Leaking fitting at Pump

[markphin]

The fitting, which is a threaded nipple, that comes out of the pump on the pressure side is leaking. Is there any way to tighten it? It appears not as, the threaded nipple looks like it is glued into a coupling which is glued into a elbow. Do I have to cut it out and start over?
Help is appreciated.

[catnip]

Yes, I think you are stuck with having to cut the pipe to tighten the threaded fitting into the pump. Probably the easiest solution is to add a union at the pump outlet which will eliminate the need to replumb all the way to the filter. And the union will allow you to easily disconnect the pump for maintenance/replacement or to fix any future leaks in the threaded connection at the pump. Be sure to use plenty of Teflon tape or plastic pipe dope on the threads. Unions are not expensive (less than $7 at Lowe's for a 2" heavy duty union (and considerably better than the unions carried by Home Depot IMHO)).

P.S. I corrected the exact same problem on my pump last night. The threaded fitting into the pump outlet was seeping water. I loosened the union, tighten the threaded male adapter a half turn, tightened the union, and problem solved!

[waste]

Catnip nailed the answer (thankfully, saving me some typing ).
One quick tip, use teflon tape, the pipe dope and a rubber o-ring -- tape the threads, then put on one of the o-rings that comes on some threaded plugs (SP 1022-C-Z 1). With the 'tripple threat' the only thing that could still allow a leak is a crack or warpage of the threads.

[rollinrock]

Waste:

Can you put O rings on pipes if the pipe didnt have them originally. Sorry for the dumb question but I dont know much about these plumbing issues. Also, is there a special pipe wrench I can buy to use on these PVC pipes and fittings etc? If so does an outler tike Leslies carry them?

Thanx

[waste]

Waste:

Can you put O rings on pipes if the pipe didnt have them originally. Sorry for the dumb question but I dont know much about these plumbing issues. Also, is there a special pipe wrench I can buy to use on these PVC pipes and fittings etc? If so does an outler tike Leslies carry them?

Thanx

I do it often, sometimes the threads are bad or the sealing area is warped and teflon tape and pipe dope doesn't fully seal the threaded connection, the O-ring takes care of it - eliminating the need to replace a fitting or MAJOR ($$) part. I try to save the poolowners $ when I can, if I can apply a 'bandaid' that will last a # of years, I do it (I've been kicked out of the 'Pool Store Union' because of this ) I use a large pair of channel- locks (~$25 @ Home Depot) to fully tighten all the connections I screw in (up? ). ** as a note, I go by 'hand tight + 1/2 - 1 1/2 turns' when I tighten fittings, unions etc - we're dealing with plastic (for the most part) and you can break it by overtightening**