Repairing Guides

how to repair pool pump leak

by Allie Jacobson Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Pressure Side Leaks

  • Impeller. Your impeller is on the pump’s motor shaft. ...
  • Housing O-Ring or Gasket. Your pool pump motor lid isn’t the only place where you need to worry about a bad seal. ...
  • Discharge Pipe. If your housing gasket looks good, your next step is to check the discharge pipe. ...
  • Pump Housing. ...

Full Answer

What to do if my pool is leaking?

Pool Leak During The Winter

  • Don’t Use A Pool Cover If your Pool Is Leaking. You can see this pool on the left, what happened here is this, the water froze, then the water leaked ...
  • Above-Ground Pool Leak Concerns. Hopefully your above ground pool does not completely empty. ...
  • In-ground pool Leak Concerns. With cement or gunite pools, you probably don’t have to worry. ...

How to find out if your pool is leaking?

Signs of leaking pool plumbing

  • Air Bubbles In Your Pool. Low water levels can cause air bubbles in your pool when your pump is running. ...
  • Wet Spots In Yard. Have you noticed consistent wet spots in your yard? ...
  • Low Water Pressure. More air in your lines, means less water in your lines. ...
  • Cracks In Pool Decking. ...

How to drain your pool with a submersible pump?

To use a trash pump to remove water from your pool, follow these simple steps:

  • Step 1: Connect the hose to the machine
  • Step 3: Place the machine near the pool
  • Step 4: Turn it on

How to fix a leaking GRP water tank?

  • Water tank leak
  • Water tank lining failure
  • Sectional tank lining
  • GRP Tank Leak

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Can you fix a leaking pool pump?

As long as the motor doesn't have water damage, all you need to do is replace the shaft seal. If the motor has water damage, you will need to replace both the motor and the shaft seal. Leaking pool pumps can be a real hassle!

Why is my pool pump leaking at the bottom?

Low Water Level You want to be sure not to overlook your pool's water level. If it's too low, air can enter the skimmer, causing a leaking pool pump. To fix this, fill up the pool so the water level is between a third and halfway up the opening of your skimmer.

How do you fix a hole in a pool pump?

1:2510:20How to Fix a Pool Pump with a Pin Hole Leak. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd it works very very well the way that i've figured out how to apply this uh to the sprung leak aMoreAnd it works very very well the way that i've figured out how to apply this uh to the sprung leak a little napkin. I got here my glue caddy where we're going to be using the cleaner of the caddy.

Can you patch a water pump leak?

K-Seal can repair most leaks in your engine's water pump casing and seals.

Will flex seal work on a pool pump?

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.

Why is my pump leaking?

Dry running A pump seal normally needs fluids to lubricate the materials around shaft. If there are no fluids available to lubricate, the seal runs dry which causes extra friction and heat. The seal will burn or melt and become damaged, which causes fluid leakage due to the pressure.

How do you seal a pool pump crack?

For a leak at the male threaded adapter, roll the putty into a thin snake and press it into the fitting before threading the parts back together. Repair cracks in the pump housing by pressing putty into the crack a little at a time, building up several layers. Allow a small amount of putty to overflow the cracked area.

How do you seal a pool pump pipe?

2:266:54How to Fix Leaking Swimming Pool PVC Pipes - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipFitting some glue around the edge of the pipe. Also. You want to use a pretty generous amount ofMoreFitting some glue around the edge of the pipe. Also. You want to use a pretty generous amount of glue. These two little glue is going to come off.

Can you use JB weld on a pool?

J-B Weld has a wide assortment of adhesives that are perfect for your Pool or Marine repair or project.

What is the best stop leak for a leaking water pump?

#1 Best Overall: Bar's Leaks Liquid Aluminum Stop Leak. #2 Runner-Up: K-Seal ST5501 Pour & Go Leak Repair. #3 Best Powder: AlumAseal Radiator Stop Leak Powder. #4 Best Tablet: Bar's Leaks HDC Radiator Stop Leak.

What is the best gasket sealer for a water pump?

Permatex Water Pump and Thermostat RTV Silicone Gasket is a non-corrosive, sensor-safe RTV silicone gasket material formulated specifically for water pumps and thermostat housings. This gasket maker has the highest water-glycol resistance available in an RTV silicone.

Will Blue Devil seal a leaking water pump?

Blue devil is great but not for water pumps. I have used it many times to repair head gaskets,hell even in rotary motors. But it does destroy water pumps.

How do I change the O rings on my pool pump?

