Pentair Triton 4000 backwash (rotary) valve stuck

[Matt_21]

Hey all,

just bought my first house and pool so trying to get up to speed with maintenance. Wanted to do a backwash but the handle was completely stuck.
Used a tire iron to get more leverage and bent the brass handle :-(

This is the filter I have: Pentair SMBW 4000 Series D.E. Filter with built-in backwash valve
To my shame I have to say I didn't search for the manual before and there was no screw/compressor ring, it's possible I missed it in the dirt.
Kinda doubt it as it's not turning at all.

Opened up the filter and it was super nasty. Had to get out all the dirty water with a bucket and cup as it wouldn't drain. Once I got all the way down to the actual rotor valve I couldn't find any screws and the valve wouldn't move. I took off the handle under the filter and tried to push it up with the tire iron as well as pulling on it with pliers, not the tiniest movement.

Would really appreciate if anyone has any tips on how to loosen/remove that valve so I can backwash.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Texas Splash]

Welcome to TFP! Well Matt, I'll tag @JamesW who might have experience with this model.

 

[JamesW]

Those valves never work.

I would not try to backwash.

Just take it apart and clean it as needed.

 

[Matt_21]

:-( I did, but as I couldn't backwash and the bottom part still contained gunk it all washed into the pool.
That prob gets better as I keep it clean but the filter is also pretty close to the pool and if I open the full filter it'll wash a bunch of dirt into the pool each time, can only get so much with holding a bucket to the opening.
To further complicate, the clamp is almost impossible to get on/off as the pipes are so close to the filter that I have to push them away to get the clamp over.

 

[JamesW]

I would get rid of that filter and get a 520 square foot cartridge filter.

How old is the filter?

 

[Matt_21]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Don't know how old it is but probably 10-20 years, more likely closer to 20.
Will look into the replacement you suggested.

Attached a pic of the dirty state

 

[JamesW]

Those filters are horrible.

I would just replace it.