Hayward cartridge filter - why does it always leak?

Jump to latest Follow Reply
Drew80

Drew80

0
Feb 26, 2013
340
Austin, TX
Every time I reassemble my filter after cleaning, it leaks. Every single time. It doesn't seem to matter how much silicone I put on the o-ring, it always leaks right at the seams of the collar. So I take it off, slather a ton more goop on there and try again. And it leaks again. I have yet to reassemble it and not had a slight leak. My filter is two years old so the gasket is in great shape, and it's done this since day 1 anyway.

Is the Hayward just a bad design? Is this because I have a single speed pump (thanks pool builder) and the pressure is too high?
 
I use a rubber mallet (actually a dead blow hammer) and wack it from back to front (where it connects) around both directions a few times. I am always able to get it to the point where I see three rings of thread on the bolt sticking through the nut after tightening. I rarely get leaks following that procedure. And I apply the silicone but not liberally. Just a nice even ring. I would not expect to get a good seal just by strapping it around and tightening. It’s not that kind of design. For better or worse.
 
bmoreswim said:
I use a rubber mallet (actually a dead blow hammer) and wack it from back to front (where it connects) around both directions a few times. I am always able to get it to the point where I see three rings of thread on the bolt sticking through the nut after tightening. I rarely get leaks following that procedure. And I apply the silicone but not liberally. Just a nice even ring. I would not expect to get a good seal just by strapping it around and tightening. It’s not that kind of design. For better or worse.
Click to expand...

This is probably my issue. I'm at probably 8 or 9 threads on the bolt. I noticed yesterday that if I power cycle the pump I can then tighten the collar more. Seems like I just need to get it on there better.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bmoreswim
I'm just going to act like I didn't see that warning message! But good to know. I certainly wouldn't use a metal hammer or strike at full force. I should throw my torque wrench on mine to see where the torque is at.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply