Davey s OD KINETICO DOMESTIC WATER SOFTENER User Manual. Parts identification, Safety. Davey Water equipment. Kinetico Manual K25, K 30, K60, K, K & K Models KINETICO (2) Kinetico systems work based on water flow. As water is used in the home.new kinetico mach series bypass valve. Includes inlet and outlet elbows and clips. Fleck-2510-Manual Fleck-Econominder-Manual 5600 Fleck-7000sxt-Manual. Ionics IQ Manual. Kinetico Manuals. Kin Man CP Tech Manual Kinetico 2020 Kinetico 4040 Kinetico Standard Manual Kinetico Exploded View DatasheetKinetico2040sOD. Chlorinators Chem-Series-100-150-Manual LMI Manual Stenner-Manual. Sears Sears Animated How a Softener Works.
- Kinetico Water Softener Water Repair Manual Online
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- Kinetico Water Softener Maintenance Manual
- POST a QUESTION or COMMENT about how to put the water softener or water conditioner into bypass mode.
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Water Softener Bypass Valve Operation & Repair Guide:
Mar 04, 2019 Kinetico water softener systems require minimal repair and maintenance to keep the system running properly. Here are our water softener maintenance tips. Kinetico Softener Manual 1 of 7 2/24/2002 The Kinetico Water Softener Owner’s Manual 1 Congratulations for choosing Kinetico to improve the quality of your water. You will immediately begin to notice the numerous benefits of having quality water throughout your home and the benefits of having a Kinetico Quality Water System. A Kinetico Water Softener will provide your family with abundant clean, soft water on demand. Explore Water Softeners. Explore Drinking Water Products. Providing your family with fresh, clean great-tasting water without worry or concern. Explore Drinking Water Solutions.
This article explains how to use & repair the water softener or water conditioner system bypass valve. We explain what is the bypass valve on a water softener & where to find it, and we describe when & how to position the valve to take the water softener/conditioner in or out of service.
We detail how to shut down or turn off a water softener - avoid leaks, wasted water when not in use and we answer the frequent question of Which way do I push or turn the water softener bypass valve? Examples are given of various water softener bypass valve types including Autotrol, Culligan & Kinetico water conditioner bypass valve operation as well as standard plumbing valve arrangements.
We also provide a MASTER INDEX to this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOX as a quick way to find information you need.
How to Use & Set the Water Softener Bypass Valve
The water softener bypass valve is normally included as part of the control valve assembly on top of the water softener media tank (the smaller tank that handles the actual ion exchange that is the real work of a water softener).
[Click to enlarge any image]
Article Contents
- TURN WATER SOFTENER ON / OFF / OUT OF SERVICE
How to Place the Water Softener Out of Service or Off
If your water softener has a manual bypass valve (photo at page top and sketch at left), you can temporarily take the water softener 'out of operation' - that is, you can put the the valve into bypass position so the water softener is not in the piping loop at all.
When the water softener is on 'bypass' water used in the building is not passing through the water softener - the unit will not be treating the building water supply.
Bypassing the water softener and turning it off when the building water supply is not going to be in use removes one more possible source of freeze and or leak damage and it also isolates the water softener equipment from the rest of the building water supply piping.
Bypassing the water softener and turning it off when the building water supply is not going to be in use removes one more possible source of freeze and or leak damage and it also isolates the water softener equipment from the rest of the building water supply piping.
How to return the water softener to use or operation
To restore the water softener bypass valve back to its prior position (such as restoring the water softener to in-use) simply push on the now protruding knob found on the other end or other 'side' of the bypass valve.
How to Fix a Leaky or 'Stuck' Water Softener Bypass Valve
In our experience these manual bypass valves work pretty well on most water softeners, but on occasion we find one that is leaking. Usually the valve was just fine (not leaky) until we disturbed it.
You may need to ask for bypass valve repair assistance from a water conditioner service company, but a few repair details below may help.
Lubricate the water softener bypass valve? The bypass valve on a Culligan™ water softener (and probably most others) connects to the back of the main control valve assembly with two screws.
