The valve drain hose is the main drain hose on your softener. It's essential that it works properly so that your softener can function correctly. Your valve drain hose adaptor is located under the top cover and behind the black rectangular motor on the valve head. Let's get started below on replacing it!
Click each section below to expand directions.
Step 1 - Remove the Old Drain Hose Adaptor
1. First, you'll need to push the bypass handle in on the back of your unit. This will stop water from coming in or out of the softener while you work:
2. Go ahead and remove the top cover. If you need more detailed instructions, click here.
3. Now find the valve drain hose adaptor. It's the plastic elbow that sits behind the black rectangular motor on the valve head.
4. You'll need to remove the metal hose clamp and then pull the hose away from the adaptor.
5. You'll notice the drain hose adaptor is secured with a black square clip. Using your fingers or a pliers, pull the clip straight up and out.
6. Now you can pull the adaptor out from the valve head and set aside.
Step 2 - Attach the New Adaptor
1. Take your new adaptor and push it into the port on the valve head.
2. You'll need to take the black rectangular clip and secure it back on the adaptor now. Go ahead and tug on the adaptor a little to confirm it's secure.
3. Grab your drain hose and firmly push it onto the new adaptor. Then secure it with the metal hose clamp.
Step 3 - Confirm Drain Hose Requirements
1. Now you need to confirm your hose is set up to drain properly. Failing to meet the drain hose requirements is the leading cause of excess water in the salt tank and hindered softening potential.
- Do not tee the softener's valve drain hose together with the overflow hose. These need to stay separate. Having these lines connected can result in water flooding the salt tank.
- Do not route your drain hose more than 8 feet from the floor or more than 30 feet horizontally.
- Make sure the hose is free of any coils, kinks, or sharp bends that might restrict the drain flow.
- To ensure your softener can drain freely, you need to have an air gap of 1 ½ inches between the end of the drain hose and the drain itself, as shown:
2. Once you've confirmed the hose requirements are met, you can go ahead and pull the bypass handle back out to allow water flow. And you're done!
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