Air leak around fitting

[DrGoguma]

I have an air leak at the fitting for my pump skimmer. I don't really understand exactly how the attachment fitting is attached, so its unclear to me what all I need to do after I cut the pipe. Is the black fitting just PVC glued in (I assume so based on the coupler that is there.

Is the best approach to cut to the right of the coupler and install a threaded coupler so I can change this fitting more easily in the future? Is the black fitting replaceable? Presumably the threaded ring is holding the black fitting to the skimmer pot? So I'll need another section of black threaded pipe? If I make the cut and unthread the compression sleeve, I presume I should be able to remove the length of pipe without issue?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[PoolStored]

The black knurled cap is a union. It threads off the pump. There is an o-ring under the knurled cap.

If the air leak is A or B, I'd uncscrew the union, inspect the o-ring. If cracked or compromised, lubricate new o-ring and replace. If ok, then lubricate with a silicone lubricant (not PTFE/Teflon lubricant) and re-assemble.

Where is the leak?

 

[Mdragger88]

Have you tried lubricating the o ring that’s inside the current union fitting (black fitting).
That union tail piece (the black part that is glued into the white coupling) may be proprietary to the brand of your pump.

 

[DrGoguma]

I can't narrow it down well enough to be sure of the location (it's on the bottom side of the pipes). But lubricating the o ring is a 15 minute job, whereas everything else is a multi-hour job. So I added magic lube, and will check it again after the air is purged and its a little drier out there.

 

[PoolStored]

Magic lube is PTFE/Teflon lube. Breaks down the o-rings.
Better to use Magic Lube II.
Let us know!

 

[DrGoguma]

The black knurled cap is a union. It threads off the pump. There is an o-ring under the knurled cap.

If the air leak is A or B, I'd uncscrew the union, inspect the o-ring. If cracked or compromised, lubricate new o-ring and replace. If ok, then lubricate with a silicone lubricant (not PTFE/Teflon lubricant) and re-assemble.

Where is the leak?

View attachment 616192

Well, it's B or C. I feel like its very likely C.

I did use Alladin Magic Lube for pool O rings -- and that is super annoying if it breaks down O rings since it says for Pool O rings. While I can't say I exactly blame Inyo Pool for selling me what I asked for -- but I'm not going to buy anything else from them if it breaks down O Rings. They're supposed to be a specialty store.

So I'm thinking my only hope is laying a bead of silicon caulk on that C gap and if that doesn't fix it, replace the O-ring (and get different lube).