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Plumbed Backward Filtration View All Videos
Outlined in this guide are many of the reasons filter elements “fail” and are replaced or returned for warranty. Typically the damage to the element is the result of misuse, abuse or neglect. With this troubleshooting guide and the accompanying cleaning instructions, we hope to prevent these problems from occurring. We feel that this goal can best be accomplished by assisting you in your effort to educate users in the proper care and handling of filter elements.

New Cartridges

CRACKED END CAP
A crack arching across the outside diameter or one radiating from the core to the outer edge of the end cap is typically the result of mishandling during warehousing or in transit. Cartridge end caps are made of plastic and can break if dropped or otherwise mishandled.




BROKEN HANDLE
The handles on some cartridges are made of plastic and will break if dropped or otherwise mishandled.

 
CRACKED END CAP
A small crack extending in from the outer edge of the end cap may be the result of an abnormality during the curing of the end cap material. This crack develops after the element has been removed from the mold and packaged for shipment. It will be noticed when the cartridge is removed from the box.



CRUSHED PLEATS
The pleats of a new cartridge will crush if the element is not properly warehoused. Cartridge pleats will crumple under the weight of heavy objects stored on top of them. Unless the damage to the pleats is excessive, the performance of the element will not be hindered.

Used Cartridges

CRACKED END CAP
Plugged or restricted filter media is the most common cause of cracked end caps on used cartridges. Operation of the pumping system when the media is clogged and water flow restricted creates a high differential pressure. This causes the end cap to bend and, ultimately, crack. Frequent and proper cleaning of the cartridge will prevent the end caps from cracking during use.



COLLAPSED CORE
When cartridges are not periodically and properly cleaned, accumulated dirt and debris will clog the filter media. Continued operation of the pumping system will create excessive pressure which can collapse the core in the center of the element.



LOOSE GASKET
A loose gasket can be reattached to the element with a silicone sealant. There is no need to replace the cartridge because the gasket has come loose.


EFFECTS OF IMPROPER OR INFREQUENT CLEANING
Elements which are improperly and infrequently cleaned become caked with excessive dirt and debris. This cake restricts water from flowing through the filter media. Cracked end caps, collapsed cores and bypassing are all primarily caused by the user's failure to clean the element. It is imperative that the element be cleaned on a regular basis.

 
PLUMBED BACKWARD
When a cartridge is used in a canister through which the water flow is reversed, or “plumbed backward,” debris will collect between the filter media and the center core of the element. Accumulated debris plugs up, or “blinds off,” the media such that the water will not flow properly and pressure will build up inside the filter cartridge. Eventually, the pressure increases to the extent that the end cap(s) crack to release the pressure.

Unless the water flow is corrected, this failure will continue. Your customer should be notified immediately so that corrective action can be taken before another element is installed.

KEY INDICATORS THAT A CARTRIDGE IS BEING USED IN A PLUMBED BACKWARD SYSTEM:
  • Crack on the end cap follows the circumference of the center core and extends outward at each end of the arc (see illustration).
  • Pleats are ballooned outward (potentially causing the bands to break), with folds that are “puffy,” not sharp.
  • Debris is accumulated on the inside surface of the pleat pack (the area between the media and the core).



BROKEN BAND
The bands on an element were designed to space the pleats. The element will function properly even if all the bands were broken or missing. A cartridge need not be replaced because of missing or broken bands.