how to fix plastic pipe leak near pool pump

If it is white PVC pipe, standard PVC cement might do it. If you can plug up the ends of the pipe and create a slight vacuum in it with a vacuum cleaner as you apply the cement, it will help draw the cement into the leak to fill it and make a stronger repair than just applying it on the outside.

Bob

Yeah, white PVC, I will try stopping the pump, let it dry and treat it if i can find the pvc cement. Thanks

You can get it at any hardware store or plumbing supply. You need to get the water out of the pipe if it is below water level to get it to dry sufficiently. If this is an above ground unit with flexible hoses to the pump, raising it above the pool level while the hoses are full of water may create the vacume needed to draw in the cement. Good luck.

Bob

DO NOT try to cement the treaded coupling to the pump! Cut the pipe in a straight part of the run, put teflon tape on a new threaded adapter, run it into the pump outlet and put it back together with a fernco repair coupling. (rubber hose with a metal collar) Usually these things leak because the pump ran dry and got hot. The fernco will allow you to fix it again without cutting pipe the next time this happens.

Good points. Obviously, don't glue threaded joints, if that's where the leak is. I would recommend PVC compatable pipe dope rather than the teflon tape - I've had better joints with dope.

Bob

Nope, it should be fixed right. Anything on top may stop it for a short time, but it won't hold up long term. Is it a bad joint? If so, cut it out and replace it. PVC is really easy to work with so get the material you need and in 10 minutes, it will be done.

harkonen had written this in response to

: I had the exact same issue with my pool pump just recently (leaking from the threaded PVC joint into pump). Yes it happened when the pump ran dry for a few hours and overheated.

I took the piece off by cutting the line further down and screwing it loose. The threads looked fine so I cleaned it and put teflon tape. I had to put a couple of the line that was cut. I reattached it and to my disappointment it is still leaking (less than before but it still leaks). Should I replace the 2" threaded PVC piece completely? What type of joint glue or tape should I use so I can fix this once and for all? In case this happens again is there an easier system I could install to avoid cutting pipe?

Appreciate any help you can provide.

Eric

Bob F wrote:

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How much teflon tape did you use? Expert Sam at my local pool store recommends 6 turns over the threads and 3 more over the butt, where the threads end and the connector hex shape begins. Since I adopted Sam's methods I have no more leaks. (Removable connectors are secured by a single hose clamp over the connector ridges, not at the end of the hose.)

>

PVC compatable pipe "dope" works better than tape in my experience.

harkonen had written this in response to

: Thanks for the suggestions. What is and where can one find PVC compatable pipe "dope"? If I take this apart again I want to get it right. I have a Rona, Home Depot, and Lowes in my town.

Eric

Bob F wrote:

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Any of them will have what you need for glued joints

1. PRIMER made by Oatey..the liquid (and label) is usually PURPLE. You only need the smallest can..about 4 oz/ $ 3.00 Again, thats the PRIMER, follow instructions on the can..

THEN you use the PVC GLUE, it comes in grey, clear and perhaps other colors..It'll be on the shelf right nexto the Primer at all those stores too. Follow the instructions..

DONT GET ABS glue !

Apply, shove together, give the joint a 90 o Twist and HOLD for a while..especially on the BIG 2" stuff. Thats the Glued fittings..

The threaded ones..well heres what someone is referring to as Pipe "dope"

I would make the first joint out of the pump a Fernco pressure cuff. (the one with the steel collar)

Then when you want to get in there again it is a screwdriver thing.

I had the same problem. To avoid repetitive cutting of the pipe instead of regluing the pipe with fittings I used compression sleeves that slip over the ends of the cut pipe. No matter how much Teflon tape or pipe dope I used on mine I could not get it to stop leaking. The solution was to buy a new piece for that part of the pump with the threads. Luckily it was not very expensive for the new piece and it has much tighter threads, no leaks with just the normal amount of tape.

quoted text -

I kept having leaks on my spa pump and that is how I fixed it. I think I kept cross threading the PVC everytime I screwed it into the pump. I must have wasted $40 on PVC fittings.

Jimmie

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Any of those should have it. Just look for labeling indicating it is OK for PVC. Some kinds won't have it - don't get those.

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Thanks for everyone's posts to this problem. I am having a difficulty finding the Rector Seal threaded pipe sealer and Fernco pressure couplings but have emailed the companies to find a source for their products.

One further question. I do not have any stretch of pipe leaving the pump into the filter unit that I can cut. It is all made of either elbows or couplings that have all been sealed with PVC glue. What should one do?

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At a certain point when things have been patched to the point where it is solid couplers, you just have to cut it all out and start over.