Troubleshooting Autotrol Filter Control Valve

Problem: Water running out the backwash drain when it is not supposed to

(For severe plugging, go here)

Part I

Caused by higher flow rate or water pressure than normal, or too much filter media in the tank.

One or more has a particle of debris caught in the port under the valve flap. This keeps valve flap from fully closing. The valve stems are pushed open as the cam rotates through its cycles.

Fix: To clear the obstruction, duplicate the cam opening to flush out these ports one at a time. You want to find the one that is open and clear it so it closes. A surge of water when you open it will normally clear it.

How: Facing control valve, remove dust cover. Locate backwash and purge valves (last 4 in back) under the back of the camshaft lobes.

Stand in front, facing the control valve. There are four (4) rectangular valve flaps (brass color) sticking up. (Shown in picture on right). These are the back four valves.

Using a screw driver in your left hand, one at a time - push each of these four valves open to the right. You will then hear a surge of water. A few small jabs to the right will clean the debris out when you get the one that is open.

You will hear the water stop when you release the valve. Now it is OK.

Note: You may also see which is open just by looking carefully. One may be leaning. When closed in a normal closed position, they are all straight up.

Bottom picture (right) - "Valve Open": Shows valve flap leaning slightly to the right. This is the position of valve when debris is caught between the opening and valve flap stem. The debris is causing it to remain open which causes water to continuously go out the drain.

backwash valves

Picture above:
Camshaft with gray lobes push against brass-colored valve flaps. (Fourth gray lobe is sticking up & controls the purge valve). Any one of these can be plugged.

Normal backwashing will fix both causes as excess media will flush out, leaving the proper head space for your conditions.

(This could usually be only a problem with new units)

Part II - Severe Plugging

Severe plugging of the backwash cavity requires a further step.

1. Locate the backwash drain controller plug on the lower corner of the left rear side of Control Valve.

2. Turn the water off. Depressurize by opening a faucet or allowing water to flush by manually opening one of the backwash drain valves to relieve the pressure.

3. Remove the backwash controller plug. (top picture)

4. Water from the household plumbing will run backwards and tend to flush it out. If this is not enough then feel up inside the cavity with your little finger. If there is granular material in there, you will need
to quickly turn on & turn off the water, trying to flush debris out.
You should have a bucket to catch any water as it comes out.

Plug is in the lower corner of the left
rear side of the Control Valve.

Plug is out, showing cavity where you
may remove any granular material.

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If you have any questions, please contact James D. Fairgrieve, CEO
Life Streams International Mfg. Co.

For problems, email me at wholywat@borg.com

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