My pump is spraying water at high pressure out of a leak

[23Jourdon]

Hello. My 17 year old Pentair ultra flow 2HP 2speed motor is spraying high pressured water 6-10 feet out of the wet side end of the volute closest to the basket. Please check attached piks. It is coming out along the circular edge. I disassembled it and took piks of the impeller, diffuser, gasket for diffuser (I replaced diffuser and diffuser gasket about a year ago).

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance.

 

[RedBluePool]

Might have a crack in the volute, honestly with it being 17 years old and since that pump is discontinued, I would suggest replacing it with a new pump.

 

[23Jourdon]

Thanks. Was leaning that way but wanted more insight. Are they easy to install and would u recommend the 1 speed or stay with the 2 speed Motor? Thanks

 

[RedBluePool]

Honestly, I do not like 2 speed pumps and I'm pro vs pumps. Intelliflo is always my go to pump.

If you do go that direction make sure you get a flow meter ( fits in return has a white plate and spring) so you can adjust your rpms for your suction cleaner correctly so you don't damage your pump.

 

[jblizzle]

I would not go single speed. Either go 2 speed or upgrade to the VS.

No need for a flow meter.

Please explain how the pump should possibly be damaged by a cleaner?

 

[RedBluePool]

He has a suction cleaner. If running with to many rpms will cause a suction side restriction which cause the pump to lose efficiency draw more watts also causeing the pump to over heat. Over heating the pump can cause the impeller to warp and cause a pump seal leak.

Pump seal leaks over time can rust out the bearings in the motor.

To low rpms and the suction cleaner won't work as intended.

The flow gage is only $20 dollars and can help you adjust the speeds accordingly

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/Pentair-41200-0212-StaRite-GW9500-Cleaner/dp/B0082N3S1A&ved=2ahUKEwj0vNmcytrdAhVPX60KHe_2BhEQFjACegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw1EvJ_fbpAVTpiRHK3AK2XS

 

[jblizzle]

I thought you were talking about the expensive and inaccurate flow meters installed in the plumbing, which are not needed.

As long as there is just about any water movement through the pump, warping is extremely unlikely.

 

[23Jourdon]

Thanks folks. I appreciate it

 

[JamesW]

He has a suction cleaner. If running with to many rpms will cause a suction side restriction which cause the pump to lose efficiency draw more watts also causeing the pump to over heat. Over heating the pump can cause the impeller to warp and cause a pump seal leak.

Pump seal leaks over time can rust out the bearings in the motor.

To low rpms and the suction cleaner won't work as intended.

The flow gage is only $20 dollars and can help you adjust the speeds accordingly

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.amazon.com/Pentair-41200-0212-StaRite-GW9500-Cleaner/dp/B0082N3S1A&ved=2ahUKEwj0vNmcytrdAhVPX60KHe_2BhEQFjACegQICBAB&usg=AOvVaw1EvJ_fbpAVTpiRHK3AK2XS

Restricting the flow to the pump does not increase power consumption, it actually reduces power consumption.

Restricting the flow rate would increase power consumption if the flow rate stayed the same. But, the flow rate is reduced as the restriction increases. So, you have one thing that increases power usage and another that reduces power usage. The net effect is a reduction in power usage.

If the suction is restricted too much, you can get cavitation, which can damage the pump, mostly the impeller.

If the restriction is severe (basically zero flow), the water can heat up from heat transfer from the motor and from physical agitation to the water. The heat buildup can damage the pump.

Water flow helps remove heat from the motor. So, a no flow condition can cause the motor to run hotter than normal but not because the motor is generating more heat but because the heat is not being conducted away at the same rate.

 

[23Jourdon]

Actually I do have another question re: replacing pump. It is leaking out of the volute so am I actually replacing the volute or having to replace the motor and volute? They are separate parts. Thanks

 

[JamesW]

Just replace the entire pump.