Leaking Sta-Rite Cartridge Filter

[jtb777]

Hi all,

I just noticed that my filter is leaking from the top. I'm not sure what this part of the filter is called so I'm attaching a couple of pics.

How do I fix this?

I'm surprised to see the leak because my filter was serviced at the end of January where they cleaned the filter, replaced the pump seal and some o-rings.

Thanks for the help!

 

[Newdude]

So it's the 8 clamps, two halves and a hula hoop like gasket.

Turn the pump off and see how much you can tighten the clamps. If you tap the corners of the clamp you can usually turn the handle a bit more. I imagine there is such a thing as too tight, but I'm a big dude and have never bottomed mine out when putting it back together so I doubt it can be done by hand. When you tighten one, the ones on either side of it get a bit looser in the process, but go around in a star pattern so you don't clamp one side down too far.

If that doesn't work, take it apart and clean the gasket and channel before lubing the gasket and putting it all back together. Put the top down gently on its side or the channel will pick up pebbles/mulch/etc.

 

[jtb777]

So it's the 8 clamps, two halves and a hula hoop like gasket.

Turn the pump off and see how much you can tighten the clamps. If you tap the corners of the clamp you can usually turn the handle a bit more. I imagine there is such a thing as too tight, but I'm a big dude and have never bottomed mine out when putting it back together so I doubt it can be done by hand. When you tighten one, the ones on either side if it get a bit looser in the process, but go around in a star pattern so you don't clamp one side down too far.

If that doesn't work, take it apart and clean the gasket and channel before lubing the gasket and putting it all back together. Put the top down gently on its side or the channel will pick up pebbles/mulch/etc.

Thank you! I'll do this. Do clamps just get loose every so often? I appreciate the help.

 

[Newdude]

Do clamps just get loose every so often?

No. But they take a ridiculous amount of turns to tighten. Often times I'll think I'm done (after TONS of turns) and go 5 more times around the star pattern getting 2 full turns each. Also why I don't think you can bottom them out. I've had 10 years to try. Lol.

I imagine it was an impatient service kid rushing through it.

I appreciate the help.

We got you.

 

[1poolman1]

Hi all,

I just noticed that my filter is leaking from the top. I'm not sure what this part of the filter is called so I'm attaching a couple of pics.

How do I fix this?

I'm surprised to see the leak because my filter was serviced at the end of January where they cleaned the filter, replaced the pump seal and some o-rings.

Thanks for the help!

View attachment 479223View attachment 479224

Original tank O ring? Looks like time to replace it. If that is an S7M120 (300sq.ft.) it is O ring 24850-0008. Price range $20.00 (generic) - $60.00 (OEM)

 

[jtb777]

Original tank O ring? Looks like time to replace it. If that is an S7M120 (300sq.ft.) it is O ring 24850-0008. Price range $20.00 (generic) - $60.00 (OEM)

Is the tank O-ring the same as the pump lid o-ring? At the end of January, I had the filter cleaned and this is what they replaced:
- PS201 seal
- O-240-9 gasket
- O-515 Jandy valve o-ring kit
- O-12-9 Pump lid o-ring

Thanks for the help!

 

[1poolman1]

Is the tank O-ring the same as the pump lid o-ring? At the end of January, I had the filter cleaned and this is what they replaced:
- PS201 seal
- O-240-9 gasket
- O-515 Jandy valve o-ring kit
- O-12-9 Pump lid o-ring

Thanks for the help!

No. Those are pump parts. Your filter is leaking, not the pump.

 

[jtb777]

Thanks again for the help! Argh, leak is still there despite replacing the o-ring, tightening clamps, etc.. I finally called a pool company, they took it all apart to clean / tighten, and it's still leaking after putting it all back together. The company says I need a new filter system because these things can warp over time and not made a good seal anymore.

We just moved in last year, so I'm not sure how old this filter is. Does anyone know roughly how long filters systems last?

