Why Is My Pool Pump Leaking Water?
Most pool pump leaks come from one of four places: the shaft seal between the pump and the motor, the lid O-ring, a drain plug, or a threaded fitting or union. Where the water shows up tells you which. A drip between the pump and the motor means the shaft seal has failed, and it should be fixed soon, because that water gets into the motor bearings and ruins the motor. Top Dog Pool Supply stocks seals, O-rings, and OEM parts and repairs pumps.
Where is the leak coming from?
- Between the pump and the motor. The shaft seal has failed. This is the most common leak and the one that damages motors.
- Around the lid. The lid O-ring is dirty, dry, flattened, or cracked.
- At a drain plug. The plug is loose, cracked, or missing its O-ring.
- At the pipe going into or out of the pump. A threaded fitting has shrunk or cracked from heat, or a union O-ring is worn.
- From the pump body. The housing is cracked, or the housing gasket is worn.
How do I find and fix it?
- Step 1: Dry everything off, then run the pump and watch for the first drip.
- Step 2: Lid O-ring: turn the pump off, clean the O-ring and its groove, coat it lightly with a silicone-based pool lubricant, and replace it if it is flat or cracked.
- Step 3: Drain plugs: tighten them by hand and replace the plug O-ring if it is worn.
- Step 4: Unions: turn the pump off and snug them by hand. Replace the union O-ring if it still drips.
- Step 5: Shaft seal: this means taking the pump apart. If you are not comfortable doing that, bring the pump in or have us come out.
- Step 6: Bring the old part, or a photo and the pump model number, so we can match it.
Why should I fix a small leak now?
A shaft seal leak drips straight toward the motor. Water gets into the bearings, the bearings start to screech, and then the motor seizes. Replacing a seal early costs far less than replacing a motor. A leak on the suction side can also pull air into the pump, which makes it lose prime. And in Bakersfield heat, a pump that runs low on water gets hot fast, which warps fittings and makes leaks worse.
When should I call for help?
Call us if water is dripping between the pump and the motor, if the motor is getting loud, if the pump body is cracked, or if a glued fitting is leaking. Top Dog repairs pumps and is an authorized service center and warranty station for most major brands, with hundreds of OEM parts in stock. If you'd rather have us come to you, a service visit starts with a $139 diagnostic fee. It covers our fuel and travel time, diagnosing your pool equipment, and a written work order for your approval. The fee doesn't cover any repairs.
Can I run my pool pump if it is leaking?
For a short time, if the leak is small and the pump stays primed. A shaft seal leak should be fixed within days, because it damages the motor.
Why does my pump leak only when it is off?
That usually points to the lid O-ring or a fitting on the suction side. Under suction it pulls in air instead of dripping, then leaks when the pump stops.
What lubricant should I use on pump O-rings?
A silicone-based pool lubricant. Do not use petroleum jelly. It swells rubber and shortens the life of the O-ring.
Should I repair or replace a leaking pump?
Seals and O-rings are worth repairing. If the motor is already noisy or the pump is 8 to 10 years old, replacing it often makes more sense.
Don't cry, we can help
Bring the part, a photo, or the model number to Top Dog Pool Supply, and we'll help you figure out what it needs. We repair and install pool equipment and are an authorized service center for most major brands.
Visit us at 7440 District Blvd Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93313, or call (661) 664-9000. We're open Monday to Friday 9 to 5, Saturday 9 to 4, and Sundays 10 to 4 from April through September.
Financing is available through GreenSky: 12 monthly payments on pool equipment, interest-free when paid in full within 12 months, subject to credit approval. Call (661) 664-9000 for details.