How to Fix Leaking Swimming Pool PVC Pipes

[@jersstuff]

An easy way to get a good fit, is to dry assemble the pipes and fittings and then make an index mark on each pipe and fitting which makes reassembly easier when you put it back together with glue. Thanks for sharing your post. Jer

[@das250250]

Some improvements .. Clean painted pipe , bevel edges , cut pipe at 90 degrees , fit the elbows to the straight piece then fit that to the existing pipes rather than trying to fit the long straight pipe into the elbows which were cemented..

[@geocentrictruth]

no sanding the soft surface?

[@willl560]

I use a chop saw any time cutting pvc, fast accurate 90 degree cuts. Still need to clean the ends off. That residue on the ends will come off, it’s got to go some where. In this case the pool or it’s filter.

[@andrewyoung0000]

You are correct

[@regex7369]

I would only recommend cutting out/replace pvc as last worst scenario. I HIGHLY recommend jb water weld. This stuff is awesome and can plug a leak UNDER WATER if needed. I have plugged multiple pvc joint leaks successfully with it. Wated weld is less then $5 at WM.

[@heinzrose5861]

Just something my grampa (35yr industrial pipefitter and started a plumbing business that he sold to his nephew) always said about keeping elbow joints lined up: insert the elbows onto the length/connecting pipe without gluing, then glue the female ends to their male ends. Let that set for a minute or so, remove the length from in between and glue both ends and reinsert where they go. No guess work. He also said plumbing isnt carpentry, so leave some wiggle space. He was born in 1917, old oldschool words of wisdom. Otherwise i think hed be impressed by your work.

[@SPL]

Great tips! 👍👍

[@paragb]

Didn’t understand can you explain better with an example

[@thomasgarrett5371]

You did an excellent job demonstrating all the tasks associated with using PVC piping at a pool site. I am currently snowed in and will not use this techniques until April. While I am indoors I plan to get some PVC piping and glue and begin experimenting with your techniques. Thank you.

[@VaingloriousVagabond]

the one thing he did not do was remove the old paint from the piping so he is gluing new pipe to old paint. to avoid this get some primer and keep rubbing it on until the old paint comes off be careful as some primer is purple and it stains instantly (concrete, hands, etc.). after primed and dried then glue both the side of your pipe that is primed and the coupling or elbow. a chamfer on the pipe should ensure a good gluing as well. remember to give about a quarter-half a turn if you can wile gluing pipes together. try to finish your projects with a "bridge" of pvc with 2x 90s on the ends of a strait piece of pipe; this will allow the most snug fits.

[@thomasgarrett5371]

Wearing gloves is very crucial

[@TheAnimeist]

If you want to get the proper angle, when dry fitting, draw alignment markings with a permanent marker. Also take pictures of the original plumbing before cutting.

[@desertspectre2881]

Dude thanks for this vid it’s older than most but great pro tips!

[@ravinperera4255]

Use a pen to mark the elbow to pipe angle after you check fit, then glue it

[@ChrizRockster]

Surely the pipe at 2:36 should have a chamfer on the edge before replacing the fittings to avoid the pipework pushing all the glue out and weakening the joint? Unfinished ends cause more problems than they solve.

[@jintman]

This was extremely helpful. Thank you

[@the7.3powerstrokeguy98]

hello Ryan. thanks for the previous help I fixed my DE issue it was a grid that was ripped. Now I have another issue. I think it's my return pipe. It's leaking where it connects to the copper underground pipe. I have a question when ever you cut a elbow piece. when you install the new elbow is there anything else you do? I'm referring to the loss of amount of the pvc pipe that was originally placed inside of the elbow. Like on this video. You just cut off the old elbows and replaced it with new ones. hopefully you understand my question. thanks in advance for your assistance.

[@erickrhernandez1451]

Have you created a video on how to remove and install a Hayward “air release valve” yet? I have seen few videos on how to do this but when I attempted to do it, I still Have a leak from the base of the air release valve. It’s a brand new air release valve.

[@cyfawcett]

Unsure if this thread is even active anymore due to it's age, but I'm having a leaking issue with joining 2" PVC to a 1.5" tigerflex piping for the pool skimmer. I've used 4 different reducers and every F*&%ing one of them have leaked. I'm going to try buying a Fernco rubber reducer with clamps on each end. If that doesn't work, I have no clue what else to try. Any ideas are welcomed. Thanks

[@SPL]

That is a tough one. Flex pipe can be a pain. Can you remove all of the flex pipe and go with regular PVC?

[@cyfawcett]

@@SPL I used the rubber reducer with hose clamps and it worked! Now I have to fix the leak at the return elbow 🤦‍♂️

[@tattooart420]

Just a tip when dry fitting and have everything lined up mark with sharpie and it just an opinion good video i will try the fitting extender to save time and headache 🖒 nexr time

[@SPL]

Thanks for sharing the tip 👍

[@danielshort2362]

shouldnt you have cleaned off the paint on the pipes and also you need to use primer before glue.

