How to test the main drain?

[waste]

105, welcome to the forum!! Matt and Dave are right about the possible problem if the skimmer line is the only working line.
Does the skimmer have 2 ports? - some morons plumb the MD through the skimmer and use a special attachment in the skimmer to regulate the flow of the skimmer and the MD If you're not sure just see how many lines come up into the pump - if it's only 1 the MD is probably plumbed through the skimmer and you'll need the special attachment to get any water movement through the drain.

[105ex]

Almost 3 years ago since I posted this thread. Thank you for all the responses.

I believe Ted's description matches the configuration for my pool. The skimmer has 2 holes, one leading to the pump and the other leading to the main drain. And, I thought the saucer-looking thing that I found in the skimmer was a weight for the skimmer basket.

Recently, I was adding water through the skimmer when I noticed that some dirt around the main drain moved. That's what led me to realize that:
1. the second hole basically gets piped to the main drain (as clarified in http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Should_the...r_have_suction) and
2. the saucer-looking thing is a "skimmer diverter"

Anyways, just updating the thread in case there are others who may also be clueless as I've been and may benefit.