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Post by 10point on Sept 19, 2023 15:54:53 GMT -5
I have a kenmore 300 series softener. It's leaking where the bypass valve connects to the valve assembly on the underside. Circled in the picture is where it's leaking but the under side that you can't see. I ordered new washers and clips. It did not fix it. I can't see anything cracked on the underside. I can only get those rings off by breaking them so I'm waiting to take it back apart. Any suggestions before I call in backup?  |
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Post by HighCotton on Sept 19, 2023 17:43:08 GMT -5
My world is softeners. Unfortunately it's Industrial systems.
But I have had some experience with the home units.
First, it is common to break the black E-rings when trying to remove them, especially if they are old and brittle.
However it is possible to use 2 small screwdrivers, one on each side to relieve and gently lift the E-ring out.
The new O-rings should seal the bypass as long as the bypass is not twisted or contorted to the incoming valve or the softener body.
If everything seems level, straight and plumb, you may have a hairline crack in the plastic body.
Just curious, how old is the softener?
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Post by 10point on Sept 19, 2023 18:11:18 GMT -5
My world is softeners. Unfortunately it's Industrial systems. But I have had some experience with the home units. First, it is common to break the black E-rings when trying to remove them, especially if they are old and brittle. However it is possible to use 2 small screwdrivers, one on each side to relieve and gently lift the E-ring out. The new O-rings should seal the bypass as long as the bypass is not twisted or contorted to the incoming valve or the softener body. If everything seems level, straight and plumb, you may have a hairline crack in the plastic body. Just curious, how old is the softener? probably 10 years |
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Post by HighCotton on Sept 19, 2023 18:17:26 GMT -5
Well or City water?
If well water, any idea on the Iron content level?
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Post by 10point on Sept 19, 2023 19:30:09 GMT -5
Well or City water? If well water, any idea on the Iron content level? City |
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Post by HighCotton on Sept 19, 2023 19:38:26 GMT -5
Ok.
Just curious.
Many residential softener sales people try to convince a home owner that they should replace a unit every 10 years or so.
I don’t but in to that thought, especially on City water.
Even if your water is extremely hard like 30+ grains hard,
It’s not like the softener hits a wall and quits working.
You just might see a drop in the capacity, or gallons of water softener per regeneration.
Hopefully you can have some success in sealing up your leak.
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Post by featherduster on Sept 20, 2023 4:26:02 GMT -5
One year ago I had the very same problem with that same unit that was about the same vintage.
I replaced the O-RINGS and carefully checked everything ...it still leaked
I had a repairman come out and look at it and the best we could figure was there was a crack in the housing unit and that was just an educated guess.
I installed a new water softener that works more efficiently.
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Post by 10point on Sept 20, 2023 6:54:06 GMT -5
One year ago I had the very same problem with that same unit that was about the same vintage. I replaced the O-RINGS and carefully checked everything ...it still leaked I had a repairman come out and look at it and the best we could figure was there was a crack in the housing unit and that was just an educated guess. I installed a new water softener that works more efficiently. What kind of unit did you get? |
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Post by featherduster on Sept 20, 2023 7:48:01 GMT -5
A KINETICO.
They installed it that same day it took about 2 hours and they did a very nice job.
The difference between the KINETICO and the KENMORE is the KINETICO is a 2 piece unit with the salt tank being separate.
There is no annual maintenance.
I could have kept trying to trouble shoot the KENMORE but no parts available locally and I would be wasting a lot of time and $.
The other problem was we were leaving on a vacation in a few days and I didn't like the idea of leaving a leaky unit.
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Post by HighCotton on Sept 20, 2023 7:53:59 GMT -5
When you have a chance, check your PM’s
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Post by greghopper on Sept 20, 2023 8:21:41 GMT -5
Personally I get one that doesn’t require salt….. they exist!
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