Dealing with a leaking pool pump can make even seasoned fibreglass pool owners feel a little nervous. This is as a pool pump is expensive, and if something happens to yours, you may be wondering if you need to replace it. Just because you found a leak in your pool pump, this doesn't mean that a disaster is looking. Often, it can be fixed. Your pool pump could have a minor leak, or maybe the leak is major. Irrespective of which it is, you should approach a professional to try to get your pool pump fixed first.
These are three of the most common kinds of pump leaks you’re likely to experience. Learn more about these so that you can identify what’s happened to your pool pump, and more importantly, get it fixed.
Suction Side Leaks
Your pump’s suction side includes those parts as well as equipment that are before where the pump is placed. You should also know that the most common kind of suction side leak you’re likely to encounter is an air leak.
Sometimes, you could also find that the pump is leaking water. Usually, with this kind of leak, you’ll be dealing with air leaks. Also note that while your pool pump is running, you won’t be able to spot any air leaks. This is because while your pool pump is running, the water force is so immense that the air doesn’t get the time it needs to leak outside.
However, when you turn your pump off the water will stop flowing. This gives you the opportunity to spot if the air is leaking out any cracks.
What you should look for first, when you think there might be leaks, are air bubbles. When the pool pump is running, look at the water that’s in the pump’s strainer basket. See if there are any air bubbles there.
If you do find a suction side leak, don’t worry. Go through the following areas, and you’ll be able to fix your pool pump leak.
Water Level Is Low
This is one of the common causes of pool pump leaks. Check the wager level of your pool, if you think your pump has a leak on the suction side. When there's not enough water in the pool, air can enter the skimmer. Then, it will be able to travel to the pool pump. When the pool's water level isn't high enough, just use your backyard hose to raise the water level.
The Lid Of The Pump Strainer
Look for any worn-out sections or cracks on the lid of the pump strainer. If you do find cracks, consider getting it replaced. You can also patch the area up, but the crack is more likely to return eventually.
Also, check the o-ring that’s beneath the lid. This component helps in sealing the strainer lid tightly. Should it be old or worn down, consider getting it replaced.
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Valves & PVC That May Be Cracked
The pool pump pipes help bring the water from the pool to the pump. Just pour some water over both the pipes as well as the valves, and look for bubbles. Should you spot bubbles, then the pipes and the valves will need to be replaced.
Strainer Basket
If there’s an issue with the plug of your strainer basket, then you will need to replace your o-ring.
Discharge Side Leaks
The discharge side is also known as the pressure side. This is that part of the pool pump from where the water is sent back into the fibreglass pool. Usually, these kinds of leaks are water leaks. It could also be easier for you to spot this kind of leak. You’ll notice pressurised water leaking out of areas that are cracked or weak.
Look out for the following signs:
The pipe fittings could be spraying water, or drips could be falling out from them.
There could be water puddles below the pump.
The water level of the pool could decrease.
Impeller
The impeller helps create water pressure. It could get damaged due to age, an obstruction from debris, and more. This could result in a leak. Remove the motor from the pump and check what condition the impeller is in. If there are obstructions, remove them. If it’s too old, consider getting it replaced.
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Gasket Or O-Ring Housing
A seal is required between the motor as well as the pump housing. If there is a leak here, then the gasket and o-ring housing need to be replaced.
Discharge Pipe
If the pipe has shrunk, or if the seal was ill-fitting, then the discharge pipe could start leaking. This can also happen as a result of excessive heating. If this does happen, the pipes will need to be replaced.
The Housing Of The Pump
If you’ve ruled out everything mentioned so far, then the crack could be in the pump. As there is a lot of pressure inside the pump, repairing the housing is hard. If your pool pump is new, then the housing will need to be replaced. But if it’s older, then you may need to replace your pump.
The Shaft Seal
Say both your suction as well as discharge sides are fine. However, your pool pump is still leaking. Then, you will need to inspect the shift seam. This seal can be found between the impeller and the motor. This keeps water away from the motor.
But if the seal ends up failing, then it’s possible for water to leak into the area around the motor. Listen carefully if there are any strange sounds coming from the pool pump. This could indicate that the motor bearings are attempting to work while in contact with water
If there isn’t any water damage, you’ll only need to replace your shaft seal. But if the motor does have water damage, then both the shaft seal and the motor will need to be replaced.
Conclusion
There could be several places where your pool pump leaks from. But the good news is that in many cases, you can both find out where the leak is from and then get it fixed. Use this guide to learn how to inspect your pool pump for leaks, as well as how to fix the problem.
