Underwater Adhesive for Valve Gasket?

rdelisa

Bronze Supporter
Sep 16, 2017
85
Arvada
Can I use an underwater adhesive to help keep my spider gasket secure?

I recently replaced it and it worked great until I backwashed. The gasket became slightly jarred loose and was making a loud air vibration noise.
I sealed it all up and it works again, but I am afraid it will just come loose again when I backwash. Most people say those gaskets need to be glued down. I didn't do this because I couldn't get the surface dry and didn't want to lose an entire weekend of swimming to drain the plumbing and get it all dry.

There is a sealant called flex seal that works underwater? Would there be any problem just using a small amount of this to glue it down?
 
I’m not sure about flex seal’s compatibility with rubber. They list proprietary polymers in the mix so I have no clue if it would destroy the gasket over time or not. You could try it and see as you typically don’t need a lot of adhesive.

You can use 3M 4799 adhesive. It cures up in 24 hours or less. You can also use automotive weatherstrip adhesive. Dry/clean the grooves well, adhere it and wait 15-20 minutes, lube it and reassemble. If you want to be super conservative wait the 24 hours, but you usually can wait less than that if it’s warmer out (above 72 degrees).

 
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Thanks, I will look into this 3M 4799. The problem is that I cannot get the contact area dry without completely draining my plumbing equipment. The water valve area just continually feels with water. I even tried sucking it out with the shop vac, but two 10-gallon buckets later it still was not dry. I was hoping to find something that can adhere right under water.
 
Is your pad below water level? Can you not isolate and drain the filter? What’s your setup look like, we can probably get you dry for the repair.
 
Is your pad below water level? Can you not isolate and drain the filter? What’s your setup look like, we can probably get you dry for the repair.
Yeah, I think draining the filter would do the trick. Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and do that. I just wanted to avoid having to reprime the pump. My pump is a long, long ways from the pool and it takes time and wear and tear on the pump. I did get some marine glue, but I think your idea would be safer. Thanks!
 
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