Repairing Guides

how to repair leaking underground pool pipes

by Dell Douglas Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  • Step 1: Check the skimmer-concrete connection by first removing the outer cover on your skimmer box.
  • Step 2: Ensure the skimmer is submerged by at least an inch of water before you proceed with the following steps, adding...
  • Step 3: Turn off your pool pump and any other equipment that will disturb the water.
  • Step 4: Run a simple leak detection dye test by adding a few...

Part of a video titled Fix A Leak Without Digging - DIY Pipe Repair - YouTube
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So first thing we're gonna do is we're going to install a stand pipe. So it's 2 inch threaded it'sMoreSo first thing we're gonna do is we're going to install a stand pipe. So it's 2 inch threaded it's gonna come up and it just makes and soling our plug our compression plug a lot easier.

Full Answer

How do you repair a leak in a pool?

Repairing Your In-ground Swimming Pool Main Drain Pipe

  • Diagnosing Leak In Main Drain. First thing you need to do, is verify that your main drain line is leaking. ...
  • Repair Difficulty Level. This is an easier repair than you might think. ...
  • The Most Common Reason For Leak. ...
  • Finding The Leak. ...
  • Repairing The Line. ...

How to repair a leak in a pool?

  • Skimmer leaks: The most common leak is a separation between the plastic skimmer and the concrete pool. This is easily fixed with pool putty.
  • Light leaks: Often the conduit pipe will come apart, break or separate from the niche. This is difficult to patch. ...
  • Liner leaks: Simply patch it with a vinyl liner patch kit. If underwater, use a wet patch kit.

How to fix leaking swimming pool PVC pipes?

Signs of a broken or leaking pipe under a swimming pool include:

  • falling water levels
  • excessive dirt on the bottom of the pool
  • cracks appearing in decking or paving around the pool
  • greater need for use of pool chemicals
  • water puddles that dont go away even when there has been no rain or pool use
  • water weeping downhill from a pool

More items...

How to repair a break in PVC pipe underground?

  • Locate the leak in the PVC pipe and mark with a grease pencil or marker it so you can locate it later.
  • Cover or plug all holes in the pipe--drains or access holes--using the drain stoppers built into the sink's drain.
  • Place the end of a wet/dry vacuum hose over the open hole in the PVC pipe and turn it on.

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How do you seal underground water pipes?

0:072:46PipeFuze - Fix Underground Leaks Without A Shovel - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo our turn fitting we screw the hose in we set in our injection our injection plug that's gonnaMoreSo our turn fitting we screw the hose in we set in our injection our injection plug that's gonna take the water back out of the pipe. We hook it back up to another hose the secondary hose in the kit.

How do you seal pool pipes?

1:042:32How to Use Silicone Caulk to Seal a Pool Pump Air Leak : Pools & SpasYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd PVC glue and then what you would do depending on how much room you have sometimes you can putMoreAnd PVC glue and then what you would do depending on how much room you have sometimes you can put this in and it will glue right in and you won't need to move any of this stuff around. Sometimes.

How do you fix a leaky pool return line?

0:153:39Repairing a Leaking Swimming Pool Return Line with LeakTronicsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're not gonna repair anything from inside basically we're gonna core drill through this existing.MoreYou're not gonna repair anything from inside basically we're gonna core drill through this existing. We're gonna literally burst the pipe out then what we're gonna do is run a new fitting.

How do you tell if inground pool pipes are leaking?

Signs you have a leak in your plumbing system includeLow Water Pressure – The more air in your lines, the less room there is for water. ... Unable to Prime – If your pump suddenly is unable to be primed, it could be as simple as a closed valve or a blocked impeller.More items...•

What is the best sealant for leaking pipes?

The following list looks at the best pipe thread sealant for a number of applications.BEST OVERALL: Gasoila – SS16 Soft-Set Pipe Thread Sealant with PTFE.BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Dixon Valve TTB75 PTFE Industrial Sealant Tape.BEST FOR WATER: Oatey 31230 Pipe Joint Compound with PTFE with Brush.More items...•

Can You Use Flex seal on pool plumbing?

0:236:29Flex Seal on A Swimming Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what did I do scored. It it all around it read to can two or three times it says good on metalMoreSo what did I do scored. It it all around it read to can two or three times it says good on metal good on water for good on rubber good on plastic.

How deep are pool pipes buried?

How Deep Should Pool Plumbing Pipes be Buried? Your plumbing lines should be about 2 ft underground to protect them from surface soil slip and shift and from freezing temperatures.

How do you check for pool pipe leaks?

