Ok, bought a house last year that had an existing pool which apparently was never kept up on by previous owner. My pool pump died this week and should be expecting a new one in the next day or 2 and I started the process of removing the old pump to make way for the new install. Thinking that the pipe connections would untwist apparently whom ever installed this equipment used putty/caulk every where with no screwable pvc fittings. I used a hacksaw to cut as close as I could to the old pump hoping to see it was threaded, which it was not. My question is what is the best method to remove the old pvc piping on the union that connects the pool cleaner and skimmer lines to the pump? Am I that screwed and may need to get a contractor to perform the install?
How screwed am I?
- Thread starter Blacksuit
- Start date
- May 11, 2021
- 973
- Pool Size
- 7000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-30
Hello Blacksuit. Welcome to TFP!!
You should most definitely wait for the new pump before doing any new further work. Ensure no other changes are needed before addressing the current situation.
PVC “glue” is not really glue, it is actually called PVC cement. The difference is that it causes a chemical reaction fusing the PVC together. In other words it can’t be undone. Some folks have varying degrees of success using heat to take PVC joints apart, but even if successful that could lead to leaks down the road.
If you are somewhat handy, pool plumbing is totally DIYable. No contractors needed. If you don’t feel comfortable is cutting a little more of the PVC pipes and glueing stuff together then by all mean get a contractor (I wouldn’t get a contractor). Arguably the most difficult part is measuring to get a perfect fit.
You will need some PVC pipe, elbows, couplings and a new 3-way valve to fix what you currently have. You can also add few unions to make the whole thing more serviceable in the future.
www.troublefreepool.com
You should most definitely wait for the new pump before doing any new further work. Ensure no other changes are needed before addressing the current situation.
PVC “glue” is not really glue, it is actually called PVC cement. The difference is that it causes a chemical reaction fusing the PVC together. In other words it can’t be undone. Some folks have varying degrees of success using heat to take PVC joints apart, but even if successful that could lead to leaks down the road.
If you are somewhat handy, pool plumbing is totally DIYable. No contractors needed. If you don’t feel comfortable is cutting a little more of the PVC pipes and glueing stuff together then by all mean get a contractor (I wouldn’t get a contractor). Arguably the most difficult part is measuring to get a perfect fit.
You will need some PVC pipe, elbows, couplings and a new 3-way valve to fix what you currently have. You can also add few unions to make the whole thing more serviceable in the future.
PVC Repair - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
Last edited:
- May 11, 2021
- 973
- Pool Size
- 7000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-30
BTW, can post few more pictures of you equipment pad. That will help folks here to make suggestions on how to better address your issue.
While you wait for you pump I suggest reading:
www.troublefreepool.com
www.troublefreepool.com
While you wait for you pump I suggest reading:
What is TFPC?
We believe any pool owner can achieve and maintain safe, crystal clear pool water, by using the science-based, Trouble Free Pool Care (TFPC) methodology.
www.troublefreepool.com
ABC's of Pool Water Chemistry
There are several items things every pool owner should know about swimming pool water. We share details on the basics of Pool Water Chemistry.
www.troublefreepool.com
wgipe
Gold Supporter
- Jul 4, 2020
- 515
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Jones Stephens Corp Socket Saver 2" Carded https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HE5E0A/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_88W6RC6G0G8T5KGNAZX7
Totally save-able. You can use one of these to ream out the valve so that you can use it again. I've posted a link to the 2" version but there are equivalent tools in other sizes if your pipe is 2.5".
Totally save-able. You can use one of these to ream out the valve so that you can use it again. I've posted a link to the 2" version but there are equivalent tools in other sizes if your pipe is 2.5".
Your original pvc pipe is on the inside of the valve. You should be able to get a coupler and go "outside" the valve and then use a reducer. The valves are usually set up for 1/2" differences. So if the pipe currently used is 2" you would need a 2.5" coupler and then a 2.5" to 2" bushing. When I helped my cousin install his SWG this is what we did to prevent replacing a large amount of pvc and valves. I had to go to an actual plumbing supply as 2.5" isn't real common so home depot and lowes did not carry it. I don't have any pics of the install but can find something if this doesn't make sense.