Persistent filter leak

Jump to latest Follow Reply
F

FLIPPERNUT

0
Jul 24, 2016
22
south Alabama
My sand filter has been leaking from the flange ever since I changed the sand a few weeks ago. After replacing and lubing the o-ring, tapping all around with a mallet, and trying several different levels of tightness, it's leaking worse than ever. I've cleaned all related surfaces but still no improvement.

I considered that the pump which was changed from .75hp to 1.5hp prior to my buying the house might be putting too much pressure (18 psi) for my smallish filter, but it didn't leak before I changed the sand. The filter is only 6 years old and I can't afford to replace it at the moment, and I really don't think I can bear yet another algae bloom due to equipment downtime.

The filter has also started leaking at times out the backwash pipe when in filter position, though turning the handle back around to filter again seems to resolve that for now. Spider gasket appears to be fine.

The leak started out as 2 narrow trickles and is now apprx 3 inches wide. I feel an impending disaster in my near future. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
 
I have only once put a split filter like that together and it was a bear. It took me 4 times to get the gasket seated correctly.

Reseat it again. Make sure the gasket rests in the flange perfectly and make sure it stays in the flange when you put the upper half on.

It doesn't need to be really tight......just snug.

If that gasket doesn't lay correctly in the lower flange.....replace it....it has to be just right.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
1. Open box and remove Filter and Multi-Port Valve Assembly.
2. IMPORTANT: To prevent damage to internal filter lateral components, fill filter tank full
with water prior to adding sand. With Sand Fill Guide (#14) positioned in filter tank
opening, add only recommended #20 grade silica sand (see Fill Chart). Remove Sand
Fill Guide. IMPORTANT: Clean and remove all debris from filter tank flange after
adding sand.
3. Assure that O-Ring (#11) is positioned onto Multi-Port throat.
4. Install Multi-Port Valve with inlet and outlet ports facing pool. Top of internal sand pipe
seats directly into Multi-Port Valve. Push Multi-Port Valve evenly onto tank flange.
Note: Make sure tank flange is clear of any sand debris.
5. Install Split-Nut (#8 & 9) by threading collar clockwise until hand tight. Then use collar
wrench to tighten further.
6. To use collar wrench (#7) place on collar assembly and use both hands to turn wrench 1/2 to
3/4 of a turn to secure Multi-Port Valve to filter body.
Click to expand...
I would suggest getting a new oring, lube it with silicone sealant and then tighten with the wrench as described. Allow silicone to dry over night before pressurizing.

Make sure that you get the correct gasket and use the correct wrench.

The drip out of the waste line is probably due to a sticky diverter stem. If you disassemble and lube the stem, it should help.
 
Thanks, guys. The o-ring is on the underside of the port assembly where it makes contact with the top of the filter body. I can take it back apart and post pic when I get a chance.

I've already replaced the o-ring and lubed it, though not with sealant, made sure surfaces were free of sand/debris, and tightened gasket as described. As for the new waste line leak, I'll try lubing the diverter stem.

The new multiport valves aren't expensive and if I thought that would solve the main leak I wouldn't hesitate. Just doesn't seem feasible under the circumstances.

I really appreciate the input, y'all.

- - - Updated - - -

JamesW, regarding second suggestion, I'll give that a shot too.
 
I think that the main problem is that you tightened the big flange nut with the bolt loose.

The reason that the big flange nut is a split nut is so it can get in the correct position.

Before tightening the big flange nut, it's important to snug up the bolt.

Tightening the big flange nut with a loose bolt is like putting a nut on a bolt where the nut is too big. It won't thread on correctly.

Try this: loosen the bolt, unscrew the big flange nut, snug up the bolt then tighten the big flange nut.
 
JamesW said:
I think that the main problem is that you tightened the big flange nut with the bolt loose.

The reason that the big flange nut is a split nut is so it can get in the correct position.

Before tightening the big flange nut, it's important to snug up the bolt.

Tightening the big flange nut with a loose bolt is like putting a nut on a bolt where the nut is too big. It won't thread on correctly.

Try this: loosen the bolt, unscrew the big flange nut, snug up the bolt then tighten the big flange nut.
Click to expand...


Note te to self: Consult TFP experts instead of listening to some guy on YouTube. I'll try that tomorrow. Thanks.
 
As of yesterday my leak had become so bad that I lost apprx 2 inches of water in the pool yesterday so I gave up and purchased a new multi-port assembly this morning.

I think the constant dampness on the ground under the leaking filter was also causing my unbearable mosquito problem. I've been bitten so many times that I look like I have leprosy. Strangely, my neighbors seem to be unaffected so either I have more of them because of the leak or they just prefer my Georgia blood. :)
 
Just a thought but sometimes band clamps are directional, meaning one edge is flat and the other edge has a taper. So you might just flip it over and if it is directional make sure the half's line up right if it was fulling taken apart, Not sure that's the case here but might be worth a shot?
 
That's a good idea on the band.

I hear you with the mosquitos. My wife's Michigan blood must be a lot sweeter than mine because they tear her up. They eventually find me, but she's my canary. I know they're around well before they bite me because she's swatting at them.
 

Enjoying this content?

Support TFP with a donation.

Give Support
You must log in or register to reply here.
Thread Status
Hello , This thread has been inactive for over 60 days. New postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. For better visibility, consider Starting A New Thread.
Top Bottom
Back
Jump to latest Follow Reply