Hostpring leak on moto massage seat.

[Matilda]

Hello,
I wonder if anyone could offer some advice on whether its possible to repair my leak on the moto massage seat.
I've dug out the corner and found where it is and thought it might be a simple fix to replace the connection but there seems to be some kind of small silicone tube within the pipe itself. I think it may be a drain pipe that comes from within the inside of the seat and it seems as though the connection itself is built in the the seat shell. Could I just block this iff somehow or could anyone offer any insight on how to repair please ? I'm not 100% on what the pipe a actually is
Thank you so much and hopeful for any insight

 

[Texas Splash]

Let's ask @RDspaguy if he has any experience with this issue.

 

[RDspaguy]

This is a common problem on these. A common repair is to insert a small tube from inside the tub while the hose is still held into the foam.
You can plug it, but may have some biofilm issues in the plugged hose and will need to give the jet special attention if closing for winter.
Your best repair is to remove the old repair tubing and carefully drill or dremel the plastic out to epoxy in a new barb adapter. I have used 1/4"mpth x 3/8" barb adapters with the threads ground off, a 3/8" barb coupling with the flare cut off one side, and, in a pinch, a round bic pen tube. Cut the hose back at least a few inches and replace with a new piece to avoid damaging the new repair trying to get the old hose on. Just be very careful at the shell fitting, crack that and it's a whole new project. Also, take your time and do it right because there is no second chance.
Fill only enough to test before filling in with spray foam. The foam is structural on these, and missing foam too close to the shell can cause big problems.
I want to stress that this repair has the very real potential to send this tub to the dump. Even what you have already done could have been a catastrophe with one slip of your foam-digging tool. Be very careful, pay attention, do not pry sideways on the fitting or push against the shell, and get every surface perfectly cleaned and sealed.
If you have ANY doubts on your ability to do this you might want to consider hiring an experienced pro for this part. You've already done the hard (and expensive) part so the cost shouldn't be very high. Certainly less than a shell repair.
Good luck!

 

[Matilda]

This is a common problem on these. A common repair is to insert a small tube from inside the tub while the hose is still held into the foam.
You can plug it, but may have some biofilm issues in the plugged hose and will need to give the jet special attention if closing for winter.
Your best repair is to remove the old repair tubing and carefully drill or dremel the plastic out to epoxy in a new barb adapter. I have used 1/4"mpth x 3/8" barb adapters with the threads ground off, a 3/8" barb coupling with the flare cut off one side, and, in a pinch, a round bic pen tube. Cut the hose back at least a few inches and replace with a new piece to avoid damaging the new repair trying to get the old hose on. Just be very careful at the shell fitting, crack that and it's a whole new project. Also, take your time and do it right because there is no second chance.
Fill only enough to test before filling in with spray foam. The foam is structural on these, and missing foam too close to the shell can cause big problems.
I want to stress that this repair has the very real potential to send this tub to the dump. Even what you have already done could have been a catastrophe with one slip of your foam-digging tool. Be very careful, pay attention, do not pry sideways on the fitting or push against the shell, and get every surface perfectly cleaned and sealed.
If you have ANY doubts on your ability to do this you might want to consider hiring an experienced pro for this part. You've already done the hard (and expensive) part so the cost shouldn't be very high. Certainly less than a shell repair.
Good luck!

Thank you so much @RDspaguy, this is really helpful. I'm in the unfortunate position that we have very limited pro's locally and and the one that deals with hot spring aren't able to help at the moment as their technician is sick long term. Is the silicone tube inside the pipe important or am I able to just cut that to insert a new barb ? I've looked at other videos for this repair and they don't seem to have any silicone tubing inside the pipe so not sure what this is ?
Thanks again, much appreciated !

 

[RDspaguy]

The tube is the remains of the first repair. This is what gets inserted and sealed inside the broken fitting. It will have to come out and the spa shell side of the barb be drilled out. The hose will be cut back several inches so the tube will not be an issue. But the key to this repair is the prep of the spa shell fitting. That part of the shell is often quite thin and easy to break, so alot of care must be taken while working on it.

 

[Matilda]

The tube is the remains of the first repair. This is what gets inserted and sealed inside the broken fitting. It will have to come out and the spa shell side of the barb be drilled out. The hose will be cut back several inches so the tube will not be an issue. But the key to this repair is the prep of the spa shell fitting. That part of the shell is often quite thin and easy to break, so alot of care must be taken while working on it.

Thanks again, I'll most definitely take heed of all your helpful points !