Do you have a leaking pool pump? I know it can be frustrating, and it may seem like there isn’t anything you can do about it, but don’t worry! You’re in the right place.
This post is all about easy and effective fixes for a leaking pool pump. It might sound daunting, but I’ll walk you through the process step by step to ensure success! I’ll explain the three main types of leaks, help you identify possible problem areas, and give you ideas on how to fix them. Now, let’s get your swimming pool back up and running!
Main Takeaways
- The three most common types of pool pump leaks include suction side leaks, pressure side leaks, and shaft seal leaks.
- If you have a suction side leak, this may be due to a cracked pump lid, cracked pipes or valves, low water level, or issues with the o-ring of the strainer basket drain plug or pump lid.
- Pressure side leaks may occur due to issues with the impeller, the housing o-ring or gasket, the discharge pipe, or the pump housing.
- If you do not have a suction side or pressure side leak, you may have a shaft seal leak.
Suction Side Leaks
The first thing to remember about suction side leaks is that they usually don’t show up when your pump is running. That’s because when the pump is running, it creates a vacuum inside the pipes on the suction side. When the pump is on, water travels through the pipes so fast that it usually doesn’t escape through any cracks or leaks. However, when the pump is off, the water on the suction side isn’t moving, which means it’ll find those cracks. Hence the leaks.
One way to tell if you have suction side leaks is to look at the water inside the pump while it’s running. If you notice any bubbles, that means air could be getting into your system through a leak on the supply side.
If this looks like the problem, you’ll want to look at a couple of different potential problem areas.
Pump Lid
You’ll first want to check the lid on the pump itself. If it’s cracked, that’s likely the source of at least one of your leaks.
How to Fix It
You’ll have to either fix the crack or replace the lid. If that’s not the issue, the next thing to check is the rubber O-ring underneath the lid. The O-ring keeps the cover sealed nice and tight on the pump. If it’s old and cracked, you’ll need to replace it. If it looks okay, you might be able to lubricate the lid with a Teflon-based pool lubricant to ensure that the lead seals tightly.
Cracked Pipes & Valves
Once you’ve checked the pump lid, your next stop should be the pipes and valves. Air leaks in pipes and valves are common, but luckily, you can quickly identify them.
How to Fix It
To do this, pour water over the pipes and valves and watch for bubbles. You’ll need to replace the leaky pipe or valve if you see bubbles. I go over this method and a slightly different one in my article on pressure testing pool lines.
Low Water Level
You should not overlook your pool’s water level. If it’s too low, air can enter the skimmer, causing a leaking pool pump.
How to Fix It
To fix this, fill up the pool so the water level is between a third and halfway up the opening of your skimmer. If only all pool pump leaks were this easy to fix!
Strainer Basket Drain Plug
Locate your strainer basket drain plug. What’s the condition of the O-ring? Is it cracked or not sitting right? If so, air could enter the system, leading to leaks.
How to Fix It
The easiest way to fix this is to replace the drain plug O-ring itself.
Intake Fittings
If a hose is not correctly and tightly connected to the pump, this could lead to an air leak.
How to Fix It
First, check that the fitting is tight. If it’s tight and still leaking, undo it and check the O-rings. If they are worn out and cracked, replace them. If they are still in good condition, lubricate them.
Pressure Side Leaks
If you’ve determined that the suction side is okay, it’s time to see if there are any leaks on the pressure side.
While suction side leaks are air, leaks on the pressure side are water. The extreme pressure can push water out of any place downstream of the pump strainer that’s compromised. You can tell you have a problem if you have any of the following:
- Dripping coming from the discharge pipe
- A pool of water underneath your pump
- An uncharacteristically low water level in your pool
If you notice any of these, the next step is to check out these four possible problem areas.
Impeller
Your impeller is on the pump’s motor shaft. Its job is to create water pressure. However, sometimes debris can damage the impeller, causing the pump to leak water. Additionally, impellers don’t last forever. They can break down after a while, creating a water leak.
How to Fix It
If you see that the impeller is damaged or worn, your best bet is to remove the motor from the pump and replace the impeller. Sometimes, the impeller might just be blocked. If that’s the case, you might just need to unclog it. For step-by-step instructions, head over to my article on how to clean a pool pump impeller.
Housing O-Ring or Gasket
Your pool pump motor lid isn’t the only place where you need to worry about a bad seal. There is another one located between the pump housing and the motor. This seal can wear down or crack over time, causing a water leak.
How to Fix It
If this is the issue, replace the seal. And if you replace this seal, it’s a good idea to replace the diffuser O-ring simultaneously.
Discharge Pipe
If your housing gasket looks good, your next step is to check the discharge pipe. The fitting on the discharge pipe can come off the pump, causing a water leak. Sometimes, this is because of an ill-fitting seal. However, it might be because your PVC pipe is shrinking due to excessive heat. You might see this more often if you’re using a schedule 40 pipe.
How to Fix It
One way to fix this is to use schedule 80 nipples at both the suction and discharge ends. Schedule 80 is more robust and less affected by heat than schedule 40.
Pump Housing
If all the fittings and pipes coming out of the pump look good, you’ll need to check the pump itself. Unfortunately, even with new pumps, you can get hairline cracks in the pump housing. Grab a flashlight and shine it on the pump housing, looking closely for cracks.
How to Fix It
While some people claim you can repair these types of cracks with epoxy, I haven’t had luck doing this myself because of the plastic used for the pump and the extreme pressure environment. You’ll most likely have to buy a new pump housing.
Shaft Seal Leak
If you can rule out suction-side and pressure-side leaks, your next stop is the shaft seal. This seal sits between the pump motor and the impeller. It is important because it keeps water from entering the motor. When this seal fails, water can enter and cause motor failure. Any water inside the motor is bad, so you’ll want to get this fixed as soon as possible.
One way to see if this is the cause of your leaking pool pump is to listen to the motor. Does it sound abnormal? If so, it could be the motor bearings trying to work in water.
How to Fix It
The fix here is simple: Replace the old shaft seal with a new one. Just make sure you get the right one for your pump. I have a complete guide on finding the right pool pump shaft seal.
When Is It Time to Replace Your Pump?
Unfortunately, you can’t fix all pump issues. Sometimes, it’s your pump telling you it’s time to replace it. But when do you know it’s time to buy a new pump? Here are some signs to look out for that indicate that it’s time to replace your pump:
- You have consistently low readings on the pressure gauge, which you can’t seem to be able to fix.
- Your pool pump is always losing prime.
- Your pool pump is simply not working at all.
- Your pool pump is around 10 years old. Most pool pumps last around 10 years, after which they will likely need to be replaced.
When to Call a Professional
While you can fix a lot of these issues with the pool pump yourself, you should know your personal limits. If you don’t have much DIY experience and are unsure what to do, you’re much better off calling a professional from the get-go. The last thing you want to do is accidentally worsen any problems you already have. Even if you feel fairly confident fixing the pool pump on your own, if you have any doubts at all during the process, drop what you’re doing and call a professional!
Get My Free Pool Care Checklist
Download my free, printable pool maintenance checklist to help you accomplish regular pool care tasks for any type of swimming pool.
Stop the Leak!
Leaking pool pumps are not fun. However, if you systematically approach the possible causes, you’ll be able to find out what exactly is causing the leak and your pump to have low water flow. Once you figure that out, you’re well on your way to enjoying your pool again! If you find out that you might need to replace the whole thing, head over to my recommendations for the best pool pumps. You can also read my guide on pool pump troubleshooting if you’re having other issues too.
Questions about a leaky pump? Drop me a line.
