]

Could there be an airlock and maybe need some kind of vent?

 

[hj]

There would not be an airlock between the pump and the drain line in the wall. That part would be under positive pressure from the pump, assuming the pump's impeller itself is not airbound with a bubble in it. The obvious thing would be that if the pump works pumping into a bucket, but not into the wall that there is a problem with the drain line in the wall, but if so, we cannot tell you what it is.

 

[kunghanner]

The drain line is a clear hose and I can see air and water in it. The pump pumps the water up only about 10/12" at the very most. At the top of the line is where I see the air pocket.

 

[hj]

IF there is no air pressure resistance preventing the water from going into the drain line, then that is all the pressure your pump will develop, meaning it CANNOT pump the water out. Disconnect the hose from the drain, hold the hose vertical and see how high the pump pushes the water. THAT will tell us what your problem is.

 

[Shacko]

If it's only one week old why don't you get the installer to fix it?