The suction side of your pool, meaning the main drain line and other lines that feed the pump, is the hardest plumbing to reach. Main drain lines run under the pool floor and deck, so a traditional repair can mean major excavation. Pipepoxy by The Leak Geeks repairs suction and main drain lines from the inside with epoxy lining, so the work happens in the pipe instead of under your deck. And you don't have to drain the pool: we line main drain lines with the pool full.
Signs of a Suction-Side Leak
- Air bubbles coming out of the returns
- A pump that loses prime or has air in the basket
- Water loss that happens mainly with the pump off (or changes noticeably between pump on and off)
- Wet ground near the equipment pad with no visible pipe damage
Suction leaks can pull air into the system instead of pushing water out, so the symptoms aren't always what people expect. Testing settles it.
Testing Before Anything Else
Pipepoxy is a division of The Leak Geeks, so we start the way a leak detection company does: isolating each line and pressure testing it. The main drain line, any dedicated suction lines and the skimmer line are tested separately so we repair the right pipe. Need the full investigation first? See pool leak detection.
How Pipepoxy Works on Suction and Drain Lines, With No Draining
- Blow out and dry. We clear standing water from the line and dry the inside of the pipe.
- Sand and clean. A specialized sanding disk cleans the pipe wall to create a good bonding surface.
- Apply Pipepoxy. Our epoxy mixture is precisely measured and applied to coat the inside of the pipe and seal the leak.
- Verify and cure. We pressurize the line with air to confirm the leak is sealed, then let the epoxy cure.
No excavation under the deck, no draining or refilling the pool, and most repairs are finished the same day. Keeping the pool full also avoids the risks that come with draining: a vinyl liner shrinking, or a shell shifting in wet ground.
Why Main Drain Lines Matter
A main drain line that leaks under the pool can let water work into the soil beneath the shell. In the clay soils around Columbia and Lexington County, that can contribute to settling over time. Getting the line sealed without tearing up the area around the pool is the whole point of Pipepoxy.
Honest Limits
If a suction or main drain line is collapsed, crushed or completely disconnected, epoxy lining may not be the right repair. We'll explain what we found and recommend the best path, including conventional repair through The Leak Geeks.
Service Area
Pipepoxy serves pools within about 25 miles of West Columbia, SC, including Columbia, Lexington, Cayce, Irmo, Chapin, Gilbert and Lake Murray.
Get a Free Quote
Call 803-570-5283 (open 24/7) or request a free quote. Every Pipepoxy repair is backed by a 1-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a suction line and a return line?
Suction lines (including the main drain and skimmer lines) carry water to the pump. Return lines carry filtered water back to the pool.
Can you repair a main drain line without draining the pool?
Yes. We line main drain lines without lowering or draining the pool, so your water, chemicals and liner or plaster stay as they are.
Why are there bubbles in my returns?
Air in the returns can point to a suction-side leak. Pressure testing confirms where it is.
Is the repair warrantied?
Yes, a 1-year warranty on repairs.
How long does it take?
Most Pipepoxy repairs are finished the same day.