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APOLLO DISC-KLEEN FILTER OPERATIONS, MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
• For AC backflush controllers, make sure the transformer is still functioning and replace if needed.
• The controller panel can malfunction if exposed to moist or dusty conditions, rust, or lightning. If you suspect
any of these causes, contact the backflush controller manufacturer for inspection and possible warranty or
repair. Or call Netafim USA Technical Support for assistance.
CONTINUOUS BACKFLUSHING:
Constant Water Flowing Out of the Drain Manifold
• If there is constant water going through the drain manifold, then one of the backflush valves is stuck in the flush
position. This can be caused by one of these three issues:
- There may be debris stuck in the drain port of the backflush valve which does not allow the valve to return
to the filtration position. Determine which valve is flushing all of the time. Turn the manual override of the
solenoid to flush and then return the knob to filtration. Make sure the knob is in exactly the correct position.
If the valve is still flushing, turn off the water.
- Remove the entire 4” drain manifold from the back of the backflush valves. Visually inspect the back side of
all valves to see if there is debris. Start to disassemble the backflush valve from the back by removing the
large plastic union. Put the large spring or large o-ring in a secure place. Remove the small bolt from the
stem, pull out the black round piece and remove any debris. Carefully reassemble the valve and attach the
drain manifold.
- The solenoid may be stuck and not returning to filtration mode. On the Backflush Controller, switch the
terminal wire (the wire connected to terminal 1 and 2 for example) from a stuck solenoid to a working
solenoid. If the problem moves with the solenoid that is stuck, then the problem
is in the solenoid. Disassemble the solenoid to clean any debris. If the problem persists, replace the solenoid
coil with a new one.
- The diaphragm of the backflush valve may be torn. To confirm, close the ball valve in front of the 2”
command filter. If water is still flushing from the drain manifold, the diaphragm may be torn. Turn off the
water and remove all of the bolts from the bonnet of the valve. Remove the diaphragm and inspect for tear.
Replace if necessary.
Filter Completes a Backflush Cycle, Stops and Backflushes Again:
• If the filter is constantly backflushing by going through a cycle, stopping for 1 minute and backflushing again,
look at the controller to see if the word “Alarm” is flashing. If it is, then the filter is probably clogged.
• The filter will get clogged for the following reasons:
- There was less than 30 psi on the downstream side of the filter during backflush.
- The water quality changed and became too dirty for the filter to keep up. (Check for severe algae bloom or
high silt load).
- The flow rate was increased by turning on an additional valve, so the filter cannot keep up with the
increased flow rate.
- The diameter of the drain pipe is too long or too small or it’s plumbed so that it elevates back into a reservoir.
All of these will create back pressure on the filter during the flush cycle and have a negative effect on the
quality of the flush. The drain pipe should be at least 4” diameter, not to exceed 50 feet long and free flow to
a drain pit. If the drain pipe needs to be longer than 50 feet, use a 6” pipe. There should not be a check valve
or gate valve on the drain pipe.
- Remove the discs from the spines and clean them manually. Refer to the Disc Cleaning Instructions on
Pages 11 and 12.
CHECK THE BACKFLUSH CONTROLLER (CON’T)
TROUBLESHOOTING
NOTE: Refer to Netafim USA’s YouTube Channel
for Apollo Troubleshooting Guide Video
