Pool Plumbing Clogged!! We Unclogged It.

In this vlog, we discovered a vacuum suction pipe clogged with debris. We induce high water pressure and negative vacuum suction to get this pipe unclogged in order to get this pipes suction at optimal levels.

[@chermullen1316]

What you’re doing is SO informative, but PLEASE turn off the music so you can be heard better!!! Especially when the equipment was running and then you were at a distance vacuuming while talking. It’s absolutely awesome what you’re doing, but so frustrating listening to beat box music and trying to understand every word you’re saying. I’m going to go try this right now and see if it’ll helps. If a clogged line is not the problem, I know we had a burnt out gasket (or the ring inside, idk) for the skimmer/vacuum controller. Could that also pose similar symptoms with not enough suction? Thank you So much for making the video

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Don’t over look your pump lid and/or gasket. I’ve seen a pump lid be unnoticeably warped not allowing pump to fully prime.

[@gilbertcampos4360]

You are an inspiration to all professional pool technicians. Doing your best to unclog the side port vacuum line was epic, but in the rain as well, it was epic. I learned a great deal from your video. Thank you, Upland, CA!!!

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed it. Appreciate the kind words.

[@UpperVIP]

Music FAR TOO LOUD - and when you explain things either get close to the mic or turn off your filter? Other than that Charles you’re a blessing! My pool ain’t the same so I’ve no idea how to get rid of the leaf blockage - tried lots but no joy so I’ll keep trying ideas …

[@LivingaHealthyandFitLife]

Thank you for your video. I accidentally turned one of the skimmer values to a position that stopped the drain and vacuum flow. I was in a panic thinking I had a leak at first. Your video helped me trouble shoot it and quickly was able to identify the issue.

[@JJ-my9uw]

Really tuned in for your wealth of great knowledge. Can live without the disco

[@3103Juan]

Thanks for this video. Just followed your step and worked. From east Orlando and yes I just went and purchased in-line basket.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Great to read this. Thanks for watching and writing your message.

[@cheapsteak]

Awesome! I had one of those things for the pipe but never thought of covering the pool end to build up the pressure. It freed the clog, when I turned the pump on all of it went to the pump basket. Thanks for the tip!

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Your welcome

[@dayspringso]

Great suggestions about in-line vacuum basket! Thank you!

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Your welcome. Thank you for watching & commenting

[@nancybarber5008]

Great job young man!!

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Thanks for your comment and for watching. Hope you subscribed for more great videos to come

[@allouttabubblegum799]

My dog knocked a big potted plant into the spa. I'm going to try and clean the drain line this way and see how it goes. I think it's full of potting soil and dirt. When in spa mode, it looks just like what the pump was doing in the video here. Lots of air, not much water and pressure swells.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Good luck

[@marcogrady107]

From AZ here.. Great video...

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Thank you

[@jeffparks4958]

Thanks gonna give this a try. I’ve got a cleaner line clogged here in AZ

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Hope this helps you

[@flash521]

How East Cape Baja Sur MX? 😢 Bit far. Thank you for demonstrating your grueling stay-at-it work to unclog pool lines. Hoping to find someone as determined and skilled as you. Best regards.

[@edysetay7958]

Great, Very detailed information. Wish you were in So Cal.😩

[@andybrody]

What are you using on the equipment side to blow pressure in? I usually try the hose and bladder.

[@mrbenpmuir]

Interesting, I usually just induce the line with compressed air and if it won’t budge place a ball of butyl ethylene tape in to push it all through with the air.

[@AM-kx4ue]

Good job man!!

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Thanks!

[@lynnmariemoriarty9193]

I so wish you were near me. I just bought a house with a pool and I am a complete newbie with a plumbing system that needs updated. 0 suction on the vacuum line, no skimmer flap, no back flush. Uggggg I've called the local pool plumber 3X and cant get a call back. :'(

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Sorry to hear this and the experience your dealing with in your local area with the local companies. I understand and can relate in regards to how some companies don’t even return phone calls, respond & send messages, or even show up. I’ve personally dealt with this and it’s frustrating. It must be a new thing. the more it happens to me, the more I answer my phone and respond to callers.

[@clydemontero4523]

Thank you very much that was a lot of help

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Glad it helped

[@phillipmelly1331]

Awesome

[@bigguy8586]

I need help unclogging a bottom drain. How did you get it to push instead of suck.

