Knowing your pool has leaks can be worrisome, and your pool’s pump system can be the culprit behind your worries.
If you noticed that your water level is unusually getting low and that there are water sprays coming out of your pipes when your pump is turned on, you might be having a pressure-side leak.
Keep reading to learn more about pressure side leaks.
What Are the Leaks Related to Your Pool’s Pump System?
Two common types of leaks related to your pool’s pump system are pressure side leaks and suction side leaks.
First, do a bucket test to make sure that the water isn’t simply splashing out or evaporating.
If turning on your equipment affects your pool’s water level, then there is a pressure side leak. Low water level, dripping from the discharge pipe, and a puddle of water under your pump can also show there is a leak.
Pressure side leaks are water leaks that affect the pressure side of the pool’s plumbing system. Unnecessary pressure on this part of the pump results in a significant amount of water loss. This pressure allows the water to go to the smallest of holes or tears, making small drips or dents bigger. Thus, causing the leak.
Knowing how to check and identify different types of leaks can be very helpful. This will not only save you and the repair team time and resources, but it will also help you save money. Finding these leaks on time helps you avoid further damage to your pipes and plumbing system.
Where to Check on Your Pump for Pressure Side Leaks
Some plumbing leaks only need checking the obvious spots for leaks. You may notice that grass is growing more than normal, or that some parts surrounding your pool have soft spots. You can even hear strange sounds coming out of your pump or pipes.
In the case of pressure side leaks, your pool’s pump system is involved. Familiarizing yourself with its structure and how it works helps you to figure out where your leak is coming from.
Four Main Areas in the Pump’s Pressure Side
Your pool’s pump system has two main parts:
- Suction Side – The suction side is where the water circulation process starts. This part of your pump draws up water from your pool to the pump for filtration.
- Pressure Side – After filtering the water, the pressure side of your pump starts to work. This part of the pump pushes the clean water from the filtration system back to the pool.
You can check these four main areas in your pump’s pressure side if you suspect that you are having a pressure side leak:
1) Impeller
The impeller’s job is to create the pressure that pushes the clean water back to the pool after filtration. You can see the impeller on the pump’s motor lid. Your pool pump’s impellers can wear out through time which causes the water leaks. The best solution for a damaged impeller is replacing it or removing the block if there’s a blockage.
2) Gasket or Diffuser O-Ring
You can check your pump’s gasket or diffuser o-ring between the pump housing and the motor. This can also break and tear over time. Hence, regular check-ups of your gasket are recommended. These check-ups will determine if gasket replacements are needed to avoid further damage.
3) Discharge Pipe
If the impeller and gasket are both in good condition, you may have a problem with your discharge pipes. These pipes can cause leaks when they come off the pump. Another cause can be inlet fitting or seal that shrunk due to excessive heat. One way to prevent this problem is to always check if the pipes are intact. Another fix is giving your pipes enough heat protection to avoid shrinking.
4) Pump Housing
If all other components are in good condition, your pump housing is the next thing to check. Most pumps, even new ones, can have even hairline cracks in the pump housing. One good way to check it yourself is by using a flashlight. Try shining the flashlight and closely check the pump housing for any visible cracks.
Epoxy can provide your pump housing with a temporary fix. But of course, we prefer long-term solutions to lessen extra repair costs in the future. Most of the time, a new pump housing is more recommended than applying epoxy for repair. Still, solutions vary depending on the pump housing’s current condition and environment. If unsure what to do, you can always call us, and we’ll help you.
Pressure Side Leaks versus Suction Side Leaks
Leaks can all look similar on the surface. You might also mistake pressure side leaks for suction side leaks. What makes the distinction is where the leak originates and what parts are involved.
Pressure side leaks are water leaks, and suction side leaks are air leaks found on the water pipes of your pool.
When checking your suction side leaks, you should watch out for the following signs:
- Air in the pump basket;
- Air coming out of the return lines; or
- Air building up in the filter tank.
You can also differentiate the two leaks by turning on or off your equipment. If there is a lower water level when you turn the equipment on, there is a suction side leak. Otherwise, there is a pressure side leak, as mentioned earlier.
When to Look for Professional Help
Looking for pool leaks and knowing what leaks you are dealing with can be very time-consuming. Most of the time, you may not be familiar with what and where to look in your pool system.
Big or small, always keep in mind that any type of pool leak is time-sensitive. They can cause more damage to your pool system and higher repair costs if neglected and not attended to on time.
We have experts that will make sure to take all the required measures in restoring your pool’s functions. With the help of our inspectors and contractors, we’ll ensure your pool will be in tiptop shape in no time.
We will make sure to help you with your pool repair with utmost care and diligence depending on your pool’s needs.
Rest easy because we will be here with you all throughout the repair process. Reach out to us now and get a free estimate for your pool’s leak detection needs. We also offer pool renovations for your dream pool.
Call (561) 570-1269 now and we will schedule a pool repair and renovation company in your area to reach out to you. They will schedule a time convenient for you to stop by and give you a bid on the repairs.
Or you can fill out this form and we will have the best pool renovation company in your area contact you!
**In case you can not view this video here, please click the link below to view How Do I Know if My Pool Has a Pressure Side Leak? on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLqIdBD5zGE **