Best method to locate, fix suction side leak

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ncinthenext3

ncinthenext3

0
Jun 16, 2009
31
Michigan
Pool Size
27000
Surface
Vinyl
OK just installed a new Superflo VS over the weekend. Still figuring that out but I had a suction side issue with the old pump that has followed the new one. What's the best way #1 to locate it and #2, repair the leak at the joint? Can you separate a glued PVC joint? Please see attached photo. They way my supply pipes come out of the ground, I don't have a ton to work with. Any advice appreciated thanks!

pool setup.jpg
 
Melnic said:
Watch this vid. Worked for me. Once I isolated it to the upstream Jandy valve. I was able run a smaller stream and pinpoint where in the jandy valve the air leak was.
I had such a small leak that once the valve got wet, it stopped the air leak up for a while, so I had to come back to it several times.

Find an air leak in your swimming pool. - YouTube
Click to expand...

Yes, thanks!

I'll try that. It looks like when you find it, if it's at a glued connection, you're cutting pipe. I have seen silicone is a no no. Has anyone ever tried to apply some PVC glue outside of the connection on the suction side?
 
OK, so a quick update. After almost a week, I'm still getting air in the system.

I tried the water hose test in the video, and couldn't locate a leak.

Things I've done to troubleshoot are as follows?

1) Silicone Lubed brand new basket lid heavily.
2) Replaced O Ring in diverter valve on suction side (allows me to choose more suction at one skimmer than the other)
3) replaced and siliconed O Ring of Union on suction side.
4) Physically taped off every one of the joints on the suction side

Days of efforts, to no avail.

At higher RPM, the pump's running fine but a consistent bubble tornado about the size of a nickel. At lower speeds, though cavitation is a real issue and the air takes over. I'm afraid to let it run a program unless I'm at home. I'm afraid it'll lose prime and burn up a brand new VSP.

So, is it time to start cutting pipes? Again, thank you in advance!
 
Did u try setting the 3way valve to each side only and see if it follows the side? If it's on both sides its prob the outlet of jandy b4 pump. U can cut and put coupling next size up on outside of valve then bushing it to current pump size. Pretty easy u have union going to filter plenty to work with
 
Thanks, JTG. I even took the further no no step of taking silicone caulk to the elbows and the 3 way exit, knowing I would likely end up cutting into this and re plumbing. Still bubbles. So, I've either missed it with silicone or it's in the union itself, even though the o-ring is brand new. Struggling mightily.
 
jimmythegreek said:
Did u try setting the 3way valve to each side only and see if it follows the side? If it's on both sides its prob the outlet of jandy b4 pump. U can cut and put coupling next size up on outside of valve then bushing it to current pump size. Pretty easy u have union going to filter plenty to work with
Click to expand...

I guess I forgot to answer your question! It's not perfect when you turn the diverter in either direction. There's no increase or decrease in the bubbles. However, in the past when you returned to center the bubbles would disappear. I'm not there yet. So you think I should do the repair on the outsideof the valve? Trying to picture that. Probably easier than re-doing from the elbows to the pump.
 
I'm having the exact same issue, just different equipment. And like you, this air problem followed to a brand new pump this year.

It's pretty much impossible that it could be coming for a leak in the pipe under ground, right? I assume we would notice a wet spot in the yard somewhere?
 
I'm not sure it's impossible. I'll go with unlikely, though. My pool is in it's 11th season. I wanted to make these upgrades before the final whammy of new liner next season. Someone mentioned a shaving cream test. I haven't tried that one yet, but I will tonight.

I know one thing come heck or high water I'm going to find where this thing's letting air in.
 
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I have a suction side air leak my self and had to call a company that only does pool leak testing and my luck has it that its under ground and under my concrete pad around my pool. he pressurized it with air around 20 psi and used a listening device to see if he could hear the air leak and did. 2200 to fix but i told them to hold off cause thats money i need to plan for. Hope you have better luck
 
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