My vacuum line was clogged, saw this video took about 10 minutes but the line is cleared thank you for posting this video. Followed exact instructions and it worked.
Just came across this channel. Been watching and liking Mark's videos for hours. The amount of work and dedication he puts into this content to educate and help complete strangers. What a wonderful human being. I am sorry I can't afford a decent donation. Thank You
EXCELLENT 1. Blow hose water FROM pump to skimmer (other people's video have you blowing from skimmer which just reinforces the blockage) 2. Crimp hose off and on to get a pulsing action (great suggestion) 3. If still blocked, use the pump to pump water INTO the pump's suction line (much more powerful than a hose, and yes, you will need to cut your pipes and get a length of flexible pool pipe). A lot better than digging up your yard to get down to underground pipes and locate/cut out blocked section 4. Great practical advice
This video saved me! Thank you! What I ended up doing, since I didn't have anyone to help, was flow through the pump first then flow through the skimmer. I could clearly see, from me standing at the skimmer, when it was unclogged because the pump started to bubble. Tip for all the single people out there!
Just purchased a home that had this problem. I followed your instructions and it worked out perfect thank you so much for the details and the great advice.
Mark I must say I am truly happy with this UA-cam channel you have. I’ve literally watched two videos and I know how to take care of my Inground pool. I absolutely am your customer for life
Great video. We are having leaves and pine straw falling by the bucket fulls with more than usual wind and our skimmer basket was full and the pump sucking air. First made sure there was no debris blocking the skimmer door and then tried your hose technique with no luck. Suddenly, it occurred to my husband to check the trap door. The door was stuck so no water was coming into the skimmer. Duh! But glad it turned out to be a VERY easy fix.
This saved me! I tried the drain king bladder from the hardware store and it just exploded. Threw a rag on the hose and 500 acorns came pouring out. Skimmer is strong, no more air. A thousand thank you’s!!
This worked. My particular clog was two parts. We got it to move by using this trick as shown, and backing that up by using a plunger on the hole to exert pulling force on the pool side of the clog.
I can’t thank you enough for this video!! Our local pool place came out and said we would need a plumber to dig up the pipes and we were devastated. I’m so glad I came across this video and gave it a go because we fixed the problem within 15 minutes!
I followed the video, man i was so glad cause all I was getting was bubbles and to clear the skimmer and I even tried the line where the pool vac goes my pool runs so good now. This was good my pool vac even works better than before. I do have a leak in pool so I know u have to keep the water line half way pass the skimmer. The pools running great thank you so much did it all by myself. Thank you thank you. You don't know what this means to me. Saved me money I don't have to pay. Very happy this video is very helpful.
SO... I tried this, sort of, but instead of going from the pump end I put the hose in the skimmer hole, and did it, then using the skimmer line lever to create pressure and purge. It's easier to build up pressure, release it, build up pressure, release it, etc. Then it's also going in the right direction through the pump, cutting down on chance of reclogging it when the skimmer is freed. EDIT: THOUGH I did use your video to show me what the theory was. Since before 12hrs ago, hadn't any clue.
Sometimes that works for sure, we've also used the blowers used to winterize pool pipes to clear the line as well. Doesn't build enough pressure to burst a pipe and for some reason the air and all the agitation seems to get out stuff like acorns, etc. We use a fitted lid and like you did the pinch the hose method we often pulse the valve on and off to get bursts of pressure.
Hey, thanks. I just replaced both Motor and housing after avoiding it for eight months; after 25 years the housing had cracked. (It only lasted a quarter century - I'm complaining to Hayward!) Anyway I have never seen a vacuum plate until this video. Must get one! I also have a clogged drain so the fight isn't over yet... Thanks for GOOD information!
Thank you for this!! I only watched the first 5 minutes and had to go through 2 sets of 2 15 second ads but that was enough to help me. Very helpful tip!!!
Awesome. We lost suction on our hoover and tried all sorts of things. Never seen this one though, so we'll definitely give this a try. Thanks for sharing and explaining.
My kids ended up getting a piece of a plastic toy sucked into the skimmer line. 20 seconds of the hose with the towel trick popped it right out. Your video saved me hundreds of dollars. Thank you.
