Broke off return eyeball

[grrltraveler]

In an effort to fix one of my returns, I accidently broke off the piece completely. There is still some part of the piece stuck in the pipe. Any recommendations for getting the remaining piece out easily and, in the meantime, is there any reason I cannot run the pump? It's not going to do any damage until I can repair this, I hope?

Thanks!
Anne

 

[duraleigh]

Won't do any damage at all. Not sure about how to get it out. Did the rotating eyeball break or the part around which the eyeball rotates?

 

[grrltraveler]

The part around it broke. The only way I was able to move the eyeball was to loosen the bigger piece around it. I was playing around trying to get the eyeball in the right position, then tightening the piece that holds it in place and the whole thing came off in my hand. I stuck my finger in the return and it feels like there might be leftover pipe stuck in there that might be able to be unthreaded but I can't tell.

 

[Bama Rambler]

You're most likely correct. The fitting most lilely broke off at the threads. It shouldn't be too hard to remove it.

 

[waste]

If it's a Hayward inlet, SP 1419-T is the tool to remove it. Or you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to grip the slots on the inside of the fitting to make it come out.

If this gives you a lot of trouble, let me know

 

[grrltraveler]

Can't tell if it's Hayward - would it say something on it? Here's a few photos. I was not able to loosen with needle nose pliers - hopefully DH can do it but if I can get a tool and not bother him, he'd be happy. lol

Thanks for any help.

 

[DBfan187]

if there's grooves or slots on the inside, you can use the fan blade of small putty knife to get it out

 

[bobodaclown]

I used a washer and vice grips on mine. Used the washer to grab the notches and use the vice grips to turn the washer.

 

[X-PertPool]

If it's a Hayward inlet, SP 1419-T is the tool to remove it. Or you can use a pair of needle nose pliers to grip the slots on the inside of the fitting to make it come out.

If this gives you a lot of trouble, let me know

Or a 1"1/2 wood chisel :0)

 

[waste]

Kevin, that's why you're the X- Pert

 

[MJCP]

I had one broke like that for years never could get it loose with brute force. Finally this year, with the water level below the level of the discharge I used a dremel tool to cut down just to the first sign of the threads. Cut in three places then it popped right out.