Got wrecked... pulled up laterals trying to open filter...

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VinylDelight

VinylDelight

Well-known member
Aug 9, 2022
104
MS
Pool Size
28000
Surface
Vinyl
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
So I cut apart the 3 pipes to install unions and deep clean my sand filter... but as I finally got open the valve when I lifted it up it pulled up the lateral stand and all the laterals with it... Everything I read said that it was a slip fit, but as I googled it on this rainy night outside it became apparent that these pipes can get stuck. I tried vigorously to rotate the pipe but it would not budge... I then tried a pipe wrench and absolutely nothing. Can I try wd40? What is the protocol for something like this?

My follow up question is, I tried to push the laterals back into the sand gently rocking back and forth, which obviously didn't work but I was very much trying to close it back up so I can at least install the PVC unions tonight (I only had 1 bag of sand to top off not do a full replacement)... but what are the chances the laterals are damaged after picking them up through the sand and then trying to get it back down? Obviously I can and will check but it was just too late for this curveball at this late hour and I only had a small window to work.

:cry:
 
VinylDelight said:
So I cut apart the 3 pipes to install unions and deep clean my sand filter... but as I finally got open the valve when I lifted it up it pulled up the lateral stand and all the laterals with it... Everything I read said that it was a slip fit, but as I googled it on this rainy night outside it became apparent that these pipes can get stuck. I tried vigorously to rotate the pipe but it would not budge... I then tried a pipe wrench and absolutely nothing. Can I try wd40? What is the protocol for something like this?

My follow up question is, I tried to push the laterals back into the sand gently rocking back and forth, which obviously didn't work but I was very much trying to close it back up so I can at least install the PVC unions tonight (I only had 1 bag of sand to top off not do a full replacement)... but what are the chances the laterals are damaged after picking them up through the sand and then trying to get it back down? Obviously I can and will check but it was just too late for this curveball at this late hour and I only had a small window to work.

:cry:
Click to expand...
There is a high probability the laterals are broken. If you were able the get it back down you will know as soon as you turn on the pump the sand will be pumped into the pool immediately. How fast depends on how broken they are. The laterals are very weak in the way they are designed unfortunately. If your filter is a triton they may not have broken they have a bit stronger laterals
 
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VinylDelight said:
So I cut apart the 3 pipes to install unions and deep clean my sand filter... but as I finally got open the valve when I lifted it up it pulled up the lateral stand and all the laterals with it... Everything I read said that it was a slip fit, but as I googled it on this rainy night outside it became apparent that these pipes can get stuck. I tried vigorously to rotate the pipe but it would not budge... I then tried a pipe wrench and absolutely nothing. Can I try wd40? What is the protocol for something like this?

My follow up question is, I tried to push the laterals back into the sand gently rocking back and forth, which obviously didn't work but I was very much trying to close it back up so I can at least install the PVC unions tonight (I only had 1 bag of sand to top off not do a full replacement)... but what are the chances the laterals are damaged after picking them up through the sand and then trying to get it back down? Obviously I can and will check but it was just too late for this curveball at this late hour and I only had a small window to work.

:cry:
Click to expand...
Did you see the laterals? You are going to have to pull that completely out of the filter, remove all the sand, and reinstall. The pipe may have come loose from the manifold, but its not supposed to. Most likely all the laterals are broken off, the threads that hold them into to manifold is the weakest part and where they usually break. You would not likely be able to pull that pipe up that far through 300-400# of wet sand with all the laterals still attached. Try heating the valve with a hair dryer while twisting the pipe.
1712861362581.png1712861374665.png
 
VinylDelight said:
So I cut apart the 3 pipes to install unions and deep clean my sand filter... but as I finally got open the valve when I lifted it up it pulled up the lateral stand and all the laterals with it
Click to expand...
This is exactly why I am not a fan of "Deep-Cleaning".

In my opinion, it is almost never necessary and it can often cause problems that are not easy to fix.

As long as the sand filter is operated correctly, the deep cleaning should almost never be necessary.
 
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JamesW said:
This is exactly why I am not a fan of "Deep-Cleaning".

In my opinion, it is almost never necessary and it can often cause problems that are not easy to fix.

As long as the sand filter is operated correctly, the deep cleaning should almost never be necessary.
Click to expand...
Oh how you never showed up in my readings until now LOL evil grin!

Anyways, my pool is a swamp right now and I called a pool guy although they left me hanging on if/when they can get out here. I will take a look at the laterals. That pipe is still solid stuck on there!
 
1poolman1 said:
Did you see the laterals? You are going to have to pull that completely out of the filter, remove all the sand, and reinstall. The pipe may have come loose from the manifold, but its not supposed to. Most likely all the laterals are broken off, the threads that hold them into to manifold is the weakest part and where they usually break. You would not likely be able to pull that pipe up that far through 300-400# of wet sand with all the laterals still attached. Try heating the valve with a hair dryer while twisting the pipe.
View attachment 563775View attachment 563776
Click to expand...
Despite being only 4 years old, the filter seemed to be quite low on sand and the laterals also appeared to all be on there still; and if I "rest" the laterals and valve on top of the sand bed, it is literally like only 10 inches above the install point. From my manual I am supposed to have 10 inches of free board only.

Im not sure if the sand got out from backwashes (prior owner backwashed weekly) or the installers just didn't fill it right. But it also might explain the poor filtering over the last months. Well, I have a new, bigger problem now sadly.
 

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Same thing happened to me... sort of. I forgot the collar on top and when I turned on the pump it pushed the lid and the riser/laterals up with it. Would have been nice if the top lifter off instead but no. Probably have broken laterals. I am ordering a cartridge filter instead of messing with the sand.
 
Mdragger88 said:
So did you vac all the sand out?
Click to expand...
The lateral pipe is still stuck on the valve and I'm "stuck" here. Although I was under the impression to dump the current sand I use the release on the bottom? I did see a video on a very similar filter and it had basically a 2 part plug where the first one drains water (I used this for draining some water) and then there is a second plug that allows sand out. I figured vacuuming the sand would be too messy for what it's worth considering I may benefit from new sand regardless ( my sand was definitely low).
 
VinylDelight said:
The lateral pipe is still stuck on the valve and I'm "stuck" here. Although I was under the impression to dump the current sand I use the release on the bottom? I did see a video on a very similar filter and it had basically a 2 part plug where the first one drains water (I used this for draining some water) and then there is a second plug that allows sand out. I figured vacuuming the sand would be too messy for what it's worth considering I may benefit from new sand regardless ( my sand was definitely low).
Click to expand...
The shop vac is the easiest way - clean the shop vac out first if you want to reuse the sand (which is fine to do).

Got a pic of the predicament?

There’s an oring in there, maybe its wadded up- got any spray silicone lubricant?
Not super pool friendly but you’re kinda in a pickle.
Here’s the manual incase you need it
There’s been several folks with this issue here’s some of those threads

Google search results

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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