Pool Pump Exit Pipe Fitting Leaking

[Skyking75]

I have changed this fitting 3 times and it still continues to leak. I have used teflon tape on the threads and made sure it was tight. It is leaking between the black part of the pump and the white part of the fitting. It's not leaking at any of the connections I used the glue on. I have attached a picture to show which fitting I am talking about. What am I doing wrong?

 

[PoolGate]

Pump input/output connections are usually proprietary. But if your fitting is actually screwing on properly then I would not use Teflon tape and go to paste sealant.

 

[PoolguyinCT]

That’s run of the mill NPT thread, available just about everywhere.

 

[JamesW]

Some teflon tape is thin and needs extra wraps to make a good seal. In addition to the teflon tape, I would add sealant paste.

How many wraps of teflon tape are you using?

 

[Jimrahbe]

Sky,

Or.. you could just use pump unions and eliminate the problem all together...

I am in love with these things and do not understand installing a pump without them..

You can get them a lot of places but this one has the best pics... See this link...Custom Molded 21063-200-000-2PK Union Threaded 2 inch MPT x 2 inch Slip for IntelliFlo, 2 Pack

They have an O-Ring between the pump body and the union that helps prevent leaks...

You just need to get the 2" or 1.5" depending on your pump...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Skyking75]

Those unions look like a great idea. I will look for 1 1/2 inch ones. I wrapped the fitting 3 times around with blue teflon tape. When you say to use paste sealant do you mean pipe dope or is there a item called paste sealant?

 

[Skyking75]

Custom Molded Products Union 1.5 Slip - 21063-154-000 - INYOPools.com

Would this work?

 

[JamesW]

Those unions will work. 3 wraps of tape are usually not enough. Depending on the tape thickness, you might need up to about 12 wraps. At the hardware store, they sell various thread sealants that are paste.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Custom Molded Products Union 1.5 Slip - 21063-154-000 - INYOPools.com

Would this work?

Sky,

Looks like it would... Just to be sure.. When I was talking about 2" vs 1.5", I was talking about the pump side and not the pool side.. Like in my case, the pump takes a 2" threaded piece, but the plumbing is 1.5" on the pool side.. so I have to use an adapter...

I can't tell looking at you pump what size it would take..

 

[PoolguyinCT]

Old 1.5” ez-flow

 

[Skyking75]

I found a quick disconnect fitting at my local pool place. Installed it using thread sealant and it still leaked. I took it all apart cleaned up the fitting with some Go-B-Gone and reinstalled it using teflon tape. I made 12 complete wraps and then reinstalled. It now is working perfectly and no leaks. Thanks for all the tips and advice.

 

[JamesW]

Good job. Thanks for the update.

Wrapping Teflon can be tricky. If you don't use enough, it leaks. Use too much and over tighten, you can crack the female threads.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Sky,

Did the "quick disconnect" you bought have an O-ring between the pump body and the disconnect itself? I'm not talking about between the two halves of the disconnect, but on the threaded part that screws into the pump...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[Skyking75]

No it did not have a gasket there. That would have probably been a good thing to have. I ordered one online also but it won't be here for a couple of days. I will check that one out and see if it comes with a gasket. I just checked my order and it looks like it does come with a gasket.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Sky,

If you look at the pic, on the threaded end you can see the O-ring. The O-Ring makes a water tight seal so you don't have to rely on the threaded connections..

Thanks for the feedback,

Jim R.