Multiport valve positions: filter, backwash, rinse and more
Positions on a sand or carbon filter valve
| Position | What it does | When to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Filter | Water flows down through the media to the outlet | Normal service |
| Backwash | Flow goes up through the media and out to drain, lifting and cleaning the bed | When pressure drop rises about 0.5 to 0.7 bar above clean, or on a fixed schedule |
| Rinse | Flow goes down through the media to drain, settling the bed | Straight after backwash, until the drain water is clear |
| Waste / Drain | Water bypasses the media and goes to drain | Emptying the tank or dumping very dirty water |
| Recirculate | Water bypasses the media and goes to the outlet | When the filter is out of service but you still need flow |
| Closed | No flow | Maintenance. Never run the pump on Closed. |
Softener valve positions
A manual softener MPV adds a regeneration position that uses an injector to draw salt brine through the resin. The usual sequence is: Backwash → Regeneration (brine) → Slow rinse → Fast rinse → Service. Automatic softener control valves run the same cycle on a timer or a flow meter.
Backwash routine for a sand filter
- Stop the pump.
- Turn the handle to Backwash. Never turn it while the pump is running.
- Start the pump and backwash for 5 to 10 minutes, until the sight glass or drain runs clear.
- Stop the pump, turn to Rinse, run for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Stop the pump, turn back to Filter, restart.
Note the pressure gauge reading after backwash. That is your clean baseline for the next cycle.
Common problems
- Media in the outlet: broken laterals or distributor. See our distribution and collection systems.
- Water leaking to drain in Filter position: worn spider gasket in the valve.
- Short runs between backwashes: media is clogged or the filter is undersized. Check the FRP vessel size chart.
We supply manual and automatic multiport valves in 1", 1.5", 2" and 3" sizes, along with FRP vessels and complete sand, carbon and softener filters.
FAQs
What is a multiport valve used for?
It controls the direction of flow through a pressure sand, carbon or softener filter, so one handle switches between service, backwash, rinse and drain.
How long should I backwash a sand filter?
Usually 5 to 10 minutes, until the drain water runs clear, followed by 1 to 3 minutes of rinse.
Can I turn a multiport valve while the pump is running?
No. Always stop the pump first, or the spider gasket inside the valve can be damaged.