Hayward valve leak...

Hi everyone. Started up the pool yesterday and the Valve on top of my sand filter is leaking around the brim (if you will). It is leaking in the main seem of the valve. I tried to tighten the philips head screws, but no luck. Any chance the gasket (wagon wheel is it?) is bad? I have to confess that I left this thing out over the winter for the first time this year, and go figure.... I just hope something did not crack. It operates fine, but only leaks at the seam a few drops a minute. I'm hoping this may be a gasket issue...

Sorry- I do not have the exact model handy, and not sure if it's a 6 or 7 way valve, if that makes a difference.


Thanks in advance for your help!

The wagon wheel (aka spider) gasket is inside the valve, so it doesn't affect leaking of the valve itself, except out through the drain pipe. Get some silicone lubricant, take the valve apart, and apply the lubricant to the mating surfaces and to any gasket that might be present there.

Note that silicone lubricant is NOT the same as lithium grease, even though they are both 'white' lubricants. Lithium grease is petroleum-based and will melt the gaskets. Silicone lubricant is a bit harder to find so it may be the one supply you need to get at a pool store. :p

EDIT: You might also just wait it out and let it seal itself over time.