Suction Line for a second (feature) pump

[mas985]

I have removed the flapper but still not getting enough water. MD is turned off for main pump and going to only feature pump.

Do you think the problem is with main drain line as it's not pulling enough water?

No because it works for the other pump so I would expect it work ok for this one. The only difference in the plumbing is from the Tee to the pump.

Did you also remove the other valve that is in that suction line to inspect?




Next, you can try this: Remove the pump basket lid and the basket and make sure the inlet to the impeller at the bottom of the pump basket is clear of any debris.

Also, don't forget to fill the pump basket with water before installing the pump basket lid. You should be able to fill it until it starts to run out the suction pipe.

Note that after filling the water should remain in the pump basket up to the inlet pipe. If it drops down, there may be a leak somewhere.

 

[sam34786]

No because it works for the other pump so I would expect it work ok for this one. The only difference in the plumbing is from the Tee to the pump.

Did you also remove the other valve that is in that suction line to inspect?

View attachment 617019

I didn't remove this valve. Do you want me to remove it and put it back? Do we need a valve there? They put this valve in the past as the water was leaking from the main drain when connecting the feature pump.

Next, you can try this: Remove the pump basket lid and the basket and make sure the inlet to the impeller at the bottom of the pump basket is clear of any debris.

Also, don't forget to fill the pump basket with water before installing the pump basket lid. You should be able to fill it until it starts to run out the suction pipe.

Sure I will follow these steps and get back to you.

 

[mas985]

I didn't remove this valve. Do you want me to remove it and put it back? Do we need a valve there? They put this valve in the past as the water was leaking from the main drain when connecting the feature pump.

Sorry, I meant remove the cover, it has screws that hold on the cover just like the check valve so you can inspect the inside and see if there is any debris hung up or the valve is broken.

 

[sam34786]

Sorry, I meant remove the cover, it has screws that hold on the cover just like the check valve so you can inspect the inside and see if there is any debris hung up or the valve is broken.

Sure. I will check and let you know.

 

[sam34786]

Do you recommend me to purchase 2 of these (One for Main pump and other one for Feature pump).

https://www.amazon.com/FlowVis-2-5in-Complete-Flow-Meter/dp/B00SAP7SX4?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=A8NRA4R21Y3OE

 

[mas985]

I don't think you really need a flow meter. I can easily calculate the flow rate for you and I can show you how to do it as well.

What have your findings been regarding the valve and the pump basket that we discussed earlier?

 

[sam34786]

I tried my best to open the Pump gasket but couldn't as it was too tight. I have asked my pool tech to come tomorrow.

 

[mas985]

How about the 3 way valve?

 

[sam34786]

How about the 3 way valve?

3-way value is good and there is no debris. The pump is not priming. I have to open the gasket; put in the water and then check. I couldn't open the gasket and it was too tight.

 

[mas985]

Counter clockwise correct?

If you have rubber mallet, you can gently tap the handles to loosen.

 

[sam34786]

Counter clockwise correct?

If you have rubber mallet, you can gently tap the handles to loosen.

I opened the main pump and it came very easily. The feature pump is so tight and tried my best but still not opening up. I will try and use a rubber mallet to see if it helps.

 

[mas985]

I was looking at your photos again, in the PDF, and have another question. In this photo, the vertical pipe looks to be 3" but the horizontal looks to be 1.5". Is the horizontal coming from the MD or going to the other pump? Either way, it is not a good thing and could be an issue going forward. The feature pump should still try to prime but it may not fully prime because of the restriction. You could always try to prime the feature pump with both the MD and skimmer with the main pump off and see if that works.

 

[sam34786]

Mark,

I tried to release the air from relief valve and broke it. Ordered the new one.

 

[sam34786]

I was looking at your photos again, in the PDF, and have another question. In this photo, the vertical pipe looks to be 3" but the horizontal looks to be 1.5". Is the horizontal coming from the MD or going to the other pump? Either way, it is not a good thing and could be an issue going forward. The feature pump should still try to prime but it may not fully prime because of the restriction. You could always try to prime the feature pump with both the MD and skimmer with the main pump off and see if that works.

View attachment 617148

Yes. This could be the problem. What should we do to fix this? Is it possible to cut this 3 inch pipe and patch it properly. I am worried about the water coming out of this pipe. What are the precautions that we need to take to cut his pipe and patch it with 3 inches pipe. Do we need to drain the pool?

 

[sam34786]

I was looking at your photos again, in the PDF, and have another question. In this photo, the vertical pipe looks to be 3" but the horizontal looks to be 1.5". Is the horizontal coming from the MD or going to the other pump? Either way, it is not a good thing and could be an issue going forward. The feature pump should still try to prime but it may not fully prime because of the restriction. You could always try to prime the feature pump with both the MD and skimmer with the main pump off and see if that works.

View attachment 617148

Vertical one is MD and the Horizantal one is going to the Feature pump. This could be the issue.

 

[mas985]

Mark,

I tried to release the air from relief valve and broke it. Ordered the new one.

The relief valve on the filter? Were you trying to prime the pump and was it actually moving water with the filter gauge showing some pressure before the valve broke?

Vertical one is MD and the Horizantal one is going to the Feature pump. This could be the issue.

Ideally, it should be 3" all the way to the feature pump but the pump should still prime with a short section of 1.5" pipe. My concern was that it was 1.5" all the way to the MDs.

Again, I would avoid doing anything until we figure out why there is no flow to the feature pump.

Were you successful in opening the feature pump basket lid?

 

[sam34786]

The relief valve on the filter? Were you trying to prime the pump and was it actually moving water with the filter gauge showing some pressure before the valve broke?

I tried to release the air pressure so that it might help tp open the basket lid. I have ordered the new one which I get it tomorrow to replace it.

Ideally, it should be 3" all the way to the feature pump but the pump should still prime with a short section of 1.5" pipe. My concern was that it was 1.5" all the way to the MDs.

I will try my best to prime the pump tomorrow.

Again, I would avoid doing anything until we figure out why there is no flow to the feature pump.

Were you successful in opening the feature pump basket lid?

Nope. I am not successful in opening the basket lid. I will do it tomorrow once I fix the air pressure relief valve. I also want to fix this 3 inches coming to the Feature Pump

 

[mas985]

I tried to release the air pressure so that it might help tp open the basket lid. I have ordered the new one which I get it tomorrow to replace it.

Pressure does not remain within a pool plumbing system when the pump is shut off. The pressure is released through the plumbing to the pool.

 

[sam34786]

Mark,

Thank you so much for your support; you deserve a 5-star rating.

I will receive my Air Relief Value tonight fix it in the morning and follow your advice.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BQVC4P78?ref=fed_asin_title&th=1

Coming back to this one:

Shall I cut this T and put the 3-inch Coupling? The pool is full of water. If so, does it flood?
I want to change this to a 3-inch coupling and please suggest the solution.

 

[sam34786]

Mark,

Primed the pump with water and it’s not pulling that water into the pump basket. Please check these images. I am running the pump at 2950 rpm but still not enough water.