Water Softener: 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.
These repairs may help solve your water softener problem
Replace the water softener water flow meter
The water flow meter measures water usage. A defective water flow meter won't detect water flow. Replace the water flow meter if it won't detect water flow when water moves through the softener.
Replace the water softener timer
The timer is an electronic control board that lets you program the water softener. The timer also controls the functions such as water softening and flushing the resin filter. Replace the timer if it fails to control the water softener's functions.
If your water softener control panel does nothing when you press a button, or if the control panel won't come on at all, the timer might be broken. This step-by-step repair guide and video show how to replace a water softener timer in just 15 minutes.
Symptoms for water softeners
Repair guides for water softeners
The valve motor rotates the valve rotor to operate the water softener. If the valve motor fails, follow these steps to replace the valve motor.
The timer is the control board you use to program the water softener. If the timer isn’t accepting commands when you push the buttons or if the display won’t power up, replace the timer.
The venturi draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow these steps to replace a damaged venturi.
Articles and videos for water softeners
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Learn how a water softener works to provide your home with soft water.