So the rag and hose did help but couldn't get the main problem which was three small rocks my 2 year threw in the pool and I stupidly vacuumed up thinking I'd retrieve them from the pump basket. Ended up leaving the pump lid open and used a 3 foot piece of pvc pipe with a male fitting on the end and threaded that into the skimmer suction opening and used a fernco fitting to attach the other end to a shop vac. Avoided sucking water from the pool itself and got the rocks and things are working great.
I very much appreciate this guy. Great videos, great knowledge & experience shared in the interest in helping people out & getting things FIXED, like a guy should want to do. Good guy.
Mark, after days of trying to figure out what was wrong and then how to fix it, 30 seconds with a hosepipe and towel (genius) and we are up and running, thanks very much
Ha , I watched a UA-cam video and it showed me how to vacuum my pool incorrectly and I clogged my skimmer line , then I watched this you tube video to fix it , worked like a charm
Great Idea. This idea is SOOOOO simple, yet effective. I should have looked here for ideas before wasting my time with crazy ideas. I will try this the next time.
Sooooo helpful. And yes, it's blocked in a Thursday afternoon. Will try tomorrow. You helped me out more than once, I also fixed my skimmer cracking with abs and aceton. Thank you！！
I’m mind blown in the first 5 minutes of this video with the plate thing 🤯 I have one of those and didn’t know that’s what it was for. I bought a new vacuum and everything
A two skimmer pool u could borrow the suction from one skimmer and use that suction at the clogged skimmer. Set filter to rec. Let the pump get to full prime by leaving the pool hose end just out of the skimmer hole and when full primed stick it in and suck it out with a little luck it will go down the other skimmer pipe.
Another alternate method to try, after using the garden hose method, is to leave the top off of pump basket container, and then get a large wet-or-dry shop vac and use its hose on the skimmer side, by removing the skimmer basket and making a tight fit of the hose into the pipe below the skimmer basket. When you cut on the shop vac, it should to suck out all the trash that you couldn't push out from the pump side with water pressure. If you suck up a lot of water, you will have to drain the tank of the shop vac periodically. You may have to alternate these 2 methods a couple of times to fully clear the line. If you find you have had a lot of trash coming though the skimmer line over the years, be sure to also clean the trash out of the impeller with a bent coat hanger or the special tool designed for this purpose, before testing the pump. Once the line is clear and the impeller is clear of trash, you should be able to test the impeller's freedom of movement using the coat hanger or cleaning tool to try to feel it move after applying minimal force. If the impeller doesn't move, try using a little mechanic's mirror on an extendable rod and a flash light to see if anything is visibly keeping the impeller from moving. If so, fix it. The breakers to the pump equipment should be off before trying any of these methods, and before making any other mechanical or electrical adjustments to your system that could electrocute you. When you're satisfied the line is clear and that the impeller should work, reprime the system at the pump(can take 3 to 5 minutes sometimes), tighten down the cover, cut the breakers on, and press the power button for the pump. Good luck. If you're still having air bubbles or low pressure, check for air leaks in the fitting connections, seals and pump basket covers. It's a good idea to apply a silicone-based grease to all seals and connectors not glued together to keep leaks from occurring. This type of grease is commonly sold as dielectric grease of the type used in working on cars and trucks (also called "electric grease" if you work on Ford cars and trucks, but it's mostly all made in same factory, if it's an American-made brand).
Sometimes a shop vac can help, however water pressure is always much stronger and more proven when it comes to removing a clog. When you get a clog you will have to do whatever it takes to unclog the line even if you have to cut the plumbing. Thanks for watching.
My pump attempts to prime but only gets about 90%. I was thinking it was the typical O-ring on my pump but I’ve ruled that out. Guess it’s time to consider that there may be a leak. I’ll try this out and let you know. Great idea with the hose though!!! Brilliant
Mark is absolutely amazing! Thank you SO MUCH for these great videos, you have saved me tons of money and more priceless is that I have gained so much knowledge about my pool!
