Pump Discharge Leak After Spa Run-Dry

[MBinTX]

Morning Folks,

I've had a bit of an interesting development. I have a pool/spa setup with shared suction/discharge valves that are switched by a pair of actuators. The other day the suction actuator failed, and caused all the water to be drawn from the spa into the pool.

I came outside to find the spa bone dry, yet the pump (Intelliflo VS) was still running. Not sure how long it was like that but max 1-2 hours.

Anyhow, I've resolved the actuator problem, but now I seem to have developed a leak on the discharge of my pump casing. Not sure if this could have been caused by the dry running pump, or just coincidental, but either way it's leaking now... (Video below).

What I'm wondering is how one typically deals with a leak at this location. From what I can see, it's a threaded fitting, but there's also a ring of silicone around it as well. I could replace the silicone, but am doubtful that it could truly keep back pressurized water over time (maybe it actually can?).

As far as a repair, it seems like I would be into some cutting and gluing. Either end of the piping between the pump and filter is threaded, but the way the piping is laid out in-between, I don't think I'd be able to spin the assembly off. (Photo Below) So, I probably have to make a cut, get the piping off the pump, then re-tighten and re-glue?

I'm ok with the cut-and-glue if that's what I need to do, but beforehand I want to make sure that's actually the proper solution. Any suggestions on best fix?

Thanks!

 

[ajw22]

Let's see what @1poolman1 suggests.

 

[Jimrahbe]

MB,

The pump is leaking because it was not installed with "pump' unions like it should have been... Screw-in connections tend to leak over time..

It turns out that a pump union would fix your issue, and be very easy to install on the pressure side of your pump.. Not so much, with the intake side of your pump.

Like this...

Amazon.com

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[MBinTX]

Thanks much guys!

@Jimrahbe - I've ordered the union; should arrive today due to the miracle of Amazon, thank you for the link! I'm pretty sure this is a quick rip-and-replace, but wanted to confirm the procedure is per the photo below? Also, do you folks typically do teflon tape or pipe dope on the threads? The videos I've been watching online say to just thread in the union hand-tight without any sealant.

Thanks again!

 

[Jimrahbe]

MB,

You will still have to make the cut pipe the right length to fit..

You can always loosen or remove the line going into the filter, if that helps with the install.

The end of the union that screws into the pump has an O-ring on it and is designed to screw all the way in, against the pump body. In theory you don't even need to use Teflon tape.. But most here recommend using tape anyway.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[1poolman1]

Let's see what @1poolman1 suggests.

To begin with, a standard PVC adapter should not be used on pumps, especially the outlet. They are easily damaged by heat, which a pump running dry will generate. They shrink, leak and need to be replaced with high-temp unions, or a CPVC nipple at the very least. New silicone won't stop that leak.

 

[MBinTX]

Thought I would close out this thread for anyone who comes across it in the future.

I cut the pipe near the pump, unbolted the assembly from the filter, installed the hi-temp fittings that Jim suggested, and re-glued. Everything working great now with no leaks.

I did have a challenge getting the large union off the filter side; it would not move with my Channel Locks or other wrenches. After some reading, I picked up an oil filter wrench and got the fitting undone in seconds. Right tools for the job and all that.

Btw, in resolving my actuator failure that started the whole problem, I ended up replacing the existing CVA-24 with a Hayward GVA-24. The replacement worked perfectly despite the brand swap. The best price I was able to find was on Amazon for ~$190, which was about $100 less than what Leslie's wanted. I also re-did the o-rings in the valve and was happy with this set.

Thanks to all for the help!

 

[mknauss]

Thanks to all for the help!

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