[@danielshort2362]

also bevel the edges so the sharp edge does not push out the glue.

[@danielshort2362]

Daniel Short yea for diy

[@SPL]

Yes, good points and good tips.

[@crocodile1313]

Daniel Short How do you bevel the edges? Do you use a standard metal file or something else?

[@danielshort2362]

I used a razor knife, or you could rub the pipe on the concrete. From what I learned if you dont do this it will push the glue out of the coupling.

[@SPL]

Very, very good tips. I should have done that in this video. Oh well, next time ;)

[@yogistogi]

Hello I wanted to get your professional opinion, I live in the antelope valley where it can get very hot and ofcourse I own a pool but I heard in order to protect the pvc piping from the sun and uv rays, its smart to paint the pipes is this true? what do you think. Thanks your time is greatly appreciated.

[@ashleypresbury7862]

Is this the only way to stop from leaking? Or can I just put something around seal?

[@SPL]

Nothing will really hold with that much water pressure.

[@mpnewhart8022]

I am going to install my own salt cell I am nervous because I have a valve in the area I am working can I save the valve if I cut next to it? Thanks as always

[@SPL]

Try using a fitting extender so you won't need to remove the valve. www.inyopools.com/Products/07501352024354.htm?gclid=CjwKCAjw6fCCBhBNEiwAem5SO-H6tXx6Q7Cg5AJkrJIlxRL1cwU2zRTfXpYO1kq7Jw6MnesRUiT2BRoCr9wQAvD_BwE

[@Hi-Tech-Ray]

Is there any difference in PVC piping for pool use oppose for house plumbing? From this video I can tell that you are using Pool Tight to glue the fittings. Thanks and great video by the way!

[@SPL]

***** Not really. The 2" PVC they sell at Home Depot is the same my supplier carries. Any PVC cement will work as they all have the same active ingredients in it.

[@enasoii]

R H he was using "rain and shine" pvc glue it can work on wet pipes and no need for the primer also he gave you the wrong answer. You have to use pressure rated pvc fittings (Nibco) to install according to all local building and plumbing codes. Not all home depot carry them. The sch40 pipe is the same but the fittings are NOT. most home depot only carry dvw fittings Which are not acceptable in pool applications.

[@ThorD4602]

@@enasoii rain r shine requires cleaner/primer if pipe will be under pressure. Basically no primer necessary on blower lines and drainage pipe, otherwise, primer required.

[@wastedcentury1805]

My situation is weird. I have two pinhole leaks on the pool pump housing itself, at the back of the vertical pipe leading to the filter. Opposite side of filter basket. Not related to clamped area. The leaks spray water backward along the pump housing, just above motor. I'm not sure if I can use PVC cement. Perhaps epoxy. I can't find anything online directly related to this

[@descendantoffools9767]

Not sure what mfr. pump you have, but it sounds like you're talking about the seal plate. PVC cements won't work on that type of thermoplastic. And pvc cement can't just be spread over a crack to seal it, it requires to pieces that are coated with glue and they are chemically "melted' together. Seal plates are under a lot of pressure so even if you could find some type of epoxy I wouldn't trust it long term.

[@albertopadilla3227]

Great video David. I have a question, is the special PVC for pools for high pressure purposes? I have heard about high temp unions. Thank you for all you do.

[@SPL]

Sched 80 is what I would use in that case. Most use schedule 40 PVC. Thanks for the great feedback as well!

[@SPL]

I will add this tip into the video in an annotation if you don't mind. Thanks.

[@seasonfilms9375]

Would it be too much to ask if you could please show how to install a diverter from the filter for a DIY home solar heating system for the pool? Please? Thank you!

[@Waduhek763]

If your leak is coming from flex pipe cut off from leak and use a rubber coupling with hose clamps to attach new pipe.

[@SPL]

I've heard that Latex paint works good in protecting the PVC from the Sun. Krylon makes a Latex spray paint - that will save you time vs using a paint brush ;)

[@Sharkie626]

Are you not required to prime PVC pipes in CA, or is it already "in" with that glue?

[@SPL]

Primer is required if the pipes are being inspected so you want to go sloppy with the primer so it gets all over the pipes and the purple color is obvious to the inspector. I filmed a re-plumb job using primer put haven't uploaded it yet. If you look at the primer itself, it has the EXACT same ingredients as the PVC Cement so primer is in the product already. Lots of guys don't use it unless there is an inspection. Proper application of the PVC cement is the key. Primer basically gives the pipe an even 1st coat, "softens" the PVC pipe and acts as a guide as you apply the PVC Cement.