This made total sense, but I would caution to check valves first. We had pool work done this week and afterwards we saw that the skimmer wasn't sucking in water. Everything else worked great. I came here to find a solution, but didn't think there was a clog, so I called the gentleman who did my work and asked if it could be a valve. Sure enough, my valve was set 100% to the leaf trapper instead of in the middle between the trapper and skimmer.
Thanks for the in-depth video. Just one question, should I remove the vacuum hose before I run water from the pump? Although the vacuum runs fine, I had added stabilizer in the skimmer, but that does not get sucked in. So I am wondering if the skimmer is clogged. One more thing I noticed is that under the skimmer basket there are two holes (one where the vacuum is hooked up and the other is closed). Also, how can I find what size of vacuum plate do I need to buy for my skimmer?
Would undulating suction indicate a clog? It cycles every few seconds. Sucks decent for 4-5 seconds then slows down and does this repeatedly. We concerned about a clog but are suspicions of a leak. I've checked all the connections for air leaks and everything above ground seems fine.
It’s possible you have a clog, run the pump on the drain line and close the skimmer. If the pump runs good on the drain then you may have a clogged skimmer. If the pump doesn’t run good on the drain then you may have a clogged pump. Thanks for watching.
I unclog skimmers for a living. I always have a small bright colored piece of cloth or tape I first try to force through the pipe. If it travels freely then there is no clog. sometimes it acts as a plunger against porous pine needles. I always use air from a 20 gallon air compressor, I blast it slow at first then I work it up to full blast. To add the air in the line, I tap the pipe with a 7/16" drill and a 1/4" -18 npt thread - this fits the threads of most air connects.
Thank you, I tried a water bladder it blew up. Then I did it with the towel it blew out a bunch of leaves after about 15 minutes of on and off pressure.
Thanks for the videi! But what can I do if I DO have a drain line but it doesn't have a valve? I've tried the bladder method you suggested to try and clear my skimmer line but I think the water is just being rediverted to the main drain line. The water level in my pump fluctuates everytime for a while when I turn it on, and after a few hours, there's just a big air pocket inside.
That is correct, it would be better if you put a valve on the drain line. By having valves on both lines you can regulate each line, especially when you vacuum your pool. Thanks for watching.
Well being the Maintenance Director of all things home. I listened to your video and tried as many of things you suggested. Found out we didn't have either a skimmer or drain shut off. Well then let's just see if we can push the discharge out the skimmer feed with your towel method. Well one 10 gallon pail full of sand later I quit altogether and got a shut off for the drain side. I then pushed the hose and squeezed it for two days to get all the rest of the sand out of the skimmer and lines and still nothing. No suction. Sitting literally pis....d on the chair I had in the pump house I reached down and touched the chlorine dispenser we never use and low and behold it was loose and shouldn't have been. Took it apart added pucks and regained full pressure. How it got lose I can't figure out. It will be the first thing I check the next time if ever we have a loss of pressure.
Our in ground pool has two skimmers and only one isn’t drawing in debris. Do I plug the working skimmer when I try the hose method? Thank you, great video.
You would turn off your drain and the skimmer that is working. Leave the skimmer in question open so you can run the water through and unclog. By closing the other lines you will be able to put all the pressure on the skimmer that is clogged. Good luck and thanks for watching.
Our swimming pool has a solid custom cover and it gets closed after we use it, it was vacuum yesterday because there was some diatomaceous earth on the bottom by the skimmer, today I noticedt the deck skimmer didn't suction the chlorine treatment, could it clog even when there's no debris going on either skimmer? We added 4 pounds of diatomaceous earth 3 days ago. And if you don't mind, is your business in Southern California, close to Riverside, please? Thank you for the excellent videos.
The skimmer that is closer toy equipment has much worse suction, so I suspect a partial clog. I bought a bladder but I realized I have the soft PVC pipe for my lines so I didn't end up using it. Would you suggest I go with your method rather than the bladder? Afraid it builds too much pressure. Not sure if it really creates more pressure than this hose/rag method
Had no idea you weren't supposed to connect the vacuum hose directly to the skimmer... I asked several people and none of them mentioned that, but it always struck me as odd- why would you want all the leaves and debris getting *in* to your system? Kinda defeats the point of a skimmer basket if you're just going to vacuum crap directly into it lol I'll try this method to de-clog and report back, thanks for the info.
