How to repair a leaking Hayward backwash valve

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How to repair a leaking Hayward backwash valve

WRITTEN BY: Inyo Pools

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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

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.

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 and swap out with the new diverter.

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

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. Also feel free to call us toll free at 1-877-372-6038 or connect with us on Live Chat with any questions.

Comments

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(1 to 40 of 173)

Sal Posted: 10/18/2019

Hello my Hayward Vari-flo valve is is leaking by. I am getting water coming out of my drain line when it is in FILTER mode.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 10/22/2019

Hello Sal - We would recommend replacing the spider gasket. What is the model number on the top your valve?
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Dad Posted: 10/10/2019

Hi there. I have the spo714t Hayward valve. It’s leaking from backwash, and then when pump turns on, it has to prime, as the pump is empty I’m assuming it’s the spider gasket faulty. Thanks in anticipation Paul
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InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 10/10/2019

We'd recommend replacing the Key, Cover, and Handle Assembly (part# 4703-20). That should correct your problems.
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DONALD RITCHEY Posted: 9/2/2019

I have the Hayward S244T filter with SP0714T diverter. I am using ZEO sand media. After every backwash, whether I use a rinse cycle or not, I get a lot of ZEO in my pool.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Robert M. Posted: 9/4/2019

The issue is usually a cracked lateral, standpipe, or a bad spider gasket. It's also possible that the Zeo is breaking down and need to be replaced.
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Janine Posted: 8/5/2019

Hello, my model number says SP0704TX but I can find gasket that references that model #... Can you help!
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 8/7/2019

This is the page for the Hayward Multiport 4 Position 1 1/2" Vari-Flo Model SP704 Parts Diagram.
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Anonymous Posted: 7/27/2019

my model hayward model number is faded out. my owners manual states models s220t, s220t2, s244t and s244t2.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/30/2019

Did you have a specific question about the filter or a part of the filter?
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SPO714B Posted: 7/18/2019

My valve says SP0714B. I can’t find this specific model number. Any suggestions?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/19/2019

That is a part number for one of the pieces of the valve, but there is only one model of SP714T. If your valve has a part or model number with the 714, the whole valve replacement is the SP714T.
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Caleb Posted: 7/18/2019

I have a SP0714T so I ordered a replacement diverter. In the meantime, I've put a PVC cap on the backwash pipe to stop the leaking water. However, my koi pond is still dropping ... any idea what might be going on?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/18/2019

If it is still dropping after plugging the backwash line then it sounds like you have a leak elsewhere. Check your plumbing lines and equipment for water leaks.
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Robert knott Posted: 7/8/2019

My Hayward backwash valve is leaking. My model valve number is SP722-A please instruct me on how to correct this leak
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/9/2019

A Hayward SP722 is not a backwash valve, it is ball valve. Where is the leaking come from?
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Randy Posted: 7/2/2019

I have a Hayward sp714-a valve and the pool was losing water and realized it was draining out of the backwash pipe when the handle was set to filter. Is it just the gasket?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/2/2019

It could be the spider gasket, diverter spring, or broken diverter stem. I suggest moving the diverter assembly to inspect the gasket, spring, and diverter.
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Anonymous Posted: 7/2/2019

Ok I’ll look. Thanks
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JB Posted: 6/30/2019

My Serial number is rubbed off. I can only make out what looks like 1400. I know for sure theres a 14 in that order. The pump is probably 20 years old. Any idea which one it is?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/2/2019

Unfortunately, we cannot identify products using their serial numbers; only manufacturers can do that. This is our list of Hayward Valve Parts and Hayward Filter Parts. You may be able to identify your valve or filter from any of the diagrams on the link
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cj Posted: 6/25/2019

my valve is a model #SPO714T1, is that the same part and procedure as an #SPO714T?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/26/2019

Yes, it is
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Mike D Posted: 6/22/2019

I have a SP714T1 I haven’t seen a T1 mentioned. Is the fix for a leaky backwash on this one to replace the diverter, part # SPX0714CA as well?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 7/2/2019

Yes, it is. The SP714 variants all use the same parts.
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Anonymous Posted: 6/18/2019

My spider gasket number says it is a SP0714B. And it is white and it is not glued in… Could you give me the appropriate number for that now
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/19/2019

We only offer the SP714 spider gasket glued into the diverter: PureLine Replacement Diverter w/ Spider Gasket for Hayward SP0714T (SPX0714CA)
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jim Posted: 6/13/2019

I have a SP714 that just trickles when I try to backwash. What do I need to fix this problem, without buy a whole valve?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/13/2019

Hello, the entirety of this guide shows you what may be wrong and what needs to be replaced in a multiport valve in the situation you detailed. I suggest giving the guide a thorough read.
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SPO710Z20 valve leaking water on top Posted: 6/3/2019

I cannot find this model # anywhere and would like assistance on what to replace as it is leaking from the very top center of the backwash valve
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/12/2019

Hello - The compatible replacement parts for your SP710 can be found on this parts diagram: Hayward Multiport Vari-Flow 1-1/2" SP-710X, SP-712, SP-711 1976-Current
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Bill Posted: 6/2/2019

My valve is quite old # is so 710 would like to have kit star gasket is bad should probably replace al o-rings and etc
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/6/2019

It depends on how old your valve is to determine which one you need. The two options are as follows: Hayward Multiport Vari-Flo SP-710 1.5" - 1969-1975 Parts Diagram - Hayward Multiport Vari-Flow 1-1/2" SP-710X, SP-712, SP-711 1976-Current Parts Diagram
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daniel meltsner Posted: 6/2/2019

I have a sp714a (molded on side of multiport valve). I dont see that listed. Any advice?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/6/2019

The SP714A is the same as the Hayward SP0714T Valve. The parts for the 714 can be found here: Hayward Multiport Variflo XL 1 1/2" SP714T
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Kelly Posted: 6/1/2019

My Hayward valve backwashes in all functions. Model #SP0715X62. What do I need to replace?
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/6/2019

The SP715 valve would likely need the Key Cover and Handle assembly replaced (black/white)
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Stevie Logsdon Posted: 6/1/2019

I have the SP0714G11M I have replaced the spider gasket key assembly twice and it is still leaking from the discharge valve. At first I thought the replacement part might be bad but after getting a second one I am not sure.
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InyoPools Product Specialist Matt S. Posted: 6/6/2019

You may want to consider just changing out the whole valve, Top Mount Valve for Sand 1.5" - PL0714
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Layla Posted: 5/29/2019

I believe that my spider gasket seal is bad. I’m leaking water out of the backwash during any function. Is there a way I can temporarily plug my backwash hose until I can order and get this part in? I’ve already put 1500 in this pool in the last month already.
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