Need some advice before I take apart my pump's plumbing

[gkrupkin]

My Pentair WhisperFlo 1HP started making some louder then usual noises. So I followed the instructions and took it apart to check for anything clogged. Nothing that I could see, so I put it back together and while the loud noise is still there, it now appears to be leaking some water, but not from the place where I took it apart, but rather from the top where the PVC pipe is connected to carry the water to the filter.

It appears to be a simple male connector with threads about 2 inches. I was thinking I can go to HomeDepot and buy another one and do some PVC pipe work. Am I missing something? Are there special connectors for these pumps? I read the manual from PentAir and dont see anything that comes with the pump..

I would insert a picture, but I dont see a way to do this on this forum.

[CarlD]

Be sure to ONLY use Schedule 40 or Schedule 80 fittings. They are designed to handle the pressure. Standard drain fittings aren't appropriate. Be sure to use lots of teflon tape on threads. If you can, get the 3/4" tape.

But be sure to check that the threads coming out of the top of the pump aren't stripped. They probably aren't. If the fitting isn't damaged, just using the teflon tape may be enough.

[gkrupkin]

Thanks Carl! 2 questions

A) I'm going away for a few days. Is there anything I can try as a stop gap while I'm away? Silicone, plumbing cement?
B) any chance the pump is louder then normal due to this leak?

[CarlD]

1) I don't know--it's a fitting under pressure.
2) It's possible but the pump may not be sitting on its base well.

[Pappy]

The YELLOW teflon tape is better than most white tape. It's thicker and easier to work with. PINK is even thicker than yellow. All the Home Depots around Dallas carry the yellow stuff, and I've seen pink at some, but I don't know if all carry it.

[BigDave]

I learned (the hard way) that Teflon tape in not appropriate for threaded PVC fittings. It causes two issues: 1) It makes the male fitting larger and the excess volume in the threads can split the female fitting. 2) The Teflon lubricates the threads making it easier to turn the joint too much; these threads are tapered and turning them too far also results in splitting the female fitting. Better to use a thread sealant made for PVC, it is either hardening and non-hardening - use non-hardening if you plan to re-open the joint. Put a bead of sealant all the way around the end of the female fitting and let the male fitting push the sealant into the threads and fittings.

Yellow tape is for gas but works for water. Pink works great for metal pipe threads.

[CarlD]

Dave, I don't dispute you, but I've used taped PVC fittings for over a dozen years with no problem with the joints, and I use it all over: returns, drains, quick-connects, ball valves, etc.

[BigDave]

I know, me too, as long as I can remember. Sorry for questioning your advice. My information is from Lasco's website here:http://lascofittings.sitewrench.com/threads. I found it when trying to figure out why my unions were leaking at the threads.

[CarlD]

Use more tape! :)

[BigDave]

I'm pretty sure that was the problem.;)