Worked great on my crawler suction line. I had a couple of chunks of pine needles and bark chips emerge from the port once I opened the little spring loaded cap. Debris was compacted, about the size of a couple soup cans, it was a wonder any water was passing through it. I was able to yank it out the rest of the way. I turned the pump back on without the crawler attached and let the suction build before opening the little door to reattach the crawler line. Once the door was pried open, a massive column of debris that had been dislodged inside the line shot into the pump strainer basket. Nearly filled the basket. You'll want to be sure to check that before you are done. Was able to return the wet/dry vac I had bought unopened, didn't need it. There are other videos on youtube using that method, but the video here is all you probably need 90% of the time. Flexing the hose to pulse pressure as explained in the video is a must, I don't think it would have worked without doing that.
I have a question about the main drain, for a couple seasons now if I switcn the valve to draw from only the main drain or even to draw from both the skimmer and the main drain, the pump loses suction, then it will build back up, then lose it again, I normally just leave it on the skimmer because of this, could there be something blocking the main drain? Should I try your method to clear it?
@@paulbuschman8318 It would be nice to have a valve on both the skimmer line and the drain line, not only for this situation but it will also allow you to regulate the suction on each line, especially when you vacuum. Thanks for watching.
I have a square skimmer basket and have not found a square vacuum plate anywhere. Probably have to use a filter can between the vacuum and the skimmer.
My vacuum line was clogged, saw this video took about 10 minutes but the line is cleared thank you for posting this video. Followed exact instructions and it worked.
Just came across this channel. Been watching and liking Mark's videos for hours. The amount of work and dedication he puts into this content to educate and help complete strangers. What a wonderful human being. I am sorry I can't afford a decent donation. Thank You
I too just found this channel and he's very thorough on how he teaches! Love this guy! 😎🤙🏽
Completely agree friend
EXCELLENT
1. Blow hose water FROM pump to skimmer (other people's video have you blowing from skimmer which just reinforces the blockage)
2. Crimp hose off and on to get a pulsing action (great suggestion)
3. If still blocked, use the pump to pump water INTO the pump's suction line (much more powerful than a hose, and yes, you will need to cut your pipes and get a length of flexible pool pipe). A lot better than digging up your yard to get down to underground pipes and locate/cut out blocked section
4. Great practical advice
This video saved me! Thank you!
What I ended up doing, since I didn't have anyone to help, was flow through the pump first then flow through the skimmer. I could clearly see, from me standing at the skimmer, when it was unclogged because the pump started to bubble. Tip for all the single people out there!
Yummy indeed
Just purchased a home that had this problem. I followed your instructions and it worked out perfect thank you so much for the details and the great advice.
going to try this today, My fingers are crossed.
Mark I must say I am truly happy with this UA-cam channel you have. I’ve literally watched two videos and I know how to take care of my Inground pool. I absolutely am your customer for life
Thank you so much for your videos! As a first time home owner with an old pool, your guides have been lifesavers!
March 2024 just tried it on a clogged vacuum line, worked like a charm. Saved me from calling a pool repair company 👍🏿
The other, more extreme options by cutting away lines and allowing the pump and/or hoses to blow the clogs was quite interesting! Bravo!
👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Great video. We are having leaves and pine straw falling by the bucket fulls with more than usual wind and our skimmer basket was full and the pump sucking air. First made sure there was no debris blocking the skimmer door and then tried your hose technique with no luck. Suddenly, it occurred to my husband to check the trap door. The door was stuck so no water was coming into the skimmer. Duh! But glad it turned out to be a VERY easy fix.
you are the best "pool guy" on UA-cam! thank you for the much needed tips!
This saved me! I tried the drain king bladder from the hardware store and it just exploded.
Threw a rag on the hose and 500 acorns came pouring out. Skimmer is strong, no more air.
A thousand thank you’s!!
Just bought a king bladder for this purpose. After reading your comment I'll go with the rag instead! Lol
thank you Mark I used your trick and it worked out very well now I am going to buy a vacuum plate.
