1st Sand Filter Deep Cleaning

[Sierra54]

This will be my first time deep cleaning the sand filter.

These threads have not been opened in 7 years. I'm I setting myself up for a broken union?

 

[duraleigh]

I hear ya'. Proceed cautiously. My first try would be a strap wrench on the union leaving ample room to tap (I said TAP) that outer collar while applying pressure the strap wrench.

In fact, I think I would tap that collar all the way around to help break it loose BEFORE you use the strap wrench. A penetrant would be very nice but I don't know one that exists. Penetrating oil for metal threads may or may not work but it won't hurt.

 

[Homebrewale]

A silicone penetrant may help. I have found the reason a union won't turn is because I tightened it too much in the beginning. It has taken years to train myself to tighten unions hand tight instead of giving it an extra turn with the strap wrench. Same with car oil filters.

 

[Sierra54]

I used a putty knife and rubber mallet to tap it a few times then the strap wrench loosened it without difficulty. I removed the multiport and flushed it with a garden hose for about 45 minutes. Wasn't sure when to stop the debris just kept coming up. Once it started to slow and I stopped getting clumps of cottonwood fibers I closed it up, did a backwash/rinse. I noticed that my starting pressure is about 5psi higher after the deep clean. Could this mean I had some channeling in the sand?

I also used some silicone grease on the rubber gaskets and connections so hopefully next time will go easier.