Need to replace the top distributor on your water softener? The task might seem intimidating but don't worry, we're here to help. Below, we'll go through step-by-step instructions together and have your water softener back in working order shortly. Let's get started!
Supplies Needed: Silicone based lubricant, hand towel
Click each step to expand instructions.
Step 1 - Disconnect the Valve Head
1. First, you'll need to turn off the main water in your home and open a nearby softened water faucet to relieve pressure in your plumbing.
2. Go ahead and bypass the unit by pushing the handle in on the back of the unit:
3. Unplug the power cord from your outlet.
4. Remove the top cover. If you need more detailed instructions on how, click here.
5. You need to disconnect all wires attached to the valve head to free the top cover from the unit.
6. You'll need to remove the black C-clips from the softener/bypass connection. Pull one side of the black plastic C-clip away from the softener, and slowly roll it towards the other side to remove.
***If the clips seem stuck, slowly and gently rock the softener back and forth slightly while applying pressure to the clip as described above to free them.
7. You can go ahead and pull the softener away from the bypass assembly.
8. Disconnect the Drain hose by releasing the black clip on the right-hand side of the head (pictured below). Have your towel handy here to catch any leftover water that might leak from the valve head.
9. Now, you'll disconnect the Brine hose from the Venturi (white cone piece). Identify yours below.
- If yours has a white nut attached to the Venturi: unscrew the nut by twisting it counter-clockwise and pull the hose off.
- If your hose doesn't have that white nut, you'll need to push the small collet piece in and pull the hose out at the same time to remove.
10. Remove the two large white clamps from the tank neck by unhooking the retainer clips that hold them together.
11. With both hands on the valve head, wiggle it side to side as you pull it up and off. Set the valve head aside.
Step 2 - Replace the Top Distributor
1. Remove the large O-ring around the tank neck, and the small O-ring that sits on the center riser tube.
2. Carefully slide the top distributor up off the riser tube, being careful not to pull the center tube up with you - the tube should remain resting on the bottom of the resin tank.
3. Now, remove the O-ring that sits around the bottom of the top distributor, and move it to your new distributor basket. You'll want to make sure this O-ring is well lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant.
4. Push the new top distributor basket (with the O-ring) onto the riser tube, and push it down to sit on the tank neck.
5. You can place the large O-ring back around the tank neck.
6. Roll the small O-ring back onto the riser tube. You can add more lubricant if you need. This O-ring should sit about 1/4 inch from the top of the riser tube.
Step 3 - Reassemble the Softener
1. Carefully place your valve head back onto the riser tube and push down until it rests on the tank below. Great!
2. Now, reassemble the large white tank clamps and secure with the retaining clips around the neck.
3. Reconnect the softener to the bypass assembly and attach the two black C-clips. You'll want to confirm that the black O-rings at this connection are well lubricated.
4. Now you can reattach the brine hose to the venturi.
- Either screw the white nut back on by twisting it clock-wise:
- Or insert the hose into the collet. You'll need to make sure to push it in until you notice some resistance. Then push it in a little further. The hose should be in about 5/8 of an inch.
5. Reattach the drain hose.
6. Time to reconnect all the wires onto the valve head and then put the top cover back on:
7. You can go ahead and plug the power cord back into your outlet.
8. Reopen the main water supply and run a few cold-water faucets in your home until there's no air left in the lines and the water runs smoothly.
9. Last step is to pull your bypass handle back OUT to take it off bypass and watch for leaks. Nice work! You've just replaced your top distributor!
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