This worked. My particular clog was two parts. We got it to move by using this trick as shown, and backing that up by using a plunger on the hole to exert pulling force on the pool side of the clog.
Pool professionals use c02 tank to blowout suction lines
I can’t thank you enough for this video!! Our local pool place came out and said we would need a plumber to dig up the pipes and we were devastated. I’m so glad I came across this video and gave it a go because we fixed the problem within 15 minutes!
Mark……..this is an exceptionally good video. You explained everything in a way that is understandable. I subscribed to your channel. Thank you.
I followed the video, man i was so glad cause all I was getting was bubbles and to clear the skimmer and I even tried the line where the pool vac goes my pool runs so good now. This was good my pool vac even works better than before. I do have a leak in pool so I know u have to keep the water line half way pass the skimmer. The pools running great thank you so much did it all by myself. Thank you thank you. You don't know what this means to me. Saved me money I don't have to pay. Very happy this video is very helpful.
Thanks so much for the advice. It worked a treat on a blockage in my main drain that had been stuck fast for months. Much appreciated..
Great video, finally learned how this filter set up works in a straight forward well made demonstration .
SO... I tried this, sort of, but instead of going from the pump end I put the hose in the skimmer hole, and did it, then using the skimmer line lever to create pressure and purge. It's easier to build up pressure, release it, build up pressure, release it, etc. Then it's also going in the right direction through the pump, cutting down on chance of reclogging it when the skimmer is freed. EDIT: THOUGH I did use your video to show me what the theory was. Since before 12hrs ago, hadn't any clue.
Sometimes that works for sure, we've also used the blowers used to winterize pool pipes to clear the line as well. Doesn't build enough pressure to burst a pipe and for some reason the air and all the agitation seems to get out stuff like acorns, etc. We use a fitted lid and like you did the pinch the hose method we often pulse the valve on and off to get bursts of pressure.
Hey, thanks. I just replaced both Motor and housing after avoiding it for eight months; after 25 years the housing had cracked. (It only lasted a quarter century - I'm complaining to Hayward!) Anyway I have never seen a vacuum plate until this video. Must get one!
I also have a clogged drain so the fight isn't over yet...
Thanks for GOOD information!
Thank you for this!! I only watched the first 5 minutes and had to go through 2 sets of 2 15 second ads but that was enough to help me. Very helpful tip!!!
Great video!! I learned how to unclog floor drains years ago at a restaurant. Works on most washer drain clogs as well.
Thank you so much for the advice. I tried the hose method and it worked!!!
OMG! All hope was lost until I found your video!! Thank you!! The rag method worked like a charm!!
Awesome. We lost suction on our hoover and tried all sorts of things. Never seen this one though, so we'll definitely give this a try. Thanks for sharing and explaining.
Definitely gonna try this on my back skimmer further from the pump.
My kids ended up getting a piece of a plastic toy sucked into the skimmer line. 20 seconds of the hose with the towel trick popped it right out. Your video saved me hundreds of dollars. Thank you.
Ah, why didn't I watch this video before I vacuumed the pool!? Thank you for explaining it.
So the rag and hose did help but couldn't get the main problem which was three small rocks my 2 year threw in the pool and I stupidly vacuumed up thinking I'd retrieve them from the pump basket. Ended up leaving the pump lid open and used a 3 foot piece of pvc pipe with a male fitting on the end and threaded that into the skimmer suction opening and used a fernco fitting to attach the other end to a shop vac. Avoided sucking water from the pool itself and got the rocks and things are working great.
It worked for me, after a couple of tries with the hose and rag a large clump worked its way out!!
Thank you Mark for great, easy to follow advice. I'm going to try it.
Rag and hose worked perfectly. Thank you sir!
Amazing video! After watching many videos w/no success, I tried this and it worked! TYSM
Unclogged the vacuum pipe with this method..thank you so much!! 😊😊
Finally, something senseable. thanks
You sir are a gentleman and a scholar. Thank you that save me hundreds!!!
I very much appreciate this guy. Great videos, great knowledge & experience shared in the interest in helping people out & getting things FIXED, like a guy should want to do. Good guy.
