How to open this plug on filter?

[Mattikuss]

I see two “knobs,” let’s call them, on my filter. To drain do I turn the little one or the big one? See picture.

 

[mknauss]

Don't. More problems occur from taking that off. Easy to mess it up.

If you must remove the water from the filter, use a wet vac or scoop it out.
I don't bother with the water. Just clean the filters and put them back in.

 

[Newdude]

Use a 7/8ths wrench or ratchet on the nut and remeber you're looking at it upside down so lefty loose-y is reverse.

I don't bother with the water. Just clean the filters and put them back in.

Mine is nasty pollen water and empties to the returns if I don't drain it.

I agree we see plenty of that plug broken from opening it though. I'd swap it out for the one My filter uses. Channel locks grab the raised part or a screwdriver bar fits the slot for a makeshift T handle to open it.

 

[mknauss]

It is plastic. You will easily round off that little nut. Be careful.

Get a solo cup and scoop it out. Or buy a cheap wet vac if you do not have one.

 

[sande005]

While the 7/8 wrenches worked perfectly on mine, getting it screwed back in without cross threading is a beast on mine. Since I need a baby wet vac to get the residual water out of my skimmers, I'll be using it for the filter also....

 

[Mattikuss]

It is plastic. You will easily round off that little nut. Be careful.

Get a solo cup and scoop it out. Or buy a cheap wet vac if you do not have one.

Thanks. I’m going your route. Can’t risk a leak.

 

[pjt]

I see two “knobs,” let’s call them, on my filter. To drain do I turn the little one or the big one?

They're connected as a single piece drain plug. It uses the same 7/8" socket that you use on the belly clamp nut. If you use a 6-point socket, it should come off easily with practically no risk of rounding the corners. If you do remove it, make sure the threads are clean on both the plug and the tank. Lube the o-ring with Aladdin Magic Lube II before reinstalling. I like flushing out all the dirt and debris through the drain hole when I clean my filter.

 

[Mattikuss]

Use a 7/8ths wrench or ratchet on the nut and remeber you're looking at it upside down so lefty loose-y is reverse.

Mine is nasty pollen water and empties to the returns if I don't drain it.

I agree we see plenty of that plug broken from opening it though. I'd swap it out for the one My filter uses. Channel locks grab the raised part or a screwdriver bar fits the slot for a makeshift T handle to open it.

I didn’t realize you can buy different plugs. Awesome! Thank you.

 

[Mattikuss]

They're connected as a single piece drain plug. It uses the same 7/8" socket that you use on the belly clamp nut. If you use a 6-point socket, it should come off easily with practically no risk of rounding the corners. If you do remove it, make sure the threads are clean on both the plug and the tank. Lube the o-ring with Aladdin Magic Lube II before reinstalling. I like flushing out all the dirt and debris through the drain hole when I clean my filter.

Is this the same lube that I use on the belly o-ring and the pump basket o-ring?

 

[pjt]

Is this the same lube that I use on the belly o-ring and the pump basket o-ring?

Yes. Use Aladdin Magic Lube II (red cap and lettering).