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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.



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Steps

Things You'll Need

Spider Gasket

Spider Gasket Replacement Instructions

Diverter & Gasket for SP0714T Valves

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

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(1 to 40 of 232)

 Posted: 5/12/2022 

I have the Hayward sand filter, S244S, 300 lbs, side mount valve SP0710G11M; water accumulating on top of valve and dripping down onto the pad, pool losing about an inch of water per day. I took top off to see about replacing spider gasket but it appears glued in, I couldn’t remove it. Recommended fix for this, please! Thanks.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/25/2022 

If water is pouring from the top of the valve, changing the spider gasket will not correct the issue. This is because there are diverter stem o-rings that should be water from exiting the top cover. The stem o-rings for the SP710 valve are listed as key 8A on the following parts diagram: Hayward Multiport Vari-Flow 1-1/2" SP-710X, SP-712, SP-711 1976-Current
 Reply

 Posted: 7/18/2021 

I’m trying to find a replacement spider gasket for my Hayward vari-flo XL sand filter valve...the number on the top is SP0714G11M...any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 7/20/2021 

Your SP714 valve will need one of the Diverter w/ Spider Gasket for Hayward SP0714T - SPX714CA
 Reply

 Posted: 7/6/2021 

My backwash valve has a crack in the side so I need to replace the entire assembly. The valve shows SP0710G11 Rev.C 24. The sand filter is model S310T2. It appears that the valve that I have is no longer made. What valve should I buy that will work on this sand filter model? Thanks for your help.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/3/2021 

The Hayward Pro - S310T2 can use the Top Mount Valve for Hayward Sand 2" (SP071621) - 27518-204-000
 Reply

 Posted: 6/12/2021 

My backwash valve for SP714-A keeps leaking. What is the correct gasket for it?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/17/2021 

The SP714's spider gasket comes glued into the diverter under part number: SPX714CA
 Reply

 Posted: 5/28/2021 

i replaced my spider gasket it still leaks and wont backwash
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/4/2021 

Have you checked to see if the valve's diverter spring/stem is damaged? Does the handle turn at all? Is it loose?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/26/2021 

Hi I have a crack on valve model # spo714g11 and need to replace it Do you have this model?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/4/2021 

The replacement valve for your SP0714G11 valve is the SP714T or the Top Mount Valve for Sand 1.5" - PL0714
 Reply

 Posted: 5/24/2021 

I have a Vari-Flo XL Valve, and it leaks from around where the pump hose is connected. What do I need to fix this?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/4/2021 

This sounds like it could be a union problem or a cracked valve case. The only way to figure it out is to take it apart and inspect the port.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/13/2021 

My model number shows SP0714G11M and I can't find it. Can you help me
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/14/2021 

Your valve is an SP714T.For future readers: If your valves model number begins with SP714 with a combination of numbers or leters after it, there's a very good chance you have the SP714T Vari-Flo XL Multiport Valve
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/13/2021 

I have a sp714-a hayward vari-flo xl valve did not see that listed top mount sand filter
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/13/2021 

The SP714A is not a model number, it is the part number for the Valve Body W/ Sight Glass & Gasket for the SP714T.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/4/2021 

I have an SP 710 X32. When it is placed in recirculate mode, water comes out the waste opening. Am I in need of a new spider valve? Thanks in advance for your help.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/13/2021 

The problem could be a loose diverter spring or a damaged spider gasket. If the valve handle is slack or jiggly, then it is likely the former. If the handle is stiff, then I would open the valve to find out if the spider gasket or something else is the cause.With either of those options, you should consult the Hayward Multiport Vari-Flow 1-1/2" SP-710X, SP-712, SP-711 1976-Current Parts Diagram
 Reply

 Posted: 4/5/2021 

Pool guy replaced my old unit with SP0710G50M. the handle cracked in the winter storms, and I'm having a hard time finding a replacement. Any others that might drop in and fit?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/7/2021 

The valve handle (SPX0710XF) can be found with the other parts on this parts diagram: Hayward Multiport Vari-Flow 1-1/2" SP-710X, SP-712, SP-711 1976-Current
 Reply

 Posted: 9/29/2020 

Just wanted to add a closing comment: to this: after a few days of letting the pump filter as normal while i debated on what to do, the leak stopped on its own. ??
 Reply

 Posted: 9/2/2020 

I have the top mount Hayward SP type diverter. Water was leaking from my backwash tube while the pump was running. I replaced the diverter because the spider gasket was the type built in. I cleaned the entire area where the gasket would set. It’s still leaking. Please help. What do i check next? One thing i can add is a pool contractor just installed a new liner and replaced the sand. Could there be something there to cause the constant leak, i don't know.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/3/2020 

Is your valve handle loose or jiggly? That can be a sign of a bad diverter spring. If the spring begins to fail, the diverter can lift when water pressure is applied, allowing it to divert into your waste line.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/4/2020 

I already replied to this question but don't see it after 24 hours, so ill answer you again Yes, as stated in my original post, that part is new. But, today my pool store is telling me the body of the valve itself may be warped and could cause it to still leak. Your thoughts please?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/10/2020 

If they believe it is warped and are willing to replace it as a defective, have them replace it. It's rare to have a valve be bad out of the box, but if it is, there is no need to fiddle around. Get it replaced.
 Reply

 Posted: 9/3/2020 

Hi. No its not loose. The entire diverter valve on top is brand new, i just put it on because i was told the spider gasket or handle may be bad.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/8/2020 

If it is brand new and leaking, then it could be a defective valve. Unless you were turning the valve handle when the pump was running, the gasket should not have failed this early.
 Reply

 Posted: 8/17/2020 

I need a top for 4.2 chlorine feeder. Any idea on part I need maybe number?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/20/2020 

If you visit the replacement parts for 100 Inline and Offline Series, you can see the lid listed at key 1A or 1B.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/31/2020 

i have a Hayward SP 710XR50 variflo valve about twenty years old. I have been noticing DE powder on the pool bottom for the last couple of years. I suspect the variflo valve gasket is worn because professional pool guys have replaced the DE grids with brand new grids and a check of the entire filter shows no problems. what part should I order?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 9/1/2020 

Before you start ordering parts, you should open the valve to make sure the gasket is actually the issue. If your valve handle is loose or jiggly, you may have a bad diverter spring, which helps make the pinwheel diverter seal against the spider gasket. If you want just the spider gasket, it is part number SPX0715D; if you want the gasket kit, including the spring, you should choose APCK1034S. 
 Reply

 Posted: 7/15/2020 

I am not sure what type of valve I have, it only says SP 71
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/25/2020 

Unfortunately, all of Hayward's multiport valves begin with SP71. We can try to narrow down the choices if you can identify the model number of your filter. If we can do that, that should narrow the field to one or two possibilities.
 Reply

 Posted: 7/14/2020 

We replaced the spider gasket and the backwash is still leaking
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 8/25/2020 

Did you check the handle to determine if it is loose/jiggling which can be a sign of a bad diverter spring. 
 Reply

 Posted: 6/24/2020 

I have an SP0714G11M valve, does the SP0714T replace this?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 10/6/2020 

Yes, the SP0714T is the drop-in replacement for the SP0714G11M 
 Reply

 Posted: 6/11/2020 

Anytime the filter is on in filter mode it leaks water out the waste line. Figured the spider gasket was worn so bought an entire new Hayward SP0714T VariFlo Top-Mount Multiport Valve as price was decent. After installation nothing has changed. Is the pump too strong or what's the deal?
 Reply