Pentair filter drain plug threads ruined

[mmdhar]

Hello everyone, I have managed to ruin the threads on my Pentair cartridge filter where the drain plug goes. Any suggestions easiest way to close that hole so I can use shopvac to clean my filter from next time? I bought a replacement plug but not going in at all with the threads damaged so badly. Thanks!

 

[PoolStored]

A filter is a pressure vessel. There is no safe way to repair it. You will need to replace the tank bottom.

 

[Flying Tivo]

You can try to use a pvc plug and glue it permanently. If it does not work you are back to idea #1 by Poolstored!

 

[PoolStored]

You can try to use a pvc plug and glue it permanently

These pressure vessels are made with Polypropylene (PP). PP is known for being difficult to bond due to its low surface energy. This characteristic make it difficult for an adhesive to wet the surface and make a good bond. Most adhesives tend to bead up on the surface, rather than penetrating it. You can't glue it with success, you need to bond it.

You need to use something like MMA500, a Permabond TA4600 series bonding agent, or a surface Insensitive (SI) Structural adhesives like Tech-Bond. AND, the plug needs to be PP, or the bond will not occur.

These bonding agents are expensive and will likely fail if the fix is not performed carefully.

 

[mmdhar]

Thank you for your responses! Found these old threads on this with couple of suggestions... Looks like tank bottom costs at least $500

stripped thread in Pentair filter shell

The female thread for the bottom drain plug of my Pentair CCP320 cartridge filter is stripped. The symptom is that as I turn the plug to tighten it, it clicks and no longer advances. I bought a new drain plug. Still a leak. I wrapped the threads with teflon tape. Still a drip. I went so far as...

www.troublefreepool.com

Pentair CCP Filter - replace drain plug with valve

In reading this old thread - Replacing Pentair CCP drain port with a valve and hose attachment - I see that some have adapted the 1.5" drain plug to support a 3/4" pipe and valve to drain the filter housing. Is 3/4" pipe sufficient? Has anyone successfully plumbed it in 1" instead of 3/4"...

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[DJH7]

Hello everyone, I have managed to ruin the threads on my Pentair cartridge filter where the drain plug goes. Any suggestions easiest way to close that hole so I can use shopvac to clean my filter from next time? I bought a replacement plug but not going in at all with the threads damaged so badly. Thanks!

View attachment 570872

This just happened to me yesterday. I couldn’t get the plug to reset w/out blowing out under pressure. I ended using a 1 1/2 Rubber Plug on the inside of the tank and it worked under pressure. Unfortunately, it will be a pain taking it out when I clean my filters and empty dirty water from tank BUT it works w/ out the expense of a $500+ Pentair Bottom replacement

 

[Rocket J Squirrel]

One of the best pieces of advice I ever got from a pool pro was "Never remove a Pentair filter drain plug." So I never have. Instead, I use my shop vac to get the dirt at the bottom after removing the cartridges.

 

[Lake Placid]

This just happened to me yesterday. I couldn’t get the plug to reset w/out blowing out under pressure. I ended using a 1 1/2 Rubber Plug on the inside of the tank and it worked under pressure. Unfortunately, it will be a pain taking it out when I clean my filters and empty dirty water from tank BUT it works w/ out the expense of a $500+ Pentair Bottom replacement

This works. It’s not ideal but it will hold and it’s common (I’ve seen older housings crack while the plug held). PE Fusion adhesive will work but it’s super expensive and hard to find unless you’re in the electrical service industry, TAP Poly Weld adhesive will work but it’s stupid for it’s needed prep, 3m scotch weld 8005 may work. For cost effectiveness, put a winter plug in it and when that fails to hold replace the filter.

 

[swu222]

I tried replacing the plug with two new ones, both still blew out. Just as I was ready to buy a filter bottom replacement, I came across the expansion plug solution suggested by mmdhar, which is absolutely brilliant! I bought one from Amazon yesterday for $8.95, and it worked like a charm. Amazon.com

 

[swu222]

This just happened to me yesterday. I couldn’t get the plug to reset w/out blowing out under pressure. I ended using a 1 1/2 Rubber Plug on the inside of the tank and it worked under pressure. Unfortunately, it will be a pain taking it out when I clean my filters and empty dirty water from tank BUT it works w/ out the expense of a $500+ Pentair Bottom replacement

Brilliant, works great, thanks!