Need to clean your brine valve assembly? The brine valve allows water to enter and exit your softener's salt tank - so you can see why it's important to keep clean. If you think your brine valve might be dirty or obstructed, just follow these steps to get it working like new again!
1. First, let's bypass your softener by pushing the white bypass handle in.
If you have a blending valve, make sure it's closed so no hard water is coming through. Refer to What is a Blending Valve for instructions.
2. Next, we'll remove the top cover. Click here for more detailed instructions on how to remove it.
3. Now, we'll need to disconnect the brine hose from the nozzle & venturi:
- If your brine hose is connected to the venturi port with a white nut, unscrew the nut by twisting it counter-clockwise. (You may need pliers for this step.)
- If your brine hose doesn't use a white nut, push the collet ring in and pull the hose out at the same time to disconnect it from the venturi.
4. Inside the tank, remove the brinewell cover.
5. You'll need to pull up on the black brine hose and remove the entire brine valve assembly from the brinewell. If you find that the hose is too short, pull the extra slack out from behind the resin tank.
Next, we'll need to identify which type of brine valve assembly your softener has.
For the one on the left with the Plastic float, click here.
1. At the base of the assembly, find the small slotted opening. Make sure the opening is clean and clear of any dirt or debris. If you notice any you'll want to wipe it down.
2. Place the brine valve assembly back inside the brinewell, making sure it rests at the bottom. Secure the brine hose in the notch at the top of the brinewell before replacing the brinewell cover.
3. Blow air through the brine hose to confirm that the brine valve is clear. You should be able to hear bubbles in the tank.
Note: If the tank is full of water, it'll be difficult to blow through the hose. If the tank isn't full of water and blowing through the hose is still difficult, you may need to replace the brine valve assembly. You can find out more information about purchasing replacement parts here. Otherwise, if you'd like to check if you're still under warranty, visit our article What is My Warranty.
4. Now you can reattach the brine hose to the venturi.
- If your brine hose uses a white ferrule nut, screw the nut back onto the elbow adaptor clockwise. Feel free to use a pliers to carefully tighten it if you need.
- If your brine hose doesn't use a nut, push the hose directly into the collet. You'll want to make sure to push it in until it you notice some resistance, then push a little further until about 5/8" of the hose is inside the fitting.
5. You can now replace the top cover.
6. Last step! Pull the bypass handle back out to return the softener to service. You've finished!
For the one on the right with the Styrofoam float, click here.
1. You'll take apart the brine valve by removing both black clips from the V-shaped bottom piece. Clean the internal parts with warm, soapy water.
2. Once all parts have been cleaned, go ahead and put it back together.
3. Place the brine valve assembly back inside the brinewell, making sure it rests at the bottom. Secure the brine hose in the notch at the top of the brinewell before replacing the brinewell cover.
3. Go ahead and blow air through the brine hose to confirm that the brine valve is clear. You should be able to hear bubbles in the tank.
Note: If the tank is full of water, it'll be difficult to blow through the hose. If the tank isn't full of water and blowing through the hose is still difficult, you may need to replace the brine valve assembly. You can find out more information about purchasing replacement parts here. Otherwise, if you'd like to check if you're still under warranty, visit our article What is My Warranty.
4. You can reattach the brine hose to the venturi.
- If your brine hose uses a white ferrule nut, screw the nut back onto the venturi port clockwise. Feel free to use a pliers carefully to tighten if you need.
- If your brine hose doesn't use a nut, push the hose directly into the collet. You'll want to make sure to push it in until it you notice some resistance, then push a little further until about 5/8" of the hose is inside the fitting.
5. You can now replace the top cover.
6. Last step! Pull the bypass handle back out to return the softener to service. You've finished!
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