What can cuase a PondMAX filter lid to leak, and how you can fix it.
First confirm that the leak is coming from the main lid oring by checking to make sure the water is not dripping down from a point higher up like the UV assembly etc.
Next we need to detirmine why it is leaking and finally make the changes to fix it. There are two reasons the filter lid oring can leak.
- The oring (seal) is damaged, dirty or mis-aligned.
- The pump is over sized for the filter.
Start by checking the pump size. All PondMAX filter are rated for less than 6.5psi (15ft.) of back pressure. To check this look at the pump and see if it says what the Max Head hieght is. IF it does not say, look online for that model number and find the specifications. If your pump has a max head that is greater than 6.5psi (15ft.) it may still be ok. To calculate if you are still in a safe zone you will need to detirmine the height difference between the water surface and the filter, then deduct that number from the amount your pump can do. So for example: The pump is rated at 22 ft max head. The elevation difference between the water level and the pump is 6 ft. Then you deduct 6 from 22 and that is 16 ft. Because the filter is only rated for 15 ft max then this is a potential problem and the pressure from the pump can cuase damamges and leaking.
Fianlly look at the oring very closely for any nicks, dents, or cuts. If that is ok then make sure both the oring and the two filter parts are wiped very clean and use a food based oil from your kitchen to lubricate the oring. Then reinstall it and test again.