Air Relief Valve Leaking on Pentair Clean & Clear Plus After Replacing Filter Cartridges

Aug 24, 2018
20
Buckeye, AZ
Pool Size
10000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
We changed out our cartridge filters today and noticed after re-assembling everything and starting the pump back up that the air relief valve is leaking/dripping a steady stream of water. What is a possible cause for this and is it considered an emergency? Possible steps to fix it?

99778
 
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As Pat says, there are orings in the valve. You need to pull the valve apart -- you gently pull the two tabs outward and the valve comes apart. Check the orings and see if they are damaged. Lube them and put it back together.
 
As Pat says, there are orings in the valve. You need to pull the valve apart -- you gently pull the two tabs outward and the valve comes apart. Check the orings and see if they are damaged. Lube them and put it back together.

Thank you both! I should have specified that the water is coming out of the nozzle where air and water release from if you turn that assembly to release the air, it’s not leaking around the base of the valve. Is that still likely a gasket/o-ring issue?
 
Thank you both! I should have specified that the water is coming out of the nozzle where air and water release from if you turn that assembly to release the air, it’s not leaking around the base of the valve. Is that still likely a gasket/o-ring issue?
What I described is getting to the orings in the valve itself. Your leak out the nozzle is what happens when they need replacement or lubrication. I lube them in my valve every year when I clean the cartridges.
 
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It was, yes. They left it there when our pool was closed for the winter.
Well, unless someone else can confirm, I have a suspicion the freezing temps may have damaged the valve. Maybe. I'd like another member who uses those all the time to confirm. Let's see.
 
What I described is getting to the orings in the valve itself. Your leak out the nozzle is what happens when they need replacement or lubrication. I lube them in my valve every year when I clean the cartridges.
There you go! Marty pulled-through. :goodjob: I hope that does the trick for you. Hint - many folks do remove fragile components (i.e. gauges) at closing ...... just in case. :) I hope the internal o-ring solves your issue.
 
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What I described is getting to the orings in the valve itself. Your leak out the nozzle is what happens when they need replacement or lubrication. I lube them in my valve every year when I clean the cartridges.

Thank you very much. We are very new to all things pool related so it’s incredibly intimidating. So we need to remove the air relief valve by unscrewing it from the top, take the o-ring out from the inside of the valve and lubricate it or replace it? What would we want to use to lubricate it?
 

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Look at the valve. You turn it to release the pressure. See the two tabs on the outside? Lift those outward gently and the valve will turn and come apart. You do not remove the entire assembly from the housing. Obviously, your pump is off and the Circuit breaker is opened (off) to the pump.

Use a non teflon silicone lubricant. Magic Lube is one brand. You need to have some to lube your pump basket gasket and your cartridge filter gasket.
 
Look at the valve. You turn it to release the pressure. See the two tabs on the outside? Lift those outward gently and the valve will turn and come apart. You do not remove the entire assembly from the housing. Obviously, your pump is off and the Circuit breaker is opened (off) to the pump.

Use a non teflon silicone lubricant. Magic Lube is one brand. You need to have some to lube your pump basket gasket and your cartridge filter gasket.
Non-Teflon? I just checked Amazon for Magic Lube and they all appear to be Teflon based.

If we aren’t able to get our hands on any lube right away, is this small drip/leak ok for a day or two?
 
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The drip is fine. It may let the system drain when the pump is off so you may see alot of air when the pump starts.
Magic Lube 2 or Boss 820 are the ones I know of. I use Boss 820.
 
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Those valves go bad very easily. I’ve replaced two of them on my QuadDE. The entire assembly runs about $40 on Amazon. If lubing the o-rings does work, just replace the entire assembly. It’s a quick and easy job.
 
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The drip is fine. It may let the system drain when the pump is off so you may see alot of air when the pump starts.
Magic Lube 2 or Boss 820 are the ones I know of. I use Boss 820.
Our pump runs 24/7 (as per our pool tech’s instructions) so that should be ok? You have been incredibly helpful. Thank you berg much for everything! I will check with our local pool store when the open tomorrow morning to see if we can pick some up. Have a great evening!
 
Can't imagine why you need to run your pool pump that much but that is your decision. As you do not have a SWCG all you need to run it for is to mix your daily addition of liquid chlorine. With a pool cover you do not even need to skim.

Good luck.
 
Can't imagine why you need to run your pool pump that much but that is your decision. As you do not have a SWCG all you need to run it for is to mix your daily addition of liquid chlorine. With a pool cover you do not even need to skim.

Good luck.
Honestly, I’m not sure either - seems like a huge waste of electricity in my opinion. I would even be fine with running it during the day and turning it off at night while it’s covered. Maybe I should get a second (or third, rather) opinion on that. Thanks again!
 
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