How To Fix A Leaking Sand Filter

H2o should merely come out of the backwash line (waste product outline) when the multiport valve is set to backwash. If y'all notice puddle water flowing out of a backwash hose when the multiport valve is on any other setting only aftermath, it'southward an indication of a leak.

So how practice y'all spot the crusade of and set up the leak? That's what this post discusses. Then let'south dive in.

Why is The Pool Filter Leaking From The Aftermath Hose or Line?
- 1) Displaced Spider Gasket
- 2) Sand or Clay Build-up Around The Spider Gasket
- iii) Damaged Spider (Spoke Gasket)
- four) Loose Pinch Spring
- v) Twisted Spoke Gasket
- 6. Cracked or Cleaved Multiport Valve
How To Fix A Pool Filter Leak From The Aftermath Hose or Line
- 1. Turn off the pool pump & release filter pressure
- 2. Remove the multiport valve fastening screws
- 3. Remove the multiport vale and spider gasket
- four. Audit the spider gasket for impairment
- 5. Inspect the compression jump
- 6. Clean the multiport valve housing
- 7. Replace the spider gasket
- 8. Reassemble the multiport valve
Pro-Tips To Foreclose Pool Filter From Leaking Through Aftermath Hose
Last Words

Why is The Pool Filter Leaking From The Backwash Hose or Line?

Water leaking out of the aftermath port, hose or backwash line (aka waste matter line) is a common problem with sand filters and DE filters. When you run your pool filter, there should be no water coming out of the aftermath hose or outlet unless you are backwashing your filter or have just finished the backwash process.

This means there should be no water coming out of the backwash or waste outlet when the filter valve is set to:

Filter
Rinse
Recirculate
Winter
Closed

There are a few reasons your puddle backwash hose might be leaking when the multiport valve isn't gear up to backwash. Permit'south cheque out the most common reasons for this and why they occur.

1) Displaced Spider Gasket

The spider gasket in your pool filter system is also chosen the spoke gasket. This gasket is located in the multiport valve (the large valve that you select the filter functions) diverter, and information technology is designed to ensure proper apportionment of water in the pool.

Diagram showing a Hayward multiport pool filter valve — Hayward multiport pool filter valve

The spoke gasket works together with the multiport valve. Whenever the multiport valve is assault "filter", the spoke gasket serves to seal off the other chambers within the valve and ensures water only flows through the intended route and non through the backwash lines.

Now, if the spider gasket is displaced or stuck, at that place will be nothing sealing the unlike routes the water could take in the valve, meaning that water will flow to ports where it is not supposed to. So when y'all gear up the multiport valve to "filter", h2o may leak through the aftermath hose or into other puddle lines or pipes, where it isn't supposed to go.

Then what causes a displaced spider gasket?

What Causes A Displaced Spider Gasket?

At that place are 3 common reasons for a displaced spider gasket.

Changing between filter settings without turning the pump off.
Changing to another setting on the multiport valve too chop-chop after the previous setting.
Long-term use or poor maintenance tin besides cause the gasket to become weak and out of position.
Wear and Tear

2) Sand or Dirt Build-upwardly Effectually The Spider Gasket

Sand or dirt build-upwardly around the multiport valve, diverter, or spider (aka spoke) gasket tin can cause water to leak out of the aftermath line when the pool is set on "filter". This is very common with sand filters and Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters.

When at that place is a build-upward of droppings in or around the spoke gasket, it becomes difficult for the spoke gasket to seal tightly.

So when the pool multiport is set on "filter" or any other setting, water can escape through the aftermath or waste matter, since the spider gasket (aka spoke gasket) designed to stop this isn't sealed tightly due to droppings accumulation in the housing. So why does this happen?

Why does Droppings Accumulate Around The Spoke Gasket?

The main reason this happens is due to poor maintenance and cleaning. Other reasons include:

Murky pool water
Filling the puddle with water that has a high solid or waste content
Lack of cleaning the multiport valve

iii) Damaged Spider (Spoke Gasket)

Another reason for a leak through the aftermath hose is if the spider gasket (spoke gasket) is damaged or worn out. A damaged spider gasket volition be unable to bear out its functions. Too, it will take very lilliputian h2o pressure to motion a damaged or worn-out spider gasket out of place.

Why Does The Spider Gasket Become Damaged?

The common reason for a damaged, torn, or worn-out spider gasket is long-term use. Over time, the spider gasket will deteriorate. Other reasons for this include:

Debris in the multiport valve housing
Incorrect pH level or as well much chlorine
Calculation chemicals directly through the skimmer housing.

4) Loose Pinch Spring

The compression spring is located in the multiport valve. The spring presses down on the spider gasket, creating a watertight seal, preventing h2o from leaking through the backwash hose or into other parts of the valve.

If the bound has lost its force and is weak, h2o tin can escape through the backwash hose even when the pool's multiport valve isn't set on backwash or waste matter. This is because a weak pinch spring will non hold the spider gasket down properly. So what causes a loose compression spiting?