Thank you for taking the time to put this wonderful video together I’m off to try it now.
Mark, after days of trying to figure out what was wrong and then how to fix it, 30 seconds with a hosepipe and towel (genius) and we are up and running, thanks very much
Ha , I watched a UA-cam video and it showed me how to vacuum my pool incorrectly and I clogged my skimmer line , then I watched this you tube video to fix it , worked like a charm
Thank you so much for this wisdom. You saved us hundreds of dollars fo a service call.
Ten secs in you helped me with my issue. My plumbing was leaking water.
Terrific advice and immensely helpful! Thanks so much!!!
I’ve learned so many things on your channel ☺️Thank you a lot!!
Great Idea. This idea is SOOOOO simple, yet effective. I should have looked here for ideas before wasting my time with crazy ideas.
I will try this the next time.
Sooooo helpful. And yes, it's blocked in a Thursday afternoon. Will try tomorrow.
You helped me out more than once, I also fixed my skimmer cracking with abs and aceton.
Thank you！！
Best pool channel EVER! thank you!
I’m about to try this method, thanks for all your advice, your videos are lifesavers!
I’m mind blown in the first 5 minutes of this video with the plate thing 🤯 I have one of those and didn’t know that’s what it was for. I bought a new vacuum and everything
You sir are the king of pool maintenance, you cover all scenarios in your videos, shared and subscribed.
Just tried this….omg thank you so much! Totally worked
😊
Thank You. You are the best. I'll keep you in mind when I need help for my pool
Thank you so much for this video. After watch this, I felt that my intelligence level went up a level.
A two skimmer pool u could borrow the suction from one skimmer and use that suction at the clogged skimmer. Set filter to rec. Let the pump get to full prime by leaving the pool hose end just out of the skimmer hole and when full primed stick it in and suck it out with a little luck it will go down the other skimmer pipe.
Going to try this method to identify my skimmer and drain lines. New pool owner here.
Two thumbs up. Love your videos, many I have watched more than once.
Another alternate method to try, after using the garden hose method, is to leave the top off of pump basket container, and then get a large wet-or-dry shop vac and use its hose on the skimmer side, by removing the skimmer basket and making a tight fit of the hose into the pipe below the skimmer basket. When you cut on the shop vac, it should to suck out all the trash that you couldn't push out from the pump side with water pressure. If you suck up a lot of water, you will have to drain the tank of the shop vac periodically. You may have to alternate these 2 methods a couple of times to fully clear the line. If you find you have had a lot of trash coming though the skimmer line over the years, be sure to also clean the trash out of the impeller with a bent coat hanger or the special tool designed for this purpose, before testing the pump. Once the line is clear and the impeller is clear of trash, you should be able to test the impeller's freedom of movement using the coat hanger or cleaning tool to try to feel it move after applying minimal force. If the impeller doesn't move, try using a little mechanic's mirror on an extendable rod and a flash light to see if anything is visibly keeping the impeller from moving. If so, fix it. The breakers to the pump equipment should be off before trying any of these methods, and before making any other mechanical or electrical adjustments to your system that could electrocute you.
When you're satisfied the line is clear and that the impeller should work, reprime the system at the pump(can take 3 to 5 minutes sometimes), tighten down the cover, cut the breakers on, and press the power button for the pump. Good luck. If you're still having air bubbles or low pressure, check for air leaks in the fitting connections, seals and pump basket covers. It's a good idea to apply a silicone-based grease to all seals and connectors not glued together to keep leaks from occurring. This type of grease is commonly sold as dielectric grease of the type used in working on cars and trucks (also called "electric grease" if you work on Ford cars and trucks, but it's mostly all made in same factory, if it's an American-made brand).
Sometimes a shop vac can help, however water pressure is always much stronger and more proven when it comes to removing a clog. When you get a clog you will have to do whatever it takes to unclog the line even if you have to cut the plumbing. Thanks for watching.
Super helpful video. Thank you for sharing. Going to try it out today!
Excellent advice. From Spain.
