Q: Multiport Valve Is Leaking Water Out Of The Waste Line
A: Water is supposed to stop coming out of the waste line after you stop backwashing the filter, but eventually you will notice that water is leaking out the backwash line all the time, not good. First thing I would do is to shut the pump off and push down on the handle fully, turn the valve slightly left and right, and then back to Filter position. Sometimes small bits of debris get stuck between the rotor and spider gasket, and this flushes out the valve. Turn on the pump again to check if that helped. If it still leaks after repositioning the rotor onto the spider gasket, shut off the pump again and remove all of the cover screws, and pull out the key assembly.
Inspect the spider gasket for wear or damage . If you find that the spider gasket looks good but is just loose, break out the Super Glue or silicone, and use dabs to glue any loose rubber down into the grooves of the valve body. If the spider gasket looks too far gone, badly twisted and torn, you should replace it. Be sure to use the correct gasket for your valve, as they are all different sizes. Scrape out the old gasket with a sharp, small flathead screwdriver, removing all tiny bits of rubber, and glue the new gasket in place , using dabs of Super Glue or silicone in the grooves. Tighten the key assembly in place over the new gasket , and youre done replacing a spider gasket.
De Around The Main Drain
If you notice DE powder spilling out of your skimmers, or a cloud of powder around the main drain, this means that the filter is back-draining through the pump, and spilling DE powder back into the pool. FInding the air leak on the filter, or installing a check valve will fix this problem, and keep the water in the pump and filter, so it doesnt drain out through the skimmers or drain.
Can You Use Teflon Tape On A Water Filter Housing
Some people recommend putting some plumbers tape on the threads of your water filter housing to make it easier to put on and take off.
Although Teflon tape may make it easier to put a water filter housing back on, it also makes it easier for you to over tighten the housing which can make it more difficult to take off the next time.
If you are going to add some Teflon tape to the threads of your water filter housing, be sure to only hand tighten the sump just enough to create a good seal and be very careful NOT to over tighten.
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How To Fix A Pool Filter Leak From The Backwash Hose Or Line
To fix a leak from the backwash hose or waste line, you need to first identify the problem. There are a few possible causes as listed above, but in most cases, the culprit is usually the spider gasket. This will also be the cheapest thing to repair, so the first thing to do is to check the gasket.
Follow the written instructions below or if you prefer, heres a video showing the whole process.
Cleaning A Cartridge Filter
- Replacement filter cartridges
- Rubber mallet
- Owners manual
PROCESS FOR HOW-TO
A cartridge filter is also easy to clean you just pull out the cartridges, clean them, and replace them. But there are a few steps to follow to make sure its done right.
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What Is A Pool Filter
A pool filtration system is made up of a pump and a filter. The pump pulls the water from the skimmer located on the pool wall as well as the main drain on or near the bottom area of the pool.
The water then flows through the pump on to the filter, which removes debris, dirt, and bacteria. After the water is filtered, clean water flows through the plumbing and returns to the pool through the return jets on the pool walls.
The pool filters main function is to filter out the debris so that the water of the pool remains clean and dirt free. Pool filters are of three types:
Cartridge filter: A cartridge filter makes use of cartridges, which are big sheets of polyester cloth or paper folded accordion-style, to catch debris. Some of these filters require a single cartridge, while others may need multiple cartridges.
Sand filter: A sand filter is nothing but a tank full of sand. Slotted lateral pipes at the bottom disperse water evenly through the sand to catch debris.
Diatomaceous Earth filter: D.E. filters use eight to ten filter grids covered in D.E. powder to catch debris.
How To Fix Leaking Red Pressure Release Button
On some housings, the leak may be coming from a pressure release button on top of the head. This button is to release the water pressure from the housing in order to change the filter cartridge.
This is not common, but if this is where the leak is, just push the button down several times while the housing is under pressure and you may release the debris that is preventing it from sealing. There will be water spraying out when you do this, so have a towel handy.