I really appreciate all the help!

 

[Newdude]

Does anyone know roughly how long filters systems last?

Usually a generation, but your UV is harsh in CA also, so take a few years off.

Does it still have the big Sta-Rite sticker on it ? If it doesn't say 'a Pentair company' on the bottom, (or anything Pentair) it's well over 10 years old.

 

[PoolStored]

These sta-rite filters are tanks. Mine is over 12 years old, going strong. I would buy the seal @1poolman1 noted.

Take the 8 clamps off, clean the mating surfaces where the seal goes (make sure it is clean, no sand/dirt in the groove), and replace the seal. Per the manual, do NOT use lubrication. Put the top on, and tighten the clamps.

Good to go!

 

[jtb777]

Usually a generation, but your UV is harsh in CA also, so take a few years off.

Does it still have the big Sta-Rite sticker on it ? If it doesn't say 'a Pentair company' on the bottom, (or anything Pentair) it's well over 10 years old.

View attachment 482417

Looks like mine is over 10 years old!

 

[Newdude]

Replace the hula hoop gasket as dually noted above. I have the bigger filter and I saw it for $2100 recently. Yours won't be all that much cheaper. I'd happily try the $45 (?) gasket first.

 

[jtb777]

These sta-rite filters are tanks. Mine is over 12 years old, going strong. I would buy the seal @1poolman1 noted.

Take the 8 clamps off, clean the mating surfaces where the seal goes (make sure it is clean, no sand/dirt in the groove), and replace the seal. Per the manual, do NOT use lubrication. Put the top on, and tighten the clamps.

Good to go!

Thanks. I saw the recommended o-ring, but didn't see mention of a seal? Is that something different? We did replace the o-ring, and everything was cleaned before it was put back together and tightened. Unfortunately, it's still leaking.

 

[jtb777]

Replace the hula hoop gasket as dually noted above. I have the bigger filter and I saw it for $2100 recently. Yours won't be all that much cheaper. I'd happily try the $45 (?) gasket first.

Do you happen to have a pic or link to what this gasket looks like? I keep doing searches for "Sta Rite filter gasket" and just see a lot of parts that look like the o-ring we replaced. I'd much rather replace a $45 part than a whole filter system. Thanks!

 

[Newdude]

It's the o-ring that's literally the size of a hula hoop that goes between the two halves. There was some confusion here because you mentioned replacing other gaskets/ o-rings. Now it appears you did replace that one on the filter.

 

[jtb777]

It's the o-ring that's literally the size of a hula hoop that goes between the two halves. There was some confusion here because you mentioned replacing other gaskets/ o-rings. Now it appears you did replace that one on the filter.



View attachment 482429

Thank you! Yeah, I'm not yet familiar with all the parts and terminology, but it looks like we did replace that part o-ring 24850-0008.

 

[Newdude]

Did you lube it ? If not, you've got nothing else to lose. If you did, wipe it off.

Either way use latex gloves. It's rather difficult to wash off the stuff designed to repel water.

 

[jtb777]

Did you lube it ? If not, you've got nothing else to lose. If you did, wipe it off.

Either way use latex gloves. It's rather difficult to wash off the stuff designed to repel water.

Nope, didn't lube it.

 

[PoolStored]

Nope, didn't lube it.

Ok, take it back apart and clean everything up. The technique with these is maybe a bit art.. put lid on. Screw all 8 in just enough they won’t fall off. Then in crisscross fashion, push the clamp against the filter and tighten to take up all the slack in the bolts. Finally, go around in criss cross fashion and do equivalent turns. Choose say 1/2 turns. Keep going around tightening in 1/2 or later 1/4 turns. The point is that if you fully tighten one, then do the next all the way around the filter, you will have one side more tight than the other…make sense?

 

[Newdude]

The hitting really helps too. Tap the front ends of the clamps with a rubber mallet and it will wiggle further on, making for easier turning.