This works!!!! Thank you so much! Getting a vacuum plate today!
you are a pool master Sir. not much drama you go and fix it fast and smart way….
I think I understand my system now. I had forgotten about this funky valve that pulls triple duty. (Doh!)
Thanks G!
This worked for me, thank you so much for posting this! Much appreciated.
The repeated back and forth method is great advice. Thanks for also going beyond the basics.
My pump attempts to prime but only gets about 90%. I was thinking it was the typical O-ring on my pump but I’ve ruled that out. Guess it’s time to consider that there may be a leak. I’ll try this out and let you know. Great idea with the hose though!!! Brilliant
Turns out… it was the O ring around my pool filter!! Super small leak there but all is fixed. Thank you again sir
Thank you Mark you explain everything perfectly
THANK YOU!!!!! Blew the crap I had vacuumed like an idiot out of the pipe and I am back in business!
Mark is absolutely amazing! Thank you SO MUCH for these great videos, you have saved me tons of money and more priceless is that I have gained so much knowledge about my pool!
Thanks so much. This helped a lot and I was able to get my filter going again
I just either use my blower, or my pressure tester set-up, I will try this in the future thanks !!
amazing channel , best for understanding pool that I found!
Dude! Just saved me a house visit 🙏🏽 liked and subscribed THANK YOU
What an excellent video. So well explained.
This made total sense, but I would caution to check valves first. We had pool work done this week and afterwards we saw that the skimmer wasn't sucking in water. Everything else worked great. I came here to find a solution, but didn't think there was a clog, so I called the gentleman who did my work and asked if it could be a valve. Sure enough, my valve was set 100% to the leaf trapper instead of in the middle between the trapper and skimmer.
Thanks for the in-depth video. Just one question, should I remove the vacuum hose before I run water from the pump? Although the vacuum runs fine, I had added stabilizer in the skimmer, but that does not get sucked in. So I am wondering if the skimmer is clogged. One more thing I noticed is that under the skimmer basket there are two holes (one where the vacuum is hooked up and the other is closed).
Also, how can I find what size of vacuum plate do I need to buy for my skimmer?
Yes, if you email some pictures of your skimmer and skimmer lid then l can help with the vacuum plate. Thanks for watching.
Would undulating suction indicate a clog? It cycles every few seconds. Sucks decent for 4-5 seconds then slows down and does this repeatedly. We concerned about a clog but are suspicions of a leak. I've checked all the connections for air leaks and everything above ground seems fine.
It’s possible you have a clog, run the pump on the drain line and close the skimmer. If the pump runs good on the drain then you may have a clogged skimmer. If the pump doesn’t run good on the drain then you may have a clogged pump. Thanks for watching.
Excellent. A bunch of good ideas when stuck - literally :)
WOOOOW REALLY NICE EXPLANATION
I unclog skimmers for a living. I always have a small bright colored piece of cloth or tape I first try to force through the pipe. If it travels freely then there is no clog. sometimes it acts as a plunger against porous pine needles. I always use air from a 20 gallon air compressor, I blast it slow at first then I work it up to full blast. To add the air in the line, I tap the pipe with a 7/16" drill and a 1/4" -18 npt thread - this fits the threads of most air connects.
Can you explain the bright colored piece of cloth or tape that you use to see if it travels freely? Thanks 👍
Great video, very informative. thanks for sharing
Thank-you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This worked and it was so easy.
Amazing! Super helpful! Thank you!
Thank you, I tried a water bladder it blew up. Then I did it with the towel it blew out a bunch of leaves after about 15 minutes of on and off pressure.
Thanks for the videi! But what can I do if I DO have a drain line but it doesn't have a valve? I've tried the bladder method you suggested to try and clear my skimmer line but I think the water is just being rediverted to the main drain line. The water level in my pump fluctuates everytime for a while when I turn it on, and after a few hours, there's just a big air pocket inside.
That is correct, it would be better if you put a valve on the drain line. By having valves on both lines you can regulate each line, especially when you vacuum your pool. Thanks for watching.
