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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(81 to 120 of 232)

 Posted: 6/25/2019 

my valve is a model #SPO714T1, is that the same part and procedure as an #SPO714T?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 6/26/2019 

Yes, it is
 Reply

 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  Posted: 7/2/2019 

Yes, it is. The SP714 variants all use the same parts.
 Reply

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
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  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)
 Reply

 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?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  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.
 Reply

 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
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  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
 Reply

 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  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
 Reply

 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  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
 Reply

 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  Posted: 6/6/2019 

The SP715 valve would likely need the Key Cover and Handle assembly replaced (black/white)
 Reply

 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  Posted: 6/6/2019 

You may want to consider just changing out the whole valve, Top Mount Valve for Sand 1.5" - PL0714
 Reply

 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.
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/30/2019 

It depends on your port type, but if you have a female threaded port, a plug like this would work: PLUG With O-RING 1 1/2IN WG - SP1022C
 Reply

 Posted: 5/29/2019 

I have an older Hayward filter and need the top handle assembly and spider seal. The model number on the handle assembly is SP714, is it still available?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/30/2019 

Yes, the SP714T may be the most common valve on the market. Take a look at this parts diagram: Hayward Multiport Variflo XL 1 1/2" SP714T, Key 4 is the key and handle assembly.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/27/2019 

I have sp0714g11 and it's leaking from the backwash on every setting. What would be the appropriate fix an part number(s)? Thanks.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/30/2019 

For the best shot of fixing the issue, the whole Key Cover and Handle Assembly - SPX0714BA should be replaced. 
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Anonymous  Posted: 5/18/2019 

Replaced the gasket on my Hayward multiport valve still leaking from the backwash. Spxo715-d what should I do next?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/20/2019 

Does your valve handle jiggle, or is it not as stiff as it used to be? If either of those is the case, then you may have a bad diverter spring. The diverter spring keeps tension on the diverter and handle stem to maintain the seal on the spider gasket. When the springs get old, it can start to give and allow water through the backwash.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/15/2019 

The backwash Valve is leaking on my pump. The model Number on the top of the valve is not readable. One number i have is SM1799T and another number is SP714-A . I don"t know what part to order.
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/17/2019 

We'd recommend replacing the key, cover, and handle assembly. The part number is 4703-20.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/12/2019 

I have a Hayward sand filter valve and the only # I can find is sp0714g11m. Can you tell me if this is rebuildable or if not what valve replaces it? Thank you
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/13/2019 

Hello Bob - Your SP0714G11M should cross-reference to Hayward SP714T valve. All the parts are available on the linked parts listing.
 Reply

 Posted: 5/9/2019 

I have a new filter unit for my sand filter, everything is working fine except when I try to backwash; when I set it to backwash no water is coming out. I am not sure what to do next
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/9/2019 

Because this is a new install, make sure the hoses are connected to the correct valve ports. The valve may be working, but if the pipes are mixed up the water doesn't look like it going where it should.
 Reply

Anonymous  Posted: 5/6/2019 

I replaced the entire assembly for the SPX0714. Still leaking out of backwash. What next?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/6/2019 

When you say the entire assembly, do you mean the entire valve or the top assembly of the valve?
 Reply

 Posted: 5/3/2019 

I have a multi flip valve sp710xr50 learning from back wash. Replaces the gasket and it's still leaking. Do I need to replace the whole valve?
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InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/3/2019 

Instead of replacing the whole valve, if you replace the key cover and handle assembly the leak should stop. This assembly replaces all the moving parts of the pump, without having to replumb your lines. The SP0710XR50 has two options: White SPX0710XBA and the black SPX0710XBA17.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/30/2019 

I have a SP0714T, valve handle moves fine to various settings but it will not waste out or back wash and you can tell the pump is not moving water. Appears to be working in filter or recirc mode as their is flow coming out of pool returns and pump is showing flow. Do I need to replace entire valve?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 5/2/2019 

You probably don't need to replace the entire valve. I'd recommend replacing the upper assembly of the valve. The part number is 4703-20.
 Reply

 Posted: 4/30/2019 

I have a Hayward filter model # S180T925 and have water leaking from the backwash valve after tightening everything up. What do I need to fix this problem?
 Reply

InyoPools Product Specialist  Posted: 4/30/2019 

Hello Karen - The spider gasket in the valve has likely gone bad. The spider gasket is not sold separately because it's glued into the key/seal assembly. The key/seal assembly is part number 4703-23
 Reply