[@stevefeder1410]

I don't know if you realize this but you go from trying to disconnect the intakes pipes to a shot where you have plugged 'something' in to try to unplug the line. As another comment has mentioned you never actually describe what equipment you are using to dislodge the objects in the line. I'd suggest you get a program to edit the video - there's probably something inexpensive that will either allow an edit to the video or add some captions.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Trade Only equipment used here. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@anitarushlow4022]

Just an FYI...I could not hear most of what you said. That's a shame because you look like you are skilled at what you are doing. And I am dealing with some clogs and the filter losing PSI. I am trying everything and nothing is working. I sure wish I could have heard what you were saying.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Sorry for that.

[@thepurplepear6742]

You can turn on closed captioning

[@larrymulligan4824]

Is the water source at the jandy valve a pressure washer or hose. How are you providing water pressure without sealing the Jandy valve? Looks like you just put hose in valve How did you prevent the water just coming back out the valve opening? You did not show any debris going into wet dry vac. Did vac pull out the clog?

[@j1612157]

Boynton here, Do you service this area? My valves to isolate my skimmer and my main are broken, so I also need to address that. If i try hose/bladder, would I insert from pump side or skimmer side or does it not matter.

[@Artseventy6]

Nice job! I have a question, with my pump drawing from just the skimmer, it's fine, but when I set the valve to draw from the main drain it loses suction, then it will build back up, then loses suction again, when I close the main, the skimmer takes over and it works fine again, could this be a clog in the main drain?

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Could be a clog or most likely a broken cracked line. To check this, you’ll need to have pipe inspected

[@Artseventy6]

So, another question is, like I said I usually just leave it on the skimmer setting and it's fine, but when the filter starts up in the morning it bubbles and gurgles air out through the return jets for about 30-45 seconds, then settles down and flows fine, where could all the air be coming from?

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

This is normal in the morning first start up. It’s the pressure from pump pushing water through the pipes initially.

[@leonardbell5954]

How can I contact you? I think I have the same problem. I also just purchased the same vacuum and have a big oak tree that has branches hanging over the pool. Which causes some acorn/nut to fall into the pull and break into pieces that get stuck on the vacuum suction. How can I call you?

[@ryanmacdonald5928]

Did you just use a hose to build pressure or ??

[@malka4500]

I'm in cape coral FL I need your company here. Maybe it's time to open a branch in SWFL

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

That’s nice, this market we are in is plenty big

[@lbowsk]

Can barely hear you. But I sure can hear the incredibly horrible "music".

[@keithwoods1951]

Stop the music when you're talking and we can't hear you when the pump is running

[@310miranda]

You should try using CO2. That’s what we use here in South Ca.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

I’ll have to look into that... please tell me how you use it, where you get it from and what time of equipment (if there is) do you use to apply

[@mayorb3366]

@@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV I agree, a CO2 tank with a blow bag is the most effective way for tough clogs.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

I got to source this co2 tank

[@anitarushlow4022]

What is a Durado and what is a vaccuum line? Do you mean an electronic pool cleaner like a Polaris? Thanks

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

A Dorado is a “Suction” type pool vacuum cleaner that works off the suction ( vacuum ) of the pool pump. A Vacuum line, also referred to as a side suction, is a dedicated independent pvc line that is plumbed to the pool pump. When this line is used and a suction side vacuum cleaner connected to it, the vacuum will move along bottom of pool and clean it.

[@anitarushlow4022]

@@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV Okay, thank you for clarifying that for me. I appreciate it!!

[@SirUncleCid]

Puts threaded valves on all of the suctions except one lol.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Some plumbers choose certain parts differently than others. We’ll also the 1 3 port valve is necessary for spa mode applications

[@SirUncleCid]

​@@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV I'm sure the plumbing on the spa suction was not like that from day one. There's a few couplings and whatnot that show that was probably a repair job.... but if someone willingly chose that, it's time for them to review how drastically fittings change the pool's TDH and overall efficiency.

[@travismowery2856]

I have a clogged vacuum line used a plumbers bladder to backwash the line and used a small 2 hp shopvac to suck from the vacuum line. It still is mostly clogged. I didn't use the plug like you did to pressurize it though. If this doesn't work what's the next step? Do I have to call someone to snake or hydrojet it? Thanks. I'm going to get a basket like you suggest when It's fixed.

[@dummkompf]

attach a small section of hose to the vacuum port. Cover the end of the hose with your hand to pressurize it like he was doing with the plug. with the hose attached, you can direct the water outside of the pool so that the clog won't go back into it

[@vthplumbing2280]

My pool drain has EXTREME SUCTION it has a cover, and it held an excersise ball. Can u tell me how to fix it?

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Open the skimmer line up and leave it 50/50 open

[@vthplumbing2280]

@@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV ok

[@hinsonswifey]

Could you help me and my mom out with our clogged lines?

