Need some suggestions on replacing broken PVC pipe...

[Baz]

Did we ever determine what size pipe that is? I thought it "looked" like 1 inch.

What is the diameter, Wayne? Can you put a caliper on it? Or a ruler across one of the cut off ends?

[Neilk]

How did you find the leak?

Our pool must have a leak as it is losing water even when the weather conditions don't merit such evaporation? I don't see any obvious leaks though.

[Wayne 962]

Originally Posted by Neilk

How did you find the leak?

I paid the "leak detector" guys $550 to find it. I think it took them 30 min - I wasn't home when they were here. They have a scuba tank, and some fittings and they blow compressed air through the line and then use a sound listening device to listen for the air leaking. That's what they did last time. I thought about doing that myself too, but I don't have a portable air tank, and the proper fittings, etc. These are the same guys that wanted $950 to fix it - I figured that part was easy once "X marks the spot" was done?

-Wayne

[Baz]

Originally Posted by Wayne 962

These are the same guys that wanted $950 to fix it - I figured that part was easy once "X marks the spot" was done?

-Wayne

Correct and now that you've dug it all out - as I said upstream - any reputable irrigation contractor could come in and do the plumbing part at a very reasonable price.

Just food for thought, Wayne.

Irrigation contractors are notorious for advertising so it wouldn't be hard to find one and get a quote.

Otherwise carry one - I'm a do it your self er too.....

[Wayne 962]

That’s good advice. Digging a hole is easy. Messing up the repair, also easy.

Trouble is, contractors are such a pain these days.

Wayne

[Danimal16]

Wayne,

From what the general site condition photos show, you seem to have a sub grade failure. In other words the pool contractor did not properly backfill to prevent the subsidence.

My recommendation is to use the four elbow configuration with the first two elbows coming vertical, straight up (Steve's initial recommendation) . Clear that other pipe and then use two elbows to and a piece of pipe to make the connection. It is a real easy repair now that you have the pipes exposed.

The next step is to bed the hole in sand, under and just about an inch or two over. This allows a cushion for everything to settle against the existing soils. DO NOT USE gravel for this or you can risk tiny little stress risers that can split older pipe, use the sand. Make sure to bed the existing pipe in the sand.

As far as head losses through the elbows; they will be insignificant. Don't work about that.

I would still go with the 90 x 90 elbow fix.

[Wayne 962]

Okay. I think you guys are right and I’m over thinking it!

[Danimal16]

Project No. 1 for "101 Projects for Your Home".

Title: How to get brow beat by those that are trying to help.

[Wayne 962]

I caved!

[A930Rocket]

Originally Posted by Wayne 962

Okay. I think you guys are right and I’m over thinking it!

Where are your PVC pipe cutters? They make cutting PVC a snap.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Where are your PVC pipe cutters? They make cutting PVC a snap.

Yes they do!

[Baz]

Originally Posted by A930Rocket

Where are your PVC pipe cutters? They make cutting PVC a snap.

Originally Posted by masraum

Yes they do!

No question about it but........

.....if Wayne only needs to do these few cuts......he can simply use a hack saw or sawzall.

Wayne - you made the right decision to DIY! Just make sure you trial fit things before gluing.

You can always hold your pipe up next to your elbow too just to check height and length before cutting. Use a sharpie to mark cut marks.

Also when you do your gluing - apply glue to both pieces, insert, and twist 90 degrees to make sure your glue is distributed adequately.

Take your time....and you'll be fine!

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Baz

No question about it but........

.....if Wayne only needs to do these few cuts......he can simply use a hack saw or sawzall.

Wayne - you made the right decision to DIY! Just make sure you trial fit things before gluing.

You can always hold your pipe up next to your elbow too just to check height and length before cutting. Use a sharpie to mark cut marks.

Also when you do your gluing - apply glue to both pieces, insert, and twist 90 degrees to make sure your glue is distributed adequately.

Take your time....and you'll be fine!

For many years, I used a hacksaw or small battery powered saw with a metal blade. They have always worked fine, but the cutter is great.

I know that I don't have to tell Wayne, but ensure that the pipes are deburred before glued.

[Danimal16]

Originally Posted by Baz

No question about it but........

.....if Wayne only needs to do these few cuts......he can simply use a hack saw or sawzall.

Wayne - you made the right decision to DIY! Just make sure you trial fit things before gluing.

You can always hold your pipe up next to your elbow too just to check height and length before cutting. Use a sharpie to mark cut marks.

Also when you do your gluing - apply glue to both pieces, insert, and twist 90 degrees to make sure your glue is distributed adequately.

Take your time....and you'll be fine!

I usually use cutters and sawzall for just about everything EXCEPT old thin wall pipe, specifically class 200 or thiner wall. The sawzall and the cutter can split this thin wall crap, especially if it is old. I will use a multitool to cut that stuff, works like a charm, no splits.

Of course it looks like this is not the case with Wayne's repair.

[Wayne 962]

Got the reciprocating saw (sawzall). Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning. Deburring tool. Tape measure. Glue. Gloves. etc.

The only thing missing right now is the will to get out of my warm cozy house and stick my head and hands in a cold wet hole.

-Wayne

[Wayne 962]

Test fit!

[herr_oberst]

Looks great, but I'm surprised you're not doing both of them, as preventative maintenance.

[Baz]

Atta boy, Wayne........congrats!!!

[Wayne 962]

The other one is for the fountain jets which we never really use.

Wayne

[dad911]

Originally Posted by Wayne 962

.......

Looking at this pic again, and the way some pavers pitch up towards the coping, is it possible the pool floated a little while it was empty?

If it raised, other areas may be settling to fill in the voids.