I hate plumbing!

[Bill Stock]

Replumbed the pond this week to change to a new pump. Spent the morning draining the sucker and cleaning out alll of the winter sludge. Filled it back up, tightened a few leaks, closed a valve I left open and plugged in the pump. Nada. It just dribbled out the Wishing Well. It's likely a Check valve not working, but it means draining the filters to find out.

Note to self: Put unions on both sides of the CV and shutoffs around the pump.

[crokett]

I feel your pain Bill. I hate plumbing too. Also, just about the time I wish they were there is the time I think I wish I'd installed unions or shutoffs.

[Uncle Cracker]

Just a word of caution about unions... they often leak. If located near a pump, the vibration can loosen them up. If located on the suction side of a pump, they can let air in, causing cavitation or loss of prime. A flange/gasket joint might serve you better.

[thestinker]

UC is right about unions. They are a pain. I have never had good success with them.

Riley

[Bill Stock]

Just a word of caution about unions... they often leak. If located near a pump, the vibration can loosen them up. If located on the suction side of a pump, they can let air in, causing cavitation or loss of prime. A flange/gasket joint might serve you better.

Hmmm.

That's good to know since the pump came with half unions for connecting it.

[Tom Slick]

Sometimes you just have to use unions otherwise you can't make the connection. I'd only eliminate them if you must. Make sure the sealing surfaces are perfectly clean and tighten them really tight.