How long should piston valves last? We've lubed it a few xs but now that we went to backwash today I was afraid I'd break it by trying to turn it. All we had available was WD-40 which may not have been ideal but we were limited in time so used it. It helped but it was still very hard to turn and lift. Should we get a new piston valve or is there something we can do to increase the life? Thx
Hayward DE backwash piston valve
- Thread starter outdoorsgal
- Start date
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,841
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
Have you ever taken it apart and replaced all the piston seals? They sell kits for those. If so, it may be time to simply replace with a multiport valve.
thx for your msg and my apologies for a laaaate reply. We replaced the seals. U mean replace what we have already, handle and piston assembly, right? this: https://www.amazon.com/Hayward-SPX0...602531&sprefix=hayward+backwas,aps,175&sr=8-4
- Jun 22, 2014
- 47,841
- Pool Size
- 17888
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-45 Plus
What are you using to lube the O rings? I believe Hayward says to only use silicone grease for those. Any other lube will cause the O rings to swell and result in what you are seeing. It makes a difference.
TexasSplash,, thx. 1poolman1. We only use silicone pool grease for anything pool related but my husband put in the O rings and my guess is he didn't 'use anything. I'm just putting in ORings in my hoses and I don't use grease. Maybe that's a different concept or am I supposed to grease Orings in garden hoses as well? I'll have to ask him. We seem to truly be the kind of people who rn't that great at DIY when it comes to repairing simple pool stuff. We do ok with maintainance thx for many hours of help from TFP but we seem to miss little things that may be obvious to others when it comes to repair. Before purchasing the whole new set up should we lube the ORings or assume 6 yrs it's time for a new set up? When you lube it do we lube all sides of the ORing very generously? thx!
Garden hoses use gaskets that seal by tightening. The O rings in a backwash valve are a piston-seal, like the sealing rings in an engine. Absolutely, lube the rings. It won't hurt and could save a bunch of money. Or, get new O rings and start over, there's not likely to be any damage to the valve body.