Rubber return plugs

[susikay]

I cannot fit most of the rubber plugs into the returns while blowing air through the pipes.
I am so frustrated! Any other plugs that would be easier for me to handle?
Seem like the rubber plugs expanded from last year. Thanks for any help

 

[LauleaHere&There]

I have used wine bottle stoppers as return plugs in a pinch. But only to tweak the plumbing, never for a "blow-out".

 

[waste]

Susi, I've seen this often enough and feel your pain

What may have happened is that the plugs were left compressed over the summer and lost some of their elasticity OR, you just can't provide enough torque to get them to seal, a pair of pliers would help with this

If the returns are threaded, you can use a Hayward SP 1022-C with a couple wraps of Teflon tape to seal them (the 1022-C is a 1 1/2" threaded plug with an o-ring -- other companies also manufacture them and they're all the same, so go with the less expensive ones BUT do Teflon tape them! )

These plugs can be tightened with a flat-head screwdriver so that you know you've gotten a good seal :-D

 

[LauleaHere&There]

Sorry, I really misunderstood the question.

Never mind.