Hayward Super Pump/EC-65 Won't Make Pressure

[astrolite]

Installed my pool filter for spring startup, as I have for the last 30 years, but this year I can't get any pressure out of it. The pump/filter that I am using now is only a few years old. System was working fine when put away last fall, cleaned the fingers and grid. The pump/filter operates and seems to be leak free but the pump strainer housing never completely fills with water, the pressure gauge hovers around 5 psi and I can totally stop the water flow at the return outlet by simply putting my hand over it. That is something I could never do when it is making full pressure. When I open the filter vent valve the water only trickles out. I don't have enough pressure to vacuum the pool and need to resolve this quickly!

Since the pump strainer never completely fills, I'm thinking the problem must be on the intake/pump side of the system. Is this right thinking? Possible problems:
1. Pump motor not performing as it should,
2. Pump impeller not turning freely or broken,
3. Restriction in incoming water line.
4. Any other ideas?

I have a confession to make. Last season while working in the skimmer I dropped an 8" screwdriver right down the line that runs between the skimmer and the pump strainer housing and can't figure out how to get it out. So I know for sure there is a restriction in the incoming water line. That being said the pump/filter system continued to work fine with the screwdriver in there for the balance of last season. I thought I'd rig a simple bypass of the skimmer and draw water directly from the pool to see if that corrects the problem. If it does then I guess the screwdriver is the issue.

Any thoughts, input on my problem would be greatly appreciated and if you have any ideas on how to get the stupid screwdriver out, without tearing out my sidewalk and digging up my plumbing, I'd love to hear them!

Thanks,
Astrolite

 

[mas985]

Is the pump sucking any air into the pump basket? If not, then it could be a clogged impeller. Have you taken the motor off the wet end? You can inspect the impeller and spin it to see if there is any resistance.

 

[Joshii]

I'm thinking clogged impeller as well. Whenever I have little pressure showing on the gauge but also little flow into the pool, its a clogged impeller. Just turn 'er off, reach on in there and remove the gunk. For me, its almost always a bunch of little tree debris, especially this time of year.

- - - Updated - - -

... if you have any ideas on how to get the stupid screwdriver out, without tearing out my sidewalk and digging up my plumbing, I'd love to hear them!

Idea 1: get two long metal skewers and reach down in there and pinch the screwdriver out.
Idea 2: get a wet vac and suck the line. You probably won't get the screwdriver out, but if it is clogged with debris, you will probably loosen or remove the debris enough to restore flow.

 

[Richard320]

My first thought for the screwdriver is a plumbers snake pushing from the end it didn't go down. Maybe use some pliers to expand the wide spiral at the end so it can't get past the handle with hooking it.

Next idea is to feed some twine down the skimmer. If it doesn't want to get sucked in the skimmer, try tying a styrofoam peanut to it so it gets swept along. When it's to the pump basket, stop the pump, tie a strong magnet to it, and pull it out from the skimmer end. The plumbing should be nonmagnetic, so the only thing the magnet will stick on is the screwdriver. Then gently tow it out.

 

[astrolite]

Is the pump sucking any air into the pump basket? If not, then it could be a clogged impeller. Have you taken the motor off the wet end? You can inspect the impeller and spin it to see if there is any resistance.

I can see a steady flow of water coming into the pump basket, can't really tell if there is any air, but the basket just will never fill and get enough water in there to pressurize the system.

I'll check the impeller and definitely try some of these ideas for getting the screwdriver out. Then I'll update you guys on my progress.

Thanks

 

[astrolite]

Success, thanks guys! Took the back end of the pump off, motor and impeller looked and functioned fine. Tried running a snake in from the pump basket but could only get it in about 8" before hitting something. Thankfully I didn't knock it loose, to fall back down the line, when using the snake. Pulled off the white plastic elbow and there was the culprit lodged right at the top of the black pipe. Just reached in with a pair of pliers and out it came. Put everything back together and it's working as good as new.

At least it's a Craftsman, should be able to return it for a new one if I hurry and do it before they close the last store in town.

Thanks again for the input!