How do I retrieve this part?

[geremacheks]

Here's the problem: Just looking at my drained and maintained hot tub after the winter, and went to put the drain plug back into the water pump. Pushed it into the hole and it WENT RIGHT THROUGH INTO THE WATER PUMP! It obviously was the wrong pipe plug, about 3/8's instead of 1/2. and slipped right through. Then I found the right drain plug. Too late!

I need to retrieve this through the threaded hole it fell through. The pump cavity below the pipe plug hole drops only about one inch. The lost plug is only 1 to 2 inches away from the hole. I believe the plug that fell in there was metal--the correct plug is plastic, and larger.

I'm thinking a magnet on a flexible stem of some kind might get it out. The tool will have to work at a 90 degree angle.Is there such a tool? I tried a needle nose pliers with a turned tip--didn't work. Any ideas, suggestions, help? I really don't want to take the water pump apart. Thanks.

 

[ochster]

Can you reverse the pump? or maybe a piece of small flexible tubing attached to a shop vac. Sorta making a mini suction tube to help draw it out.

 

[Moteaux]

What about one of those small telescoping magnets that pivots at the end. The magnet is about two inches long. Is that too big? The diameter of the whole thing is about the same as a ballpoint pen and are sold at most auto and hardware stores. Or redneck engineering would dictate chewing gum on the end of a wire coat hanger! j/k! :confused:

Motohead00

 

[geremacheks]

Sorry for the delay--they moved the thread on me already.

ochster--don't know what you mean by reversing the pump. It's been drained and sucked out for the past winter months.

The tube idea sounds great. Might even work with simple mouth suction...well maybe not.

motohead00---This is about a 1/2 inch hole. Whatever goes through it will have to bend downward about an inch. Yeah, a pen can get though it. Another great idea. Haven't seen one of those magnets, but I will look. The redneck idea--I'm sure to lose the chewing gum--that's just my style.

 

[MikeT]

How about a small magnet on a string? Tie it tight!

 

[Skid Jackson]

Do the shop vac trick. This works great if your bath tub doesn't have a screen and something big goes in there and gets caught in the p trap. I manage an apartment complex., nothing easier than using a shop vac on a stubborn clog. I'd do that first!! good luck and let us know how oyu make out!!

 

[someday]

Can you see it? Use super glue intead of bubble gum.

 

[70 marlin]

if the vac don't work, remove the pump and diassemble:<(

 

[SndyRds]

Magnet on a WIRE, disassemble.

 

[dirtybkr]

Root of the problem

When you get it fixed , leave it full for the winter. Nothing like sitting in 100 degree water when the air temp is below freezing . Warms right thru to the bone ,and you won't have to drain your pump . Ever . ;)

 

[geremacheks]

dirtybkr----In a perfect world, I'd love to leave it on all winter. But these things have the required electrical ground fault protectors on them. And they go out whenever they please. Poor system. And you can bet it will go out on the coldest night of winter...ie frozen pump, frozen pipes. You need to watch these tubs constantly for winter problems, and that is not always feasable. Leaving it on all winter is pure salesman's talk, I found out. (I think I'd like to talk about something more fun....how about fat chicks?)

The magnet ideas and the shop vac ideas should all work. I just haven't got around to it yet. Super glue? Never had any luck with super glue. Really appreciate the help.

 

[bluerider125]

(I think I'd like to talk about something more fun....how about fat chicks?)

:eek:

 

[oldguy]

We leave ours on all winter, and drain it for the summer. Of course it is outside on the deck and the pump, filter and heater are all in the basement.

 

[dirtybkr]

Never a problem

I've had my tub for 7 years and never a problem . The pump and heater run 24-7 in the winter .As a matter of fact , I don't recall ever having the gfi trip (but thanks for giving me something to worry about ). I have however thought about shutting it down for the summer ,as it gets used very little when it's hot out . As far as the fat chics go , Ya gotta leave the water level low to make up for displacement . :aj:

 

[wayneo426]

How about putting somewater back in, and then draining it to get the plug to come to the opening?

This year, I switched to using Bacqua Spa chems. Anyone ever used this stuff before? The water feels and looks better than when I used the Nature2 stick.

 

[geremacheks]

wayneo-----great idea, except.....do metal pipe plugs float? Thanks for the advice on the chems....I wonder what's the best for really soft water?

oldguy----You have found the perfect world! Great idea. Mine's on the deck too. But to have the pump, etc., in the basement there would be some long lines to the deck--that could freeze. Have you ever lost all power in the winter for a long time? Some day I'll bet it will happen. In your case maybe just the tub will feeze up, but slowly.

I've talked to several maintenace experts on these tubs. Two of them admitted that their own tub pumps froze up in the winter. These are the experts. End of story.

dirtybkr-----My GFI is sensitive, yes, something to worry about. The maintenance guy tried to fix it, but still sensitive. Too sensitive to trust. The tub is about 12 years old and having its share of problems in the last years. I'd simply replace it, but it's sunk into the deck on a huge cement slab. Too pull it out sounds expensive, and who knows how--it's a four person. Sound like lots of manpower and $$$ needed. Would a newer spa fit back into the empty hole in the deck? A somewhat simple fix would be to put it on top of the deck. But naturally, my wife wants it like it is, flush with the deck. I've got to talk her out of that idea--but then how could I put a bigger spa over the hole in the deck. Need lots of carpenters and masons? It would be nice to just leave the old tub there, and somehow build over it. A possibility?

Also I am displeased with how these units are mouse colonies in the winter time, despite the poison and the traps. Being under the deck, and living out in the wilds, I'm sure makes it worse. The mice have cost me hundreds of dollars by chewing control and thermostat wires. Doesn't somebody make one that is mouse proof?

Anybody got any advice on good brands that have worked for numerous years in cold climates? I might be in the market for a new one.


Yeah, water displacement and fat chicks. I know all about that.

Hey what happened to your tag about fat chicks? Did you edit it? Were you embarassed? Let's see....I think I remember how it went......"FAT CHICKS AND MO-PEDS, BOTH FUN TO RIDE."

Good luck with your spas NEXT winter.

 

[dirtybkr]

My tub is on my deck and the pump is out there with it .My wife has been buging me to sink it. I 'll keep fighting her on that one . I have not had any mice problems .Maybe due to the noise the pump makes all winter ? As far as chemicals go I've got an ozonater<sp?> and I just use a little clhorine once in a while . The tub stays nice and clean and smells fresh . Also naked bathing only rule is strictly enforced . Soap that is not completely rinsed from bathing suits will muck up a tub pretty quick. Good luck removing that plug .