If the valve is difficult to operate it may need lubrication. Inside are o-rings that permit the valve to operate without leaking.
Kinetico Water Softener Water Repair Manual Online
If these parts appear to need lubrication, use a silicone-based lubricant, not a petroleum-based lubricant which could damage the control.
Leaky Water Softener Bypass Valve? the bypass valve shown in this sketch from a Culligan water softener installation manual includes replaceable o-rings that may be needed if your bypass valve is leaky.
The process of returning a water softener to service in a winterized building is detailed
at RESTORING WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT - How do We Return the Water Softener to Operation & Use at the End of Winter?
Autotrol Water Conditioner Bypass Valve Operation
Some water conditioners such as the Autotrol Series 255 use a different (and optional) bypass valve that has two individual knobs that must be turned to switch between in-service and bypass modes - shown at below-left.
The sketch above shows the optional Autotrol Series 255 Valve / 460i bypass valve. Adapters are available to permit connections to various sizes of copper, NPT (threaded), plastic, and brass water piping.
The sketch above shows the position of the Autotrol bypass valve handles when the water softener is placed in service 'Not in Bypass' = 'In Service'
and 'In Bypass' = 'Out of Service'
Kinetico Water Softener Service Manual
Watch out: Remember that if an additional external manual bypass valve is 'open' (on bypass or in bypass) you will need to also close that valve when the water softener is returned to service ('off bypass').
Culligan Water Softener Bypass Push-Push Valves
In the Culligan sketch at above left and in our photograph at left the water conditioner bypass valve is that horizontal tube at the left side of the sketch. (Other water softener brand bypass valves are discussed in the article below.)
Culligan calls this the Cul-Flo-Valve® and suggest that when you are using the valve it should be pushed slowly.
Usually there is a blue (on) or red (off) or a green (on) black (off) knob on this control.
Look for writing and arrows on the bypass valve control knobs.
Some however use black knobs but mark them as ON (in = on) or OFF (in = off).
Pushing in the blue knob on the valve is turning the water conditioner on and allows water to enter and fill the media tank - thus putting the unit in use.
The Culligan bypass valve shown above is operated simply by pushing in on the valve end whose valve stem is visible - or in the 'out' position. Our pen is pointing to the valve stem.
When you push horizontally on this bypass valve end (the black knob in our photo) the valve slides - in this case from right to left.
You will see that a corresponding valve or knob on the other end of the bypass valve will move 'outwards' at the same time.
Most water softener models using this 'push-push' style of bypass valve include colored knobs on each end of the valve as well as text on the knob that indicates whether or not the valve is in 'on' position or 'bypass' position.
Fleck / Pentair Water Softener Bypass Valve: In Service or On Bypass Positions
These photographs illustrate the in-service and out-of-service or 'bypass' positions of a lever type water softener bypass control valve on a Fleck water softener.
The installation of this water softener is also illustrated
at WATER SOFTENER RESIN REPLACEMENT and it is discussed further also
at WATER QUALITY & QUANTITY San Miguel de Allende.
Above, the bypass control valve for a Fleck water softener, before installation. The arrows and the pointer on the bypass valve handle indicate the positions of the control handle to put the water softener into service (in use) or into bypass mode (out of use).
Below: the Fleck brand water softener bypass valve set to SERVICE, meaning that the softener is 'in use'.
Note that I've coloured the arrow on the bypass valve handle with black magic marker to make clear that it is pointing to the SERVICE mode on the valve body.
Below: we show the Fleck water softener bypass control valve set to BY PASS or 'out of service'
Watch out: You'll notice that in order for the water softener bypass control valve handle to rotate successfully past one of the plastic, heat-welded water pipe fittings at the water softener, we had to bend the end of the bypass control valve lever to a 90 degree angle.
If you have to make an adjustment like this be sure to first remove the handle from the valve, then complete your bend. Otherwise you may damage or even ruin the bypass valve's internal parts. Oops!
