At the bottom of my filter is the backwash plug. 3 years ago I replaced that with a ball valve and hooked a backwash hose to make it easy to backwash. Shut off pump, open air valve, bump, open backwash valve to dispose of dirty de. Run pump for a little to clear extra gunk until water runs clear. I have done this for years. This year I had trouble opening the valve for backwash. I didn't force it so I got a pair of pliers and slowly tried to move it. It broke off and then 5 hours later after struggling to remove a broken valve bought another and replace it. Smooth sailing, I thought... Until I just tried normal backwash procedure and it is stuck again!!! What is happening !!!! Should I loosen bolts on filter ?? If I break another I will lose my mind.