Your water softener's flow meter counts how much soft water you use, letting the softener know when it's time to recharge. If your softener has stopped metering water flow, we'll need to fix that. Read on for some easy troubleshooting steps. Let's get started!
Click each step below to expand directions.
Check Your Bypass
1. First, let's make sure the handle on your softener's bypass valve is pulled OUT to allow water to flow through the softener. If you have a 3-valve bypass, confirm the valves are in the correct positions:
Test for Metering
2. Next, you'll want to hold the Program button until '000' appears.
Note: If you see a '000h' here, your metering device is attached upside down. Visit our '000h' article to troubleshoot.
3. Turn on a hot water faucet and watch for the numbers to climb. If the numbers continuously change while the water runs, your softener's flow meter is working. If the numbers don't change, continue on with the directions.
Check for Backwash Metering
Testing for metering during backwash will help to ensure there are no plumbing or installation issues.
4. Confirm your softener isn't currently recharging and that no water is being used in the home. Pause any water-using appliances, such as your washing machine or dishwasher.
Note: If '000' no longer shows on the softener's display, press and hold the Program button again until '000' appears.
5. Press the Recharge button and let go once you hear the softener's motor start. The motor will turn for a few seconds, then shut off when the valve reaches the Fill position.
Note: The machine should be rather quiet while filling. If you hear a lot of water exiting the drain here, press the Recharge button once and wait for the motor to stop. Then, press Recharge once more to advance to the Fill position.
6. Tap the Recharge button once again to advance from the Fill stage to the Brine stage. After the motor stops, press once more to advance to Backwash. You should hear a steady rush of water going to the drain.
7. Are the numbers on the display climbing?
NO: Tap the Recharge button once to move to the Rinse stage. Wait several seconds for the motor to stop, then tap Recharge one last time to finish the recharge cycle. Continue to step 8 to test the metering sensor.
YES: This means there is water flowing into your softener backwards, and something is still wrong with the plumbing. If you have a 3-valve bypass (pictured below), make sure the center valve is shut completely. If this valve is open even partway, hard water will enter the home directly without going through your water softener.
If the middle valve is already closed, or if your plumbing does not have a 3-valve bypass, your softener may be installed incorrectly. You'll want to follow the plumbing connecting to your softener, ensuring the valve's "IN" port connects to your hard water supply and the "OUT" port connects to your home's soft water lines.
Test the Sensor
8. To access the sensor, we'll need to remove the softener's 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.
9. Next, move the cover so that you can still see the display. Check that all wire connections are connected and secure between the control board, motor, and wire harness.
10. Press and hold the Select button until ‘000’ appears on the display, then let go.
11. Now you'll need to find the sensor near the back left-hand side of the main valve (pictured). The sensor clips onto the valve's outlet port and has black, white, and red wires leading to it from the control board. Remove the sensor and locate the prong protruding from the center:
12. Holding the sensor in your hand, tap a magnet (a refrigerator magnet will work) along the base and sides of the sensor prong.
13. Do the numbers on the display climb?
YES: Your sensor is working, meaning your softener's turbine may be dirty or not spinning freely. Reattach the sensor to the valve outlet port, then take a look at our Cleaning the Turbine article for instructions.
NO: Your wire harness and sensor likely needs replacing. Replacement parts can be purchased here. If you're still under warranty, have your Model and Serial Number handy and Contact Us.
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