Excellent video
Well being the Maintenance Director of all things home. I listened to your video and tried as many of things you suggested. Found out we didn't have either a skimmer or drain shut off. Well then let's just see if we can push the discharge out the skimmer feed with your towel method. Well one 10 gallon pail full of sand later I quit altogether and got a shut off for the drain side. I then pushed the hose and squeezed it for two days to get all the rest of the sand out of the skimmer and lines and still nothing. No suction. Sitting literally pis....d on the chair I had in the pump house I reached down and touched the chlorine dispenser we never use and low and behold it was loose and shouldn't have been. Took it apart added pucks and regained full pressure. How it got lose I can't figure out. It will be the first thing I check the next time if ever we have a loss of pressure.
Our in ground pool has two skimmers and only one isn’t drawing in debris. Do I plug the working skimmer when I try the hose method? Thank you, great video.
You would turn off your drain and the skimmer that is working. Leave the skimmer in question open so you can run the water through and unclog. By closing the other lines you will be able to put all the pressure on the skimmer that is clogged. Good luck and thanks for watching.
@@HallmarkPoolSupplies thank you but we only have one skimmer line to close off.
Our swimming pool has a solid custom cover and it gets closed after we use it, it was vacuum yesterday because there was some diatomaceous earth on the bottom by the skimmer, today I noticedt the deck skimmer didn't suction the chlorine treatment, could it clog even when there's no debris going on either skimmer? We added 4 pounds of diatomaceous earth 3 days ago.
And if you don't mind, is your business in Southern California, close to Riverside, please?
Thank you for the excellent videos.
I put my filter on backwash and then throw some Dawn dish soap into the skimmer and thanks god it worked and everything is fine 👍
The skimmer that is closer toy equipment has much worse suction, so I suspect a partial clog. I bought a bladder but I realized I have the soft PVC pipe for my lines so I didn't end up using it. Would you suggest I go with your method rather than the bladder? Afraid it builds too much pressure. Not sure if it really creates more pressure than this hose/rag method
Both have the same garden hose pressure. You can do either method, good luck. Thanks for watching.
Had no idea you weren't supposed to connect the vacuum hose directly to the skimmer...
I asked several people and none of them mentioned that, but it always struck me as odd- why would you want all the leaves and debris getting *in* to your system? Kinda defeats the point of a skimmer basket if you're just going to vacuum crap directly into it lol
I'll try this method to de-clog and report back, thanks for the info.
Worked great on my crawler suction line. I had a couple of chunks of pine needles and bark chips emerge from the port once I opened the little spring loaded cap. Debris was compacted, about the size of a couple soup cans, it was a wonder any water was passing through it. I was able to yank it out the rest of the way. I turned the pump back on without the crawler attached and let the suction build before opening the little door to reattach the crawler line. Once the door was pried open, a massive column of debris that had been dislodged inside the line shot into the pump strainer basket. Nearly filled the basket. You'll want to be sure to check that before you are done. Was able to return the wet/dry vac I had bought unopened, didn't need it. There are other videos on youtube using that method, but the video here is all you probably need 90% of the time. Flexing the hose to pulse pressure as explained in the video is a must, I don't think it would have worked without doing that.
that worked perfect, blew debris outta the line with the hose trick
very helpful video. thank you
thanks for this tip i just found this video and used your tips had it cleaned out in about an hour.
also bought that vacuum lid. I never heard of those but my goodness this info was priceless. :)
I have a question about the main drain, for a couple seasons now if I switcn the valve to draw from only the main drain or even to draw from both the skimmer and the main drain, the pump loses suction, then it will build back up, then lose it again, I normally just leave it on the skimmer because of this, could there be something blocking the main drain? Should I try your method to clear it?
This would be better to troubleshoot over the phone, give me a call. I’m in the office Monday-Saturday 10 to 5 EST.
Seems like a great technique to try, but what if your system doesn't have a shut-off valve on the drain line?
@@paulbuschman8318 It would be nice to have a valve on both the skimmer line and the drain line, not only for this situation but it will also allow you to regulate the suction on each line, especially when you vacuum. Thanks for watching.
I have a square skimmer basket and have not found a square vacuum plate anywhere. Probably have to use a filter can between the vacuum and the skimmer.
Super helpful video!!!