Leak from bottom of DE filter.

[Phillbo]

Hi all, I have a Nautilus FNS DE filter and have developed a small leak from the bottom of the filter. I can't see where the leak is coming from but the slab under the plastic base and the dirt for a few inches around the base are damp. I noticed this after I experienced a spike in pressure a couple days ago. Normal pressure for my system is 10psi with 15psi being my target backwash pressure. Something caused a spike the other day to about 24psi and I believe this may have contributed to the leak.

Is anyone familiar with the workings of this filter system to help me identify potential failure points at the bottom of the tank ? There is a pipe that runs under the tank and connects to the backwash valve so I assume there are connectors that may have o rings that could have been damaged by the pressure spike.

I plan to do my annual cleaning of the grids in a couple weeks and figured that would be the best time to pull the tank and fix the leak so any advice on what to look for or a rebuild kit for the connectors would be appreciated.

[Phillbo]

I've noticed bubbles coming out the return line. I assume the leak is causing them.

I plan to tear it down this weekend and see if I can locate the problem, I'd like to have parts ready so any advice on what to buy before tearing into it would be helpful.

[waste]

Phillbo, I'm a 'Hayward guy' (all 4 companies I've worked for have primarily used Hayward products). I have seen pin-holes in the stainless steel tanks , but it's probably the pipe on the bottom/ it's connection that's the problem. It could be as simple as just having to re-teflon tape the male thread or something may have cracked. I think you should plan on the cleaning when the hardware store is still open so you can get any adapters or pipe you may need. If it's a part/ piece you can't replace you can probably limp by with a 2 part epoxy patch for a while (if you don't feel like ordering and replacing a part right now).

I hope that it's something that can be fixed with a few wraps of teflon - if it's more serious, I'll help as best I can

[Phillbo]

Do you know if Pentair has bought out Nautilus ? I've been searching the net to try and locate a locale dealer for parts and the search for Nautilus FNS only returns Pentair FNS results...

[judas]

I believe this is the case - I have a Nautilus NS-36 and all the parts I've needed to order for it have come in Pentair packaging.

Try here for parts; I've never ordered through them but they have nice schematics of the filters and seem to have a huge parts selection:

http://www.poolcenter.com/parts_filter_poolstor.htm

[Phillbo]

Thanks for clarifying the Pentair mystery judas.

I came across that site earlier. I'm guessing i'll need part number 23 but will have to wait until I can tear into it to be sure..

[Phillbo]

Was unable to find anyone that had a tool to remove the big nut at the bottom of the tank holding the manifold / o-ring assembly I needed to remove, a couple different shops told me it would leak again so due to the age of the unit, I opted to go for a new unit.

Installed the new Pentair FNS Plus 48 DE Filter last night.