Main Drain (return/air) Leak

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muvipix

muvipix

0
Gold Supporter
Apr 4, 2009
28
Maine, USA
Pool Size
21500
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite Pro (T-15)
Hello everyone,

After many hours of troubleshooting, and to make a long story short, I've located the affected line that's leaking. It is right at the 90 that comes up to the Jandy valve - below ground level. The problem is, when the pump is off, there's constant water coming out of the PVC pipe crack from the drain. It seems that the minor pressure that is occurring is going to prevent me from inherently repairing this elbow.

My question is: from your experience, will I have to drain the pool entirely to eliminate this leaking or --- will a "partial drain" slow or stop the minor pressure leak enough to repair the PVC?

Or, are there any other suggestions?
 
How deep is this elbow? If it's lower than the surface of the pool, you'll get water. It'll have to be drained below the level of the leak to fix it. If it's higher than the pool surface, it may just be water gurgling down from the filter. Once the filter is empty, it will stop.
 
I was also thinking perhaps a plug inserted into the drain to cut-off water so you can do the repair? Or, I wonder if you could blow air backwards to clear-out the line (just like at winter closing) to create an air-gap in the line? Not sure though once you open the line at the elbow. I'm sure others will have some thoughts as well.
 
Wow guys, thanks so much for your rapid replies!

The water level seems to match the pool water level, so.... My first thought was to drain past the level of the leaking line - I will try that, thanks Richard!

And I actually thought of plugging the drain somehow (currently about 8 feet down)... AND my wife thought of the blowout, but like you, what happens when I release the "vapor lock" pressure. Or, will it just not work because of the crack/air leak in the first place?

Going to go start draining a bit. I'll be back, thanks again!
 
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Nice analogy, Richard! That's exactly the picture.

I have drained about 5-6 inches or so and, as you recommended, the seepage of water in the line has ceased. I can't thank you guys enough. Off to repair.
 
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There are a million ways to do this wet-
Here’s one i did with a number #7plug, long needle nose and swift movements on sched 40 MD; about 30” below water level- it was a valve replacement. (No diver; no draining)
 

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