Hayward Pro Series Sand Filter Model S-244T drain problem

[cehmtx]

Filter was installed new June 2003 along with new Hayward SP0714T XL Valve.
Valve was replaced in May 2012 with same model.
This spring on opening pool, I discovered the drain nipple had been partially chewed off by vermin.
Approx. 1/3 of screw threads are gone all the way to the filter's body.
The drain cap screws on, but cannot seal the pressurized water from the filter.
I have tried a more expensive pipe tape which has reduced the leak, but it still leaks causing water loss and water mess.

Local pool shops tell me that there is no fix for the drain problem except to replace the entire filter. No one makes a "drain adapter fix-it kit."
Further, none of the shops will order and install only the filter. Their solution is that the entire filter, valving, with new sand is called for for two reasons:
1. The valving and filter are only sold as a set.
2. Given the age of the filter (2003) and the valve (2012), it would be wise to replace both now and not just the filter.

Any easier fix to repair the drain (or just stopping the leak) besides replacing the entire filter and valve?

Thanks for suggestions.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Can you post a picture of the damage?

How about inserting a bulkhead fitting through the drain nipple and then either putting a cap or valve on it? Since a bulkhead fitting has a gasket that would seal to the inside of the vessel, it should work. Even if not optimal it would save replacing the filter.

 

[cehmtx]

Dave - Thank you for the idea. No pool store in Bowling Green has offered that suggestion. I will visit a hardware store and/or plumbing shop today to see the types and sizes.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Of course they haven't. They want to sell you a $700 filter instead of a $10 bulkhead fitting.

You may have to order one online in order to get one the size you need.

 

[cehmtx]

Hey guys. Thanks for the suggestions. Problem solved (so far) with help from a Lowes' service tech in plumbing department. My total cost (except time) was $5.87 plus tax for a 1-inch coupling threaded on both ends, a 1-inch plug, and pipe thread seal product labeled as TPlus 2 Thread Seal. I also used some pipe tape on the plug.
So far over three days of constant running pump and several backwash-rinse cycles, NO leaks.
The only downside will be that when I need to drain the filter, greater care must be exercised. I will need to use two wrenches - one to hold the coupling in place and the second to turn the plug.
With this fix, I didn't need to remove the valve and sand to attach anything inside the filter.
Thanks again!

 

[Bama Rambler]

Thanks for posting the fix.

I'd like to see a picture of it if that's possible?

 

[cehmtx]

Dave, I will attempt that today.

 

[cehmtx]

Dave--here are the pics of the repaired filter drain. To drain the filter, I will need to remove the plug while holding the adapter still. The adapter is screwed onto what was left of the drain protruding from the filter body. The adapter fits the original threads of the drain tightly enough that I did not need to use a gasket washer to seal the adapter's leading edge where it meets the filter. The adapter screwed all the way onto the drain until it met the filter body. I used the pipe seal on the inside of the adapter threads where it screws onto the drain. I don't plan on removing the adapter.
The plug has tapered threads and the pipe tape is just overkill on my part.
And all that for under $6.00 without having to work inside the filter.

Images:

 

[borjis]

Brilliant solution! I have the same filter...i know what to do now if the drain plug becomes a problem.

 

[cehmtx]

Glad to share! Lowes plumbing tech didn't know about pool filters but he stayed with me for about 30 minutes and we discussed several alternatives each of us thought about. This method seemed simple enough to try (about a 1 beer job) and was CHEAP. I was just too cheap to pay $650 (filter and valve plus my labor and sand cost) or $850 (total installed price for everything.)

I also plan to put rodent poison inside the pool house this winter to offer the critters something more "tasty" than my plastic pool equipment.

 

[borjis]

I would have done the same thing. replacing the whole filter would have been silly with such an easy fix.

 

[Bama Rambler]

Thanks for posting those pics. That's truly one of those cases where a picture is worth a thousand words (and just shy of $1,000)!

That's a very simple fix and no doubt will help someone in the future.

 

[Ga_greenheads]

I'm having this exact same problem. Did the drain screw out of the barrel?