Leak in pipe and around this valve

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M

mtsteelduck

0
Oct 19, 2016
2
Riverview
Hello all,

I have a leak in the pipe the goes up the solar panels. The leak is and around the valve and at the tip of the tee (I think, as its hard to tell). I put some sealant but in vain, still leaking and its getting worse.

Here are the pics. The pics are pipes from the panels to the pump so it should look vertical instead of what you see as horizontal.

Let me know your thoughts on how to fix. Do I just have to buy a valve ? If so, what type is it as I couldnt seem to find the model # of the valve?

Also when replacing this valve, do I just turn off the pump or do I need to do anything else ?

Appreciate any help and advise you can give.

Thanks,
 

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That is a vacuum breaker installed by the solar company. When pressure is on lines (solar on) it closes and seals itself. When solar turns off it opens letting air in so drains back to pool. If it is leaking when solar is on you probably need to replace, when the solar turns off there may be a spritz of water out the top but will stop. This may be a product that Helicol solar uses, don't no if you have a branch in your area. Did you have the solar installed or did you inherit?
 
kadavis said:
That is a vacuum breaker installed by the solar company. When pressure is on lines (solar on) it closes and seals itself. When solar turns off it opens letting air in so drains back to pool. If it is leaking when solar is on you probably need to replace, when the solar turns off there may be a spritz of water out the top but will stop. This may be a product that Helicol solar uses, don't no if you have a branch in your area. Did you have the solar installed or did you inherit?
Click to expand...


Thanks Kadavis for your quick response.

I inherited it. The spritz of water does not stop though even if solar is off, and continuously drips.

BTW when you say vacuum breaker, its the white valve that you are referring to right ? Not the 2 black valves I also posted pics on. Its the white valve that is where the drips is occuring.

If need to replace the vacuum break, I can just unscrew it using a vice grip or wrench and turn off the pump. What else do I need to do to replace it ?

Thanks

Sonny
 
:wave: Welcome to TFP mtsteelduck


The white thing with the holes in the end that says "hand tighten only" is the vacuum break. If you replace it, turn the pump off, unscrew the old one and wrap the threads of the new one with a few turns of Teflon tape or some pipe dope to insure a good seal.
 
langley101 said:
I got on the roof over the weekend and inspected it as kadavis suggested. I didn't see anything, but i moved whatever parts I could find and it seemed to fix the problem, at least for now. I was surprised to find that it was not a Helicol breaker, but one used mainly in irrigation, an AV-010, similar to this...

25mm Vacuum Breaker Valve - ARI AV-010-25
Click to expand...

having a hard time sourcing the one you mentioned (and the one I'm replacing) in the USA. Irritec makes one similar and was able to snag one off dripdepot.com

Kinetic Air Vent and Vacuum Relief Valve (Protected Outlet) - Size : 1 MPT - W/Pressure Check : NO
 
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