leak between diverter valve and valve actuator for solar

[mcgeechelle]

Last night I heard a slight sucking noise in my pool plumbing and saw there was a leak between the stem that goes from a diverter valve to the valve actuator for my solar. Water dribbles out at a fairly steady rate when the pump is on, drips intermittently when off. I'm guessing there is a bad O ring in the diverter valve stem. My local pinch a penny has the O rings in stock. I'm not at all mechanically inclined, but it seems like it *should* be a simple fix...that it's just a matter of turning off the electricity, relieving pressure in the filter, removing some screws, replacing the O rings, and making sure I just realign everything back the way it was when putting it all back together? Am I being naïve or missing anything? I can't seem to find any YouTube videos for my specific actuator.

 

[ajw22]

You have a Pentair actuator. We don’t know if you have a Jandy or Pentair diverter. They have different stem O ring buildups. Get the correct O ring kit and use some pool lube on the O rings when installing. Replace both the big and stem O rings.

 

[Dirk]

Be sure to thoroughly clean the channels the o-rings sit in, both sides. Use a lint-free cloth. Here's how to lube the o-rings, which is an important part of the process, including using the correct lube:

Pool Lube - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[mcgeechelle]

Oh, no. I hadn't even considered that it might be a Pentair diverter since all of my other ones are Jandy. Just sent the husband down to the store and he's already on his way home. He might not be happy with me Thanks for the quick reply!

 

[Dirk]

Well, he might have to go back for the lube anyway. Don't use just anything you've got laying around, especially not anything petroleum based (NOT Vaseline, for example).

 

[ajw22]

The handle is from a Pentair diverter.

 

[ajw22]

How To Replace Diverter Valve O-rings - INYOPools.com

This guide shows you how to inspect and replace your Diverter Valve O-rings.

www.inyopools.com

 

[ajw22]

Pentair

https://www.pentairpartners.com/productcatalog/pdf/US2019/sec23_RP_Valves.pdf

or Jandy 2020ProductCatalog_Web

 

[mcgeechelle]

The handle is from a Pentair diverter.

Ironically, PinchAPenny sent husband back with Pentair O rings and said it didn't matter if it was Jandy or Pentair. They may not know what they're talking about, but sending him home with Pentair rings was fortuitous.

 

[mcgeechelle]

Well, he might have to go back for the lube anyway. Don't use just anything you've got laying around, especially not anything petroleum based (NOT Vaseline, for example).

I have Lube Tube; it's what Pinch A Penny sells. It says it has PTFE, though

 

[Dirk]

I have Lube Tube; it's what Pinch A Penny sells. It says it has PTFE, though

I wrote only a little part of that article. I think the PTFE warning came from Allen. @ajw22?

 

[ajw22]

I wrote only a little part of that article. I think the PTFE warning came from Allen. @ajw22?

PTFE Teflon gums up and gets sticky.