Multiport spider gasket replacement didn’t fix backwash leak

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Savagepool

Savagepool

Member
Jun 24, 2020
18
Austin, TX
Pool Size
17900
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
I have a Praher SM20-2 that was leaking through the waste port at about 2 drops per second. Replaced the spider gasket and it’s still leaking. Tried the ‘over-rotate then back to filter‘ trick to no avail. Now I’m trying to determine if replacing the handle spring could somehow improve the seal on the gasket. There aren’t any leaks coming from anywhere on the multiport valve itself, and when the pump turns of water slowly drains out of the pump and filter (I can hear gurgling in the filter and the pump has to re-prime on every startup). Is my multiport valve done or are there other things to try? I searched the old threads on this topic but couldn’t find a definitive answer…any help is appreciated!
 
Welcome to TFP.

Depends if you perfectly replaced the gasket.

Where did you get the gasket from? Was it an OEM gasket?

You can try replacing the gasket again.

Or you can start fresh with a new MPV.
 
Looks like it was not a pentair OEM gasket. As far as if I perfectly replaced it or not, who knows, first time doing it. Scraped away the old gasket and glued the new one in. I’ll crack it open again and give it a look.
 
Get a genuine Pentair spider gasket and try again.

Lots of third party pool parts don’t fit exactly.
 
Savage, did you lube the gasket?
Does the spring tension feel weak when you depress the handle?
Check the pin holding the handle to the valve--is it sticking out a little to either side? if so, give it a tap with a center punch or similar to re-center it.
 
I did lube the gasket. I wouldn’t say the spring tension feels weak once I get to that point, but there is some play in the handle before I feel the tension when pressing it down. I’ll check the pin, hadn’t noticed. Thanks!
 
Replacing a piece of a part is kinda my thing, but not with multiport vavles. If you have a little one two drip leak, and that is something keeping you up at night then re-replace the gasket, and replace the part, not pieces of the part. Replace the key assembly. The spring, pins, handle, heck even the plate on the bottom are all so picky you need to replace them at the same time. Replace them with the whole part, the key assembly.
 

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Next question…is replacing an entire threaded multiport valve pretty straightforward or would y’all recommend a professional?
 
Savagepool said:
is replacing an entire threaded multiport valve pretty straightforward or would y’all recommend a professional?
Click to expand...
Many people replace the entire MPV on their own. If your filter uses a side-mount MPV, and it's the same model as the original, everything should line-up perfectly which makes it much more convenient. In some cases, with a different model/version MPV, the MPV ports may not line-up exactly with the filter bulkhead fittings or existing PVC at which point a little PVC work might be required. But again, it's just PVC, so not terribly difficult.

If your MPV is a top mount, then simply ensuring you have the correct model is the first step. If your current MPV does NOT have unions installed in the PVC in & out lines, then you will need to cut the PVC to remove the old MPV. At that point you can consider adding unions for future removal if required when you reinstall the new MPV.

Either way its not extremely difficult, just takes some planning. Feel free to post pics of everything you have there and we can help guide you.
 
Awesome, thanks for the help. It looks to me like I have unions on the in and out lines…attaching pics.
 

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261152. 2 in. MPV, for FNS, FNS Plus & NSP filters [SM 20-2] 7-1/2 in. Centerline

www.pentair.com

Pre-Plumbed Valves - for 1-1 5 and 2 in DE and Sand Filters

Side mounted HiFlow and Multiport valves are designed for maximum performance and working pressures. Available in 1-1/2 and 2 in. threaded or slip models.
www.pentair.com www.pentair.com

Pentair Praher Multiport DE Filter Valve, 2" Threaded, SM20-2, SM2-PP2, 27507-200-000 - 261152 - INYOPools.com

261152 - 2 in. Multiport Valve Threaded for D.E
www.inyopools.com www.inyopools.com

https://www.polytecpools.com/Pentair-2-PVC-Multiport-Valve-for-DE_p_848.html

26-102-1508-xl.jpg
 
Last edited:
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You can get new unions or use the existing unions.

Some multiports might include the unions.

1682035659399-png.484541


I can't figure out valve manufacturer , anyone recognize the brand?

I need to repair or replace but want to verify brand before I purchase parts online, any help would be greatly appreciated
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

hatchiksupplyonline.com

H2306 JANDY BWVL-MPV-80 SIDE MOUNT VALVE FOR DEV FILTER

JANDY BWVL-MPV-80 SIDE MOUNT VALVE FOR DEV FILTER
hatchiksupplyonline.com hatchiksupplyonline.com

 
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