Leaking pipe

[mhnewcomb]

After several years of not having this problem, a pool company pressure test (which broke through the pump basket seal during the test) has resulted in the problem returning.

The pipe coming out of the top of the pump has a slow leak. I left the pump off last night--this photo was taken after running the pump for 5 minutes:

http://home.comcast.net/~teach08/pipe5.JPG

After 10 minutes:

http://home.comcast.net/~teach08/pipe10.JPG

I took the short piece off, wrapped it with tape two times, then put it back together--now it leaks even faster. Should I use thread sealant? (I have the green bottle "Grrip" out there.) The pool guy should come and fix it NOW, but I'd rather not have him back again.

[victus]

This pipe needs to fit snugly. If there is a significant gap and wobbles around you need to replace it. Lightly sand around the pipe and where it connects to and use PVC contact cement to glue them together. A light sanding will ensure the two surfaces bond much better.

[duraleigh]

Oops!! Don't glue or sand anything just yet. Is the leak occuring at a threaded connection or a glued connection? Sounds like it's leaking at the threaded connection.

If that's the case, 3 or 4 wraps of teflon tape will probably stop it. The entire threaded part of the pipe should be covered. (In other words, you should still see tape after you've screwed it down snugly) I think some folks might even use more tape but I normally stop at two, sometimes three wraps.

[mhnewcomb]

Oops!! Don't glue or sand anything just yet. Is the leak occuring at a threaded connection or a glued connection? Sounds like it's leaking at the threaded connection.

If that's the case, 3 or 4 wraps of teflon tape will probably stop it. The entire threaded part of the pipe should be covered. (In other words, you should still see tape after you've screwed it down snugly) I think some folks might even use more tape but I normally stop at two, sometimes three wraps.

Yeah, it's at the threaded connection. I tried teflon tape, two/three wraps--no go. It doesn't look like there had been anything other than that on it before, though. I found an o-ring, put it over the male end so that it sits where the grey fitting connects to the pump housing--still leaks, but much slower. Should I try again (this weekend, when it's COOLER!) with the thread sealant?

[duraleigh]

I personally don't like that thread sealant...although I know it does a good job. It usually ends up nasty and unprofessional looking.

1. Inspect the internal and external threads for any gouging, etc. Do they connect about 1/2" before they get too tight? Have you got a stiff bristle brush to clean both threads?

2. Maybe 3-4 wraps of teflon is okay (Poconos, who knows this stuff better than me uses 6 turns, I think). Too much and you could conceivably crack the pump housing if you crank it down.

3. "Snug" for me is VERY hand tight and then maybe another 1/4 to 1/2 turn with a pipe wrench. Are you getting it that tight?

If you have done the above and it still leaks, I suspect damaged threads. The "goop" may seal it just fine....I'd try that next. Clean off all the excess and make it nice and neat because, if I'm ever at your house, I'll notice if it's not!!:D :D

[mhnewcomb]

I personally don't like that thread sealant...although I know it does a good job. It usually ends up nasty and unprofessional looking.

1. Inspect the internal and external threads for any gouging, etc. Do they connect about 1/2" before they get too tight? Have you got a stiff bristle brush to clean both threads?

2. Maybe 3-4 wraps of teflon is okay (Poconos, who knows this stuff better than me uses 6 turns, I think). Too much and you could conceivably crack the pump housing if you crank it down.

3. "Snug" for me is VERY hand tight and then maybe another 1/4 to 1/2 turn with a pipe wrench. Are you getting it that tight?

If you have done the above and it still leaks, I suspect damaged threads. The "goop" may seal it just fine....I'd try that next. Clean off all the excess and make it nice and neat because, if I'm ever at your house, I'll notice if it's not!!:D :D

Ha! You better believe I will--I'm like most of you all on this board in that I like things to look good. That's really why I wanted to avoid using the stuff. Oh, well, maybe I can get some Grrip Lite--it's not so ugly in color. I have done all of the above, so unless anyone has a better solution, I'll do that tomorrow.

For now, I'm going back outside to watch the refill after the Horrible Liner Leak from Hell. :)