Main drain to skimmer line leak

[joronimo]

Hi all, I need some advice. We moved into our house about 2 yrs ago and knew the pool was going to need a little work. It’s probably 90% what it needs to be.

The one big issue we have is a leak in the skimmer area. There is a crack that was leaking slightly, I patched it and believe it’s fixed for now. We are planning a redo in a few years 2021-2022 off season is in the plans now.

My current issue is there is a leak in the line between the main drain in our deep end and where it connects to the skimmer. I have verified the main drain isn’t leaking with due, but the line from the main drain is. I don’t use the main drain, we didn’t have a diverter valve when we moved in and we just use a vacuum to keep the floor clean.

Is there any issue if I plug both ends of the main drain line? At the floor drain and skimmer. The skimmer side is threaded so I can put a pvc plug in there and plan to use a tapered expandable plug in the floor. My goal is to MINIMIZE the leak as best as possible for relatively cheap.

Does anyone see a problem with this? I know I can’t plug just the top side and I’m hesitant to pour any kind of plugging agent (think egg in radiator) down the pipe at this point.

Anyway, let me know your thoughts!

Thanks!

 

[joronimo]

I should add, the ground near the skimmer is wet, so I assume it’s high in the line and not near the floor drain.

 

[MyAZPool]

joronimo
Just my opinion,
In most applications, there is really no good reason to have a main drain, especially if you don't have a pop-up cleaning system.
Given your situation AND if the leak is where you suspect, that would be what I would do (good thinking).
Plug the main drain and then install a threaded plug in the main drain port in the skimmer.
That could very well be a very cheap and effective fix given the alternative.
I hope that works well for you.
Thanks
r.

UPDATE: Also, I would add that there are some others on here that can give you some good ideas on the best way to plug the line at the main drain.

 

[joronimo]

@MyAZPool thanks for the input. Hopefully I’ll get it plugged this weekend!

 

[Jimrahbe]

I agree... plug it and move on..

Jim R.