Leak near pump

[Colonel Travis]

Leak is from the gray pipe that comes out of the pump, area is circled in red.



The gray pipe is threaded, I haven't repaired one of these before. Sorry for the dumb question, but I'm guessing PVC glue wasn't used on those threads but a sealant? And is this a case where I need to cut the pipe and replace it vs. squeezing some sealant around the area?

Thanks

 

[rphpool]

Probably going to have to cut pipe and add a union after you reseal and tighten gray pipe.

 

[duraleigh]

Yes, that joint needs to be made up with "pipe joint compound". Cheap and easy to obtain, it is spread smoothly into both sides of the thread and tightened snug...DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN!

It looks like the top of that grey pipe was joined with pvc. Can you pull the pic away a bit more so we can see how that pipe leads to the filter? It may be easiest to replace that whole pipe.

 

[Colonel Travis]

Thanks for the quick replies. Zoomed out a little

 

[duraleigh]

Is the leak bad? If not, I would consider leaving it or, if it really needs fixing, completely replace Pipe from the pump to the filter. That'll cost some bucks (I would also suggest a multi-port valve to replace that push-pull valve)but would be a nice, clean upgrade as well.

 

[Colonel Travis]

It's not gushing water but it's significant enough that I should fix it. Also had to get a gasket/seal for the pump housing, which started leaking. Seems like I have to replace that thing every 2-3 years. I bought a union at the pool store, they suggested adding it not to the gray pipe but the horizontal piece right above it. Love to replace that push pull valve, thanks for all the advice.

 

[duraleigh]

If you do the whole pipe/push/pull thing. You will need to extend a little to include a union. The union will be pointless (sort of) unless you can get one on the suction side, too.