Plumbing, valves & fittings
Plumbing, valves, skimmers, drains and returns
Valves, skimmers, drain covers, returns, pipe and fittings. Most are molded with their brand and size, so a clear photo usually tells us what we need.
Two safe first checks
- Walk the equipment pad with the pump running and look for drips or spray at valves, unions and fittings.
- Check the skimmer basket, lid and weir for cracks, and look at the main drain cover from the deck.
Still not sure? Show a pool tech on a short video call before you buy, so you only order the part you need.
Which part? Common symptoms
| What you're seeing | Parts often involved |
|---|---|
| Drip at a valve stem or handle | Valve O-rings or the valve |
| Leak at a union | Union O-ring or the union |
| Cracked skimmer basket, lid or weir | Skimmer parts |
| Main drain cover cracked, loose or discolored | Certified drain cover (qualified tech; pool closed until it's replaced) |
| Water loss you can't find | Leak detection first (see losing water) |
Plumbing, valves, skimmers, drains and returns we source
Diverter, ball & check valves
2-way and 3-way diverter valves, ball valves, check valves and their O-rings and handles.
Common sign: Valve leaks at the stem, won't turn, or water backflows when the pump stops.
Skimmers & skimmer parts
Skimmer baskets, lids, weirs, collars, diverter plates and replacement skimmers.
Common sign: Cracked basket or lid, a stuck weir, or a leak around the skimmer.
Main drain covers & sumps
Certified drain covers (suction outlet fitting assemblies) and sumps (installed by a qualified pool tech).
Common sign: Drain cover cracked, discolored, missing screws, or past its marked service life.
Return fittings & eyeballs
Return jets, eyeball fittings, wall fittings and above-ground return kits.
Common sign: Missing or broken eyeball, or a leak at a return.
Pipe, fittings, unions & glue
PVC pipe and flex pipe, fittings, unions, couplings, primer and cement.
Common sign: Leak at a joint or union, or a cracked fitting at the equipment pad.
Hoses & above-ground plumbing
Above-ground pool hoses, hose adapters, clamps and plunger valves.
Common sign: Cracked hose, a leaking clamp, or a valve that won't shut.
About main drain covers
Under the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, pool and spa drain covers sold in the U.S. must meet the CPSC's drain cover standard (16 CFR part 1450, which incorporates ANSI/APSP/ICC-16). The Pool & Hot Tub Alliance's guide explains that covers are certified, marked, and have an installed service life. We match the correct certified cover and recommend a qualified pool tech install it following the manufacturer's instructions.
What to send us
A photo of the part with any molded markings (brand, size, model), the pipe size, and where it is on your pool.
Where to find the model and part numbers
- Valves and fittings usually have the brand and pipe size molded into the body or handle.
- Pipe size is printed along the pipe. Tell us whether it's rigid PVC or flex pipe.
- Certified drain covers are marked with the standard they meet. Send a clear photo of all the markings on the cover.
Brands we source and help find plumbing, valves, skimmers, drains and returns for
- Pentair
- Hayward
- Jandy
- CMP
- Waterway
Common questions
Can I replace a main drain cover myself?
Drain covers protect swimmers from suction entrapment and must be certified and installed exactly as the manufacturer says. Have a qualified pool tech replace it, and keep everyone out of the pool if a cover is missing or broken.
How do I know my pipe size?
The size is usually printed along the pipe. Send us a photo and we'll match the valve or fitting.
Can you help me find a leak?
Start with our losing-water guide. A tech can help you narrow it down on a video call, and we can help you find a local leak detection pro if you need one.
Related guides
Pool losing water
Evaporation or a leak? The bucket test tells you in a day.
Read the guidePump not priming
Pump runs but the basket won't fill. Almost always air or water level.
Read the guideSources
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: Pool and spa drain covers (Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, 16 CFR part 1450, ANSI/APSP/ICC-16)
- Pool & Hot Tub Alliance: The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act resource guide (drain cover certification, marking and service life)
Brand names are trademarks of their owners. We're an independent parts and support service, not affiliated with, endorsed by or an authorized dealer for any manufacturer. These are brands we source and help find parts for. Availability depends on the part and model, and your quote confirms it.
← All pool parts · Pumps · Filters · Heaters & heat pumps · Salt & chlorinators · Automation & electrical · Lights · Cleaners · Covers & liners · Ladders & boards · Feeders & test kits · Troubleshooting guides