[Phases]

On my pump referenced in my other post, I have a slow drip leak on the intake. one drip every 3-3.5 minutes when pipes are fully pressurized to 50psi.

My calculations put it at 480 drips a day and supposedly 90k drips are in a gallon.

It took me and a friend nearly everything we had to get it this tight. I cannot budge it at this point at least without getting him back over to hope we can get it out, if we need to, to tape better or putty.

What will happen if I let this drip go? It's a 1 1/4" intake.

Will it rust and get worse in weeks, months, years, ever? Or maybe rust and actually slow further? Should I be really worried about it or just let it go. I don't mind if it takes several years to turn into a big problem - the pump isn't but 170 bucks.. and frankly if I try to remove that I risk only getting the elbow off and tearing the coupler up trying to get it out, and may never - putting myself in even worse shape.

Thoughts?

Edit: I will say, I definitely do not think this leak is big enough to account for the pressure loss mentioned in the other post. The tank holding pressure releases what, 20 gallons before pressure drops to 30psi? That said, all this is pretty new to me...

 

[Ghostmaker]

One should use teflon tape and pipe dope on that type of joint. It may rust shut over time.

 

[Phases]

Rust shut like, the leak itself? Or the inside of the pipe? It's a big pipe, 1 1/4 I think intake. I would think that the inside of the pipe being full of water all the time anyway wouldn't be any more at risk, but if so it would take longer than how long the pump is going to last anyway, yah?

Actually with how hard it pulls in water I'd think it would be pretty hard to do.

But, curious what you mean about the tape and dope.. You mean use teflon tape AND dope on it? I had asked someone at Lowes if I should do both and they weren't sure if that was a normal thing to do.

They did say since it was such a big pipe the threads were deep so regular teflon tape should either be avoided or put on really thick. I didn't put it on any thicker than usual. I have since got some heavy duty teflon tape and heavy duty dope but, I can't get it unscrewed, not on my own....

So really I'm just curious at this point, what would you guys do, would you get a friend over and try to take it apart, risking making things worse, or leave it because that drip would be fairly harmless for the next decade anyway?

 

[jmon]

At this point, I agree with you, leave it. As ghost said, it may rust shut over time.

Keep an eye on it. If leak worsens, definately fix it. Those threads are deep, use more pipe dope and tape next time. Just a suggestion.

 

[Yodaman]

I agree with leave it be.
Mineral deposits will likely close up the leak in a short time. I would keep a pan or bucket under it and check daily.
I also use tape and plumbers paste on all threaded joints. It only
takes a few extra seconds but does prevent time consuming rework due to a leak.

No need for a friend to help if you want to re-do, just need longer wrenches.

 

[Bret86844]

Since it's together now, I would just keep an eye on it. I recently had a similar issue with a 1/2" water connection and the leak went away on its own. But next time use the teflon tape and thread sealant liberally. If you are not familiar with it, Rectorseal T Plus 2 is probably the most common pipe dope.

 

[Phases]

Thanks for the replies guys. I have definitely learned my lesson. I'm going to watch it. The good news is it literally drips right next to the hole that goes into the tank and it goes right back down in.

T Plus 2 is the type of dope I got the other day when I decided to get something more heavy duty. I had been using that Great White stuff. This one had 10k psi rating vs the Great Whites 3k, I believe, though.

I did put it around the joint where the water was coming out foolishly hoping it would hold the leak back but, apparently its not miracle paste lol.

So yeah, I'm going to watch it and see what happens. Sunday was the last time I timed the drips so, I'll time it again tonight and see if there is a change either direction. If it does not speed up I'm going to leave as is and consider it acceptable until it goes away. I'm convinced it will either get better, or worse, over time.

Will update when it does one or the other, for future reference.

Thanks again all!

 

[Ghostmaker]

As an old plumber I learned many years ago if you don't want a leak always tape then dope the threaded joint.

 

[Phases]

Dern. Drip is every 1.5 minutes now.

Got someone coming to help try to back that piece out and replace, but it might not be till Fri or Saturday. Reckon it is okay to leave in place with the drip going or would I want to pull it out and dry what I can and leave it?

I guess that might actually increase the immediate rust risk..

 

[Ghostmaker]

What size pipe wrench are you using. You should use a 2 foot on that size pipe unless you have Popeye arms.

 

[Phases]

Popeye arms is not one of my qualities I assure you that. It took two of us to get it on this tight. I got a huge pipe wrench .. biggest they had.. at lowes yesterday to help with removal.

I do believe it's two feet heh.

 

[Oso954]

I got a huge pipe wrench .. biggest they had.. at lowes yesterday to help with removal.

I do believe it's two feet heh.

24 inch isn't huge. 36" and 48" are not that hard to find. 60 inch is available.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/URREA-60-in-Long-Heavy-Duty-Iron-Pipe-Wrench-860HD/202797935?cm_mmc=Shopping%7CTHD%7CG%7C0%7CG-BASE-PLA-D25T-HandTools%7C&gclid=CJjw1ZfHoMwCFReUfgodUB8OYA&gclsrc=aw.ds

That's a huge pipe wrench.

 

[Phases]

So 5th day buddy said he'd come and never did I rage did it. I used the pipe wrench to hold the actual pump itself and stood on it and used my popeye arms to unscrew with channel locks. Went to lowes got new piece put t2 dope on male and female threads this time (last time used to thin layer of standard teflon tape) screwed it back on hooked it all back up. Hour and a half later no drips. Better than 1 per minute and a half.

Seems I can handle more by myself when angry. Heh.

Better not see evidence of a drip in the morning but if I do I'm leaving it a drop every few hours outa take care of itself.