Troubleshooting
Filter stability – Cause: Filter is not level or is unstable
1. Reposition filter and use wooden shims as necessary.
2. Floor strategies: On a hard earth floor, use a hammer to break up
and level the compacted surface, and then use sand or concrete
pre-mix to create a level base.
• Use dry sand to create a level, even surface.
• Use dry concrete pre-mix and allow it to harden on its own
over time by absorbing moisture from the ground and air.
• Make a simple 30 cm square (12x12 inch) frame of 5x5 cm
(2x2 inches) boards and pour concrete inside to form a pad.
• Place a precast concrete pad on a level sand base.
Filter leaking – Cause: Loose standpipe fitting.
Prevent problems by carefully testing for leaks after installation and
before adding sand to the filter. Gently tap standpipe elbow into the
filter’s PVC outlet fitting. If necessary, PVC glue may be used at this
fitting. The standpipe assembly operates under extremely low water
pressure, so stubborn leaks are unlikely.
Water flow rate too slow (less than .3 liters per minute) – Cause:
Filter blockage in the biological layer or too much Filtration Sand.
1. Confirm that there is about 5 cm (2 inches) of water above the
sand when the filter is at rest.
2. If the filter has been in use, perform routine biological layer
maintenance as illustrated on inside of Filter Lid and as
described in the Filter Maintenance section on page 10.
3. If the filter is being installed, perform the following procedure:
• Pour water into the Diffuser Plate to the top rim of the filter.
• Remove the Diffuser Plate.
• Stir the top 25 cm (10 inches) of sand, to suspend fine
particles.
• Remove the water with suspended sand particles using a
small container or bowl, then retest flow rate.
• Repeat this process one or two times if necessary.
• If unsuccessful, remove most of the Filtration Sand from the
filter and set aside. Put enough clean water back into the filter
to cover 30% of the sand. Add back 30% of the sand and
wash it by vigorously stirring the water. Remove all dirty water
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