Help with union repair

[DishoomX2]

Hello,

A couple of months ago, I noticed a hairline crack on a union nut as I was removing my salt cell for cleaning. Although It wasn't leaking (yet), I wrapped some leak tape around it as a precaution when I reinstalled the cell. Most recently I had noticed a small drip, so yesterday I tried to tighten it more with a strap wrench. Well, I managed to crack it good and now I have a much worse leak to the point where I have to leave the equipment off. Temperatures are rising here in N.E. Florida so I don't want to leave the equipment off for long and then deal with algae and water chemistry issues.

I've ordered this split union nut hoping that it's the right size and will resolve the issue. If it doesn't work, is my only choice to cut out the joint, slide in a new union nut, and rejoin the piping using a coupling? There's only about 2" of PVC to make the repair. I may actually have to cut a section out the other end as well to make more room and use a longer piece of pipe for the repair. What are some other options/considerations for this repair? Anyone have experience using one of these fitting saver tools?

Pictures attached for reference.

 

[ajw22]

I doubt the split union nut will work. Most SWGs use proprietary threads and unions.

I haven't needed to use the socket saver but it gets good comments.

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

The smaller end of this fitting will slip INTO Sch 40 pipe. The larger diameter end will accept a 2" fitting/coupler/elbow.

Magic Plastics MagicMend Schedule 40 2 in. IPS X 2 in. D Spigot PVC Pipe Extender 1 pk - Ace Hardware

Save valuable fittings and time with the Magic Mend pipe extenders. The Magic Mend is extremely effective and easy to use. Simply cut the defective fitting from the system, remove it and install the extender. The Magic Mend will work at any glued plumbing joint, providing a permanent, invisible...

www.acehardware.com

 

[DishoomX2]

I doubt the split union nut will work. Most SWGs use proprietary threads and unions.

I haven't needed to use the socket saver but it gets good comments.

Hmmm...the threads not matching was definitely one of my worries.

The smaller end of this fitting will slip INTO Sch 40 pipe. The larger diameter end will accept a 2" fitting/coupler/elbow.

Magic Plastics MagicMend Schedule 40 2 in. IPS X 2 in. D Spigot PVC Pipe Extender 1 pk - Ace Hardware

Save valuable fittings and time with the Magic Mend pipe extenders. The Magic Mend is extremely effective and easy to use. Simply cut the defective fitting from the system, remove it and install the extender. The Magic Mend will work at any glued plumbing joint, providing a permanent, invisible...

www.acehardware.com

Just to clarify -- I would need to cut right where the pvc pipe is connected into the half union, slide a new union nut on, and then install the small end of the MagicMend pipe extender into the pvc pipe, while the other end attaches over the outside of the half union?

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

while the other end attaches over the outside of the half union

No. You would need a new half-union (and nut). The MM fitting will not fit over the SWG half-union. The half-union would slip over the MM fitting just as it does into the left elbow in the pic below. Take a look at this pic from another post to see how the Magic Mend works. Note the 2" pipe inside the elbow to the right.

I'm not sure you can even find a Jandy nut without the other half.

There are a few ways to add the new union. This is just one. You have enough pipe to add a coupler off the valve. You would need to cut pipe on the other side of the SWG and add a coupler.

This Magic Mend fitting slides inside of 2" PVC pipe on both ends. I purchased a couple of these but found the fit inside of the pipe a bit loose. YMMV:

Magic Plastics MagicMend Schedule 40 2 in. IPS in. X 2 in. D IPS PVC Insider Connector 1 pk - Ace Hardware

Why use an additional fitting when you can use a MagicMend Insider Connector? The MagicMend Insider Connector will join two pieces of PVC Schedule 40 pipe together. Should a pipe be cut off flush with concrete or buried underground, a MagicMend will easily solve the problem.Find the INSIDER...

www.acehardware.com

 

[djw]

These are supposed to work. This is different that the one you ordered. If you try this, please let us know. Sure beats futzing around doing repair surgery on the pvc, seeing as they do crack and sometimes more than once.

It is cheaper to change out the o-rings and put a bit of o-ring lube on them and you don't have to crank down on them and crack the union.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J9QQDSS

Magic Plastics Salt Cell 2" Split Union Replacement​

 

[DishoomX2]

No. You would need a new half-union (and nut). The MM fitting will not fit over the SWG half-union. The half-union would slip over the MM fitting just as it does into the left elbow in the pic below. Take a look at this pic from another post to see how the Magic Mend works. Note the 2" pipe inside the elbow to the right.

I'm not sure you can even find a Jandy nut without the other half.

There are a few ways to add the new union. This is just one. You have enough pipe to add a coupler off the valve. You would need to cut pipe on the other side of the SWG and add a coupler.

This Magic Mend fitting slides inside of 2" PVC pipe on both ends. I purchased a couple of these but found the fit inside of the pipe a bit loose. YMMV:

Magic Plastics MagicMend Schedule 40 2 in. IPS in. X 2 in. D IPS PVC Insider Connector 1 pk - Ace Hardware

Why use an additional fitting when you can use a MagicMend Insider Connector? The MagicMend Insider Connector will join two pieces of PVC Schedule 40 pipe together. Should a pipe be cut off flush with concrete or buried underground, a MagicMend will easily solve the problem.Find the INSIDER...

www.acehardware.com

Thanks for all the details! Makes sense. I really appreciate it.

 

[DishoomX2]

These are supposed to work. This is different that the one you ordered. If you try this, please let us know.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07J9QQDSS

Magic Plastics Salt Cell 2" Split Union Replacement​

The part number on that one (Part No 0121109020 ) is the same as the one that I ordered, just your link is for a pack of 2.

 

[fields_g]

Yes.... I have a T-15 cell that had the unions crack. I used that same Part # (0121109020), though different product link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030C3P4S
Installed them at the beginning of the season last year and has been fine since then. I won't vouch for that being the right size for your setup, but the concept of split unions worked for me.

 

[DishoomX2]

Yes.... I have a T-15 cell that had the unions crack. I used that same Part # (0121109020), though different product link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0030C3P4S
Installed them at the beginning of the season last year and has been fine since then. I won't vouch for that being the right size for your setup, but the concept of split unions worked for me.

Great to hear. Crossing my fingers that it will work on my Jandy. It should be arriving soon, and I will post back after I give it a try.

 

[DishoomX2]

Unfortunately, part # 0121109020 does not work with Jandy fittings. Looks like I'm going to have to do some cutting and gluing.