How to repair a leaking Hayward backwash valve

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One of the most common problems pool owners run across when maintaining and serving their swimming pool is a leaking backwash valve. The backwash valve is the valve which is mounted on either the top or  side of your filter tank and are specifically used clean sand filters or DE filters. One of the most popular filter manufactures in the world is Hayward Pool Products who also makes quite a few backwash valves. Based on the Hayward valve you have the fix varies slightly. This guide will help you determine which Hayward valve you have and then determine the proper fix for your situation.

Step by Step

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Step 1

The first step you will take when determining how to fix your valve will be to obtain the model # of your valve. Typically this is located on the label on the top of the valve, normally there is a box named model no. and the valve # will be located in this box. The majority of Hayward valve part #’s start with this prefix SP7

Click Here to View Hayward Multiport Valve Part Diagrams

Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Part Diagrams 


Step 2

If you are having trouble finding the valve # on the label then you may be able to find a SP or SPX part # molded into the plastic of the body of the valve or the handle. Feel free to post a comment at the bottom of this guide with as much information about your filter as possible and we should be able to help identify your valve. Helpful information for us would be any part #’s off of the valve, the filter manufacture name, the filter model name, filter model #, filter square footage, number of positions the valve can be set to, plumbing size going into the valve and filter type (i.e. sand filter or D.E filter). Any or all of this information will help out a lot.

Click Here to View our Spider Gasket EZ Find Chart

Step 3

If you have one of the following Hayward valves which is leaking then the appropriate fix would be to replace the spider gasket within the valve. Here is a detailed guide on How to Replace a spider gasket, this guide will walk you through all the steps needed to fix your backwash valve.

The following 1.5" Hayward valves can be fixed by simply replacing the spider gasket. The appropriate spider gasket for the valves below is the SPX0710XD.

SP711-13, SP710XALL, SP7122, SP7121, SPX0710X32, SP0710X62, SP0710XR50

The following 2" Hayward valves can be fixed by simply replacing the spider gasket. The appropriate spider gasket for the valves below is the SPX0715XD with the exception of the SP0740DE which uses the SPX0740D spider gasket.

SP715ALL, SPX715X32, SP0715X62, SP0715XR50, SP071621, SP071620T, SP0740DE

If you have any of the model #'s above then purchase the SPX0710XD or SPX0715XD spider gasket and move on to our How to Replace a spider gasket guide for easy step by step instructions on replacing the gasket.

If you have the SP0714T valve or any other model #'s then move on to step # 4 of this guide.

Step 4

The most common Hayward backwash valve is the SP0714T valve which is used on many of the Hayward top mount sand filters. If you have the SP0714T valve then the spider gasket cannot be replaced as it comes glued into the diverter on the valve. The appropriate fix for a leaking SP0714T valve would be to replace the diverter (part # SPX0714CA) which comes with the spider gasket glued into it. This is an easy enough fix, you would just need to remove the cover and handle assembly from the current valve and swap out with the new diverter.

Click Here to View Hayward's SP714T Valve Parts

Step 5

The last style of Hayward valve is called a slide valve or plunger valve. The two most common model #'s for this valve are the SP0410X602S and the SP0410X502S. If you have either of these model #'s then the appropriate fix would be replace the gaskets within the valve using the following valve tune up kit There are also a few other fixes the Hayward Slide valve which have detailed in the guides below:

How to maintain a Hayward slide valve
How to replace a Hayward slide valve handle & piston assembly
How to replace a Hayward slide valve O-ring

Click Here to View Hayward Multiport Valve Part Diagrams

Click Here to View All Multiport Valve Part Diagrams


Step 6

If you are still having trouble determining the fix for your Hayward backwash valve then please comment below with the information indicated in step #2 and we will let you know the appropriate fix. Email us at upload@inyopools.com

Comments

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(161 to 200 of 232)

 Posted: 5/3/2018 

Hello Gabi - The 6 spoke spider gasket used on SP710 valves from 1969-1975 is part number 4700-10. The 5 spoke gasket used on models since then is part number 4700-10X.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/3/2018 

Hi, I have a Hayward vari flo Sp710 from the 1970ies. What kind of spider gasket do I need?
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 Posted: 4/28/2018 

I have a sp740de that had a busted spider gasket and what I assumed was a bad spring since my handle was floppy. Turns out the spring was fine, but I replaced it anyway. The key assembly works fine when it isn't attached to the valve body, spring compresses diffuser rotates, spring decompresses and pushes it back down. But the act of attaching it to the valve body it compresses the spring completely and the handle goes floppy. So I have a complete seal and it works fine, but every time I'm changing the valve position i'm dragging the spider gasket along pretty hard since I can't actually lift it. I don't have any extra washers around the spring or anything like that, it's almost like something is sized wrong. Have you seen this before? Thanks, love your site.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/5/2018 

