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Stubborn Leaks!


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Hello Everyone!


I just bought a new Hayward S210T sand filter and I have got it all set up. When I did a backwash and rinse, I noticed two stubborn leaks that I cannot seem to fix. I used PTFE tape on the fittings on both ends (to the multi-port valve on the filter and on the ends that connect to the unions on my hoses).

Despite this, I have two stubborn leaks that won't stop. I have re-tightened the fittings, re-tightened the gear clamps, and rewound the PTFE tape. Still no dice!

One leak is located where the water return hose meets the union (the part that turns to screw onto the fitting in the multi-port valve). I am pretty sure the leak is not coming from the fitting attached to the multi-port valve. I even added a second gear clamp, but still nothing. I have not used silicone sealant to connect the union to the hose because I thought the gear clamps would be enough (Should I use silicone sealant to attach unions to pool hoses?).

The second leak is coming from the fitting that joins the front port of the pump to the hose coming out of the skimmer. I cannot loosen this part to reapply PTFE tape as it has become stuck (I think from the silicone sealant I had put in there last year).

I'd really like to get rolling on opening up my pool, but I feel like I should get these leaks sorted before I move on. I have added a picture and a link to a video (with close-ups of the leaks).

Thanks for any advice you can provide. I am still a bit of a newbie at this.
Here is the link: video-1589669441.mp4

97285970_249330632967399_1135463231347752960_n.jpg

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1 hour ago, RDspaguy said:

So, where the flex hoses connect with the hose clamps? Those hoses should have endpieces for going onto barbs, not just be cut off. I would get some new hose ends.

https://www.amazon.com/Poolmaster-Swimming-Pool-Vacuum-2-Inch/dp/B000P43TRW?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_3

The link you sent me is for vacuum hoses. This is not that. Also, the hose ends are brand new.

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The link I sent is for a hose cuff. The hoses you have appear to be standard pool vac hoses, which normally have those type of ends, which are drsigned to go on a barb. If I was mistaken about the type of hose then I am sorry. I have no other advice for leaks at the hose clamp fittings. 

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36 minutes ago, RDspaguy said:

The link I sent is for a hose cuff. The hoses you have appear to be standard pool vac hoses, which normally have those type of ends, which are drsigned to go on a barb. If I was mistaken about the type of hose then I am sorry. I have no other advice for leaks at the hose clamp fittings. 

The photo can be misleading. I know the type of hoses you mean. The ones I am using are not quite the same. I am not sure of all the technical terms. They are flexible, but not nearly as flexible as a vac hose. The ends are quick connect.

I have a question you might be able to answer, and maybe this will help me solve part of my problem. When you attach a fitting into a pool hose, do you add silicone sealant to the part of the fitting that goes into the hose and then use a gear clamp on the outside?

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No, sealant is not needed as the ends are rubber. You put it on the barb and tighten the clamp. 

Does that hose have raised ridges on the outside? If so, it was not meant to have a hose clamp on it, and you will be very hard-pressed to get it to seal. These are the only type I have seen on above ground pools.

https://www.thepoolfactory.com/pool-supplies/pool-maintenance/hoses

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8 minutes ago, RDspaguy said:

No, sealant is not needed as the ends are rubber. You put it on the barb and tighten the clamp. 

Does that hose have raised ridges on the outside? If so, it was not meant to have a hose clamp on it, and you will be very hard-pressed to get it to seal. These are the only type I have seen on above ground pools.

https://www.thepoolfactory.com/pool-supplies/pool-maintenance/hoses

My ends are PVC, not rubber. In that case, should I use sealant then? No, they don't have raised ridges. Gear clamps are standard on these types of hoses. Everyone where I live uses these for above ground pools as they are easier to remove for winter (which lasts most of the year where I am).  I can't find my hoses on the link you have provided.

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I have never, in 25 years in this business, used a sealant on a barb fitting with a hose clamp. I also have never had a hose with raised ridges seal with the clamp on the raised ridges. The clamp must be on a flat section to seal properly. If your hose is different, then I have no idea what will help. But it sure looks like a ridged hose to me. Silicone caulk will not last in that type of application, though it may get you by for a season.

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8 hours ago, RDspaguy said:

I have never, in 25 years in this business, used a sealant on a barb fitting with a hose clamp. I also have never had a hose with raised ridges seal with the clamp on the raised ridges. The clamp must be on a flat section to seal properly. If your hose is different, then I have no idea what will help. But it sure looks like a ridged hose to me. Silicone caulk will not last in that type of application, though it may get you by for a season.

So, what do you suggest? The ribs are on the inside of the hoses, the outsides are smooth.

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21 minutes ago, RDspaguy said:

Frankly, buy new hoses. I provided a link with many lengths to choose from.

I wish I could see your hoses. What you describe makes no sense. Ridges on the inside??? You've got to be messing with me.

Nope, not messing with you. These hoses are standard for above ground pools.

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  • 3 years later...
On 5/17/2020 at 4:49 AM, Rob Beaudry said:

Hello Everyone!


I just bought a new Hayward S210T sand filter and I have got it all set up. When I did a backwash and rinse, I noticed two stubborn leaks that I cannot seem to fix. I used PTFE tape on the fittings on both ends (to the multi-port valve on the filter and on the ends that connect to the unions on my hoses).

Despite this, I have two stubborn leaks that won't stop. I have re-tightened the fittings, re-tightened the gear clamps, and rewound the PTFE tape. Still no dice!

One leak is located where the water return hose meets the union (the part that turns to screw onto the fitting in the multi-port valve). I am pretty sure the leak is not coming from the fitting attached to the multi-port valve. I even added a second gear clamp, but still nothing. I have not used silicone sealant to connect the union to the hose because I thought the gear clamps would be enough (Should I use silicone sealant to attach unions to pool hoses?).

The second leak is coming from the fitting that joins the front port of the pump to the hose coming out of the skimmer. I cannot loosen this part to reapply PTFE tape as it has become stuck (I think from the silicone sealant I had put in there last year).

I'd really like to get rolling on opening up my pool, but I feel like I should get these leaks sorted before I move on. I have added a picture and a link to a video (with close-ups of the leaks).

Thanks for any advice you can provide. I am still a bit of a newbie at this.
Here is the link: video-1589669441.mp4

97285970_249330632967399_1135463231347752960_n.jpg

leak detection specialist near Slough

Hello, I have just put the plumbing on my tank that has two return lines drilled into the top side of the glass, and then it has a cost-to-cost overflow box that has another drain box on the back that has the drain line hooked into it. Everything is working for the most part and is very quite. The issue that I am having right now, is there is a slow drip out of my return lines and my drain lines. The plumbing is set up with barb fittings going into the bulkheads where I made sure to use plumbers tape around the treads. I have put hose clamps around each of the barb fittings where I connect my tubing. Do I just need to tighten my hose clamps even more? ( they are already very tight ) or is there something that I am missing. Any help I would be thankful for, since I am not going to fill it with salt until this issue is figured out.

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