Threaded fittings skimmer pump replacement question

[dastratt]

Hello gurus

I have an external skimmer and I am replacing the re-circulation pump. The plumbing to the pump is 1 1/2 " PVC and a male fitting threads on to the
pump. In the original set up I used teflon tape.

Now I have received a replacement pump, it is a slightly different model
than what was made a few years ago. The fittings are the same size,
but when I test fit them they are not hand tight when making the correct
angles to joint up with the skimmer body. That is, the existing plumbing
pieces are tight when the pieces are at off angles. At the "correct" angles
they are definitely not tight.

I'm not sure what to do about this, I also emailed the pump supplier but thought this might be a common problem. The documentation with the
new pump said do not use teflon tape, use semi-liquid sealant. I bought
sealant that states it will hold under pressure. But I do not think I can
just put sealant on there and expect it to hold loose, can I? I expect it
has to be hand tight to seal.

I could attempt to slice or dremel down the male threading, I would need
to take most of a turn off of it. Trying to find replacement plumbing would
be tough so I didn't want to do that unless I need to.

Sage advice would be so gratefully appreciated! :bounce3:

 

[Ron Reefman]

I wish I could help. I had to 'make' a fitting for an early Jebao return pump so I'm kind of familiar with what you are going through. But I just can't visualize exactly what the fit problem is. Maybe some photos would help and get you some responses here.

 

[A sea K]

What kind/type of skimmer are we dealing with? I agree that pictures would be helpful but from what your saying I would just fit the pieces so the plumbing joint is in full contact and not worry about the pump angle, I also would not bother with teflon tape or other sealant unless this is a beckett or injection type skimmer which would require a tight seal as the pressure with this type of skimmer is a lot greater than a normal needle wheel type of skimmer.

 

[dastratt]

Okay hopefully I can get a couple of photos posted.

The photos are from above. In the first photo, the plumbing is installed with the angle it *needs* to make to mate up with the skimmer. In the second photo the plumbing piece is fully hand tight. This is using semi-liquid sealant per the pump manufacturer's instructions, but the angle is very similar without sealant or with teflon tape (manufacturer recommends against).

That same piece in the old pump installation, I am finding is tighter when I use teflon tape (as I did in the old set up). It is possible to tighten that piece to the same odd angle in the *old pump* but it is very tight there. Anyway it held for years until that pump rusted out due to saltwater (from other sources).

Anybody familiar with this type of problem? I can try to leak test it with the joint not fully hand tight, but hate to make a mess. Only other route I see is to try to modify the plumbing piece.

The pump manufacturer seems confused about this too. Hopefully the photos make it clearer.

 

[dastratt]

 

[ericarenee]

I think what you are asking is does the make threaded fitting have to all the in until it bottoms out tight in order for Teflon Sealant to seal the threads. If this is what your asking the Answer is NO

I am assuming there is a elbow involved or distance from x that has to be met just right..

Rub the sealant inside the Female threads then on the male fitting screw it in to where it needs to go and you should be fine . I always use GAS line Thread sealant (yellow tube) Because its thicker just for what your talking about.. but the reg stuff should work if there is not too awful much play in the threads.

Hope this Helps .. I might be way off understand your question ..

Erica Renee

 

[ericarenee]

View attachment 365095

View attachment 365096

There is the images. yes sealant will work...... it does not have to be bottomed out . its best that its not..

If the sealant does not hold.

Put sealant on the male threads wrap one or two times with teflon. (very little ) then sealant on top the teflon.. if you hit resistance screwing it in you have too much teflon tape..

GOOD luck

 

[dastratt]

Thank you that does answer my question. I think I will go look for that sealant and may try the teflon wrap as well.

Thanks

 

[dastratt]

I found Rectorseal and used that. It seemed to provide more resistance than the sealant I tried before. I managed to assemble the joints, do a quick static leak test, and then assembled the skimmer so it can cure for 48 hours with everything in place per the sealant instructions.

So I had some drama with but hopefully when I power it up Thursday the seals will hold.