I usually put a towel right on the top of the housing and depress the red button with the towel covering it to keep the spraying water to a minimum. If this does not stop the leak you may have to replace the o ring underneath the button or have your plumber replace the whole housing.
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Change Your Sand When Needed
Many pool owners sleep on this, but it is extremely important to change your filter sand every 3-5 years, or when the filter sand is showing signs that it is no longer effective. Some common signs that your pools filter sand needs to be changed are:
- It has been 3-5 years since you changed the pool sand
- Cloudy, dirty pool water
- Clusters of sand forming in your filter
- Water creating channels in the sand
You can read my guide on how to change your pool filter sand to learn how to do it.
How Often You Should Replace Your O
The frequency of replacing your O-ring is something that will vary from filter to filter. It is also specific to the type of O-ring that you utilize. Some pool owners choose to be overly cautious and replace theirs yearly as part of routine maintenance. However, this isnt necessary by any means. Depending on the type of O-ring, you can go several years without changing them, at times even up to 15. Other O-rings are built to last for the duration of the filter itself. Therefore, it is best to explore the life expectancy of your filters O-ring.
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What If My Water Filter Still Leaks After I Have Cleaned It
Most leaks on home water filters are simply the result of a small piece of grit that gets caught between the rubber O ring inside the housing and the housing container itself.
Clearing this debris and making sure the O ring creates a proper seal will usually stop the leak. So lets take a look and find that pesky debris. If you have well water that contains sediment, you more than likely have a sediment filter that you have to change regularly.
After you have changed it a few times, it becomes a pretty routine process. Until the time when you change it and you see that drip of water slowly running down the outside of the filter housing.
Hayward Multiport Valve Repairs
Valve Change: If your multiport valve begins to leak or the handle loses tension, you could repair it with a new key assembly or a new spider gasket, or you could just replace the entire valve in just five steps.
Spider Gasket Change: Losing water out of the backwash line? Remove the top of the multiport valve and inspect the spiderweb style gasket. If its twisted, broken or worn, heres how to replace it, five-step style.
Cracked Valve Body: If there is a small crack around where the pipes screw into the valve ports or where the pressure gauge screws in, these were overtightened or had too many layers of Teflon tape .
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Dye Testing To Pinpoint A Leak
If you need help finding the exact location of a leak, or if youre just looking to confirm your assumptions, a dye test is the way to go. First, turn off the pump and any autofill devices so that the water is still. Grab a pair of goggles or a snorkel mask so you can see well underwater.
Next, apply a very small amount of dye right up next to where you suspect the leak may be. If you notice that the dye gets sucked in, youve just confirmed the leak location, and youre ready to move on to the next step. A common misconception is that you can just squirt a plume of dye in the general area to determine the leak location, but thats simply not accurate. The point where you apply the dye needs to be right up against the suspected leak, within 1/4″ or less.
Here’s a video from Anderson Manufacturing Co. Inc. that shows you how to use their LeakMaster Dye Test:
Where Can I Get A New O Ring For My In
There are two common sizes of filter cartridges used for most home filtering applications. The most common is a cartridge that is 2.5 inches in diameter and the larger size is 4.5 inches in diameter.
But just because the filter cartridge may fit different housings does not mean that the O rings are the same for all housings. Be sure to check your exact size O ring diameter and thickness when ordering online as there are similar-looking O rings that may not fit your housing.
If you dont have a backup O ring, check out my O Ring Identification page to find the correct O ring for your water filter housing.
If you are in need of a new one immediately, leave your water off and bring the old one to the hardware store. This way you can match it up as close as possible to one that they have at the store.
Now, with the O ring back in its channel, place the new filter cartridge in the center of the housing, be sure that it sits over the top of the nub at the bottom of the housing.
- Center the housing into the head and screw the sump back onto the head using only your hands. Do not use the wrench to put the sump back on as it will make it much harder to remove it next time.
- Hand-tight will normally be tight enough to create a good seal and not cause difficulty for future changes. The filter cartridge may not be in the housing correctly.
