Leaks from fittings. Whats the secret?

[mike86723]

Recently installed hayward 1.5hp pump and sand filter and I've got leaks galore! I've done countless plumbing jobs around my properties over the years so I understand initial leaks are almost always expected on new installs as you find the right happy medium. Not too tight not too loose, etc.

With that said what's the secret with this pump and the proper amount of teflon tape? Pump instructions say 1-2 wraps of teflon but that sounded woefully low. Below is what I did after researching only and would appreciate any insight before I try to fix them. Also to what extent are leaks ok if at all? Pump psi is around 13 right now.

NOTE: ALL leaks are from the fittings Not the hoses. Eventually I'll hardline with pvc but these are the hoses that came with the equipment from the dealer.

From pic
1. Tried 9 wraps of teflon and it leaked. Now has 13 and still leaks a decent amount. Hand tightened only and the fitting went pretty much as far as it could go so I can't tighten further.

2. 9 wraps of teflon Hand tightened only and only leaks a small drop once in a while. Likely just needs another quarter turn.

3 and 4. 9 wraps and leaks a decent amount when pump is on. Was only Hand tightened so I believe it just needs another turn with a wrench.

 

[1poolman1]

Recently installed hayward 1.5hp pump and sand filter and I've got leaks galore! I've done countless plumbing jobs around my properties over the years so I understand initial leaks are almost always expected on new installs as you find the right happy medium. Not too tight not too loose, etc.

With that said what's the secret with this pump and the proper amount of teflon tape? Pump instructions say 1-2 wraps of teflon but that sounded woefully low. Below is what I did after researching only and would appreciate any insight before I try to fix them. Also to what extent are leaks ok if at all? Pump psi is around 13 right now.

NOTE: ALL leaks are from the fittings Not the hoses. Eventually I'll hardline with pvc but these are the hoses that came with the equipment from the dealer.

From pic
1. Tried 9 wraps of teflon and it leaked. Now has 13 and still leaks a decent amount. Hand tightened only and the fitting went pretty much as far as it could go so I can't tighten further.

2. 9 wraps of teflon Hand tightened only and only leaks a small drop once in a while. Likely just needs another quarter turn.

3 and 4. 9 wraps and leaks a decent amount when pump is on. Was only Hand tightened so I believe it just needs another turn with a wrench.

Five or six wraps of Teflon followed with a small coating of silicone sealant over that, hand tight plus a quarter turn, has always worked for me.

 

[mike86723]

Five or six wraps of Teflon followed with a small coating of silicone sealant over that, hand tight plus a quarter turn, has always worked for me.

I'll try that out. Thanks

 

[mike86723]

Pump is leaking directly from 2 bolts from what I can see....is this also normal?

I recognize a drop ever 20 seconds isn't much considering the pool is 8000 gallons, but man I'd really like to have zero leaks.

 

[wireform]

Leaks are NOT the norm around here especially on new work. I'll comment on the last where there's a small leak. If this pump is new the dealer should make good on it assuming it's/there's warranty work. You can try to snug up the bolts a little but perhaps that has been done too. Need to be there's a seal in there and while being assembled either the gasket got damaged or some debris got in the way. You can open it up to inspect the seal for damage but if nothing is found just re-seal with gasket lube and snugging up the bolts in an even manner.

 

[mike86723]

Leaks are NOT the norm around here especially on new work. I'll comment on the last where there's a small leak. If this pump is new the dealer should make good on it assuming it's/there's warranty work. You can try to snug up the bolts a little but perhaps that has been done too. Need to be there's a seal in there and while being assembled either the gasket got damaged or some debris got in the way. You can open it up to inspect the seal for damage but if nothing is found just re-seal with gasket lube and snugging up the bolts in an even manner.

Thanks for the comment about leaks, ill continue to work to eliminate them.

The pump came assembled and is under warranty. All I had to do was connect the hoses so I haven't touched the pump otherwise. I reached out to the dealer but my guess is ill have to go directly to hayward for warranty fix.