Whirlpool bathtubs -- using water jets, air jets or both -- have become increasingly common in homes because they can help to relieve stress and soothe tired muscles. In some instances they are custom-made or can even be retrofitted in an existing tub, but most often they are purchased pre-built and installed. One of the first considerations if you're replacing an existing tub with a jetted bath is where you'll put the pump that powers the jets. Sometimes the pump can be placed as much as 5 feet away, other times it must be placed closer. Regardless, you do want the pump and other mechanical systems to be where they can be accessed easily for servicing when necessary, since whirlpool baths may need periodic repairs. You also may want a dedicated heater for the tub if you are expecting to take prolonged soaks or if it's a large tub that uses a lot of water. More information on water heaters can be found in a separate report. You also need heavy-duty electric wiring that will accommodate all this stuff -- 15 amps for some tubs, 20 for others -- but check and strictly follow manufacturer guidelines, and hire a licensed electrician unless you are qualified to run the required circuits and comply with all local safety ordinances.

Water jets are more common than air jets and will give you a more vigorous massage. However, the downside to water jets is that some water will remain in them after you're done bathing, so there is a possibility that mold or bacteria can grow if the jets aren't cleaned regularly. It's recommended that water jets be flushed about every other week. It's also recommend that you not use bath additives, like salts or oils, as they can damage the pumping system. While whirlpool tubs are similar to spas and hot tubs, the water is untreated so they need to be emptied after each use. If you are more interested in a dedicated hot tub, those are also covered in their own report. Air jets are less vigorous than water jets, a plus for many people who don't like to be pummeled by their baths, but they can be noisier. They can also cause heat to dissipate more quickly. Whirlpool tubs that use both types of jets are less common but can give you a more varied massage; you can use both types of jets simultaneously or separately.

On the downside, a combination whirlpool tub will be more expensive to buy and to operate, and you'll need two electric hookups. Running the pump isn't the entire cost of operation -- you also need to consider that you'll need about 50 gallons of warm water to fill some of these whirlpool tubs, which means increased use of the home's water heater. Underfilling whirlpool tubs can damage the pump -- some have sensors to shut off the jets if the water level is too low. If you think you'd like a more peaceful immersion experience, see our separate section on soaking tubs. Jacuzzi tubs are probably the best known name in the whirlpool tub market, and whirlpool tubs are often referred to, generically, as Jacuzzi bathtubs, but Jacuzzi is a brand name, just as Kleenex is a brand name for facial tissue, and Jacuzzi uses a proprietary type of jets. In general, whirlpool tubs are becoming more affordable as more manufacturers incorporate jets into their standard tubs. A basic, whirlpool tub made to be incorporated into a drop in style installation can be had for as little as $400 -- not including the installation.

From there, as with most tubs, the sky's the limit price-wise, depending upon installation options and customizations. We discuss the most common types of installations -- alcove, freestanding and drop in -- elsewhere in this report. There are some basic safety tips to keep in mind while using a whirlpool tub. Stay in too long and you could overheat -- a particular risk for people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular problems. Check with your physician for advice. Some hot tubs come with non-slip bottoms and hand grips, but remember that, while the pumps are working, you are in agitated water that may affect your balance when you stand up. Fixing Wet Laminate FlooringSome tubs have a mechanism called "spin-free" that will stop the pump if hair becomes entangled in the intake ports.  Home Depot Ceiling Fan Light Covers

The tub kit may include a timer, but there may be local code requirements that will require it to be installed a certain distance from the tub to reduce the risk of an electric shock.Washing Machine Doesn’t Run Other Washing Machine Repairs Washing machine need repair? Troubleshoot and fix common problems with your clothes washer with this expert DIY advice, including step-by-step instructions. A washing machine is basically a big tub that repeatedly fills with water and then drains, spins to wring clothes dry, and has a device for stirring the contents up—either an agitator in the middle of a top-load machine or a rolling drum in a front-loading machine.Black Lace Long Bell Sleeve Off The Shoulder Dress The four cycles that every washer performs are fill, wash, drain, and spin. Though these functions are pretty basic, a number of things can go wrong with them.

There are a number of problems that you can fix quite simply; some issues, however, are better left in the hands of an appliance repair person. Before working on a washing machine, be sure to unplug it. If the washer doesn’t operate or make any noise when set on any cycle, it may not be receiving electrical power. If it stopped when it should have continued on to the next cycle, the machine’s overload protector may have tripped. In this case, take out some of the articles to reduce the load and let the protector reset itself. Then restart the machine. 1Be sure the machine is plugged in and turned on. If necessary, check the receptacle it’s plugged into for power, using a working lamp, appliance, or voltage tester. Be sure the washer lid is closed completely. 2If the receptacle seems dead, check the circuit breaker or the fuse that serves it. 3Check the power cord. Unplug the washer and check its cord for a break or frayed area. If necessary, replace the cord.

4Open the lid and check the lid switch and the tab on the lid that it pushes against. Press and release the switch. If it doesn’t click when you do this, it’s probably broken. Remove the switch, test it, and replace it if needed. 5If the washer still doesn’t work, the controls may be faulty. Call an appliance repair person. HomeTips Pro Tip: To prevent problems with your washing machine, follow good maintenance procedures. Use the right amount of detergent for your washer and your water hardness, make sure the machine is level, and don’t overload it. If residue remains on your clothes or in the washing machine following a cycle, the problem may have any of several causes. First, make sure you’re using the machine properly—putting the right amount of soap in the load, not overloading the machine, and so forth. Check your owner’s manual for this information. Just an overly bulky load can cause improper rinsing. If these types of issues are not causing the problem, the chances are good that the rinse water is not getting into the drum or is not draining out properly.

1Check the supply valves. Make sure the water supply valves that serve the supply hoses are open all the way. 2Make sure the supply hoses are not kinked. 3Check the drain hose to make sure the machine is draining fully. A blockage can cause dirty rinse water to back up and remain in the drum. When you run a load, watch the machine to make sure it empties completely after each wash and rinse cycle. 4Check to make sure the cold water supply hose isn’t blocked. Turn off the valve to the hose, and then disconnect it from the machine. Put the end into a bucket and turn the faucet back on. It should deliver a strong flow. If it doesn’t, the hose may be partially obstructed. To determine if it is, disconnect the end from the valve, screw it onto a hose bibb outdoors, and try again. If the flow is still constricted, either clear or replace the hose. 5If these measures don’t work, call a washing machine repair person. Leaking water from a washing machine usually comes from hoses or connections.

Be sure that water appearing to be a leak isn’t drain water from a backed-up standpipe. To prevent potential flood damage, which can occur if washing machine supply hoses burst, be sure to install “no-burst” stainless-steel mesh hoses and lever-type shutoff valves, as shown at right. With these, you can easily turn off the levers for both hot and cold water between wash days. 1Check the fittings where the hoses connect to the faucets and to the back of the washing machine. Also look for worn or leaky hoses. Tighten couplings or hose clamps if needed, or replace the hoses altogether. Be sure to turn the water off before removing the hoses, and then drain them into a bucket after disconnecting them. 2Determine whether the machine is oversudsing, which can cause it to overflow. Reduce suds by pouring in 1/2 cup white vinegar in 1 quart water. Then switch to either less detergent or to a low-sudsing variety. 3Check seals and bearings. The machine may have a faulty basket gasket or tub seal and bearing that must be replaced;