Pressure (Water) Test - Result?

[Texas Splash]

I need some feedback from some of our ITI's like @AQUA~HOLICS, @1poolman1, or @Poolbreh. I have suspected a suction line leak for a while due to a large drop in pump pot water and loss of prime on several occasions the past couple months. I did a temp above ground suction line from pump into the water and the pump is holding water much better with no loss of prime. To me it seemed like validation I have a cracked line, and I suspected under the skimmer.

So I fabricated a replica of a testing manifold, much like some of the leak detection companies use (see below). I have a very simple suction line that goes about 25 ft from skimmer to pump. I used a Safe-T bladder plug in the PVC before anything at the pad to eliminate any valves, fittings, etc. So manifold to bladder plug that's it.

I increased the water pressure to 12 and timed it. Over the course of 20 minutes it dropped from 12 to 7. So I lost about 1 psi every 5 minutes. Does that seem like reason enough to investigate? I have a concrete saw and jackhammer reserved. Decking all marked and ready for surgery. Mentally I'm all ready to go in, but I expected to see my gauge fall more & faster. Now I'm wondering if it warrants the work - for now. Thoughts?

 

[JamesW]

Pressurize the line with air and then listen above the suspected leak location and you should be able to hear air bubbles escaping if you have a leak.

Alternate between air and water pressure.

 

[JamesW]

 

[JamesW]

 

[Texas Splash]

Pressurize the line with air and then listen above the suspected leak location and you should be able to hear air bubbles

I would if I could, but I don't have a deck plate or sound rod. Those things are crazy expensive.

 

[JamesW]

Just listen with your ear on the ground.

 

[mknauss]

There are automotive stethoscope’s.

 

[JamesW]

If you have bubbles, you can hear with your ear on the ground.

 

[1poolman1]

I need some feedback from some of our ITI's like @AQUA~HOLICS, @1poolman1, or @Poolbreh. I have suspected a suction line leak for a while due to a large drop in pump pot water and loss of prime on several occasions the past couple months. I did a temp above ground suction line from pump into the water and the pump is holding water much better with no loss of prime. To me it seemed like validation I have a cracked line, and I suspected under the skimmer.

So I fabricated a replica of a testing manifold, much like some of the leak detection companies use (see below). I have a very simple suction line that goes about 25 ft from skimmer to pump. I used a Safe-T bladder plug in the PVC before anything at the pad to eliminate any valves, fittings, etc. So manifold to bladder plug that's it.

I increased the water pressure to 12 and timed it. Over the course of 20 minutes it dropped from 12 to 7. So I lost about 1 psi every 5 minutes. Does that seem like reason enough to investigate? I have a concrete saw and jackhammer reserved. Decking all marked and ready for surgery. Mentally I'm all ready to go in, but I expected to see my gauge fall more & faster. Now I'm wondering if it warrants the work - for now. Thoughts?

With a completely tight system there would be no pressure loss.