Port Reading, NJ – Broken Return Line Found Before an Unnecessary $5,000 Skimmer Line Replacement

Case Summary: A Port Reading, NJ homeowner was facing a $5,000 job to replace a skimmer line that wasn’t leaking. Atlantic Pool Leak Detection pressure tested the plumbing, identified a leaking return line and pinpointed the underground break. We repaired the broken pipe, resolving the water loss and helping the homeowner avoid an unnecessary skimmer line replacement.

Actual Return Line Leak

The video below documents this Port Reading pool leak detection and repair.

The Problem: Conflicting Diagnoses and a $5,000 Repair Recommendation

A homeowner in Port Reading, NJ, in Middlesex County had been dealing with a pool leak since the previous summer. Her vinyl liner pool was losing approximately 1 inch of water every 24 hours.

The pool had not officially been opened yet. With the leak still unresolved, she removed the winter cover early so the pool could be tested and the issue resolved before the pool season started.

According to the homeowner, several pool and plumbing companies had already looked at the problem and provided conflicting opinions. One company told her that the skimmer line was leaking and would need to be replaced at a cost of approximately $5,000.

Before committing to that work, she contacted Atlantic Pool Leak Detection.

How We Tested the Port Reading Pool

We performed individual pressure testing on the underground plumbing lines to determine which line was leaking.

Our testing confirmed:

• The skimmer line held pressure and was not leaking.
• One of the return lines was leaking underground.

The proposed skimmer line replacement would not have resolved the water loss. The problem was in a different pipe.

Pinpointing Before Digging

Once we identified the leaking return line, we used our advanced leak detection equipment to pinpoint the underground break.

Pressure testing identified which line was leaking. Further testing located the break along that line, allowing us to determine where to dig before making the repair.

Underground Return Line Repair

A few weeks after the leak detection, we returned to complete the repair.

We opened the area where the leak had been pinpointed, exposed the broken line and replaced the damaged section of pipe.

After completing the repair, we pressure tested the line again to confirm it was holding pressure.

The photo below shows the damaged section of return pipe we removed.

The Result

We repaired the broken return line and resolved the pool’s ongoing water loss.

The homeowner avoided spending approximately $5,000 replacing a skimmer line that wasn’t leaking. Instead, the repair addressed the return line that our testing confirmed was the issue.

In her Google review, she wrote, “I wish I reached out earlier!”

What This Port Reading Case Shows

• Conflicting opinions do not establish which plumbing line is leaking. Testing is needed to confirm the problem.
• Individual pressure testing distinguishes a leaking line from one that holds pressure.
• Pinpointing the underground break before digging helps limit unnecessary work.
• An incorrect diagnosis can lead to an expensive repair that leaves the original leak unresolved.

Need Pool Leak Detection in Port Reading, NJ?

APLD provides professional swimming pool leak detection in Port Reading and throughout Middlesex County. We test in-ground vinyl liner, gunite and fiberglass pools.

Contact APLD or call 732-333-3304 to request an appointment in Port Reading, NJ.

You can learn more about our pool plumbing pressure testing, or review additional pool leak case studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a Pool Plumbing Leak Be Misdiagnosed?

Yes. In this Port Reading case, the homeowner had been advised to replace the skimmer line. Our pressure testing confirmed that the skimmer line was not the issue and that a return line was leaking.

How Do You Determine Which Pool Plumbing Line Is Leaking?

Pressure testing confirms whether a plumbing line is leaking. When possible, plumbing lines should be isolated and pressure tested separately.

Can You Locate an Underground Pool Pipe Leak Before Digging?

In many cases, yes. Once testing confirms which line is leaking, specialized equipment and testing methods can be used to pinpoint the underground break. The ability to pinpoint a break depends on conditions at the property. In this Port Reading case, we located the exact spot of the break before digging.

Does a Broken Pool Pipe Require Replacing the Entire Line?

Not always. When the damaged section of pipe can be located and accessed, in most cases it is possible to replace only that section. At this Port Reading pool, we replaced the bad section of pipe.