Official GE water softener parts

How to fix your GE water softener when the water meter isn't working

A broken water flow meter or faulty timer can prevent the display from showing water usage. Also, the water flow meter won't detect any water flow if the water softener is bypassed.

Check the bypass valve position first when the control isn't displaying water flow. Move the bypass valve to the service position to send water through the softener if you find the valve in the bypass position.

If the water softener isn't bypassed, then the water flow meter could be stuck or broken. Check water flow using the diagnostic test cycle as described in the owner's manual. If the water flow meter fails to detect water flow in the diagnostic test cycle, then the water flow meter's turbine could be jammed or broken. Unplug the water softener and shut off the water supply to the softener. Pull off the bypass valve assembly to access the water flow meter turbine. Inspect the turbine and replace it if it's jammed or broken.

If the water flow meter turbine is okay, check the wire harness for damage between the flow meter's sensor and the timer and replace the wire harness if damaged.

If the flow meter's wire harness is okay, then a faulty flow meter sensor or a failed timer is preventing the display from showing water flow. There's no way to test the flow meter sensor so you won't be able to determine whether the sensor or the timer is at fault. Replace the sensor because it costs less than the timer. If the timer still doesn't detect water flow after replacing the flow meter sensor, replace the timer.

Top GE water softener replacement parts

• Brine valve. The brine valve inside the brine well controls the brine water level.
• Timer. The timer is an electronic control board that monitors water flow and manages the operation of the water softener. The timer positions the rotor valve to direct water flow for softening and regeneration.
• Resin tank distributors. The resin tank distributors use screens to keep the resin beads inside the resin tank and direct water flow through the resin tank.
• Rotor valve. The rotor valve on top of the resin tank is driven by the valve motor. The rotor valve directs water flow for water softener functions such as regeneration, flushing and softening.