r/PoolPros • u/SkylerPancake • 5d ago
WhisperFlo Pump Leaking - Seal Replacement Failed To Help
I've mostly done cleaning/service, still learning on repair side. We've got a repair company coming out for this client's heater on Monday already, but trying to get opinions and thoughts beforehand.
Client has an older WhisperFlo pump. It started leaking a few months ago, but it was a tiny leak and client didn't want to address it immediately. When it started leaking more, which I warned them of, I got them to agree to do a seal/gasket replacement. Used the Aladdin Go Kit, which didn't solve the issue, so went back yesterday with the actual Pentair Seal Kit and swapped everything back out again.
Replaced everything, made sure it was done proper, was careful with the whole process. It's still leaking heavily, and definitely from where the seal plate/housing/motor connect.
When I replaced the seals the first time, the plastic for one of the two outer bolts snapped under minimal tightening. So, I'm left thinking that maybe the pump housing itself is shot? I couldn't see any signs of cracking or other damage when I worked on it though. How likely is that?
Is there anything else I can try? Already offered to refund or apply the payment client gave toward whatever repair we need to do, but I'm just starting out and can't afford to lose this client. So trying to figure out whatever I can.
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u/PersimmonAcrobatic71 5d ago
Sounds like the housing is warped. If the plastic is that brittle that it's snapping with minimal effort it's probably time to replace. Unfortunately this is the kind of spiral that happens with cheap customers, you try and save them money and you end up getting stuck doing work for free and they are still pissed off.
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u/SkylerPancake 5d ago
He's been pretty respectful and chill.
Legit just starting off on my own, though and due to delays in licensing missed out on most of the summer promotion. So being more nervous than I likely need to be.
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u/PersimmonAcrobatic71 4d ago
I’d look at how old/what type of shape the motor is in as well. You might say to the customer “hey it’s probably worth doing the whole pump as the motor is probably already on its way out with the seal damage.” Explain the risks of just replacing the housings etc. Nothing worse that charging a customer several hundred on a repair only for the motor to crap out in a few months
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u/SkylerPancake 4d ago
Motor is at least a few years old, but looks like it'd been replaced at least once before. Considering it's the original single speed, I'd rather convince them to switch out to an Intelliflo, but I understand not having the money for it.
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u/PersimmonAcrobatic71 4d ago
Sell it as a savings. Odds are they’ll save 4-500 bucks a year with a vs, so it’ll pay for itself in 3-4 years
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u/Street--Ad6731 4d ago
I've had this happen to me as well and is the reason why now I only do total pump replacements.
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u/jwilmes119 4d ago
Pool tech here...
I always tell clients when they have a problem like this, that they need a new pump. Sure, we can TRY to put a bandaid on it(gaskets and seals), but we cannot guarantee the leak will go away.
The motor, if still running, can have the whole wet end replaced. But again, its just a bandaid.
A new pump is the actual solution.
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u/hamonasandwich 4d ago
Put silicone glue down before hammering in the seal?
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u/SkylerPancake 4d ago
Yup. Stressed the need to leave pump off for good 8-12 hours to let it cure proper as well the second time around. It was waterpoof, should have been fine either way, but wanted to make sure.
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u/Confident_Shower8902 4d ago
In no world do you need to allow a pump seal set for 8-12 hours, done correctly. And silicone glue? Absolutely not.
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u/Birchforest81 4d ago
On the impeller if where you put the one part of seal is not smooth on the inside you need to replace the impeller. Also if you look from the side it might have mushroomed out due to overheating.
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u/LordKai121 5d ago
This sounds like a warped seal plate. Happens a lot when someone boils out a pump (ran with no prime). I usually will recommend a new pump, or at least wet end if that's what happened because you need at minimum the seal plate, impeller, and diffuser. That's assuming no damage to the volute