Looking for suggestions. I had previously posted last off-season about a spa leak that, with TFPs help, we determined by dye test to be the spa light conduit. See attached photo from last year to help illustrate.
Anyway, I’m currently leaking again at a rate of 1/2” per day.
I’ve run a number of experiments thus far:
1) When the water level is below the light, it doesn’t leak
2) When the water level is just above the light, or just below the 10 returns, it doesn’t leak.
3) When the water is above the returns (with all returns plugged), it leaks 1/2” per day
4) I pulled out the return plugs with the water level below it and there was no water in any of the pipes. My PB did one better and pressure tested the returns and the floor drain pipes, and they all passed.
5) PB pulled out the light and there was no significant water behind it.
Therefore, the conclusion was if it only leaks when above the returns, and the return pipes themselves are dry and pass a pressure test, the leak must be occurring from water leaking around at least one of the return pipes.
He and I inspected them all and there is no obvious plaster defect or any clues. He would like to come back and chip out around each pipe until he finds the bad one, and then patch up with new plaster. I’m concerned this will look hideous but he feels he can keep the chipping and plaster patching contained to what will be covered by the plastic return eyeball.
The logic seems to hold that we are on the right track, but I wish I had an idea of how to find the culprit return before we do anything destructive. Any idea how I can effectively seal not only the return pipe but the immediate surrounding plaster area so I can rule out each return one at a time? Or any other suggestion? Appreciate the community’s help as always!
Anyway, I’m currently leaking again at a rate of 1/2” per day.
I’ve run a number of experiments thus far:
1) When the water level is below the light, it doesn’t leak
2) When the water level is just above the light, or just below the 10 returns, it doesn’t leak.
3) When the water is above the returns (with all returns plugged), it leaks 1/2” per day
4) I pulled out the return plugs with the water level below it and there was no water in any of the pipes. My PB did one better and pressure tested the returns and the floor drain pipes, and they all passed.
5) PB pulled out the light and there was no significant water behind it.
Therefore, the conclusion was if it only leaks when above the returns, and the return pipes themselves are dry and pass a pressure test, the leak must be occurring from water leaking around at least one of the return pipes.
He and I inspected them all and there is no obvious plaster defect or any clues. He would like to come back and chip out around each pipe until he finds the bad one, and then patch up with new plaster. I’m concerned this will look hideous but he feels he can keep the chipping and plaster patching contained to what will be covered by the plastic return eyeball.
The logic seems to hold that we are on the right track, but I wish I had an idea of how to find the culprit return before we do anything destructive. Any idea how I can effectively seal not only the return pipe but the immediate surrounding plaster area so I can rule out each return one at a time? Or any other suggestion? Appreciate the community’s help as always!
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