Fixing old pipework

[lankstarr]

Afternoon all

This looks like a great forum, my first post!

I’ve just bought a house with an old pool (30-40 years). We have a leak - see attached photo in red circle - from an old repair.

I’m told it’s difficult and the pool guy I have is reluctant to touch it as doesn’t want to damage the black pipe… he’s worried it’s brittle or will easily damage when trying to put new fittings in due to age.

Can anyone identify this pipe and help with an idea of risk and approach here please?

I wasn’t expecting this to be a drama but clearly it’s been bodged before (maybe 10 years ago) and perhaps for a good reason.

I need to fix the cracked pipe in the best way possible without digging the ground up and replacing the pipe!

Many thanks
Luke

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! So the leak is restricted to that circled area on the white PVC correct? The black poly pipe it not leaking right? The white PVC area was repaired there before? Could you post another pic perhaps, but a little closer of that specific area and repair?

 

[PoolGate]

Are those pipes embedded in concrete?

 

[lankstarr]

Hey

Thanks for the quick replies.

These are the only other pics I have for now, I’m not living there yet so can take more on the next visit.

The leak has been patched before and is restricted to the white pipe, covered in some form of megabond mix, which has now got a hairline crack in it and sucks in air when the pump is on.

The pipes are in sand, I’ve not explored down to see how far.

I’m thinking the white pipe work needs to start again from floor to pump but I’ve been made paranoid the black pipe will not stand up to changing a fitting!

 

[Texas Splash]

I see now. Looks like that goop is also on the other line as well. Now that it appears to be separating, I suspect a new piece of plumbing will be your best option. Mating PVC to black poly does require a bit of special attention, but it is possible. You may have to dig down a bit to gain access for a good end of black poly to make the splice, but I'm optimistic it can be done. This might be one of those projects where you just replace both of those suction lines and valves just to try and avoid headaches later. Easy for me to say, I'm not the one doing the work.

 

[lankstarr]

Agree on replacing both, may as well do it properly!