When it comes to parts washer maintenance, most people think first about pumps, tanks, or spray manifolds. The reality is that it is often the smaller components that have the most significant impact on system performance. Two of the most important, yet most commonly overlooked parts are the filter bags and the O-rings. These parts may not occupy much space, but they are crucial to maintaining your washer’s peak efficiency, protecting larger components from unnecessary wear, and ensuring a consistent cleaning process from start to finish.
What is the Role of a Filter Bag?
Filter bags act as the gatekeepers of your system. Each time contaminated aqueous solution or water cycles through the washer, it carries with it particles of grease, paint, dirt, and other debris. The filter bag captures and retains these solids, preventing them from recirculating through the system. This action extends the life of your cleaning solution, protects the pump from damage, and helps maintain steady cleaning quality over time.
Better Engineering supplies two standard filter bag sizes, the 815 and the 830, which are suitable for most systems. There is also a 420 option, occasionally used with smaller units such as the Genesis, though this size is far less standard. We also offer cartridge replacements along with the filter bags for facilities that have opted to use the cartridge instead.
Knowing When to Replace a Filter Bag
The life span of a filter bag depends on the individual system. A customer who runs their washer around the clock with heavy contamination will need to replace it far more frequently than someone with light, intermittent use. That means a filter bag might last a single week in one application and as long as several weeks in another, depending on the customer’s usage and cleaning application.
The most reliable method of determining replacement is to monitor the pressure gauges. When the difference between the inlet and outlet reaches approximately 10 psi, the bag is no longer flowing efficiently and should be replaced.
In addition to watching the gauges, operators should also keep an eye out for:
- A leaking or torn filter bag
- A bent or damaged safety cage can cause premature wear
- Nicks or tears in the O-ring sitting above the bag
- Gauges that are malfunctioning or providing inaccurate readings
Fortunately, replacing a filter bag is a quick process, often taking only five minutes unless the machine requires a complete shutdown. Many operators find it easiest to check the filter bag each time they drain the tank, which creates a reliable inspection schedule.
O-Rings: A Small but Essential Seal
While the filter bag does the heavy lifting of trapping contaminants, the O-ring provides the seal that ensures the process is reliable. In Better Engineering systems, the O-ring sits directly on top of the filter bag housing, creating a tight closure that prevents fluid from leaking around the filter. If the O-ring is compromised by a nick, tear, or crack, liquid can leak out of the system.
Unlike filter bags, O-rings do not need frequent replacement. In many cases, they can be cleaned and reused as long as they remain intact and flexible. Still, it is best practice to inspect the O-ring whenever the filter bag is changed. Since it is located in the same housing, the inspection requires no additional steps and only a quick visual check.
Better Engineering keeps O-rings in stock in two sizes, 8 and 4, so customers can quickly replace them if a worn or damaged seal is discovered. Having a few extras on hand ensures that even minor issues can be resolved immediately without waiting for shipping.
The Value of Proactive Maintenance
Caring for filter bags and O-rings might not seem like a big task, but the benefits of consistent attention are substantial. A neglected bag can allow solids to circulate through the system, increasing wear on pumps and valves. A compromised O-ring can cause leakage that reduces system efficiency and leads to costly downtime. On the other hand, operators who take a few minutes during routine maintenance to inspect and replace these parts often see noticeable performance improvements and reduced repair costs.
As a general rule, filter bags and O-rings should be checked each time the tank is drained. By incorporating these inspections into your everyday workflow, you can prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs.
Ordering Replacements Made Simple
When it’s time to replace a bag or O-ring, Better Engineering makes ordering simple. Customers can place orders by phone through our service team or directly through the website. Since we maintain a stock of these parts, shipping is expedited, with most replacements arriving within a week, depending on your location. Many customers prefer to order a small stock of filter bags and O-rings in advance so they are always ready to swap a part without delay.
Conclusion: Small Parts, Big Reliability
Filter bags and O-rings may not be the most glamorous components of a parts washer, but they are among the most important. By capturing contaminants and providing a reliable seal, they ensure the performance of the entire system remains intact. Regular inspections and timely replacements are simple steps that have a significant impact.
