Backwash Filter Problems continue

[cvap]

I have a 2Cu ft filter using sand and calcite for media. It used to give a nice violent backwashing sound both on backwash and rapid rinse. Now it just gives a quick burst then continues its cycle at a trickle. Could the oring at the top of the tube be leaking or is the media cemented? I have no decrease in flow throughout the house.

[Andy CWS]

How old is the media?

[cvap]

The media is about two years old. It was the first time I changed it since new in 2000. The only reason I noticed it was because I used to hear it at night, now its quiter than the softener.

[cvap]

I would like to retest the raw water to see if the same equiptment and cycle frequencies are recommended. The water has never been great. A tub full looks teal in color. Ph of raw is 6.17 with very high Mn,10.2, as well as other problems.

[Andy CWS]

You may need to rebed the tank. Perhaps some solidification has occured and channeling is taking place when it backwashes.

Do you have a submersible pump?

[pawaterguy]

Is it a 1500 unit? Check the piston and drain line at the valve body for obstruction.

[cvap]

Yes I do have a sump pump

Ilm not sure of the valve model or brand but the unit is a 7 gpm cuno/ Aqua pure. The piston leaks a little and everything looks clean at the drain line though I have not disassessembled anything but the drainline elbow with DLFC button

[pawaterguy]

start with the easy stuff. take the drain apart and make sure it's open 100%. Make sure the DLFC isn't restrcited/clogged or anything. At some point I would take the head off and check the media itself and also the upper distributor if there is any.

[cvap]

Everything is clear from the drain to the piston which I can see when removing the drain elbow and DLFC

[cvap]

If I pull the valve off the tank can I blow compressed air down the tube to try to unrestrict the media?

[pawaterguy]

I never tried it. be sure to have another tube on hand in case you blow that one.

[cvap]

I finally figured it out thanks in part to you guys on this forum.

Thought it was a clogged seal/piston assembly. Took that all apart, looked fine.
I did'nt have the media to replace so I drilled a hole in a cork, put it in the tube, blew 100 lbs of air in, bubblin who knows how many months of solid FE and Mn. Then I put the valve back on, backwashed it till the well went dry, now its good till I order the media.

I guess I'll add a few more pins in the timer and backwash it more often. And use a coarser sand rather than pool filter sand.

Again thanks for the direction.