0:312:37How to: Replace a DE Filter Body O-Ring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo access the body o ring you need to first remove the clamp connecting the two shell have plantMoreTo access the body o ring you need to first remove the clamp connecting the two shell have plant styles vary according to make and model so yours may look different than our demonstration.

How do I replace the shaft seal on my pool pump?

3:428:12How To: Replace a Pool Motor Shaft Seal (Old Video) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStand the motor up on one end and gently remove the white ceramic seal inside the seal plate. YouMoreStand the motor up on one end and gently remove the white ceramic seal inside the seal plate. You may have to use a small screwdriver to gently pry out the seal.

How do you fix a leaking above ground pool pump?

0:051:21Common Leak Problems with your Above Ground Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf you do have a leak at the skimmer. You will need service if you have a leak at your return jetMoreIf you do have a leak at the skimmer. You will need service if you have a leak at your return jet you loosen it put silicone in between there and the wall. And tighten it back up.

What causes a pool pump to leak?

If it’s too low, air can enter the skimmer, causing a leaking pool pump. To fix this, fill up the pool so the water level is between a third and halfway up the opening of your skimmer. If only all pool pump leaks were this easy to fix!

How to tell if a pool pump is leaking?

While suction side leaks are air, leaks on the pressure side are water. The extreme pressure can push water out of any place downstream of the pump strainer that’s compromised. You can tell you have a problem if you have any of the following: 1 Dripping coming from the discharge pipe 2 A pool of water underneath your pump 3 An uncharacteristically low water level in your pool

What are the different types of leaks in a pool pump?

The three most common types of pool pump leaks include suction side leaks, pressure side leaks, and shaft seal leaks. I’ll explain each of these leaks, help you identify possible problem areas, and give you ideas on how to fix them. Now, let’s get your swimming pool back up and running!

How to tell if a pump is off?

Hence, the leaks. One way to tell if you have suction side leaks is to take a look at the water inside the pump while it’s running .

Why is the impeller seal important?

This seal sits between the pump motor and the impeller. This seal is important because it keeps water from entering the motor. When this seal fails, water can enter and cause motor failure. Any water inside the motor is a bad idea, so you’ll want to get this fixed as soon as possible. One way to see if this is the cause ...

How to check if a pump is cracked?

If it’s cracked, that’s likely the source of at least one of your leaks. You’ll have to either fix the crack or replace the lid. The next thing to check is the rubber O-ring underneath the lid.

What is the O ring on a pool pump?

The O-ring keeps the cover sealed nice and tight on the pump. If it’s old and cracked, you’ll need to replace it. If it looks okay, you might be able to lubricate the lid with a Teflon-based pool lubricant to ensure that the lead seals tightly.

How many sides does a pool pump have?

Pool pumps have two sides to them. There is one side that pulls the water into the filtration system, and the other side discharges it. Because Knowing this gives you a narrow list of places to check for air leaks.

Is a pool skimmer a leak?

This isn’t technically a leak. However, it can easily trick a pool owner into thinking that there is an air leak, so we are going to include it. The skimmer is where pool water is pulled into the pool filtration system. As the water pours into the skimmer, it generates a current that pulls debris into the basket that sits in that skimmer. The skimmer weir is a vertical revolving door that keeps the debris trapped inside of the skimmer basket.

Step 1: Recognize the Signs of a Pool Leak

The first step is simply identifying that a leak exists. Pool leaks often start out as a minor, occasional drip. But they can progress into a much larger issue if not addressed quickly.

Step 2: Pinpoint the Exact Location of the Leak

Once you’ve confirmed that a pool leak exists, it’s time to determine where it’s at. Start with general troubleshooting, and work your way down to the exact location.

Step 3: Fix the Pool Leak

Most pool leaks are easy to fix once found. Simple repairs usually involve a bit of pool putty, waterproof silicone, a vinyl patch, or a plaster patch. Very small plumbing leaks can sometimes be patched with Pentair Stop Leak, but this shouldn’t be considered a solution for major plumbing leaks.

How to tell if a pump seal is leaking?

A leaking pump seal can be verified by getting down on all fours (with your reading glasses!) and looking closely to see water dripping down the backside of the seal plate, as shown below. Be careful that the leak is not actually a loose clamp band, or water dripping from the pump outlet fitting, running down and dripping off of the bottom.

Where is the water leaking on a PVC pump?

As mentioned earlier, this may be mistaken for a shaft seal leak in some cases, as the water runs down the side of the pump and drips off the bottom. Look closely and you can see water leaking where the threaded PVC fitting screws into the outlet port.

What is the seal on a pool pump?

Every pool pump has a mechanical shaft seal , which prevents water from leaking along the motor shaft, behind the impeller. When the shaft seal fails, it allows water to run down the backside of the seal plate, through the hole where the motor shaft slides through.

