How to replace a water softener valve motor
This DIY repair guide explains how to replace a water softener valve motor. The valve motor moves the valve rotor that controls water flow during the softening and regeneration cycles. If the water softener valve motor stops working, the rotor won't move. You'll notice that the water isn't soft and the softener isn't using up salt. Replace a broken valve motor with the manufacturer-approved water softener part.
Use this repair guide and video to replace the valve motor in Kenmore, Whirlpool and GE water softeners.
Replacing a water softener valve motor video.
Instructions
- 01.
Disconnect electrical power
Unplug the water softener to disconnect power.
- 02.
Remove the top cover
Open the lid and release the 2 front clips on the cover.
Lift the front of the cover up and push it back to release the rear tabs.
Pull the top cover off.
PHOTO: Open the lid.
PHOTO: Release the front clips.
PHOTO: Remove the top cover.
- 03.
Remove the valve motor
Remove the screws holding the valve motor to the top of the valve assembly.
Unplug the wires connecting the valve motor to the timer.
Lift the valve motor off of the valve assembly
PHOTO: Remove the valve motor screws.
PHOTO: Unplug the motor wire harness.
PHOTO: Lift off the valve motor.
- 04.
Install the new valve motor
Mount the new valve motor to the valve assembly using the mounting screws.
Plug the valve motor wire in.
- 05.
Reinstall the top cover
Position the back of the top cover into the rear tabs and then push the front of the top cover down into the front locking clips.
Close the lid.
PHOTO: Reinstall the top cover.
- 06.
Restore power
Plug the power cord back in.
Symptoms for water softeners
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Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve…
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Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power transformer, faulty timer…
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Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank…
Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed…
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