I have a Pentair SMBW2060 DE filter that is approximately 17 years old. The problem I am having is that the o-ring no longer seals and it leaks constantly.
It used to be that I could barely get the cover down on to the filter body, the o-ring was so tight. After a few years, I found the o-ring started leaking so I purchased a new one. No issues, lubed, installed, and everything was back to normal. Then a few years later I found it was time to again purchase a new o-ring and once lubed/installed it leaked. Called the pool store to see if they gave me an aftermarket or wrong unit, they said no. I purchased another new one and again, had the same leak. Took both back to the pool store and asked what was up. They said that maybe the o-rings were out of spec and to wrap a couple turns of electrical tape around the filter prior to installing. I tried that and found it worked! Ran that setup for a few years and have now started a leak again.
Having purchased a new o-ring, I now find myself wondering if I can purchase an over sized o-ring to get away from wrapping the stainless steel tanks channel with electrical tape. Without the electrical tape, the lid is sloppy loose and nearly drops into place with a little pressure.
Is it possible that the lid has stretched in such a way as to not seal any longer? Maybe the proper approach is to get a new lid and not be concerned with an over sized o-ring?
Thoughts?
It used to be that I could barely get the cover down on to the filter body, the o-ring was so tight. After a few years, I found the o-ring started leaking so I purchased a new one. No issues, lubed, installed, and everything was back to normal. Then a few years later I found it was time to again purchase a new o-ring and once lubed/installed it leaked. Called the pool store to see if they gave me an aftermarket or wrong unit, they said no. I purchased another new one and again, had the same leak. Took both back to the pool store and asked what was up. They said that maybe the o-rings were out of spec and to wrap a couple turns of electrical tape around the filter prior to installing. I tried that and found it worked! Ran that setup for a few years and have now started a leak again.
Having purchased a new o-ring, I now find myself wondering if I can purchase an over sized o-ring to get away from wrapping the stainless steel tanks channel with electrical tape. Without the electrical tape, the lid is sloppy loose and nearly drops into place with a little pressure.
Is it possible that the lid has stretched in such a way as to not seal any longer? Maybe the proper approach is to get a new lid and not be concerned with an over sized o-ring?
Thoughts?
