January 01, 2015

How to replace a water softener valve motor

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.

Quick links
Tools required
Phillips screwdriver
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
30 minutes or less
How to replace a water softener valve motor repair guide video.

Replacing a water softener valve motor video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect electrical power

    Unplug the water softener to disconnect power.

  2. 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: Open the lid.

    PHOTO: Release the front clips.

    PHOTO: Release the front clips.

    PHOTO: Remove the top cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the top cover.

  3. 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: Remove the valve motor screws.

    PHOTO: Unplug the motor wire harness.

    PHOTO: Unplug the motor wire harness.

    PHOTO: Lift off the valve motor.

    PHOTO: Lift off the valve motor.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the top cover.

  6. 06.

    Restore power

    Plug the power cord back in.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

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...

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