Leak from main pipe within the heater

[andrew85]

Hello! First time pool owner here and almost a year into inheriting this pool, it seems we have our first major problem. I walked outside yesterday to find the level down a few inches and one of the jets gurgling. Upon closer inspection near the pump and heater, I found that inside of the heater was a jet of water coming from one of the PVC pipes.

See attached photos. There is definitely some sort of fitting there in the pipe where the leak is - what I'm wondering is was that was connected to something that came off or it was just acting as a plug there (for some reason).

Next question, I assume the heater can be bypassed entirely? In one of the photos you can just barely see a pipe that seems to connect the two pipes going into the heater (marked with red line in the photo). I don't have a better pic of the overall setup at the moment as I'm not home, but will update the post later. Thanks much in advance!

 

[ajw22]

Welcome to TFP.

You may have a heater bypass but we can't tell from the pic.

Looks like you have a Heat Pump. Please create your signature and tell us the make and model heat pump and other details of your pool.

 

[Pool_Medic]

It can be repaired with pool epoxy, I sure the leaking area is cleaned very good and start applying it. I’ve used pvc thick glue under the epoxy as well.

 

[andrew85]

Welcome to TFP.

You may have a heater bypass but we can't tell from the pic.

Looks like you have a Heat Pump. Please create your signature and tell us the make and model heat pump and other details of your pool.

Thanks for the replies! Yes of course, makes/models are helpful....

Heat pump is a Gulf Stream GS 1010-R-A with a Hayward SP2610x15. Far as any other details such as gallonage of the pool - I have no idea! Attached a few more pics, as those probably speak to you better than I do ;-). Thanks for the help.

 

[ajw22]

You have a heater bypass.

-Turn off your pump.
-Turn the Red valve on the cross pipe 90 degrees so the handle is perpendicular to the pipe. That opens the bypass.
-Turn the Blue valves on the heater intake and outlets 90 degrees so they are parallel with the pipe. That closes the water lines to the heater.
-Turn on your pump and check that the water is flowing through the bypass with no leaks.

Look at the bottom of the old PoolMath page at PoolMath and you will find Estimating pool volume. Calculate it to the best of your ability and update your signature.

 

[wireform]

THIS stuff really works well.

 

[andrew85]

Was able to bypass the heater and finally got a chance to investigate further inside the pump. I just assume replace this threaded piece, as opposed to epoxy or putty which I can't imagine withstanding the pressure anyways. What would you call such a fitting - so that I can begin the search for a replacement? Thanks

 

[proavia]

Hose barb fitting

https://www.menards.com/main/plumbing/pipe-fittings/nylon-hose-barb-fittings/c-8553.htm

 

[andrew85]

Ah ha, thanks!

 

[markayash]

If you have a home depot or Lowes try there.