How to fix this suction side air leak?

[gnr5]

Hello all,

I'm trying to figure out how to fix this air leak that I have. Air is coming in right where I pointed this arrow. Don't want to add silicone or anything, is this a bad o ring somewhere? This pump is a few months old, I did move it from one house to another already.
Thanks!

 

[JohnT]

Probably pipe dope on the threads before assembly. Maybe a little late for that. There is often a fine line between “not tight enough” and damaging the housing, but pipe dope labeled for plastic pipe will usually get you a seal. It’s usually a good thing if you have a union in place so you can check for leaks then tighten more if needed.

By the way, having the elbow so close to the pump inlet can cause cavitation in the pump due to disturbing the flow.

 

[Dirk]

What are we looking at? Is that a standard PVC coupler glued so close to the union that you can no longer back off the union nut, or can you still use the union? Is the water coming from the glue joint? Or from the union?

If the joint, you can try letting the pump suck some PVC solvent or some epoxy into the leak point. Others here have had success with that. Personally, I wouldn't do that. Especially not so close to the pump.

If the union, you could disassemble it, clean the o-ring and the two channels it sits in thoroughly, lube the o-ring properly and reassemble. That's worth a shot. Use the correct lube and techniques:

Pool Lube - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Or cover both possibilities and buy a replacement union and start over. Maybe replumb that whole front section if possible to address the point that @JohnT raised about cavitation. 23 bucks, done.

Amazon.com: Swimables SuperFlo & SuperFlo VS Pool and Spa Pump Replacement Unions - Replacement for Pentair 350157 - Made in USA : Patio, Lawn & Garden

Amazon.com: Swimables SuperFlo & SuperFlo VS Pool and Spa Pump Replacement Unions - Replacement for Pentair 350157 - Made in USA : Patio, Lawn & Garden

www.amazon.com

 

[gnr5]

Thanks for your answers! Ive been thinking of replumbing this whole mess as it is, might be worth it. So youre saying the pump is too close to the elbows?

 

[Dirk]

From the SuperFlo manual:

 

[markayash]

If the old pump didn't leak might just need cleaning it like Dirk suggested or get a new o-ring. Have you tried using some big channel locks or a strap wrench and tightening it slightly more?