It's important to winterize your water softener if your system is in a space that could drop below freezing. If you're not sure how to do that, we're here to help. Follow along and we'll go through the proper steps together to keep your unit safe in cold temperatures.
Click each step to expand directions.
Step 1 - Depressurize the Softener
1. You'll start by bypassing 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. Now, hold the Recharge button until you hear the motor start to turn, then let go. The motor will stop after a few seconds. You will see ‘Recharging’ flashing on the screen.
3. Press the ‘Recharge’ button one time quickly. You should hear the motor turn on, indicating that it's moving to the next cycle.
4. Repeat Step 3 until the flashing 'recharge' indicator disappears from your screen.
Step 2 - Disconnect the Softener
1. If you're leaving the bypass connected to your plumbing, skip to step 3. If you would like to remove the bypass assembly, close the main water shut-off valve in your home. This is generally located near the water meter or pressure tank.
2. Now you'll want to open a soft water faucet to release pressure in the plumbing.
3. Unplug the power cord from the wall - *Please note your programmed settings, as they may be lost over an extended period of time*
4. Remove the top cover:
- On the back of the unit, unhook the two clips that hold the cover onto the tank 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, being careful not to disconnect any wires. It's normal for the plastic cover to make some noise as it shifts and bends.
5. Disconnect the wires that are holding the top cover to the unit.
6. Gently roll the black C-clips off the Inlet and Outlet ports of the bypass connection. Pull the softener away from the bypass assembly.
7. Remove the main drain hose from the top right-hand side of your unit by releasing the black rectangular clip. Remove the overflow hose on the backside of the salt tank.
8. Here, you'll unscrew the white ferrule nut from your Venturi assembly (yours may have an elbow adaptor) or if you have the 'push to connect' type, you'll push the collet in while pulling the hose out to remove it.
With Ferrule Nut
Push to Connect
9. Remove any remaining dry salt from your tank and store in a container for future use.
10. Remove the white C-clamps around the neck of the valve head. Grab hold of the head and slowly wiggle it straight away from the softener to disconnect. Store the valve head in a warm space.
Step 3 - Lay the Softener Down
1. Lay a piece of 2-inch block near a floor drain. Move your softener close to the drain and slowly tip it over until the rim rests on the block.
2. Tip the bottom of your softener up only a few inches to allow all residual water to drain out.
3. Leaving the unit on its side, plug the center riser tube with a rag to keep dirt out. You can replace the top cover and salt lid now, and then leave your unit tipped sideways.
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