[@SM-ql8ty]

No compressor? Just hook it up thru the jandy port with the valve cover off and blow away

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

👍🏼

[@anitarushlow4022]

What do you mean by compressor? What do you put in the jandy port to blow away with? Thanks

[@SM-ql8ty]

@@anitarushlow4022 there's adapters you can buy to plug the jandy valve port so that the air from a compressor is directed thru the line to force out obstructions. Another way you can use a compressor is to hook up a threaded bit that fits into the pump's drain plug threading and then you can blow out obstructions from there

[@anitarushlow4022]

@@SM-ql8ty Thanks for your prompt reply. Unfortunately I am such a rookie that I still have no clue what you mean. But thanks for trying to help. I just need someone to explain it to me as if I were a 5 year old. Lol.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

A Compressor is a type of equipment that compresses air and build up a certain pound of air pressure. With the correct type of adapter that could fit inside of a directional valve (Jandy Or Pentair Valve) you essentially could use this compressed air to blow out any possible clogs in a pvc pipe.

[@eclips8510]

My inground pool has 2 skimmers, 1 is working normal after using a plumbing bladder to remove some debris, the other isn't working at all. Would each skimmer have it's own plumbing to the pump, or would both skimmers be connected by the same pipes? I'm just wondering why 1 would work and the other has no suction at all. I just bought the house and the pool hadn't been used for 3 yrs so it was full of algae, leaves, pine needles, spiders, and mud. I got the water blue (but it's very cloudy), the jets are working but have low pressure, and 1 skimmer is working, but that other 1 isn't. Also I can't seem to get that mud to be filtered out, I brush the pool and it turns the water black then it just keeps sinking to the bottom of the pool. Any help would be extremely appreciated

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Having two skimmers and determining if they are separate or joint together you would have to look at the pump area. So you’ll have to focus your attention at the series of plumbing that’s is all connected together and heading into the front of the pump. This is the suction side of the system and where the skimmer(s) pvc pipes would be located. Depending on how many pipes you see all connected together going into pump, you would have to start by finding which valve on the pipe is managing the one skimmer you see is working and mark it with a black sharpie. Then open another valve first and then close the one you marked, then try to determine which pipe that valve is managing. Continue with this technique until you go through all the suction side pipes. I will say that depending on how the original plumber of the pool made his connections will determine if you have one main line for both skimmers or if you have two independent likes for each individual skimmer. I have seen plumbed one principal line for two skimmers before and there’s not much you can do to regulate the suction pressure. Good luck

[@eclips8510]

@@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV thank you for your reply!! I have 3 ports on the pump. 1 is getting zero flow while the other 2 flow perfectly with no air bubbles, so I'm assuming that port is connected to the skimmer that isn't working. I've tried plumbing bladders at the pump and then at skimmer, wet vac at skimmer on both suction and blowing, and bought a drain snake all with no results at all, not even a little flow. The bladder shoots out when pressure builds, the wet vac is doing nothing, and the snake I think is getting to a point in the plumbing that it can't fit through because when I feel resistance I do what the snake requires and it grabs nothing. I'm going to try a flat snake next. Do you have any advice or possible ideas I could try to get this thing unclogged? The pool wasn't used by the previous owner for 4 yrs and I pulled an animal skeleton out of the skimmer line I got working, so I know there must be something crazy in the line that's still clogged.

[@stephenvandixon769]

Can I use a pressure washer to blow out the clog?

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Issue may be that you may not have the angle or accessibility to use a pressure cleaner

[@familyrvwanderingfree1702]

Why can't you use a drain snake?

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

You can try

[@keithcolvin8063]

Between the music and equipment noise this I'd little help

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Glad your comment helps the algorithm. Thanks

[@Blaxztr215]

I drained my pool completely. The next day there is water. Why?

[@gravis00]

Music is too loud

[@philindeblanc]

If you stopped playing this annoying music, we might fffn hear ya!!! How annoying!!

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Love it

[@gerd9126]

instead of that ridiculous background music blaring it might be good to hear him commenting and theorising..ffs apart from that gripe good video

[@anthonymotola4263]

Speak louder , I can't hear you ,

[@dougstoltz1320]

Good video, low voice with music

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Ok next time

[@glorias.9572]

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU DIRECTLY?

[@brucewalker2027]

Back-ground music renders this video a complete waste of time. I gave-up 3 minutes into it.

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Thanks for your three minutes.

[@Art_64]

Lose the music

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Never lol

[@manongermain4447]

Stop de music we can’t listen what you have to say

[@greghackney8437]

And it's still sucky music.

[@lb3724]

Dude this music made this video intolerable to watch. Could barely hear you over it. Make it short, concise; less music

[@mccainjay]

Could do without the music

[@EliteSwimmingPoolsTV]

Next time i do this type of repair, I will