Leaky diverter

sande005

Bronze Supporter
Aug 19, 2018
937
White Bear Lake, MN
Pool Size
23000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
CircuPool RJ-45
So, here's my layout, showing all the Pentair diverters used:
The three right diverters (closed) come from the skimmers and the deep end.
The three left (open) go to the jets.
The one single allows for discharge to waste before it gets to the filter (waste line closed in the pic).

(The loop by the SWCG is just because the heater is dead, and waiting for an install).

Pump looses prime at low speeds. Filter self empties, when at lower speeds. With system off, a full filter gurgles, and rapidly fills with air.
Placing my hand over the waste pipe end (obscured in the photo) and I get a pretty good suction as the filter self drains. The waste diverter is closed, as in the pic. With the six inputs/outputs closed, draining and suction stop.

So it appears the bad boy is that Pentair diverter for the waste line. No water leaks when under pressure, but allows air in when not pressurized. And it has to be a fair amount of pressure, since the system runs dry at lower speeds.

I, of course, will take it apart to see if there is any debris in it. And apply lube.
When new, this valve did leak water. A call to the installer, and they replaced all the guts, but not the housing. No more leak.
Operated well all last year, so too late for another call back.
Should I just embrace the pain, and replace the whole thing (which means filter fitting too, since there is not room to splice in)?
Any other advice?

(apologies for the lack of cleanup - was gone over the winter, and just arrived back a few days ago - so whole yard winter leaf/debris cleanup is in process!)

IMG_6727.jpg
 
Last edited:
005,

I'd try the repair one more time.. :mrgreen:

Do you actually use the waste line?? I ask because I recently replaced a filter at a rent house where I had a 3-way connected to a waste line, just like yours.. In several years, I neve once used it.. When I put the new filter in, I just capped off the waste line.

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
Needed here - not for waste, per se, but for lowering the pool below skimmers/jets needed for winterizing.

Clean and lube no change. Everything looked perfect. It looks like the installer used a lot of PVC cement, with some inside the body. If things hadn't been good last year, I'd blame that...
The line for the pump to the filter, and the waste, was done by a local pool company when I bought the filter. All other plumbing was by me last summer.

How effective is a backflow for preventing reverse flow of air? Since the diverter doesn't leak water in normal operation, a good way to just prevent suctioning of air via the waste pipe would be a less work alternative....
 
005,

I'd suspect any glue in the diverter sealing area.. I'd remove it with a little sand paper..

Keep in mind that you are looking for an air leak, so it will not take much.

I doubt if a check valve would solve the problem, but that is just a 'feeling', I have no factual clue if it will work or not. :(

Let's ask @JamesW

Thanks,

Jim R.
 
I have observed that diverters and flap check valves seal positively when the pump is running and pool water pressure presses on the diverter or flap to seal the port.

When the pump is off and there is no longer water pressure providing the positive seal air leaks can allow air pressure to build up and burp past the seal, taking water with it.

I have watched this happen while I had some pipes open working on my heater and how things sealed and did not leak with the pump on and developed leaks with the pump off.
 
Last edited:
I needed more lube, so ran over to the store that did the original install. The guy at the parts desk listened to my tale of woe, and gave me (yes, gave) a big rubber stopper to put in the waste line. He also asked for pictures of the glue inside, and would send the repair guys out to address.

But, the hunt continues. The plug eliminated the filter gurgles, but it still drained with the pump off. Just not as fast, I could hear the air entering if I put my ear on the filter. I'll try lubing the plug, maybe chamfer the inside of the pipe a bit for a tighter plug seal, and perhaps lots of electrical tape around it, to see if there is still a bit of air getting in that way. Or move on to see what I can do for possible air leaks in the rest of the system....sigh!

Pretty sure it is not the pump - no bubbles seen coming in around the lid, or from the drain plug there when the filter drains. Will just have to work it one item at a time.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
Well - my brain does not seem to be firing on all cylinders.
The goo is called "Pool Lube" for a reason. If you coat a stopper with it, the stopper doesn't stop - it just slides out of the pipe the more you tighten it. I did find that the valve does leak a bit of water too - a little flow pushed the stopper completely out.
Naptha does an OK job of removing the goo (PTFE kind). A bazillion tight wraps of tape around the pipe/stopper did not change the small air leak. So perhaps it is someplace else, also. Time to take off the lid, and check that seal along with the relief valve. Thanks for the tip.

But the temp has dropped, and it is now 45 outside, so that will be a tomorrow project.