Return Leak - Where to start with repair

[gmason86]

Hi,

I've managed to dig out around where the leak detection guy found a leak in one of our returns. I've also cut any roots in the area, and will be chopping down some nearby trees.

The two returns are the ones with the elbows. The other flex only is the suction.

The one that is leaking is the return line right underneath the suction.

I have a video of where the water is coming from, but can't seem to upload here. You can find it, along with other photos, at Return jet leak by shed - Google Drive.

For whatever reason, it looks like it's flex coming out of the two elbows and heading underground, rather than something rigid. These definitely connect to the regular black poly at some point because I saw them when we had the grass dug up in parts one time to run a gas line for the heater. What I don't know is how far. Something I can dig out at some point, but not sure when.

My best guess is the leak is coming where the flex joins the elbow. It looks like it comes out at a slight angle, rather than straight, so maybe has moved around over time. It's pretty hard to tell taking pictures upside down and in that space. Any thoughts from what you can see?

Looking for advice on best next steps...

1. Firstly, I realize I should replace all of this flex. However, realistically that's a project for another day. I also realize I should make sure those unions are kept above ground, and perhaps even add shutoffs. I can certainly keep the unions above ground by digging them out fully, but those bigger fixes are for another day.

2. Given that, what's my best way of a fix without ripping a bunch of things out? I'm guessing the flex is glued inside the elbow, so presumably can't remove it. Do I need to cut the elbow off at both ends, get a new one and then glue the rigid pipe and the flex pipe into it? If so, can you give me some advice on how to do that, what I need to buy, etc. please

3. I probably can't do this fix right now. In the short term, is there anything I can apply to that join between the elbow and flex to try and stop the water that is leaking? Caulk? Some kind of glue? I'm just guessing, but would be good to slow it down a little before I do an actual fix.

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

On pressure lines you can't apply anything to the outside. It will just get pushed out. I went through something similar last year and simply had to operate. I cut away flex line and re-did things to mate better. Besides the possibility that the leak might be where the flex enters the elbow, don't rule out the elbow itself either. Elbows and 45's are common to break due to potential weak spots when they are made.

 

[Texas Splash]

I feel your pain looking at the pics. It looks tight down there.

 

[gmason86]

On pressure lines you can't apply anything to the outside. It will just get pushed out. I went through something similar last year and simply had to operate. I cut away flex line and re-did things to mate better. Besides the possibility that the leak might be where the flex enters the elbow, don't rule out the elbow itself either. Elbows and 45's are common to break due to potential weak spots when they are made.

Any kind of tape I could wrap round it for a short period to slow it? It's not actually that major to be honest, but anything I can do to slow it would be nice until I can repair it.

For the actual repair, just cut either side of the elbow, get a new elbow and then glue the flex back into it? I'm obviously going to lose a bit of length on each side so how do you account for that? Longer elbow? Any step by steps would be appreciated as I'm very new to doing this.

Are these the sort of things home depot stock, or it's a pool store kind of thing? I'm thinking the elbow, any pipes I need, glue, etc.

Any ideas on a quick win to make it less tight? I suppose one idea is cutting the suction line and re routing slightly. But I'm hesitant in case I cause more issues.

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

I honestly don't think there's anything you could wrap around the pipe or fitting to make it better. Water will just seep through. The challenge with areas like this (and I experienced it) is that what you see isn't what you will get. By that I mean it's not as simple as just cutting out the old elbow for example. Sure, you can cut it out, that's the easy part. But making room to get the new piece in there is tricky and you have to be able to manipulate the pipes or find a way to make a plumbing "loop". YouTube or Google plumbing loop and you'll see what I mean. It's a space saver and you might end-up doing something like that. I did. When gluing flex pipe into a standard Sch 40 fitting, it has to be very clean, cut well, and hopefully straight with no pull or tension for the glue and everything to hold well. Do a bit of research before you do any cutting so you hopefully minimize any problems later.

 

[gmason86]

Thanks!

So I have explored what a plumbing loop is, but I'm not following how you'd suggest adding this to my setup?

If they are indeed flex pipes after the elbow (I think they look like it, right?), then maybe if I dig some more, I will get enough give in them to move them a little. If I don't end up having enough length on them, I guess I just need to add some extra pipe or hose?

Do you know what the purpose of the unions are there? Just wondering if it's even worth keeping them?

For getting the parts, are these things I'd find at somewhere like Home Depot, or is a pool shop my best bet?

Thanks.

 

[Texas Splash]

The thing about flex pipe is that while it is named "flex", it isn't really all that flexible in a tight spot like this. Yes, installers like to use it to go around turns and avoid some connections in awkward areas, but once you cut the elbow out of there, the "flex" is minimal. You'll definitely need to remove more soil to have room to work with, either to "try" and move the flex hose, or just pick a place to cut and make a new loop connection.

As to the purpose of those unions underground like that, it's a mystery to me as well.

 

[gmason86]

Ah, that's unfortunate. Thanks for explaining though.

With regards the loop, what are you imagining? I'm just struggling to follow what you're suggesting. I have looked up what a plumbing loop is, but just not sure how it could apply here.

Thanks you.

 

[Texas Splash]

With regards the loop, what are you imagining?

Scenarios can vary. Below is a link to my repair thread. While different that yours, it might give you some ideas.

Plumbing Assessment & Repairs

After several months of debate and testing that has confirmed I have plumbing leak on both the pressure and suction sides, I've finally decided to go in. My priority is the suction line right now since I have a Frakenplug installed in my cracked return jet, but since I had to rent a concrete...

www.troublefreepool.com