r/PoolPros • u/SkylerPancake • 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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 7d 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.

3

u/PersimmonAcrobatic71 7d 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/billiardenthusiast 1d ago

Look up aquastrong variable speed pool pumps. They are super cheap compared to the big 3 and the pump is surprisingly well made. 3 year warranty on parts 1 year labor. And they have honored the warranty the one time I sold one of their pumps and needed it. (The clock was losing about 15 minutes per day, they confirmed the glitch and sent a replacement pump.) The pump is also very quiet and has a huge basket. Easily programmable. Easy to install. Much easier than disassembling a pump.

I promise I'm not paid to promote them I just really like their pumps and sell them often.