The white end caps at the top and bottom of the filter are glued on. It is possible to unscrew the waste valve assembly at the bottom of the filter once the pump is turned off and the filter has been emptied during a cleaning cycle. This will allow you to access the inside of the cap to clear out any waste or debris. There is a grill plate inside the end cap to prevent the media escaping which can also be cleaned carefully. The inside of tube will clear accordingly every time the media in the Tempest is cleaned and water flushes to waste.