Ground Shift and Broken Return Lines - HELP !

Cody C · Aug 10, 2022

I have had all kinds of issues with my return lines over the last few years. Probably close to 8-9 leaks identified, dug up and fixed. Well, we have another leak.
The bucket test confirmed it. Leak detection is on the way, because I can't find it myself. Probably under some concrete ! ugh.

Anyway, if the leak is in fact where I'm hoping that its not, is it possible to simply cap off the area of that return line to remedy the issue instead of diggin up concrete, etc...?
I guess my question is this. I know that i have 3-4 returns at the end of the plumbing. If one or more of those lines are cracked and leaking, can I not cut/cap that line before it gets there to fix them without issue/dig up concrete, etc...? I have easy access to the main return line before it even gets to the area...so that might be an easy and affordable fix.

I can only assume that still having 2 skimmers and 4-5 other returns in a 22K gallon inground pool will circulate fine. Right?

Thank you
"newbie" Cody from Hot'Texas.

borjis · Aug 10, 2022

I think that should work. I had a pool about that size once. It had 1 skimmer and 2 returns. Circulation was never an issue.

Edge70 · Aug 10, 2022

I have a pool that size with 1 skimmer, 1 main drain & 2 returns. No issues with circulation. I think you'd be fine.

sktn77a · Aug 12, 2022

It depends on how the plumbing was done. If all the returns are connected underground, then capping one off will still allow water leakage from the others. Unless all the returns are plumbed separately, above ground, then this will likely not work.

Cody C · Aug 17, 2022

sktn77a said:
It depends on how the plumbing was done. If all the returns are connected underground, then capping one off will still allow water leakage from the others. Unless all the returns are plumbed separately, above ground, then this will likely not work.

All return jets in the main pool are plumbed together, however, the broken area of that return line is at the VERY END of the plumbing line. If you cut/cap the good area of that line before its gets to the crack and then cap off the actual return jets into the pool, all should be fine...at least in my mind it would be. The cracked area would be isolated and capped off from both underground return line and the fitting into the pool area.

sktn77a · Aug 18, 2022

Cody C said:
If you cut/cap the good area of that line before its gets to the crack and then cap off the actual return jets into the pool, all should be fine.

That should work. I didn't quite understand your initial post. Just capping off the return at the pool after the break wouldn't help, of course.

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Ground Shift and Broken Return Lines - HELP !

Cody C

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borjis

Edge70

Well-known member

sktn77a

Cody C

New member

sktn77a