The bypass O-rings are an essential connection point between your softener and the bypass assembly. Let's go through this step-by-step process to replace them and get your softener up and running smoothly again.
Tools Needed:
Silicone-based lubricant
Step 1 - Depressurize the Softener
1. 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. We need to depressurize the unit by running a Recharge cycle. Go ahead and hold the Recharge button down until the motor starts to spin, and then release. You'll see ‘Recharge Now’ or ‘Recharging’ flashing on the screen.
3. To speed up the cycles, press the Recharge button once each time you hear the motor stop spinning. Repeat this until the ‘Recharge Now’ or ‘Recharging’ disappears from the screen.
Step 2 - Remove and Replace O-rings
1. You can now gently pull one side of the black plastic c-clip away from the softener, and slowly roll it towards the other side of the c-clip to remove.
Note: If the clips still aren't easy to remove, they might be stuck because the system isn’t completely level. Slowly and gently rock the softener back and forth slightly while applying pressure to the c-clip as described above to free them.
2. Once the clips have been removed, pull the softener away from the bypass assembly to expose the O-rings.
3. Remove the two existing O-rings. Use silicone grease to lubricate the new O-rings.
4. Gently roll one new O-ring onto either side of the bypass assembly. Slide the O-rings up to the first white plastic ridge on the bypass pipe.
5. Push the softener back onto the bypass assembly and reapply the black C-clips, making sure all three teeth are engaged in the respective slots.
6. Pull the bypass valve back out to allow water flow and check for leaks over the next few days.
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