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Disc Filters – Cleaning & Maintenance Guide

Proper cleaning and maintenance of disc filters keeps your irrigation system running efficiently and extends the life of your equipment. This guide covers routine cleaning with water and, when necessary, deeper cleaning with chemicals.

Important Safety Notes

  • Always shut off the system and make sure there is no pressure in the filter before opening it.
  • Use only for rinsing and flushing.
  • When using chemicals (acid or chlorine), always:
    • Wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves/pants.
    • Work in a well-ventilated area.
    • Keep a source of fresh clean water nearby for rinsing and emergency use.
    • Never mix acid and chlorine together.

Routine Cleaning (Most of the Season)

How Often to Clean

During most of the irrigation season, disc filters only need a regular rinse when they become dirty. A simple wash with medium-pressure water is usually enough.

Recommended Cleaning Pressure

  • Use a hose with medium pressure (around 22 psi) and clean water.
  • Do not use high-pressure water blasters (around 1700 psi) – they can damage the discs.

When Is the Filter Dirty?

Use pressure gauges on the inlet and outlet of the filter body.

  • Under normal flow conditions, when the pressure difference between inlet and outlet exceeds 8 psi, the filter is considered dirty and needs cleaning.

Step-by-Step: Routine Disc Cleaning

  1. Depressurize the system
    • Turn off the pump and close any valves as needed.
    • Verify there is no pressure in the system before opening the filter.
  2. Drain the filter canister
    • Open the drain or bleed valve (if equipped) to remove water from the canister.
  3. Remove the cover and filter element
    • Remove the filter cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
    • Take out the disc filter element from the canister.
  4. Loosen and remove the disc set
    • On smaller disc cartridges, the discs are usually held together by a spring that expands when removed.
    • Larger cartridges often have a threaded section that you unscrew to release the discs.
  5. Wash the discs
    • Rinse the disc set thoroughly with clean water.
    • In tougher conditions, a suitable algaecide may be used as directed by the manufacturer.
  6. Reassemble the disc set
    • Stack the cleaned discs correctly on the spine or cartridge.
    • Tighten the disc set according to manufacturer instructions.
  7. Lubricate seals
    • Apply silicone lubricant to all exposed O-rings.
    • Lightly lubricate the inner rim of the filter body where it contacts the seals or O-rings.
  8. Reinstall the filter element and cover
    • Insert the filter element back into the canister.
    • Replace the filter cover and tighten the clamp or locking mechanism securely.

Deep Cleaning With Chemicals (When Needed)

If routine cleaning with water does not remove scum, slime, or carbonate build-up, a chemical cleaning may be required. This should only be done occasionally – typically 2 to 3 times per season at most.

After proper chemical cleaning, the pressure differential under clean flow conditions should be less than 4.5 psi.

Important Chemical Safety Warning

WARNING: Working with chemicals (acid or chlorine) is potentially hazardous. Always:

  • Wear gloves, eye protection, and long sleeves/pants.
  • Keep a source of fresh, clean water nearby for rinsing and emergencies.
  • Follow all product label instructions.
  • Never mix acid and chlorine in the same container.

Step-by-Step: Preparing Discs for Chemical Cleaning

  1. Complete steps 1–3 from the routine cleaning section:
    • Depressurize the system.
    • Drain the canister.
    • Remove the cover and filter element.
  2. Remove and separate the discs
    • Take the discs off the spine(s) of the cartridge.
  3. Thread discs onto a holding tube
    • Thread the discs onto a length of polyethylene tube (about 8 mm) through the center holes.
    • Tie a knot in one end of the tube to keep the discs from sliding off.
    • The discs are now ready for immersion in the chemical solution.

Option 1: Acid Cleaning

  • Use hydrochloric acid (approx. 35% concentration) and dilute it with water.
  • Always add acid to water, not water to acid.
  • Typical dilution ratio: 1:5 to 1:10 (acid:water).
  • A stronger solution requires less soaking time, but use with caution.
  • Heavier dirt or carbonate buildup may require stronger solutions and/or longer soaking.

Option 2: Chlorine Cleaning

  • Use chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), commonly available from pool suppliers or hardware stores.
  • Typical dilution ratio: 1:5 to 1:10 (bleach:water).
  • Follow the same principles as with acid: heavier contamination may require more time or higher concentration.

Soaking & Monitoring

  • Immerse the discs (threaded on the 8 mm tube) fully in the chemical solution.
  • During soaking:
    • Periodically stir the solution and gently shake the discs.
    • Ensure all disc surfaces come into full contact with the solution.
    • If buildup is not being removed effectively, extend soaking time and/or carefully adjust concentration within recommended limits.

After Chemical Cleaning

  • Rinse the discs thoroughly with fresh, clean water to remove all chemical residue.
  • Do not use a brush on individual discs – brushing is unnecessary and may damage the surface.
  • Re-stack the discs on the spine or cartridge and reassemble the filter as described in the Routine Cleaning section.

General Maintenance Tips

  • Check pressure differential regularly to know when cleaning is needed.
  • Perform routine water cleaning throughout the season; reserve chemical cleaning for heavy buildup.
  • Keep O-rings lubricated with silicone grease to maintain good seals.
  • Inspect discs and internal components periodically for wear or damage and replace as needed.

With regular cleaning and proper chemical handling when necessary, your disc filters will continue to protect your irrigation system and deliver reliable performance throughout the season.