Sears Kenmore Water Softener Bypass Valve
Using the Sears Kenmore UltraSoft 425/480 water softener as an example, we show two types of bypass valves that take the softener out of or put it into service.
'In service' means that the softener is working to provide soft water.
'Out of servicve' means that water is passing from the water supply source into the building but it is NOT being treated to provide soft water.
To put the softener on bypass
If the bypass valve is integral with the control head (upper sketch) push the integral bypass valve 'IN' as shown in our sketch.
OR
If your water softener uses an external bypass valve (the lower plumbing design in our sketch),
CLOSE the inlet and outlet valves and OPEN the bypass valve that in essence is a shunt that bypasses the water softener.
Watch out: put the water softener in bypass mode only when repairs are needed. Leaving the softener in bypass means delivering hard or high-mineral-content water to the building. Over time that is likely to cause scale formation that can clog water heaters, hot water pipes, a tankless coil, or other equipment, leading to a need for costly repairs.
Watch out: don't forget to restore the water softener to service with proper setting of the bypass valve to the SERVICE position when it is ready for use.
Details for this specific bypass valve for this Kenmore water softener are
at KENMORE WATER SOFTENER with Ultra Flow Valve MANUAL, [PDF], (2011
Kinetico Rotating Bypass Valves on Water Conditioners - Water Softeners
Other water softening equipment may not use the Push-Push type of bypass valve we illustrated above on Culligan Equipment.
The Kinetico water conditioning equipment Mach Series uses a rotating bypass valve shown in our photo at page top and again at left.
[Click to enlarge any image]
Look closely at the photo and you'll see red and green labeling instructions that explain which way this valve is turned to place this water conditioning equipment on 'bypass' and which direction the valve is turned to restore it to operation.
See that white arrow to the right of the valve handle (the handle is in a 'vertical position)? The tiny green arrow showing in the window pointed-to by the white arrow shows that this unit is in operation.
If the bypass valve is turned until the yellow arrow is showing in the indicator window, this water softener is in 'bypass' position.
Pro-Tec Water Softener Lever-Type Bypass Valve Operation
The water softener shown above, installed in a Surprise Arizona home, was placed by Pro-Tec Water Softeners (Pro-TecWater.com). You'll see a similar bypass valve on Fleck and Pentair water softeners too.
This bypass control valve is plainly marked as 'Service' and 'Bypass' - just turn the red handle to point to 'bypass' to take the water conditioner out of service.
Our photo of the water softeners control dial shown below also includes an 'In-Service' indication on its control dial. [Click to enlarge any image]
Piping Arrangement & Valve Location for Manual Water Softener Bypass Valves: External Bypass Valves
As this sketch from a Culligan water conditioner installation manual shows, a water conditioner, or any water treatment equipment for that matter, can be installed with piping that includes a manual bypass valve (top center in the sketch).
We use this piping arrangement at water filters, for example, not just water conditioners.
The small cost of installing that extra manual bypass valve (and the two service valves shown as outlet valve and inlet valve in Culligan's sketch) means that you can service, repair, or even completely remove the water softener (or other water treatment equipment) when needed, without interrupting water supply to the building.
The Outlet valve and Inlet valve are both closed (turned clockwise) and the bypass valve is opened to achieve this condition.
Watch out: do not leave off the water softener indefinitely.
As we explained
at WATER SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS, a water softener is not there just for fun.
If your water is hard and you leave the water conditioner off completely, you can expect to face expensive plumbing repairs when the water supply piping, water heater, or tankless coil become clogged with minerals.
Kinetico Water Softener Water Repair Manual Pdf
[An exception might be if your building is converted from using a private well with hard high-mineral content water to a municipal water supply hookup whose water is low in mineral content. In that case you might no longer need the water conditioner.]
What About Turning off Electricity to the Softener to put it temporarily out of service?
What's the difference between using the water softener bypass valve and simply pulling the (electrical) plug to turn off power to a water conditioner?
Functionally either step is might or might not be the same, depending on the brand and model of your water softener.
Some water softeners do not use any electricity so turning off electrical power is moot: use the bypass valve, Luke.
