Need to replace the Rotor/Seals inside your valve head? We're here to help! Let's go through these next steps together!
Tools Needed:
Phillips/Cross-head screwdriver
Click each step to expand directions.
Step 1 - Disassemble the Valve Head
1. First, you'll need to bypass the water softener by pushing the handle in on the back of your unit. This will stop water from coming in or out of the softener while you work:
2. Unplug your softener from the outlet.
3. Remove the top cover.
- On the back of the unit, unhook the two clips that hold the cover onto the tank below (see photo below). Flex/pull the cover out and away from the softener at these clips.
- There are two similar clips holding the front of the cover on as well. Slide the cover towards you to release these clips. Be careful not to disconnect any wires. It's normal for the plastic cover to produce some noise as it shifts and bends.
4. Now, you'll want to look on the underside of the top cover. On the backside of the display screen you'll see a control board that houses the wire connections.
With Plastic Cover
Squeeze both sides of the shell to remove cover.
Without Plastic Cover
5. Follow the black and red Motor wires to a clear/white plastic connection and unclip. Remove the Wire Harness connector from the back of the board.
6. If you have a tank light on your unit, follow those wires and pull the tank light up and out of the plastic rim. Place the whole top cover to the side while you work.
7. Locate the valve head. Go ahead and remove the yellow screws outlined below. This will free the Motor, Motor Plate, and Switchbox.
8. Now you'll remove the 6-8 screws on the outside perimeter of the valve (in green below). If you haven't already, pull the metal gear off the valve cover (this piece is meant to be snug). Then, remove the valve cover and set to the side.
9. Now you'll begin removing the internal components of the valve head. You'll be swapping out everything between the valve cover and valve body: O-rings, Wave Washer, Bearing, Rotor and Disc, Seals, Plug, and Spring.
Step 2 - Reassemble the Valve Head
1. Before installing any new parts, make sure to lubricate the new O-rings and seals with silicone grease to prevent drying/cracking.
2. Now, you'll begin rebuilding your valve head with your new parts. Start from the bottom near the venturi seal and work upwards. When putting the venturi seal back on, make sure the groove side is down and the larger radius is toward the outer edge of the valve head.
3. When you've finished reassembling the internal parts, place the Valve Cover back on and secure the 6-8 screws back on (in green below).
4. Place the rotating cam into the valve head. Notice the center hole of the cam will fit perfectly onto the gray rotor stem sticking up through the valve cover. Push the cam onto the rotor stem until it's snug.
5. Notice the different letters printed on top of the cam - these represent the different valve positions. You’ll want to spin the gear (it'll be hard to turn), so that the Service ‘S’ mark is showing through the peep hole in the motor plate once it's reattached.
6. Now, reattach the switchbox, followed by the motor plate, and then motor on top to complete the valve.
7. Bring your top cover back over to the softener. Reconnect the thick red and black motor wires to the clear/white clip.
8. Plug the red wire harness connector back on the control board. The bottom of the red connector should be flush with the white plastic on the control board.
9. Reinstall the tank light bulb if applicable to your model. If you had a cover on the control board, snap that back on now.
10. Go ahead and plug the power supply back into the outlet. You may hear the motor start to turn. After several seconds, it should click into its home position.
11. Take the system out of bypass and check for leaks over the next few hours. Once you've confirmed there's no leaking, properly reattach the top cover.
12. Lastly, you'll want to ensure your new valve head is synced correctly with your control board, by performing a dry recharge on the unit. Head to the article How to Perform a Dry Recharge for instructions.
Please let us know if this article was helpful by voting below.