I seem to have a slight leak in the suction line; while the strainer basket does slowly fill up there is sometimes a little air being pumped. The previous owner plumbed the pump so that there is VERY little space between the Jandy valve assembly and the pump assembly. I think that the leak is in the juncture between the valve assembly and the pump strainer assembly. I have been able to "seal" it with a plastic, stretchy adhesive electrical tape, but this is a temporary fix. Any suggestions for a better fix, outside of replumbing the whole thing?
Slight leak in suction line. Is there a fix without replumbing??
- Thread starter George in Georgia
- Start date
First, Identify that that really is the source of the leak. Then I see two options.
They make a plumbers tape to wrap around that pipe and seal it pretty good.....check it out at Lowe's / Home depot
Depending on how bad the gap is, you may be able to use PVC solvent to prime and clean that joint and then fill it in with PVC cement.
Neither of these fixes would be possible if it were not on the suction side but I think I would try one or the other. Cheap fix and pretty permanent.
They make a plumbers tape to wrap around that pipe and seal it pretty good.....check it out at Lowe's / Home depot
Depending on how bad the gap is, you may be able to use PVC solvent to prime and clean that joint and then fill it in with PVC cement.
Neither of these fixes would be possible if it were not on the suction side but I think I would try one or the other. Cheap fix and pretty permanent.
Many thanks, Duraleigh!
I like the PVC solvent and cement. It sounds a bit more permanent than the plumber's tape, since it in a sense "welds" the two ends of the gap together.
As far as identifying the source of the leak, how about removing the electrical tape I'd used, cleaning up the area, then wrapping some cloth soaked in dishwashing liquid around the suspected area. With the pump running the detergent would be sucked in and should foam up in the pump strainer basket. Then shut it down and go to phase two.
With the pump off, rinse off the detergent, and let the area dry out thoroughly. Then, apply the solvent followed by the PVC cement. Allow more time to let everything dry, cross my fingers and fire up the pump, so to speak!
I'd appreciate any comments, suggestions, etc on my proposed course of action.
I like the PVC solvent and cement. It sounds a bit more permanent than the plumber's tape, since it in a sense "welds" the two ends of the gap together.
As far as identifying the source of the leak, how about removing the electrical tape I'd used, cleaning up the area, then wrapping some cloth soaked in dishwashing liquid around the suspected area. With the pump running the detergent would be sucked in and should foam up in the pump strainer basket. Then shut it down and go to phase two.
With the pump off, rinse off the detergent, and let the area dry out thoroughly. Then, apply the solvent followed by the PVC cement. Allow more time to let everything dry, cross my fingers and fire up the pump, so to speak!
I'd appreciate any comments, suggestions, etc on my proposed course of action.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 11,819
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
You don't have to suds up your plumbing and pump. This is how you find/verify the leak:
I like your solution for finding leaks! The problem is that the prior owner built a pool house around the pump filter installation. They didn't think to furnish a floor drain...but then they went cheap on the roof by omitting roofing paper! Grrrr......!
- Nov 12, 2017
- 11,819
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Can you get a bucket or pan or squashed milk jug or something under where you need to test? Even a few towels could work. I wouldn't think you'd need much of a stream of water to test a pinhole leak...
So, did you ever find out where it was?
I had one once, turned out to be the Oring for the handle of the intake valve that is used to choose between SPA and Pool input. An easy fix, but had me scratching my head for a while.
I had one once, turned out to be the Oring for the handle of the intake valve that is used to choose between SPA and Pool input. An easy fix, but had me scratching my head for a while.