Sand filters are an important part of maintaining a clean and healthy pool. They work by trapping dirt and debris in the sand, which allows the water to flow through and be cleaned. However, over time, the laterals in the filter can break, which can cause the filter to become less effective.
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Laterals are the pipes that run along the bottom of the filter tank and distribute water evenly across the sand bed. When a lateral breaks, it can cause water to flow unevenly, which can lead to channeling and reduced filtration efficiency.
Replacing a broken lateral is a relatively simple repair, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure that your filter is working properly. Follow these steps to replace a broken lateral in your sand filter:
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Turn off the pump and filter. This will prevent water from flowing through the filter while you are working on it.
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Remove the top of the filter. Most filter tops are held in place by a few bolts or screws. Once the bolts or screws are removed, the top of the filter can be lifted off.
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Locate the broken lateral. The laterals are located at the bottom of the filter tank. They are typically made of plastic or PVC pipe. Look for any cracks or breaks in the laterals.
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Remove the broken lateral. Use a pipe wrench to loosen the nuts that hold the lateral in place. Once the nuts are loose, the lateral can be pulled out of the filter tank.
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Insert the new lateral. Lubricate the O-ring on the new lateral with a silicone-based lubricant. Then, insert the new lateral into the filter tank.
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Tighten the nuts. Use a pipe wrench to tighten the nuts that hold the lateral in place. Make sure that the nuts are tight enough to prevent leaks, but not so tight that you damage the lateral.
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Replace the filter top. Once the new lateral is in place, replace the top of the filter. Make sure that the O-ring on the top of the filter is lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant.
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Turn on the pump and filter. Once the filter is reassembled, turn on the pump and filter. Check for leaks around the new lateral. If there are no leaks, your filter is now fixed.
Replacing a broken lateral is a simple repair, but it is important to do it correctly to ensure that your filter is working properly. By following these steps, you can keep your pool water clean and healthy all season long.
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How To Fix Broken Lateral In Sand Filter
