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
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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