On a water softener whose control head uses electrical power, when you turn off electrical power (or pull the plug) to a water softener, water is still passing through the equipment.
So, for example, if your water softener is leaky and needs repair, or if you are shutting down the system in order to clean it, you might be better off using the bypass valve to stop water from flowing through the system. use the bypass valve, Luke.
Also see our advice on using the water conditioner bypass valve during winterizing or de-winterizing a water softener when taking steps to protect building plumbing from freezing.
See these details on water softener bypass valve use
at WATER SOFTENER / TREATMENT TURN OFF
and at WATER SOFTENER / TREATMENT TURN-ON.
...
Continue reading at WATER SOFTENER ADJUSTMENT & CONTROLS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.
Or see WATER SOFTENER BYPASS VALVE FAQs - questions and answers about the bypass valve that were posted originally on this page.
Or see these
Water Softener Diagnosis & Repair Articles
- WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS - home
Suggested citation for this web page
Kinetico Water Softener Maintenance Manual
WATER SOFTENER BYPASS VALVE at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.
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Technical Reviewers & References
- [4] North Dakota Standards for Water Softeners, North Dakota General Authority Law, Chapter 62-04-08, Water Softener Units http://www.legis.nd.gov/information/acdata/pdf/62-04-08.pdf. 'The objective of this chapter is to provide a standard of quality, capacity, and performance for water softener units. Water softener performance is to be based upon referee tests procedures described in section 62-04-08-09.'
- [5] Culligan Mark 10 Water Softener 1994-1998 Installation and Operating Instructions (covering models manufactured after 1995) (1-96) 01881948.pdf available from www.culligan.com
- [6] Water Softeners, CMHC, Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation, cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/maho/wawa/wawa_005.cfm - October 2008. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation acknowledges the contribution of Health Canada to the development of this document. For further questions regarding water treatment and water quality, contact Health Canada at [email protected] or call 613-957-2991 or 1-866-225-0709.
- [7] 'Commercial Water Softener Installation and Operating Instructions', IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia) for commercial, industrial and residential application www.ibcwater.com.au (07) 3219 2233
- [8] 'Non electric water softener, Installation and Operating Instructions', IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), op.cit.
- [9] 'Water Softener Twin Tank Installation and Operating Instructions', IBC Filtration & Water Treatment Products (Australia), op.cit.
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All water softeners preform the same function, remove hardness from water. Each must go through the a series of cycles (backwash, brine, rinse and service), maybe not in the same order, to regenerate to media. The function of a control valve is to advance the unit through each cycle. It’s either done manually or by a timer assembly or water flow. All automatic systems initiate a regeneration cycle either based on time or gallons used. Check to insure the unit can initiate a cycle on it’s own. Knowing what cycle the unit is is at any given postion is necessary for proper diagnosis. The backwash and rinse cycles will have a rapid flow of water to the drain whereas the brine will have a slow rate of flow to the drain.
Kinetico Manual K25, K 30, K60, K100, K175 & K2000 Models Kinetico systems work based on water flow. As water is used in the home, it passes through the meter turbine which turns the meter disc. Slots in the bottom of the meter disc allow the regeneration start pawl to contact the control disc to start a regeneration. Once the regeration has started, water is directed to the regeneration turbine which turns the regeneration drive pawl to complete the regeneration. To advance it through a regeneration place a phillips screwdriver into the center of the clear cap. While pushing down on the actuator, turn clockwise until the actuator contacts the control disc and it turns.
![Kinetico Kinetico](/uploads/1/1/8/1/118144538/475432174.jpg)
The older 155 & 255 Autotrol used a 440 or 440i timer assembly. Autotrol valves use flappers to control the flow of water for regeneration. To advance into a regeneration, turn the cam counter clockwise with your left hand while pushing in on the regeneration button with your right.
The Fleck 5600 uses a piston the direct the flow of water during the regeneration. It comes in a timer or meter model. To activate a regeneration, turn the center dial clockwise until you hear water flowing.