Hi all
To the plumbers out there, a question.
(I might mention I am not a plumber)
I had a filter installed years ago into my system.
I have alot of silt in the water and had a big sand filter with an automatic backwash put in by a local plumber (long retired).
The unit is connected to the plumbing with this kind of press fitting with inlet and outlet in one piece with round rubber gaskets to seal it.
It came loose one day and started leaking (a nice big spray).
Can I just re-press the thing together again? Maybe hold it together with cable ties?
Should I clean the gaskets with something or try to find replacements?
I asked my current plumber and he knows nothing about the unit.
Right now it’s sitting unused and bypassed.
“O’ rings, that’s what there called (couldn’t remember it at first).
Jeff
Replies
I just installed a small under the counter taste filter.
It came with 1/4" plastic tubing for the connections. Standard compression fitings for connections to the existing plumbing (with plastic compression ring and a insert that goes into the tubing to keep it from colapsing).
But connections to filter consisted of push in fittings. These where plastic and had a O-ring that made the water seal and metal fingers that locked it in place. The fittings had standard pipe thread on them to connect to the filter. I used the one. But I need to extend the lines and used copper tubing with standard compression fittings on the outlet.
I have not seen any, but I understand that there are similar fittings available for copper pipe.
Now you did not say what kind of piping/tubing that this had. But I would be surprised if the fittings did not screw into the body of the filter with standard pipe thread.
I would go ahead and replace them with standard fittings that will connect to your piping system.
Do a google search for the manufacturer of your unit. If they have a web site, they may list an e-mail address. I have seen some that give exploded views and parts list for thier products, as well as a list of local, regional dealers. You can most likely order the repair parts for your unit from the web site or a local supplier.
A quick fix to try would be to remove the o-rings and replace them with new ones. Shouldn't be to hard to match them up at a local hardware store or plumbing supply house.
Bill,
I installed a water softener a few months ago that had the copper press in fittings on the in and out 3/4" copper lines. Fittings came with the unit from Sears. So far no leaks, but I sure was nervous the first time I turned the water on.
Dave
Jeff,
If you post a picture, we may be able to identify the fittings on your filter.
Many fittings are threaded into Standard Pipe threads, but I think what you have described is a one piece bypass valve which often use proprietary fittings.
While there are many suppliers of automatic backwash sediment filters, the control valves are most commonly supplied by Fleck, Autotrol or Clack. You can check their websites to see if you recognize the parts you need, and then try to get replacements.
Peter B.
Sorry, I can't post a picture.
The valve is all plastic, including the threaded area where the pipes (copper) are installed.
I'll try to see if I can find a website, but I'm not sure of the name (but will look again.)
I'm sure I can find new "o"rings locally (my hardware store has a good stock).
I was hoping someone knew if I could press this back together safely (maybe done it on a few and had some experience).
All plastic parts, no screws to lock it together: great design (yeah).
Jeff
Jeff,
The valve could be from several different sources. Ecowater uses all plastic and (they also supply through Sears). Fleck and Autotrol have all plastic versions.
Usually in this type of failure, the O'rings have swelled and then been forced out of the body. Keep this in mind when you try to find replacements.
I consult to the Water Treatment Industry, and most dealers would replace the whole valve after this type of failure. There are often unseen problem areas that are the real cause, such as leaking sand/media causing valve body erosion, etc. Rebuilding has mixed results.
Good Luck!
Peter
It sounds like your unit installs similar to some softeners, in that there is a manifold that is attached to the plumbing, and the unit slides onto the manifold, with the connection being sealed with O rings.
This sort of connection is generally secured with either some sort of bracket that bolts to the filter and wraps around the manifold, or with pins that are inserted into the filter such that they engage notches in the sides of the pipes jutting out from the manifold.
It sounds like something is missing in your case. More should be holding the unit in place than friction. You need to determine what sort of retainer is supposed to be there and figure out why it isn't working.
Good point Dan.
Thinking of this thread last night, I check the water softener I in for my FIL. There are retaining clips that hold the special female copper fittings in the valve body.
Sounds, like his clips have gone missing, or are broken.
Dave