D.E Filter dripping. Keep tightening or what?

[FLAK111]

Just started up the filter system on my pool. I have a Hayward DE 4820. Cleaned out the filter/grids, lubed up the O-Ring, bolted back together and its dripping. slow, but still dripping.

Do I keep tightening until it stops dripping? If so, when is a good stopping point, I don't want to cause damage to the casing/screws...etc?

thoughts?

 

[JamesW]

Probably need to disassemble and clean the oring and where the oring touches the filter.

Clean the clamp and where the clamp meets the filter.

Then use silicone lube, like magic lube II, on the surfaces.

Then, when tightening the clamp, tap lightly on the clamp with a rubber hammer while tightening the nut.

 

[FLAK111]

so, do I need to replace the DE since i'll be opening it up? so, since I just started up the system w/ 6lbs of DE in there, I'll probably leave it running, then tomorrow morning i'll open it up and the DE should be stuck more to the grids. Then clean as you mentioned and back together without the need for adding more DE?

 

[JamesW]

Turn off the pump and remove the filter drain plug. Clean and reseal. Reinstall the drain plug and start the pump.

You probably won't lose too much de. So, only add as much as what comes out.

 

[FLAK111]

Turn off the pump and remove the filter drain plug. Clean and reseal. Reinstall the drain plug and start the pump.

You probably won't lose too much de. So, only add as much as what comes out.

not to sound stupid, but when you said only add as much as what comes out,.....you lost me. sorry.

 

[JamesW]

When you pull the drain plug on the filter, water and some de will come out. Not all of the de will come out. Try to estimate how much de comes out with the water and only add that much back.

 

[Jimrahbe]

F,

While I suspect James is right about having to take your filter back apart, in my mind it would be worth a shot at tightening the band a little.. I too like the idea of tapping the band and then tightening a little and tapping the band and tightening a little more, etc..

If you can post a good pic of the band clamp, we will have a better idea of how tight it is now..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[FLAK111]

it was pretty tight as I had kept tightening it to the point of being uncomfortable. I did as you suggested. Took off the cap and re-cleaned everything/lubed oring. What I did differently was, again as you suggested lol, as I was tightening the bolt, i'd stop after every few turns and bump the metal ring all around, tighten and repeat. no leaks. cheers and thank you.

 

[Jimrahbe]

F,

The key is to look at the amount of threads that are sticking out of the band clamp nut... when you clean the filter again, just make sure that you can see the same amount of threads when tight...

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[PoolGuy4Life]

Is the O-ring still good?

 

[JamesW]

Good job. Thanks for the update.

A tip about lubing orings: Push the Oring through your fingers to spread the lube evenly. Don't pull the Oring because it stretches the oring.

 

[FLAK111]

Is the O-ring still good?

affirmative. This was a brand new DE 4820 as of last fall. everything is still in excellent condition. I didnt bump while tightening. lesson learned and I will keep in mind about the threads. good tip!