What is a leaky pump housing?

Leaking Pump Housing. The pump housing, also called the volute, is the ‘wet end’ of your pump, including the hair & lint pot / strainer basket, and the impeller housing, can develop leaks in several areas. The housing can leak where it connects to the seal plate, or the ‘dry end’ of your pump, if the clamp or bolts are loose, ...

What causes a pump housing to leak?

Pump drain plugs can be another source of a pump housing leak. If your drain plugs have missing o-rings, or were not installed with Teflon tape, drip-drip-drip when the pump is off, while sucking air in while the pump is running.

Can a pool pump leak water?

Even though many , many pool pumps leak water without incident, a leaking pool pump is cause for concern. And although rare, a slow drip or steady leak on a pool pump can rupture into a gusher, potentially draining thousands of gallons from your pool.

Can a DynaGlas pump lid crack?

Pump lids can crack in some cases, requiring repair or replacement. leaking pump lid on a DynaGlas pump. Pump lids need to be very tight, and pump lid o-rings needs to be lubricated. A dry o-ring or a loose pump lid will almost always dribble a bit when the pump shuts off.

Why is it important to inspect the impeller of a pool pump?

At this stage it is very important to inspect the impeller for damage since you have the pool pump open . The impeller is one of the more likely pump components to develop wear or damage and inspection at this stage can save you the headache of needing to open and repair the pump a second time in the future. 4.

What happens when water leaks from the main seal?

When water leaks from the main seal it leaks directly in front of the air intake for the motor. A main seal leak left for any period of time will draw chlorinated water through the internals of the pump which will cause the bearings to rust and begin to make noise. Thanks! Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0. Submit a Tip.

Why is my impeller pock marked?

An impeller can show signs of heat damage and be melted or the leading edge of the impeller fins could be pock marked if the impeller has been exposed to cavitation. Replace the impeller if it shows any signs of damage. 5.

Can a leaky pool pump destroy a motor?

Leaking pumps can destroy the swimming pool motor. Here is some advice on how to replace a pool pump seal. The following instructions are general. Seal components are similar for most centrifugal pumps.

Pool Pump Leaks on Shack Seal

Every pool pump has an O-ring sealed around the mechanical shaft that helps water keep from leaking behind the impeller.

Pump Housing Leakage

This pump housing connects to the seal plate of the pump. It can also leak if the bolts or clamp is loosened and the O-ring is not correctly sealed.

Pump Drain Plugs

These pump drain plug leaks water if the O-rings are missing and drips when the pump is off. It will take in the air when the pump is on. So, the Teflon tape should be installed properly, which helps prevent it from leaking.

Outlet Fitting Leaks

Some people think this is a shaft seal, but it is not. Many pool owners mistake it as a shaft seal leak because the water will be seen dripping or leaking at the bottom.

Inlet Fitting

It is a fitting or fixture in which circulated water enters the pool, spa, or hot tub, mainly located at the inlet side. It is another location where water can leak. Once the pump is turned on, a leaked inlet fitting will suck in air that will damage the pump.

Pump Lid

The pump lid can also cause leakage of water. Same as the suction-side leakage, if the pump lid is damaged, it will also leak water when the pool pump is turned off. It can be challenging for you to see the leak when the pump is running. The most common problem in pump lids is a crack.

How to Avoid Leakage in Your Pool Pump

Although pool pump leaks are inevitable due to the normal wear and tear of the pool pump parts and the pool pump itself, you can still avoid it from happening prematurely. Lengthen the lifespan of your pool pump by ensuring that you are giving it proper care.

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Air Leaks on The Suction Side Water Leaks on The Discharge Side

Common Areas and Causes of Air Leaks

  • Low Water Levels
    Let’s start off with your pool’s water level. Some may not know this, but the common recommendation is to fill your pool to the point of meeting the midpoint of the skimmer. This is the recommendation for two reasons. First, the pool’s filtration system needs a constant source …
  • Strainer Lid + Gasket
    While we are looking at the strainer lid, we should examine it for any cracks or defects. If there is a problem, it likely won’t be on the lid. It will probably be found in the gasket/o-ring. Gaskets work as a seal between two hard surfaces so that air or liquid cannot pass through the two surfaces. In o…
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in Conclusion

  • There are 10,000 ways that machines can break, so do not consider this to be an exhaustive list. We’ve listed the more common issues, but there are others out there. Use your eyes and ears. Look at connections, corners, tubes, and parts worn down by time and weather. If you think there are other types of air leaks that should be included, let us know. We are happy to do more resear…
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