Small Leak on Pump Outlet

[wgillette]

I noticed a small leak on the outlet side of my pump. It's a slow leak, even at full pump speed, but it's still leaking. Is it safe/recommended to try and tighten this connection or is there a better approach?

 

[PoolStored]

I noticed a small leak on the outlet side of my pump. It's a slow leak, even at full pump speed, but it's still leaking. Is it safe/recommended to try and tighten this connection or is there a better approach?

Remove the union from the filter. Unscrew the union on top of the pump. Remove the section of pipe that is now free. Unscrew the remaining portion from the pump.

Get some Plasto-joint stick or Rectorseal 5 (links below). Use it on the threads going into the pump. Lubricate the union 0-rings in the unions with silicone LUBRICANT (Magic Lube II) (NOT silicone caulk). Re-assemble in reverse order.

https://www.amazon.com/Plasto-Joint-Plastic-Thread-Sealant-Temperature/dp/B004MYFP8C?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

RectorSeal 1.75 oz. #5 Pipe Thread Sealant 25790 - The Home Depot

Visit the Home Depot to buy Rectorseal 1.75 oz. #5 Pipe Thread Sealant 25790

www.homedepot.com

 

[Texas Splash]

Is it safe/recommended to try and tighten this connection

Something else to consider. Tighten gently when you reassemble. Too much tightening and you risk cracking the housing. That's a standard PVC adapter versus a gasket (O-ring)-sealed pump adapter. You can try to re-install as PoolStored noted above. Some might try to use some use Teflon tape (4-5 wraps), but again not too much tape or you can increase the risk of being too tight in the pump outlet. Others may use a Teflon paste. Either of the above may work.

If not, then you may need to get a pump male adapter which should have an O-ring specifically for that purpose. It would require cutting the pipe to glue that new adapter on, but that should press against the pump outlet for a good seal. Hopefully the easier methods above work for you.

 

[markayash]

I had a similar leak and ended up taking it out and using Teflon tape and reinstalling and that worked.

 

[bradgray]

My reflex is to immediately replace with a praher union. I wouldn't sleep at night doing anything else at a clients home. They work exceptionally well.

Amazon has them for cheap.

Praher 200-906 Canada Products LT - Union, 2" MPT x 2" Slip, HIGH Temp https://a.co/d/ejy234p

2 PACK -CMP Hi-Temp Union 2" inch 2MIP x 2" inch PVC Whisperflo & Intelliflo - 2 PACK https://a.co/d/0r4fgg9

 

[Jimrahbe]

What Brad says above.. I can't understand why someone would install a $1,500 or $2,000 pump, and be too cheap to use the correct unions.

It boggles my mind.

Pump unions, make the job easier and eliminate the leaks.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[wgillette]

That's a standard PVC adapter versus a gasket (O-ring)-sealed pump adapter.

I thought something looked off.

My reflex is to immediately replace with a praher union.

Mine too. I'll add it to my growing list of small plumbing improvements to make.

I can't understand why someone would install a $1,500 or $2,000 pump, and be too cheap to use the correct unions.

You and me both. Pool builders man, pool builders.