- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Suction Line for a second (feature) pump
- Thread starter sam34786
- Start date
Mark,
Finally, I was able to figure out the issue. The main drain (MD) is the issue, clogged with pebble tech cement. The contractor did the resurfacing and left a lot of pebble tech cement in both the main drains, and the water is not flowing 100 percent.
I have drained the pool completely and tried to flush the water with Drain King from the MD valve, and there isn't much water coming into the Main Drain, which confirms the clog. I am surprised to see the huge pebble tech cement in both the bottom Drains.
Shall I use the muriatic acid to clean the line? What would be the best option, as I am counting on MD to work for all the waterfalls? Thanks for your help.
Finally, I was able to figure out the issue. The main drain (MD) is the issue, clogged with pebble tech cement. The contractor did the resurfacing and left a lot of pebble tech cement in both the main drains, and the water is not flowing 100 percent.
I have drained the pool completely and tried to flush the water with Drain King from the MD valve, and there isn't much water coming into the Main Drain, which confirms the clog. I am surprised to see the huge pebble tech cement in both the bottom Drains.
Shall I use the muriatic acid to clean the line? What would be the best option, as I am counting on MD to work for all the waterfalls? Thanks for your help.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
The pebble tech should not go that deep into the MD line so I would start at the opening into the bottom of the pool and remove what you can see.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
The acid may help with releasing the concrete from the PVC but it still may need to chipped out. Acid does not dissolve concrete very quickly so it would take forever and a lot of acid to dissolve anything substantial.
Do you have any pics of what it looks like in the MD sump?
The pebble tech installers are the ones that screwed up so they should fix it. With reputable and skilled installers, that should never happen.
Do you have any pics of what it looks like in the MD sump?
The pebble tech installers are the ones that screwed up so they should fix it. With reputable and skilled installers, that should never happen.
The contractor is not responsive, as I didn't observe for more than 18 months. They have replastered and closed both the main drains in the pool and filled it with water. We observed very recently after installing these waterfalls.
What would be the best way to break this concrete in the PVC pipes? Is it snake or Hydro jet?
- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
It looks like most of the concrete is in the sump and not the pipes. You have to chisel it out.
Mark - We have tried our best and removed the maximum Plaster from PVC pipes. Some are still left in the PVC pipes and the resurfacing contractor did a terrible job. If we are not getting enough suction from MD for the waterfalls, can we dedicate a cleaner suction line to the waterfalls? What do you suggest?
- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Have you tried soaking the area is some muriatic acid? It won't dissolve much but it might release the concrete from the PVC wall.
How far up the sump pipe does the concrete go? It shouldn't be that far up the pipe.
How far up the sump pipe does the concrete go? It shouldn't be that far up the pipe.
We soaked it in muriatic acid for 3 days and then used hydro jet and power auger to remove as much as we could but there is a "T" where removing the concrete is a bit tough. I was told if they tried too hard then pvc pipe might break. We have removed as much as we can but not completely out which is the reason for asking whether to use a wall suction port as an inlet to waterfalls.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Yes, using too much force could crack the PVC.
I would try soaking it again now that some has been removed to see if it helps.
How large is the wall suction port again? You really need a full 3" pipe.
I would try soaking it again now that some has been removed to see if it helps.
How large is the wall suction port again? You really need a full 3" pipe.
- May 3, 2007
- 18,071
- Pool Size
- 20000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
If you can put it in tandem with the 3", even though partially clogged, it might be ok although not ideal.
Ideally, you really want to clear out the MD line if possible.
Got it. We have tried our best to clean it but are still left with some concrete. I don't want to have any broken pipe issues.