Recessed Hot Tub in Oshkosh, WI Must be Replaced When Pipes Freeze

After extreme cold in Oshkosh, WI, a recessed hot tub begins leaking water. The homeowners suspected that the pipes had frozen during the extremely cold winter. Landscaping Inspection Services is tasked with finding out the cause of the leak.

Our inspector made the assessment that the hot tub had frozen, and that the unit would need to be completely replaced.

Oshkosh, WI Hot Tub Inspection and Analysis

Our experienced landscaping inspector visited the property in question and spoke with the homeowner who said that they thought the hot tub had frozen during the winter, and that it had begun to leak.

Our inspector made the following observations during his inspection:

• The hot tub was in the sun room and was installed in the floor
• There was no water in the tub
• The hot tub appeared to be well taken care of, with the service panel and surroundings being in good condition
• The side panels to access the piping were inaccessible due to the unit being recessed in the floor

Because of the tub being recessed in the floor of the sun room, the inspector was unable to inspect inside the unit. He estimated it would cost several thousand dollars just to remove the flooring in order to inspect the spa.

The inspector noted that the spa appeared to be in good working condition, and had been well maintained by the homeowners. The inspector ruled out neglect, abuse, or poor maintenance as the cause of the damage.

Cause of Damage and Leak in Oshkosh, WI Hot Tub

Although unable to open the unit to inspect for additional freeze damage, the inspector stated that it was highly plausible that the hot tub pipes had frozen. Because of the way the hot tub was recessed, the portion below ground was several degrees cooler than the upper portions, and in Oshkosh, Wisconsin’s harsh winter months, this difference in temperature would have been extreme.

If the hot tub piping had frozen, the entire unit would need to be replaced. Our inspector estimated that this would cost around $16,140, which includes $14.995 for the cost of the unit, $750 for the removal and disposal of the current unit, and $395 for labor and installation.