Simply put, waterlines that attach to the “inlet” and “outlet” on the filter canister were reversed during installation. In this case, the water flow through the filter element will be from the “Inside-out” rather than the “outside-in” (as the filter was intended). Debris (or DE powder) rapidly accumulates on the inside of the pleats, water flow is restricted, and the cartridge begins to expand. Eventually, the cartridge’s end cap will split, releasing the internal pressure. The filter element is now being by-passed in the filtration cycle.
How can you tell if your system is plumbed backwards?
- Is the nature of the split in the end cap similar to this?
- Peel back the broken top and examine the pleats. Is there dirt accumulation on the inside of the pleat pack?
- Does the support band on the outside of the cartridge, if present, appear stretched and wrinkled?
- Do the outside of the pleats appear rounded and puffy?
If you are still not sure if your filter is plumbed backwards, shut down the entire system and completely bleed the canister pressure. Remove the cartridge and with the lid off quickly turn the pump on and off. Observe which port is delivering the feed water and assure that it is the “inlet.”
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