Cleaning out External filter

[MonsterScot]

Total noob question but I've never used an external before. I recently got one for my 5footer its a big filter and when I last attempted to clean it I ended up with about 300 litres of water on my carpet!
How do I do it without water being pumed everywhere I switched it off at the plug and the suction still pumped the water everywhere. How do i get the water out of the external for cleaning??? Guidance please!

Regards

 

[kewskills]

what brand is the external, all the ones i have see nhave a tap to stop the water from leaving the pipes so you can disconnect them from the filter

 

[MonsterScot]

Found the tap didnt get instructions sorted now thanks alot!

 

[kewskills]

cool glad you dont have to go swimming again next clean