Air is getting into my filter

[Poconos]

OK. PVC is fun to work with and cheap. Let us know if you find silicone grease at HD. May have to go to a pool store.
Al

[gilbertpsk]

Is there a special kind of grease? I was planning on getting this: http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

[gilbertpsk]

I went to the pool store and bought a new rubber gasket. Then I went to the depot and picked up the silicone grease. Unfortunately, after an hour or so, when I checked on the filter, there is still air in the filter. Then I checked with my ears and heard some air. When I turned off the pump, I could actually see some water coming from the seal between the pump basket and the PVC coming from the pool. See photo: https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/phot...eat=directlink

Instead of replacing the pipe, can I be lazy and just fix the seal that's leaking until the fall (and then I'll fix both leaks)? I read online that standard PVC cement can be used without having to cut out the pipe. Maybe I'll swing by the depot again and find someone there?

[Poconos]

Never tried PVC cement on threads like that however, on the suction side you could smear some silicone seal right on the joint. With the pump running it will be sucked in a little before it cures. That should plug the air leak. You should be able to leave the pump running as long as you want after you smear the stuff as it's a real thick goo. Won't work on the pressure side because there is no strength to prevent the escaping water from popping the silicone right off the joint.
And yes...that silicone grease looks just fine. I should grab some at the local HD as I'm always misplacing my almost empty tube of the stuff.
Al

[gilbertpsk]

Thanks, Al. I'll put that silicone grease on the joint and see what happens. Any special way to apply, or just push in with my fingers?

[Poconos]

I suggested silicone SEAL for the joint. Use the grease for the gaskets and O-rings. The seal is the caulking stuff. Just squish it around with your fingers. It starts to cure in 15 minutes or so.
Al

[gilbertpsk]

I put on a silicone seal (GE Silicone I) and the system has been greatly improved. Unfortunately, there is still some air getting into the filter. Is there a product or something that I can use to put around the joints to find other air leaks?