6:3411:41Pressure Testing - Swimming Pool Plumbing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTest. We'll use the relief valve on the back of the pressure tester to relieve the pressure in theMoreTest. We'll use the relief valve on the back of the pressure tester to relieve the pressure in the system. So that when we pull plugs out they're not popping out at us.

How do you replace a PVC pool pipe?

0:222:07How to Replace Sections Of Swimming Pool Pipe and FittingsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipCut the section that you need to replace. Making. Sure you leave as much spare pipe as possible soMoreCut the section that you need to replace. Making. Sure you leave as much spare pipe as possible so that you've got room to add on your fittings. If needed have a dry run.

Why is my inground pool losing an inch of water a day?

Pool Is Losing 1 Inch of Water Per Day Losing more than ½” of pool water per day indicates you likely have a leak in your pool's structure or your pool pump system. You should call your pool service for a thorough leak inspection. You might not be able to keep up with refilling your pool at this point.

Where do most pool leaks occur?

Most pool leaks are not in the underground plumbing, although it's every pool owner's worst fear, a large backhoe coming in and ripping up the pool deck. It does happen occasionally, that a leak occurs at a pipe connector under the pool deck, or beneath the skimmer, but repair rarely involves a backhoe.

Why does my pool lose water when it rains?

Pool Losing Water After Heavy Rain Due to a heavy rainstorm, water loss is more common with vinyl liner pools that can be damaged, come loose, or float to the top. With other types of inground pools, it is vital to get the water level down. If not drained, the water balance will change, causing cloudy water and more.

How do I seal a crack in my pool pipe?

1:172:12Locating and Fixing A Pipe Leak Under Concrete Pool Deck with ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is how we just cut that leak out and again we're going to install a plumber's loop to do theMoreThis is how we just cut that leak out and again we're going to install a plumber's loop to do the repair.

How do you seal threaded pool fittings?

To use Teflon tape on male threaded fittings, apply in a clockwise direction (as you are looking into the fitting from the threaded end), tightly wrapping around the threads 3 times, to build up a few layers of Teflon tape.

What kind of glue do you use for pool plumbing?

Oatey® PVC 2300 Series Pool-Tite™ Medium Bodied Very Fast Set "Hot" Blue Cement is recommended for potable water, pressure pipe and DWV applications. It is formulated for wet conditions or situations involving fast installation or pressurization of flexible and rigid PVC pipe and fittings.

Is there a silicone that can be applied underwater?

MarineFlex high performance adhesive sealant can be used on boats, pools & spas, where you need a waterproof seal or bond, even under water* It can be applied & will cure under water – no need to drain your pool or spa.

Can Aquaman detect leaks?

At Aquaman, we’ve developed technology and state of the art equipment to help us to hear and detect leaks far beyond any human capability. Because of this technology, we can pinpoint the leak in a poured foundation or slab.

Can Aquaman leak?

On Feb 19, 2018. It’s possible for a swimming pool leak to develop in any pool part, including underground cracks in the suction or return PVC lines leading to the pool from the pump and filter system.

Can a pool leak be re-landscaped?

A swimming pool leak is enough to deal with without the added headache of having to have yard re-landscaped or a large section of cement repoured. The best way to ensure a pool pipe leak repair without ...

How to chip out white PVC pipe?

When pipes are cut off right off against a valve, the glued pipe is still inside the valve port. Cut the inside pipe 2-3 times with a hacksaw blade (blade only), and then use a sharp flathead and small hammer to chip out the white PVC pipe, without gouging the valve.

What is the suction side of a pool pump?

The suction side refers to all the plumbing Before the pool pump impeller, which carries water under suction or vacuum. This is the skimmer and main drain suction pipes, fittings and valves, which terminate in the front of the pump. A leak on the suction side will draw air into the pipes when the pump is on, and leak water out (usually) ...

How to use PVC glue?

Use PVC primer on pipe and fittings about 30 seconds before adding copious amounts of fresh PVC glue. Primer cleans and softens the pipe, heating up the plastic to make a solvent weld. Keep a rag handy to quickly wipe up any drips of glue after you push the pipe deep into the fitting and hold it for 10 seconds.

How to save a Jandy valve?

Another way to save a Jandy Valve is to go over the outside with a 2in coupling, then reduce the coupling back down to 1.5 inches with a reducer bushing. The final connection that is made will be tight, and usually requires some bending of the pipes, or pushing of the equipment, to make the final glue joint connection.

Can you replace a suction valve?

But it can be difficult to just replace one valve on the suction side, oftentimes it’s necessary to replace the entire suction manifold, or most of the pipes from the ground up, into the pump.

Can you patch a leak in a pool?