What Causes a Loose Compression Spring?

Every time y'all change the settings on the multiport valve, the pinch spring is used to position the spoke gasket in identify for proper water circulation.

This causes gradual article of clothing on the spring and somewhen, it will lose force, causing the spider gasket to exist poorly sealed.

Chemical corrosion or etching from too many pool chemicals tin also cause the compression spring to break.

And general everyday use will eventually fatigue the spring and cause it to weaken or break.

5) Twisted Spoke Gasket

The spider gasket is made from flexible materials. If the gasket becomes entangled or twisted, it will create small holes or openings in the gasket that volition let water to escape through the backwash hose. Why does this happen?

What Causes A Twisted Spider Gasket?

Big debris in the filter being forced through the spider gasket
Low water temperatures, particularly during the cold wintertime months, can cause the spider gasket to shrink and get twisted. Only this simply happens when you don't winterize your puddle.

Speaking of winterizing your puddle, check out this article on the website to learn the easy way to winterize.

So now y'all know the causes of a leak through the backwash lines, let'due south find out the solutions.

six. Cracked or Broken Multiport Valve

The above solutions listing some parts within the multiport valve that tin can break or clothing out. The valve housing itself tin likewise wear out and break.

It's common for multiport valves to fissure over fourth dimension. And if the crevice is within the valve, this can let water into the backwash or waste hose when it'south not supposed to be there.

What causes a cracked or broken multiport valve?

As with any moving part, somewhen, they wear out. Your multiport valve is no different. With regular utilise, the valve is moved into different positions and has to withstand the forces of the move likewise as the pressure level of the water.

In improver to this, the multiport valve is exposed to strong chemicals such as chlorine and acids, and ofttimes sunlight. All of these things take a toll on the valve and weaken the plastic, which ways eventually, it will crack or suspension completely.

How To Set up A Pool Filter Leak From The Backwash Hose or Line

To ready a leak from the backwash hose or waste line, y'all need to first identify the trouble. In that location are a few possible causes as listed above, but in virtually cases, the culprit is usually the spider gasket. This will also exist the cheapest thing to repair, so the outset thing to do is to cheque the gasket.

Follow the written instructions below or if you prefer, here's a video showing the whole process.

ane. Turn off the pool pump & release filter pressure

When you turn off the pump make sure it's off at the breaker so it doesn't come up back on when working on it. Don't forget to reset your pool timer when finished every bit it will stop when you plow off the breaker.

Release the pressure from the filter by opening the pressure release valve on the summit or side of the filter.

two. Remove the multiport valve fastening screws

Yous tin can detect the screws on the superlative of the valve as shown in this picture.

3. Remove the multiport vale and spider gasket

Now you can pull the valve out of the housing. When the valve is out, pull the spider gasket out too.

4. Inspect the spider gasket for damage

The spider gasket should be sitting properly in the ports. If it appears displaced or out of position, then that is the crusade of the leak.

Also, the spider gasket should exist in good condition. This means information technology shouldn't be worn out, cracked, perished, torn, or damaged in any way.

It'due south best to replace the gasket if information technology is displaced and you should definitely replace it if it's damaged. And while you're at it, replace the multiport valve head o-ring.

If the spider gasket isn't damage or displaced, cleaning it is all you demand. See farther instructions below.

5. Inspect the pinch spring

Inside the valve, you'll see a big spring and some washers. Brand sure the jump or washers is non deformed or broken. Supervene upon the parts if this is the example.

6. Clean the multiport valve housing

Next you need to clean all the surfaces that the spider gasket sits on. Utilise a plastic scraper to practise this so you don't damage the housing. Remember to do both the top and bottom sides.

Y'all could also dismantle the handle and remove the bound whilst your there for cleaning. These surfaces as well get dirty and can cause problem.

7. Supplant the spider gasket

With the valve housing all clean, put the new spider (spoke) gasket in paying attention to line it up to the chambers.

Tip: utilise some vinyl mucilage on both sides of the gasket to go along it in place.

8. Reassemble the multiport valve

Put the lid dorsum on and tighten the screws back up. Make sure you close the filter pressure release valve. If you used gum on the gasket, leave it for 24 hours earlier starting the pump again.

Now you can endeavour out each position of the valve making sure they move correctly and in that location is no h2o escaping from the backwash line (when you're not using backwash setting).

You have now stock-still your pool filter leaking from the back wash hose!

Pro-Tips To Prevent Pool Filter From Leaking Through Backwash Hose

Gum the spider gasket to the ports to prevent it from moving out of place
E'er turn off the pool pump earlier changing the multiport valve settings
Clean and maintain the skimmer, multiport, and spider gasket housing regularly
E'er check the o-rings on the multiport valve lid as this tin can cause leaks likewise.

Final Words

Overall, a pool filter leak through the backwash hose is zip to panic virtually. Using this guide, you'll be able to hands fix the trouble yourself.

So there you have it. If you found this post helpful, ensure to cheque out other interesting posts on this website for more than pool tips.