How does our bypass assembly work, and when should you use it? Take a look at the article below for tips on how to properly use the handle to control water flow through your softener.
How does a Single Bypass work? Click here!
A single bypass comes included with your softener. You may have one with a T-handle or with a Cone-handle (both pictured above.) The bypass is normally only moved when doing maintenance, winterizing, or leaving home for an extended period of time. When in normal service, the handle should stay in the OUT position.
- When in normal service, the bypass handle should stay in the pulled OUT position. That means the water softener is being used.
- When the handle is pushed IN, that means the water is skipping over the unit and it's not being used, resulting in no soft water.
Note: If your bypass handle is stuck, twist or turn the handle to get it moving.
This bypass has a Blending Valve on the side opposite of the bypass handle. It allows you to adjust the hardness of the water exiting your unit. If you desire slightly harder water, the blending valve can add a small stream of hard water to the softened water as it exits the unit.
Bypass with a Blending Valve Click here!
To Use:
- To open the blending valve, you’ll have to unlock it by turning the hex nut counter-clockwise (pictured above).
- Once unlocked, you can adjust the hardness of the product water by turning the blending valve counter-clockwise. The valve will rotate 6 times max – be careful not to rotate too far or the valve may unscrew from the bypass and cause a leak.
- The further you unscrew the blending the valve, the more hardness will be added to the product water exiting the softener.
- Once the desired position is achieved, hold the bypass handle with one hand and tighten the hex nut clockwise snug against the end cap with a wrench. This will lock the position of the blending valve.
If you twist the valve counter clockwise as much as it can (up to 6 times,) it will be considered OPEN - meaning you are letting hard water in.
When you twist it clockwise as far it can go, it is considered CLOSED - meaning you aren't letting hard water in.
How does a 3 Valve Bypass work? Click here!
A 3-valve bypass system may be found on your home plumbing (if you have one).
- For normal service flow: open the inlet and outlet valves and close the bypass valve.
- To bypass the softener, meaning water will be skipping over softener and it won't be used: open the bypass valve and close the inlet and outlet valves.
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