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How To Know Its Time To Replace Your Sand Filter System
Sand filter systems can last a very long time if maintained properly. But, inevitably, they will eventually need to be replaced. You should expect your sand filter to last 2-3 decades if you keep a consistent cleaning schedule. Over time, your tank, plumbing, and pump will start to collect mineral deposits and wear down. Individual parts can be replaced, but there comes a time when there is nothing you can do but purchase a new filter altogether.
There is no rule for when you will need to purchase an entire new pool filter system. The choice is really up to you to weigh the pros and cons and the cost benefits of investing in a new system. If you feel like you need a new system, check out my recommendations for the best pool filter.
High Pressure Wont Stay Down
DE Filter High Pressure: Youve backwashed, and added new DE powder, but the filter pressure stays high, or it drops only for a few hours. First, check that the pressure gauge is accurate and not stuck. Also confirm that nothing downstream of the filter is causing the high pressure, like a closed valve or a pipe obstruction.
Next, pull out the grid assembly and hose off completely. Reassemble and add the recommended amount of DE for your pool filter, which is usually 1lb of DE for each 5 sq. ft. of filter surface area . If you still have the issue, clean the filter grids with a DE filter cleaner, to remove oils and minerals that are clogging the grids.
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Water Levels Stabilize Or The Pool Stops Leaking
Have you let the water drop to a level where it seems to stabilize? Many dont, for fear of letting the water level fall below the skimmer while the pump is running. But if you suspect that the leak is happening in the skimmer or pool lights, this test will help confirm.
IMPORTANT: If you suspect that the leak is deeper than 12-18″, or if the water leakage shows no sign of stopping at that level, abandon this test immediately. Refill the pool to appropriate levels, and continue troubleshooting with other methods or consult a professional. Allowing the pool to drain too much may damage the pool structure or your vinyl liner.
If you have separate main drain and skimmer lines in front of the pump, close the skimmer valves, and keep the main drain valve open. Older valves may leak air, so it may also be necessary to plug the skimmers, to keep air out of the pump. If you dont have a separate valve for the drain, it may be possible to use a vacuum hose connected to the skimmer with a hose adapter. Another route is to balance and super-chlorinate the pool, then just turn off the pump for a few days. Use this method if you dont have a main drain line.
Re: Repair Hdpe Filter Tank
Postby Denniswiseman»Wed 20 Oct, 2021 05:14
Postby dongiulio»Wed 20 Oct, 2021 11:34
Denniswiseman wrote:To be honest if it leaks in two separate places I would be inclined to replace it asit seems to be failing
- Joined: Thu 29 Apr, 2021 00:43
- My Pool: 12000 gallons vinyl liner,
Postby Teapot1»Wed 20 Oct, 2021 12:48
Postby dongiulio»Wed 20 Oct, 2021 13:52
Teapot1 wrote:Thats unfortunate, what make are they?Sounds like more welding or replace if its lower cost.Usual a blow molding so maybe they have a manufacturing issue, still under guarantee?
- Joined: Thu 29 Apr, 2021 00:43
- My Pool: 12000 gallons vinyl liner,
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Loose Cover Rings And Fittings
Your pool filter is held together by cover rings and similar fittings. If you notice your filter leaking heavily, then you may need to replace the o-rings that help keep your cover on. To make sure that your filter is properly tightened and fit together, do the following:
- Remove and replace any o-rings or connectors that are rusty, cracked, or otherwise worn out. In most cases, the cracks or wear and tear are what cause the leaks. It makes your filter less watertight.
- If your o-rings are still okay, give them a nice cleaning. You should clean them with a rag sprayed with all purpose cleaner. Then, lubricate them so that they remain watertight.
- Tighten down clamp bands. These should never be loose, really. You cant actually overtighten them.
- Check the bolts in and around the top of the filter. If your bolts have started to rust, then you might need to get new bolts for your filter.
- Look to see if the PVC has warped. Frequent temperature changes can cause the PVC around the filter to warp. If this occurs, you might have to change out the PVC piping before you can use your filter.
- Check any unions or couplings near the top of the filter. Unions and couplings can both start to leak if they are very worn out.
