If you’ve owned your pool for any length of time, you’ve probably learned that small parts can cause big headaches. One of the most common issues pool owners face is when the backwash piston breaks inside the valve housing. It usually happens without warning—the filter pressure rises, the backwash stops working properly, and when you pull the piston, the bottom “puck” breaks off and gets stuck deep in the housing. At that point, many people call a pool service technician to remove it, which typically costs between $100–$150 for what’s essentially a 10-minute fix. But here’s the good news: you can absolutely do this yourself. With a few minutes of time and one inexpensive tool, you can free the puck, reinstall your piston, and get your filter system back to normal—all without draining your wallet.

This week’s True Method U guide will walk you step-by-step through how to remove that broken puck safely and effectively using nothing more than a short piece of wire and a bit of patience.