The wash on Swimming Pool Plumbing!
Pool Plumbing can take confusion to new heights. This type of plumbing is very complexed, so don’t risk it by doing it yourself. If you have an existing pool with broken pipes, give us a call, and we will send a fully licensed plumber to you in a jiffy. Even if you are building a new pool, Stanton Plumbing and Gas can assist in managing the entire plumbing project, so your summer retreat isn’t washed away!
Stanton Plumbing and Gas are members of the Master Plumbers Association, as well as the Housing Industry Association. Now that gives you true peace of mind!
Backwash Valve Leaking?
Multiport valves or push-pull valves have a port on them where backwash water exits. These are used on sand and D.E. filters. If you have a leaking push-pull valve (also called a slide valve), chances are you just need to replace an o-ring on the plunger. If your multiport (usually 6 position) valve is leaking out the waste port, then you may need a spider gasket replacement.
First shut off the pump and try moving the valve handle slightly. This may reset the gasket or flush out debris. Sometimes, you can "reset" the valve by jiggling the handle. Eventually, you'll need to replace the gasket, or the entire valve (a much easier job).
Air getting into system?
Small leaks in underground suction piping can result in a loss of pressure, as well as air being drawn in where water should flow. If your pool was built using "Black Poly" piping or flexible PVC underground, it's especially likely that you will experience some problems with this in the future. Usually the air leak is found to be something simple and above-ground.
The pump is meant to operate air free. After some time, you may notice air in the basket, especially if you have a clear lid to observe it. This can reduce filtering efficiency, allowing dangerous air to build up in the filter. And this can sometimes prevent your pump from catching prime (being able to move water). The problem is usually located around the pump, aboveground. Occasionally, we have to look underground for the source of the air.
Air in the pump basket can sometimes be caused by something as simple as the water level being too low in the pool. You might also want to check the skimmer weir. This is a plastic flap at the throat of the skimmer that keeps the debris in the skimmer when the pump is off. If the skimmer weir is stuck, it can cause the skimmer to drain and take in air. Also, check that the pump basket lid is on tight, and the o-ring is lubricated. Check that all plugs are tight.
A good trick in locating an air leak is to shut off the motor when it's under full pumping head pressure. Look for water to spray back out of the void where the air was entering. You have to be quick to catch this spray-back! This void will always be before the impeller. After the impeller is what we call "the pressure side." Any leak or void here will leak water out. Any leak or void prior to the impeller (in front of the pump impeller) will draw air in when the pump is on. The pump will "pump" air if it can. It is the path of least resistance. Your system needs to be almost airtight to run properly. When you find this void, patch with epoxy putty or silicone, or replace the part if needed.
Air leaks can also be attributed to any of the valves on the suction plumbing. Old brass gate valves, in addition to being troublesome and time consuming, tend to leak after many years of use. Air could also be entering through any glue joint or threaded joint in the plumbing before the filter pump.
By putting the plumbing under pressure, we're able to locate the leak and make appropriate repairs. You can do this too, by buying a Drain King at your local hardware store. This connects to a garden hose and puts the line under pressure. Putting this in the skimmer, you can turn on the hose and pressurize the line backwards (Also great for clearing clogged pipes!). Remove the pump lid, and use a plug at the pump entrance. This will allow pressure to build up in the line, and squirt out at the leak. Many suction side leaks are repaired with pool putty. However, a more permanent plumbing repair / pipe replacement can be made.
Pool losing water?
If your pool loses water only when the pump is on, the leak is probably on the pressure side. The leak detection process pinpoints the area under suspicion, where the appropriate repair can be made. If the pool loses water only while the pump is off, we look towards the suction side. And if it leaks all the time, well...it could be anywhere. It is important to repair leaks to prevent erosion of earth that may be supporting key areas of the pool and equipment. In addition, leaks can waste several hundred gallons of your filtered, heated, and chemically treated water per day!
If you have any plumbing issue with your pool that you need resolved, please call Stanton Plumbing and Gas today! Qualified Brisbane Plumbers, ready to safeguard your Backyard Retreat!