Tagelus diverter / spider gasket

[RobDHW]

Just as an FYI - I just backwashed my filter and left the pump off, but w/ the multi-port set to "filter". My backwash hose fills up to the return pipe level. I never did get around to blowing into it, but now I think I don't have to. Seems like a bad multi-port to me. Guess I'll be replacing that sometime.... Right now it's not causing me enough grief to spend the time & effort.

-Rob

[RobDHW]

I finally got around to blowing into the waste line. I think I moved water, although if it was from the skimmer or return I'm not sure. I might mess with it over the weekend, but I'm inclined to think that I'll really work on it when I close the pool in the fall. Taking the multi-port off the filter is not easy, do to the way I've replaced some PVC, so I'd just as soon do that over correctly at the same time. Once i've got it open I'll probably change the sand & check the laterals too. Thanks all for your help. I love the fact that I'm not scared of my pool stuff any more and really understand how it works.
-Rob

[RobDHW]

I GOT IT!
Why I didn't think of this before is beyond me... DOAH!
So, the original spider gasket really was bad. My general feeling was that the problem got worse (a bit) after I replaced the gasket. Since things bug me 'til no end until I figure them out, I've kept learning & thinking. Finally I just pulled the diverter back off. I wiped off the lube from the gasket (but relubed the o-ring) since no one ever heard of that before (thank you forum & no thanks pool store). I also felt around, since it *looked* fine, the area where the spider gasket makes contact inside the valve. It didn't feel perfectly smooth. This is the key - I took some superfine 0000 steel wool & carefully cleaned the area inside the valve where the spider gasket makes contact to ensure there was no gunk there & it was smooth.
No longer am I getting leaking to Waste when filtering.
"Party on Wayne..."

[Poconos]

Good work Rob. I know that feeling when something bugs you to the point you can't stop thinking about it. Sometimes the answer comes at the strangest moments. Enjoy the pool and have a Happy and safe 4th.
Al

[RobDHW]

Thanks Poconos. One thing that I noticed tonight too - pool circulation is much improved also. It's better now than when we bought the house 8 years ago.
Happy 4th weekend!

[RobDHW]

Well, the problem reappeared after a backwash. Interestingly enough a day later the top to the multi-port started leaking, where the handle / diverter bolt on. Hi-ho, hi-ho it's to the pool store we go (whistle along).... Grabbed a new o-ring, no more leaking from the multi-port, or out the waste port. The top did seem to rest a bit higher, before I screwed it down. We'll see what happens after a backwash. What I'm thinking : the old o-ring was worn enough where the pressure was high enough to lift the top enough to let crud slide under the spider gasket. I can justify anything.... I've thought I've had this fixed a bunch now. *sigh* stay tuned...

[Poconos]

Hey, at least you're laughing and whistling about it rather that crying. It's always something. As long as you make progress, keep whistling. Could be the handle and the valve piece that has to seat all the way, wasn't seating.
Al

[RobDHW]

Al - I don't think it was a handle / diverter seating issue. That all seemed fine - except if the pressrue was allowing it to rise up & unseat *just enough*. It's the only thing I can think of that makes any sense. If this doesn't do it, I'll have to replace the whole stinkin' valve. That's an end of season / shutdown for winter plumbing job.
Gotta laugh... if I don't I'll post a "For Sale" sign in the front yard...