Backwash valve stuck

Jarwulf · Oct 25, 2015

Hi, there is a leak in the backwash and I am trying to get it out to possibly replace the orings but it seems to be rammed in really tight.

It looks like this...

With all the screws removed of course. Is there a

n effective way to get it out? I tried some tricks I saw in youtube but it remains stuck. Once I get it out is there a way to easily replace this with one of those screw on valves which are much easier to open?

kimkats · Oct 27, 2015

I saw a you-tube that dealt with this.

GENTLE is the key word----------------GENTLY put a pair of large pliers on the long part just under the handle. You can put a wash cloth over the are to protect the plastic. Now hit the pliers with a hammer in an upward motion to encourage the valve to move up.

Let us know how it goes.

Kim

Jarwulf · Nov 28, 2015

I've tried that a couple times. I could go to town a little more on the hammering but I'm afraid it might damage something. The things sticking up slightly but jammed in really tight. When I try to pull it up I can feel the canister shifting with it. Any more tricks? the only other option is about 100 bucks for the pool guy which I'm not looking forward to.

kimkats · Nov 28, 2015

No

Any idea what the pool guy will do that you have not done? I guess since he has seen more than you have he might have a few tricks up his sleeves....

Kim

Jarwulf · Nov 28, 2015

I don't know, I can't imagine that a stuck backwash valve is up there with unified field theory or NPhard or anything like that so hopefully someone here might have something to add?

duraleigh · Nov 29, 2015

I can't see enough of your plumbing but you have a half-union that can be unscrewed on the right of that valve. Can you take it apart on the left side, too?

Jarwulf · Nov 29, 2015

If you're talking about the black cover and the two screws on the side they've been removed but I was too lazy to post an updated pic but they're off.

JamesW · Nov 29, 2015

A product like WD-40 Specialist Silicone spray might help. If you can get the top up enough to spray in some silicone, it might provide enough lubrication to get the part out.

Jaimslaw · Nov 30, 2015

As a last resort or in addition to other methods, you may be able to use a heat gun, hair dryer or similarl to the area. PVC does not have the same expansive attributes as metal and the water in the line will inhibit the heating effect, but it may help with the fix you are or will be applying.