Pentair SD-40 Lateral Pipe won't separate from valve

[Stravinsky]

Hi! I am having trouble separating the lateral pipe from the valve assembly. Any tricks? I'm assuming sand/crud/etc. is lodged between the pipe and valve making this difficult. I've tried heat (hair dryer), a little WD-40 (with a towel underneath to prevent it from entering the filter), and some rubber mallet assistance. This thing won't budge!

Thanks!

 

[Texas Splash]

Hello and welcome to TFP! Sorry for the delay on your first post here. We were hoping someone with personal experience about your SD-40 model filter might chime-in and respond. So it's time to give this post a little for some more visibility. Hopefully someone will reply if you haven't already fixed the issue. Nice to have you with us!

 

[Stravinsky]

Hello and welcome to TFP! Sorry for the delay on your first post here. We were hoping someone with personal experience about your SD-40 model filter might chime-in and respond. So it's time to give this post a little for some more visibility. Hopefully someone will reply if you haven't already fixed the issue. Nice to have you with us!

Thanks for the warm welcome and bump! I think the question should apply to a lot of sand filter owners, as the design is very similar across the board...laterals attached to a center pipe that slide into the valve assembly on top of the filter.

I was able to break the pipe loose and twist it a little with a rubber strap wrench this evening, but it still won't slide out of the valve assembly.

 

[duraleigh]

All the things I would suggest you have already done. I wish I could offer a trick but maybe others can chime in.