How to Unclog Pool Plumbing

This video gives will show how to use a drain bladder to clear a clogged skimmer line. A working skimmer is vital to a healthy pool, removing debris and any contaminants from the pool’s surface.

Common Causes For Clogged Skimmers

A vacuum hose is plugged directly into the base of the skimmer, bypassing the basket. The collected debris can then pass freely into the unprotected plumbing lines
The skimmer basket is broken or missing during normal filtering
Repeated vacuum hose on the skimmer line without an inline leaf canister

Symptoms of a Clogged Skimmer

Priming Issues
Your suction cleaner has slowed or stopped working
Surface debris lingers in the pool

Steps to Unclog the Skimmer Line

Shut down power to the pump at the breaker.
Remove pump lid and basket.
Adjust your plumbing valves to close the main drain line. Also, make uncertain that the only open suction pipe is the clogged skimmer line.
Attach a garden hose to the closest spigot, then install a drain bladder attachment to the hose, or find a rag you’ll be able to plug around the hose when you insert it into the pipe.
Slide the hose through the pump’s suction port’ insert the hose at least 6 to 8 inches into the suction line. if you are not using the drain bladder, plug the hose around the hose with the rag.
Open the hose spigot and let it run while you have a friend watching the skimmer for signs of debris backwashing to the pool. This debris is a sign the blog is breaking up.
Let the hose flow until no more debris is exiting the skimmer line.
Remove the hose from the suction line.
Reinstall the pump’s lid and basket.
Turn on power at the breaker.
Turn on the pump; you may need to prime the pump.
Check that the skimmer flow has returned to normal. If your plumbing still shows signs of a clog, you may repeat the above steps; or try other troubleshooting guides to find other possible plumbing issues.

How To Determine Why a Pool Pump Won’t Prime
How to Fix Priming Problems In your Pool Plumbing
What Does My Valve Control?
How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System