Pump leak

[NewPoolGirlTX]

So, I have a leak. First one is under the motor, new one is at the housing. See attached pics. How do I diagnose and repair these? The housing is ancient. Pump motor not as old. Am I looking at a whole replacement with housing? Thank you! (Can't seem to do line breaks on my phone)

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Well, you may two suspect areas actually. The leak under the motor could be from the shaft seal that is allowing water to seep backwards from the pump pot to the motor. If it's been that way for a while, rust could be developing inside the motor which is never good. The leak at the housing could be the seal plate O-ring that seals the wet and dry sides from each other. Both are considered DIY-type projects, but the water in the motor is most concerning. No way to really know until you pull it apart and try to look inside. See the link below for parts that may be applicable to your set-up. Always check with the seller first though to ensure you have a good match.

Pentair Whisperflo Pump Parts Diagram

PoolZoom Pool Parts and Pool Supplies Online. Huge In-Stock Inventory, Quick Shipping

www.poolzoom.com

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Welcome to TFP! Well, you may two suspect areas actually. The leak under the motor could be from the shaft seal that is allowing water to seep backwards from the pump pot to the motor. If it's been that way for a while, rust could be developing inside the motor which is never good. The leak at the housing could be the seal plate O-ring that seals the wet and dry sides from each other. Both are considered DIY-type projects, but the water in the motor is most concerning. No way to really know until you pull it apart and try to look inside. See the link below for parts that may be applicable to your set-up. Always check with the seller first though to ensure you have a good match.

Pentair Whisperflo Pump Parts Diagram

PoolZoom Pool Parts and Pool Supplies Online. Huge In-Stock Inventory, Quick Shipping

www.poolzoom.com

You are always so helpful

Thank you

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Whelp that went extraordinarily bad. I apparently cannot turn water off to the pump and have to drain the pool below the skimmers.

I am guessing I ruined the motor as I had loosened all the bolts from the housing and the water is coming out from there and I am sure some got into the motor

The plumbing has always confused me and I was misled by a pool guy who came to show me some things


Is it time to call a professional or do I just wait for it all to drain and dry and order a new pump

 

[Texas Splash]

Are you saying that the equipment pad is below the waterline of the pool, so when you loosened the pump water came pouring out? If so, do you have a tennis ball or something you can put in the skimmer hoe for now? That's if it's even still coming out of the plumbing.

 

[Texas Splash]

As for the motor itself, don't panic just yet. Motors get wet out in the rain all the time (except during a TX drought) ha ha, so just pull the pump/motor to the side. Leave it in the sun for a couple hours and I bet it dries quite fast in today's heat.

 

[Texas Splash]

I should also mention to ensure you have power cut off to that motor. We don't need any shocking today.

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Thank you
Yes equipment pad is below
Yes the water is done
I have it taken apart but can't seem to pound the new seal into the seal plate

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Panic definitely was happening

I want a valve to that pump is that crazy

 

[Texas Splash]

Take your time in this heat. Step back, get a drink, cool off from this crazy heat, then work on that seal plate gasket. Make sure you have it lined-up correctly. Be sure the motor had enough time to dry out completely before you apply power to the unit again. You'll get it.

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Will do
Thank you again

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Guy on YouTube says pound it in, thread here says use silicone sealant. Do I need a particular kind. I have a GE indoor one and I have Lexel says waterproof and sticks to anything

 

[jedigrover]

Some people don't use sealant on the shaft seal seat. I do, because that's what the Pentair service video shows. I've used the GE "Silicone II" stuff with no problems. You just want a TINY bit, otherwise you'll have a mess on your hands.

Easiest way to seat the seal is to use a 1" PVC coupler (about 59 cents at home depot).

 

[jedigrover]

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

And use the coupler to pound it in?

I have Small piece of 1" pvc pipe. Can I use that?

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Thank you so much both of you
Looks like I have to wait for the sealant to cure. Hope I can remember how to put it back together tomorrow

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Alright y'all
Making slow progress
I cannot get the ceramic seal out of the impeller. There seems to be nothing to pry? Help?

 

[Texas Splash]

I cannot get the ceramic seal out of the impeller. There seems to be nothing to pry? Help?

Are you not able to punch it out from behind?

 

[NewPoolGirlTX]

Are you not able to punch it out from behind?

I don't think so.
It's a century motor
I'm trying to pry from the ceramic side

 

[Texas Splash]

About 5:30 in this video