How to clean a water softener nozzle and venturi
The nozzle and venturi in a water softener draw the brine into the resin bed during the regeneration cycle. If they become clogged with silt or dirt, the water softener stops working. You can remove and clean the nozzle. Before you do, make sure the water softener is in service mode—not regeneration mode. Check your owner’s manual for more directions specific to your water softener model.
Remove the softener top cover.
Unscrew the cap from the nozzle and venturi housing, being careful with the large O-ring seal.
Lift out the screen support and screen, then the nozzle and venturi.
Wash the parts in clean warm water, using a small brush or toothpick to remove debris.
Clean the gasket, small screen, and flow plugs as well.
When reassembling the nozzle and venturi, it is important to reinstall the flow plugs with the numbers printed on them facing up. Carefully replace the parts in exact order in which you removed them.
Before reinstalling the large O-ring seal, lightly lubricate it with silicone grease or petroleum jelly. Hand-tighten the cap only; don’t over-tighten it.
Symptoms for water softeners
Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.
Main causes: clogged drain hose, faulty rotor valve, leaky rotor valve seals...
Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed...
Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve...
Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank...
Main causes: salt bridge inside the salt tank, bad timer, valve motor failure, faulty rotor valve, clogged venturi...
Main causes: lack of electrical power, bad power transformer, faulty timer...
Main causes: empty salt tank, salt bridge, depleted resin, clogged or damaged venturi, broken rotor position switch, fai...
Main causes: loose water line connections, cracked water-carrying components, bad rotor valve seals...
Repair guides for water softeners
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your water softener.
How to replace a water softener venturi
The venturi valve in your water softener draws brine water from the salt tank to the resin tank for regeneration. Follow...
How to replace a water softener rotor position switch
The rotor position switch detects the position of the valve rotor. If the rotor position switch fails, follow these step...
How to replace a water softener timer
The timer is the control board you use to program the water softener. If the timer isn’t accepting commands when you pus...
Articles and videos for water softeners
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your water softener.
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