Being under pressure, there is no way to patch an inground pool plumbing leak on the pressure side. You can’t wrap it with leak-stopping tape, and pouring epoxy over the area won’t work either. Wrap it a hundred times with duct tape and you will slow the leak, but it’s still gonna leak!

Can pool pipes be broken?

Pool pipes that are underground are not usually the cause of pool leaks, but they can be broken from freeze damage, tree roots, settling decks or shifting soils. Flex pipe (Flexible PVC pipe) can be damaged by earwigs or chlorine, and is not recommended for underground use.

How long does it take for a pool to leak?

It can take months or even years ...

What does it mean when a pool puddle doesn't go away?

water puddles that don’t go away even when there has been no rain or pool use. water weeping downhill from a pool. wet spots in the yard on the side of the pool where the plumbing returns water to the yard.

Why does my water level drop?

Water levels will drop naturally as a result of evaporation and pool use, however drops of an inch or more over a week when there has been no pool use usually indicates a problem.

Can you repair a broken pool pipe yourself?

There are some instances where digging up and repairing a broken pool pipe yourself is possible, however you need to firstly be certain of where the leak is, that there are no electrical or other services you may impact, and that your excavations won’t compromise the structural integrity of the pool or any other retaining walls or built structures nearby.

Can you plant plants around a pool?

There’s no doubt the landscaping around a pool can often go a long way toward enhancing its exotic or tropical appeal. But sadly, without professional landscaping advice many homeowners fall into the trap of planting certain species of plants that have the ‘look’ and are low maintenance, but which also have highly invasive root systems.

Can a pool be built above a drain?

Swimming pools built above existing pipes and drains. Apart from the pool’s own water and drainage system, there can be complications when above-ground or shallow pools and spas, or even an in-ground pool’s surrounding decking, pergola or paving, are constructed over the top of (or near) existing sewer or storm water drainage pipes.

Pool Plumbing Water Leak Repair

When you notice a water leak in your pool plumbing, youve got options for how to make your water leak repair. If a pressure test on your lines shows that the pipe itself is losing less than 5 lbs. of pressure over the course of 30 seconds, your pipe can be repaired using PipeFuze. Its the easy way to fix-a-leak.

Any Leaks At The Equipment Pad

If there is a loss in the water level of the pool, then check the equipment pad area for moisture. We have seen it before, as it is not uncommon for the filter, pump, heater, and valves to spring little leaks. It isnt the small drips we worry about, it is the sprays and trickles that may be the cause of the problem.

Cost To Replace Pool Tile

The average price to replace tile is $2,000 to $5,000, depending on how much tile needs to be replaced and the style of tile that is chosen. If you have a larger model, you will spend more on this project than on smaller models. You may also elect to install a premium tile that could incur a premium price.

The Most Common Types Of Leaks

If a pool leaks at exactly the same rate whether the pump is on or off, the leak problem is likely in the structure of the pool.

How To Test For A Leak In Your Inground Pool Piping

A pressure testing rig or stick is used to test individual lines, to see that they hold pressure. Experts will also introduce air into the pipe and listen for air escaping with high-tech headphones and a stethoscope of sorts.

What Causes A Leaky Swimming Pool

Aside from knowing whether or not you actually have a leak, figuring out what caused it can be another headache in and of itself.

How To Fix A Leaking Pool Skimmer

Leaking skimmers are another common issue, most often caused by the skimmer separating from the concrete.

Where is the leak in the pool piping?

It is, however, a pool owner’s worst nightmare. Occasionally, a leak occurs at the pipe connector under the pool deck or beneath the skimmer, but repair rarely requires a backhoe.

How to tell if you have a leak in your plumbing system?

Signs you have a leak in your plumbing system include. Low Water Pressure The more air in your lines, the less room there is for water. Be sure to check your filter’s pressure gauge and if the PSI rating is lower than your normal reading, use the filter’s air relief to release air pressure. Unable to Prime – If your pump suddenly is unable ...

What is the main plumbing system in a pool?

A pool has two main plumbing systems: the suction system and the pressurized system . The suction system (the skimmer and main drain) pulls water from the pool and brings it back to the filter. The pressurized system pumps water back to the pool after it has passed through the filter.

Why is my pump not primed?

Unable to Prime – If your pump suddenly is unable to be primed, it could be as simple as a closed valve or a blocked impeller. Be sure to check a few other things to really single out this issue. Losing Prime – If the pump runs dry after manually priming the pump with a hose, it could be a sign of a more severe air leak.

Can you find a leak in a pool?

This is bad news for your wallet and the environment. More importantly, when working with Leak Science, your leak won’t just be found – it will be fixed.

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