John - Yes, you have a SP714 multiport valve.
 Reply

 Posted: 3/2/2018 

My numbers are also fading, and the only thing I can see is SP714-A on the side. Does that mean I fall into the SP714 category for trying to fix the backwash leaking issue? Thanks! --John
 Reply

 Posted: 2/10/2018 

Richard Reksc - This handle is common to several multiport valves. The best way to identify your MPV is to unscrew the top valve assembly and try to match the spider gasket. The SP0714 has 4 spokes, the SP0710, SP0711 and SP0712 have 5 spokes.
 Reply

 Posted: 2/8/2018 

I have a Hayward Vari Flo Backwash the model number and serial numbers on the face are not legible. The handle has a number on it SPO710Z20. It has 1.5 in plumbing lines, there are 6 valve positions, it is connected to a 36 Square Foot DE Filter. The valve leaks a few drops a minute. I am trying to figure out what I would need to replace to stop the leak but I can not see the model number.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/31/2017 

Eric - 1. If you have a damaged spider gasket, I do not think that would cause a problem when the pump is off. 2. Water leaking at the shaft would be caused by a worn shaft seal in the Impeller and face plate. 3. It depends on the valve. Some valves require two but others require one. If you take your valve apart and only see one washer, you can save the second washer that is included. From the parts list for SP0716, it looks like you only have one washer placed above the spring.
 Reply

 Posted: 12/28/2017 

I have 3 questions please. 1. My valve is in filter position and I have a closed valve on the waste pipe. Can a leaking spider gasket cause air suction when pump is closed? When my pump is off I hear air suction at the valve shaft. 2. Can a leaking spider gasket be the cause of water leaking at the shaft, or can this only be caused by defective shaft o-rings? 3. I notice that the metal washers with the shaft spring come in a set of two. I opened my valve and could see only 1 metal washer, on top of the spring. Is this possible or should there always be another washer underneath the spring. Thanks. My valve is SP071620T
 Reply

 Posted: 11/26/2017 

freddy - Please call one of our service reps at 407-834-2200. They will be happy to assist you and tell you where to send the pictures of the MPV.
 Reply

 Posted: 11/25/2017 

I have a multiport valve with no model number, the only numbers on the valve body is 27-2599 6/98. I can send photos of everything, please advise, thanks
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 Posted: 11/22/2017 

James - I would replace the spider gasket first to stop the leaking from the backwash port. See our guide on "How to Replace a Spider Gasket on a Multiport Valve". Then if you have water coming up through the handle, you may have to replace the o-rings on the shaft. See our guide on "How To Replace a Pool Multiport Valve Spring" for information on accessing these O-rings on the shaft of the key assembly.
 Reply

 Posted: 11/16/2017 

I have a Hayward SP0715XR50 backwash filter that is leaking from the backwash port and around the selector handle. Which steps above apply and which parts do I need for the repair? Thank you!
 Reply

 Posted: 10/18/2017 

A follow up from my previous comment. I've looked at the replacement instructions. I don't have a Winterise position. Mine are filter, waste, closed, backwash, recirc and rinse. Which is the equivalent to use when disassembling? Thanks!
 Reply

 Posted: 10/18/2017 

My model number is SP710. Am I correct in assuming that the part listed for the 1.5" models in point 3 is the one for me? Thanks!
 Reply

 Posted: 10/13/2017 

Wendy - Yes, SP714 is the same valve as as SP714T.
 Reply

 Posted: 10/10/2017 

Is SP714 the same as SP714T?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/3/2017 

Mike S. - I'm not sure what your question is. Are you asking if the leak can be fixed by replacing the top Key Cover and Handle Assembly or if you have to replace the whole MPV? Let me start by saying there are three major replacement parts for the common Hayward MPVs: the whole Multiport Valve (MPV) itself; the Key, Cover, and Handle Assembly (KCHA) and the Key Assembly (KA) itself. The KCHA is the upper half of the MPV and the KA is the lower half of the KCHA. Most repairs are fixed by replacing only the KA. In your question, you mix replacement parts between the SP0714T MPV and the SP0710 MPV. For the SP0714T MPV, the KCHA is SPX0714BA and its KA is SPX0714CA. For the SP0710 MPV, the KCHA is SPX0710BA17 and the KA is SPX0710XD. If you are asking how to tell the difference between a SP0714T MPV and a SP0710 MPV, the gasket on the SP0714T MPV has 4 spokes and the gasket on the SP0710 MPV has 5 spokes. Also, in your question, you say water is being pushed to purge (the waste port) when in filter mode. If you still have water returning to the return ports and you also have water leaking out the waste port, you probably have a damaged spider gasket that you will have to replace. If you only have water pouring out the waste port and you recently replaced your KA, the KA may be installed 180 degrees wrong. See Step 14 of our guide on “How To Replace a Pool Multiport Valve Spring”.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/29/2017 

