Hayward sand filter reassembly

[romdos11]

I have a Hayward S310S sand filter and took it all apart because I was suspecting a damaged lateral. During disassembly, I noticed that the upper elbow and diffuser just pulled apart easily, but the lateral assembly was bonded or puttied to the lower elbow and the flange ( aka bulkhead fitting according to the manual).

I ended up having to put the lower elbow in the vise and use a 2x4 to twist the lateral assembly off of it. It seems like it wouldn't need to have glue since it has 500# of sand sitting on it and even backwashing probably wouldn't make it move.

When I reassemble it, should I use putty or glue or just press the pieces together?

Thanks in advance

 

[tim5055]

I would think press fit myself.

 

[romdos11]

I would think press fit myself.

That's what I thought. If the upper elbow (which is above the sand) would stay together during all the different phases of water flow (filter, backwash, etc.) It seems that the lower assembly wouldn't come apart either.