Going away for 2 weeks

[George D]

Before I go away, I would like to switch the valve to Main Drain only, so it won't matter if the water level drops below the skimmers but there is a problem.
Large bubbles are coming out of the returns. When the valve is on skimmers and MD, there are some small bubbles but I sealed the parts before the pump.
I replaced the pump o-ring, I replaced both pump plugs and I applied lube on both. Was I supposed to use Teflon tape also?
Could there be a MD leak?

 

[Richard320]

Sometimes the seal on the three way valve takes a set if it's always in one position, and moving it can create a small leak. Try coating the shaft area on your valve with shaving cream and see if the bubbles dry up. Or if you start seeing foam out the returns. Or you see a pinhole in the foam where it's being drawn in. You can also coat any fittings you suspect. Just do them one at a time and be patient.

 

[George D]

I will try, Thanks. If I can't find the problem before I leave is it ok to run the pump like this for 10 hours a day on a timer or should I turn the valve back to 50% skimmer and 50% MD?

 

[Richard320]

I will try, Thanks. If I can't find the problem before I leave is it ok to run the pump like this for 10 hours a day on a timer or should I turn the valve back to 50% skimmer and 50% MD?

Insufficient data, I'd want to see the bubbles. And I'd be wary of leaving a pump oin a timer if there;'s a good chance it will lose prime and run dry and smoke itself.

 

[George D]

Great point. I will leave the valve where it is, Thanks.