When valve is set to filter I'm getting water pushed to purge. Losing water and I'm curious if this is the multiport sp-714t or the Hayward SPX0710XBA17 Key Cover and Handle Assembly Replacement for Hayward Multiport Valves. How would you tell?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/28/2017 

k - Here is the link to the SP0714g11 replacement O-rings.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/27/2017 

I am looking for replacement o rings for the hayward vari-flo xl valve sp0714g11. I am not finding anything that matches that. If you could advise that would be great thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/24/2017 

David - Don't have part # sp0714g11m in our system. The internet has it but it seems to be the whole valve. The manf code for an SP0714T key assembly is SPX0714CA.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/22/2017 

Just replaced my key assembly on a hayward variflo valve. filter will not backwash at all and there is a slow leak from the backwash hose when the valve is in the filter position. Part# sp0714tx. my pool store sold me replacment part# sp0714g11m. said part would work...? Could this be my problem or am I missing something? Thanks
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/3/2017 

DGV - Ignore the end numbers/letters. Your MPV is an SP715.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/1/2017 

I have a Hayward Multiport Valve but not sure of the model number as the mark at the top have faded. There is however a number on the body which read SP-715-A 4. Can you tell me what model it is?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/27/2017 

DV - There are two O-rings on the shaft of the key assembly. Doesn't look like they are provided with the new key assembly. Might transfer them from the old one.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/27/2017 

I rebuilt the inside of my hayward valve & replaced the spider gasket. Water is leaking up through the handle. Any suggestions?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/27/2017 

Anonymous (leaking MPV) - If the "Waste" port is not sealed when you are in "Filter" mode, you could be dumping a lot of water depending on the rip in the MPV spider gasket. Take a look at the spider gasket and replace it if necessary. See our guide on "How to Replace a Spider Gasket on a Multiport Valve".
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/26/2017 

in ground pool was fine this season for 2 days after opening..til I backwashed!!! would the backwash valve leak enough to lower my water considerably in my pool?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/22/2017 

Jim - Here is the link to your SS240 Jacuzzi filter, Splash Pak - 16, 18.5, & 24" Sand Filters. Yours is the 24" diameter model. It originally used the DVK7 Multiport Valve (MPV) but may have been converted over to the more common SP0714T MPV. You MPV should match one of these.
 Reply

 Posted: 6/20/2017 

My waste port is leaking but I could not determine my valve model # in order to know which spider gasket I need. the filter manufacture name-Jacuzzi, the filter model name-FloPro, filter model #SS240, filter square footage-3.1, number of positions the valve can be set to-6, plumbing size going into the valve-1 1/2"and filter type-sand filter
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/19/2017 

Sherry - SP0714C and SP0714T are the same MPV. If you need to replace the spider gasket, you will need to buy the whole Key/seal Assembly (Diffuser w/ Gasket Glued In) (spx0714ca).
 Reply

 Posted: 6/17/2017 

Hayward vari-flo XL valve part number unreadable. Molded plastic # is SP0714C.
I can't seem to find a "C" model. Can you tell me what model replacement valve is a suitable substitute for mine?

 Reply

 Posted: 6/17/2017 

Water leaking from backwash hose. Label faded so cannot read part number or serial number.
Label says Hayward vari-flow XL valve
Rated for 75 GPM/284 LPM
Pressure 50 PSI/3.5 BAR

 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2017 

Anonymous (SP0714T1) - The consensus is that SP0714T1 and SP0714T are the same MPV and it uses the Key/seal Assembly (Diffuser w/ Gasket Glued In) (spx0714ca).
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/13/2017 

Anonymous (faded MPV label) - Please give one of your service reps a call at 877-372-6038. They will make arrangements for you to send in pictures of your MPV.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 6/12/2017 

Have a hayward sp0714t1 and my waste port is leaking when I have it on filtration. Is part # spx0714ca the correct part to fix this problem?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/12/2017 

Anonymous (new MPV) - Since this is a new MPV, I would tend to look elsewhere. If you think you have 1/2 the water flow then you used to, see our guide on "How to Correct Low Water Pressure in Your Pool System". Look at Step 6 first, Clogged Impeller. It is a common source of low water pressure.
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Anonymous  Posted: 6/12/2017 

My model number of my valve is faded from sun anyway to find out the model number or post a picture of it?
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Anonymous  Posted: 6/11/2017 

I have a Hayward vari-flow Xl valve , couldn't replace the gadgets because the spider one is glued on so I bought a while new valve, but noticed my backwash is like 1/2 of what it use to put out of water. Don't know what to do next please advise. Thank You.
 Reply