I was replacing the flapper portion of my Pentair check valve on my spa return line, but noticed it didn't quite seat flush all the way. There was maybe an 1/8"-1/16th" gap between the clear plastic face and the face of the flange on the black housing. When I screwed it in tighter to try and seat it flush, the gasket became mangled a bit from the pressure and squeezed/popped out a portion of the side between 2 of the screws. Is it normal for it to seat flat all the way? It's like the gasket is taking up too much space and won't allow it to seat flat all the way. The old one seated flat, but it was missing the rubber gasket (but it wasn't leaking from the face). Any help is appreciated. I attached a pic for reference.
Help...Pentair check valve flapper installation question
- Thread starter CajunGuy
- Start date
It was an OEM replacement off Amazon. It was from a pool supplier and it appears to look identical to the old one I am replacing. I'm tempted to call the local pool store and see if they have one in stock to compare.
If it doesn't leak it is fine. The new O ring may relax over time and start to leak. Don't force the "eyes" in the lid the screws go through to touch the body, they will break or the valve body will crack (or you deform the O ring). If it leaks later, you have room to tighten more.
Ok I'm an idiot. The old flapper's rubber gasket was stuck inside the circle of the housing (think 2 gaskets smushing each other), that's why it wasn't seating properly/flush all the way.
Question, now that I have the flapper installed...is it supposed to open sort of slowly and only about halfway when the pump is turned on (which is what it's doing) or should it swing open full blast all the way? It seems to be working fine.
Question, now that I have the flapper installed...is it supposed to open sort of slowly and only about halfway when the pump is turned on (which is what it's doing) or should it swing open full blast all the way? It seems to be working fine.
Lake Placid
In The Industry
- May 27, 2021
- 692
- Pool Size
- 17000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Most I have installed open somewhere between 1/3 to just under 1/2 way when under pressure, dependent on the flow rate, and location in the system.