Drain Retaining Clip, 7000, 5810/12

This Fleck Drain Retaining Clip (FL40945) is the small but critical clip that locks the drain line fitting into the body of Fleck 7000 and 5810/5812 control valves. Quick-connect drain fittings rely on this clip to hold the elbow or fitting securely in place under pressure, preventing it from blowing out during backwash or brine rinse when flow to drain is at its highest.

Where it's used

• Drain line retaining clip for Fleck 7000 and 5810/5812 valves
• Secures the quick-connect drain fitting against operating pressure
• Genuine Pentair Fleck part, listed under valve model 5812
• Inexpensive, essential hardware for a leak-free drain connection
• Quick to install with simple hand pressure, no special tools
• Worth keeping as a spare for any 7000 or 5810/5812 service

Although it is one of the least expensive parts on the valve, a missing or fatigued retaining clip is a genuine reliability concern. Without it, the drain fitting can work loose and discharge water during regeneration, potentially flooding the equipment area, soaking flooring, or damaging nearby belongings. For a part that costs almost nothing, the trouble it prevents is considerable, which is why experienced installers treat these clips with respect.

Clips can be lost during servicing, snap if forced, or become brittle over years of exposure, so it is wise to keep spares on hand whenever you work on a 7000 or 5810/5812 valve. Inspecting the clip at every service and replacing it at the first sign of cracking or distortion is cheap insurance against a messy, avoidable leak.

When installing, fully seat the drain fitting into the valve port, then slide the clip into its slot until it snaps home, and confirm by hand that the fitting cannot be pulled out. A clip that is only partially engaged offers a false sense of security, so verify positive engagement before pressurizing. Place the valve in bypass and relieve pressure before removing any drain connection, and the swap takes only moments. For the price of a single clip, you avoid the far greater expense and hassle of cleaning up after a drain fitting that let go during regeneration, which makes carrying spares an easy decision.