[@Sharkie626]

That's cool to know. I personally never really saw the benefits of that glue which drys/sets fast like that. Maybe for an emergency job of sorts, sure, but in this case where there is still a 24-hour wait period, it just seems better to have more tome to get everything aligned right, even if you dry-fit them first.

[@lynnekellow2793]

What depth must I dig the soil to put the plastic pipe for pump of swimming pool?

[@ryansearfoorce5611]

I'm getting bubbles in my pump and out of the returns. Might it be worthwhile to put some of the blue cement around the joints without disassembling, or do I need to take the pipes apart?

[@SPL]

+Ryan Searfoorce You can try some silicone sealant. I've also used professional quality electrical tape.

[@ryansearfoorce5611]

Thanks. I'll start with the easiest option - I have plenty of electrical tape.

[@SPL]

Not a big fan of unions on pool equipment. They tend to be more trouble than they are worth. A lot of air leaks happen right at the unions. You can add them if you want - this particular backwash valve -push/pull kind lasts a long time. The only thing I change is the plunger and leave the plumbing intact. So it doesn't have to be removed at all.

[@TheHouse-pv7lv]

Can you do a video on finding and fixing leaking in ground plumbing? Or just a video on suggestions on what products to use to fill leaks without digging?

[@MiloCK_0991]

contact american leak detection. leak detection beneath ground is not a DIY. its a actual skill with EXPENSIVE tools. or just look for constant damp wet spots around the area, obviously not after a rain or after a sprinkler system has come on.

[@FawxNewsNetwork]

If you invest in a rechargable reciprocating saw it will be much easier and time efficient...my arm was tired from watching.

[@desertspectre2881]

Eventually lol I just started my pool cleaning business tho

[@vegas5982]

Great video! Thanks for sharing. Gave me a great guidance in my upcoming task!

[@JamesJackson-f6r]

Why wouldn’t you glue one elbow on the section first? Wouldn’t that simplify?

[@SPL]

It depends on the plumbing configuration. Sometimes thart is easier.

[@bludika]

Is the purple primer not necessary?

[@SPL]

bludika You can use it if you like. It has the same ingredients as the pvc cement - I do use the primer in other videos.

[@PhilBourgeois]

bludika purple primer or regular primer is a must it cleans impurities and insures proper a bond that will last. Your chemically welding the pipe together.

[@PhilBourgeois]

Bill Wesolowski maybe not much of difference on new pipe but pipe that's weathered there's a difference

[@ThorD4602]

No. the purple (or clear) primer is absolutely necessary, and never glue over paint. Look around on KZbin for a few other demos before you plunge in.

[@Thomas-e1b]

@@ThorD4602I couldn’t agree more. I don’t care how much they advertise all in one glue. It’s bs, always use primer. It creates the bond between the surfaces by heating the pipe up and making it soft and you’re also getting rid of the gunk that’s on the surface. That’s the main reason this cat in this video struggles to get the fittings on. Not to mention he the process out of order but that’s me being picky.

[@MergulhoDoJoey]

please upload more plumbing videos

[@staysharp_productions]

Is pool pipe the same diameter? I have a Pentair System. If that helps. Couple leaks but also want the Chlorinator horizontally vs vertically.

[@SPL]

There are two sizes. 1 1/2" and 2"

[@staysharp_productions]

@@SPL Thank you so much, and I just want to say what a tremendous help your channel has been to me.

[@geocentrictruth]

no sanding the soft surface?

[@benperrotte1696]

Should there be unions?

[@nycupperes]

Why no primer, when under pressure it’s recommended

[@ItsAlive111]

Why is the piping painted black?

[@yuhuaz]

Protect PVC from sun. It breaks down otherwisr.

[@medina239ify]

Hey I have a timer that doesn't seem to turn on on its own. It only turns on when you turn it on by hand. Its a yellow intermatic timer. Like the one in this video.. Any ideas why its doing that? Thanks.

[@josephborkowski6007]

yep, Bad clock motor, can be replaced if it's not moving in the visual window and turn it on manually that's the issue

[@johnrizzato9192]

No primer?

[@yogistogi]

Thanks

[@YOUandMeRealtyDotCom]

Back To The Same Video 3 Years Later... #GotPool? #GottaLoveOwningaPool #GottaLoveKZbin

[@randysmith9570]

You need to make sue your glue covers the area that the glue goes on. Also you need to put glue on the very end of the pipe because that is where the sealing occurs on a pipe. It would have been better to glue your 90's on your pipe to line up with the old pipe and then just push it on.

[@MM-kk2tv]

Exactly

[@georgesiatos9848]

rubber tape for high voltage!!!3M SCOTCH

[@zacharymaike7042]

Sand off painted pipes before gluing