Filox iron filter media leaking into pipe

[goldcakes]

We have a 6-year-old Filox iron filter with a Fleck 2510 control. I believe the tank is a Vortech.

We have a sediment filter installed after the iron filter, and for the first time, there are some granules in it that I assume are the Filox media leaking out into the pipe.

What could cause this? How much of a problem is it?

We also have a UV purification system downstream, and the alarm is triggering frequently when demand is high, such as flushing the toilet. Could it be getting fouled somehow by the media (despite the sediment filter)?

 

[ditttohead]

If it is a vortech tank and media is getting out of the tank the lower plate is probably cracked. Time for a new tank. As to the UV, we need model numbers etc, there are literally hundreds of small UV systems available.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[goldcakes]

That's terrible news.

A web search suggests the tank has a 10-year warranty (it's 6 years old). Any idea whether a crack would be covered?

The UV is a Viqua UVMax D4+. The sensor keeps going off. Not sure if it's related.

Wouldn't the sediment filter (Big Blue with dual gradient 50-5 microns) block any particles from getting through?

It's possible we just need a new sensor, but I thought I'd ask. Thanks.

 

[goldcakes]

And if we have to replace the tank, should we get new media?

I think the Filox is supposed to last nearly forever, right?

 

[Reach4]

Wouldn't the sediment filter (Big Blue with dual gradient 50-5 microns) block any particles from getting through?

Yes.

The UV is a Viqua UVMax D4+. The sensor keeps going off. Not sure if it's related.

https://viqua.com/wp-content/uploads/MNL603037_RevAD-EN.pdf page 11 has a table which tells what the beeping and chirps and lights mean.

 

[goldcakes]

Hold everything. We just found the receipt, and it was NOT a Vortech tank, but a regular tank. (The receipt even mentions gravel, which there wouldn't be with a Vortech.)

So does this mean something has gone wrong with the riser?

 

[Reach4]

So does this mean something has gone wrong with the riser?

That would be the bottom distributor basket, which is at the bottom of the distributor tube (riser).

How big are these pieces? A few tiny flakes are not really worth worrying about, I don't think.

 

[ditttohead]

If you have a failed riser tube it should be replaced prior to a catastrophic failure occurs.
The Filox does not last forever. If it is adequately backwashed and maintained properly it should last 5-10 years. If you do replace it, it might be a good idea to change it to a more modern media ie: Katalox Light. KL is far easier to backwash and there are very few applications that we have not seen it perform as well as Filox but with mush less water.

Considering your system is 6 years old, I would recommend replacing the riser and media.