- Jul 30, 2007
- 75
- Pool Size
- 26000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Looking for suggestions on the easiest fix to my problem. I have a set of leaks in the underground fittings where three, very close, parallel lines (main drain + 2 skimmers) all have a 45-degree reducer elbow from 2" to 1.5". The leaks are on the 1.5 inch side. Because the pipes are so close together and there is rock right under the pipes it would be very difficult to cut out the pipe and replace the bad fittings. I had this same problem about 5 years ago. Pool repair contractor wanted to replumb the entire pump station for many $$$ to fix the problem. He finally admitted that putting some epoxy around the offending leaking joints may temporarily solve the problem and it did (see gray epoxy at the joints in the picture). This worked for 5 years but now all three have started leaking again and I'm losing about an inch of water per day. I'd like to try the same approach again but I'm not sure how since it's already been done once. I did give myself some extra clearance under the elbows and under about 2 inches of the 2" pipe by drilling large holes into the rock underneath and then chiseled out as much rock as I could (that was quite a job). The area under the 1.5 in pipe doesn't any rock so I was able to dig under it and get some clearance. Next, I'll clean all the dirt off the elbow joints and make sure everything is as clean and dry as possible. My thoughts are:
1. I could apply PVC primer then PVC cement with the pump running and hope the cement will be sucked into the leaks. (This is the easiest for me because I have everything I need). Maybe I shouldn't apply primer first and just use the cement?
2. I could apply some marine epoxy instead of just using PVC cement since this seems to be recommended option (I don't have any on hand and would have to order it).
3. Do I need to try and file/sand off the existing epoxy first?
4. If I do attempt to cut out the fittings the easiest replacement would be to use some flexible tubing but I know that is more prone to future leaks and I'm not sure if it's OK to use underground. If it were a straight joint it would be much easier. Having the leaks at the 45-degree bend plus needing a reducer plus needing a coupler on the 2" pipes which are so close together with rock underneath makes this job very difficult.
1. I could apply PVC primer then PVC cement with the pump running and hope the cement will be sucked into the leaks. (This is the easiest for me because I have everything I need). Maybe I shouldn't apply primer first and just use the cement?
2. I could apply some marine epoxy instead of just using PVC cement since this seems to be recommended option (I don't have any on hand and would have to order it).
3. Do I need to try and file/sand off the existing epoxy first?
4. If I do attempt to cut out the fittings the easiest replacement would be to use some flexible tubing but I know that is more prone to future leaks and I'm not sure if it's OK to use underground. If it were a straight joint it would be much easier. Having the leaks at the 45-degree bend plus needing a reducer plus needing a coupler on the 2" pipes which are so close together with rock underneath makes this job very difficult.