Backwash valve stuck?

[michaelbuday]

I typically never use my backwash valve, opting for breaking down the filter and cleaning every 12 months, but I have a situation where I’d like to backwash and the valve is being extremely stubborn. I can turn the handle with some effort, but it feels like I could break the handle or valve stem if I push too hard.

So three questions:

Should I be cautious about pushing to hard, or is this normal?

Is it best to shut pump off, push the valve to backwash, then restart the pump, or just open and close the valve while the pump is running?

Are there seals or o-rings that should replaced in these valves, and if so - is there a procedure to follow to avoid dumping DE into the pool if the valve requires service?

Thanks in advance.

 

[ajw22]

Read Slide Valves - Further Reading

75200 Zer0 Pool and Spa Lubricant can be used to release a stuck slider. Pull the valve up as much as you can and squirt the lube very liberally around the O ring. Work the slider up and down and turning it as much as you can to get the lube down into the slider.

This You Tube Video shows how the lube can be used.

What can happen is the orings swell. Then no amount of lube will do it. Use steady constant force. NO shock force to the plastic, it will break. If you get it out and are going to keep, REPLACE the orings every year. They are cheap, and less time consuming.

 

[ajw22]

Pentair Push Pull Valves 263052, 263053, & 263064 Parts - INYOPools.com

Pentair Push Pull Valves 263052, 263053, & 263064 - INYOpools.com has the largest selection of swimming pool and spa replacement parts with over 70,000 parts in stock. Order today and save!

www2.inyopools.com

 

[ajw22]

Use the red Magic Lube II without PTFE and not the blue lube shown in the video.

Pool Lube - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[michaelbuday]

Read Slide Valves - Further Reading

75200 Zer0 Pool and Spa Lubricant can be used to release a stuck slider. Pull the valve up as much as you can and squirt the lube very liberally around the O ring. Work the slider up and down and turning it as much as you can to get the lube down into the slider.

This You Tube Video shows how the lube can be used.

What can happen is the orings swell. Then no amount of lube will do it. Use steady constant force. NO shock force to the plastic, it will break. If you get it out and are going to keep, REPLACE the orings every year. They are cheap, and less time consuming.

Many thanks! I’ll try this.