DIY guideWater quality

Put the water softener on bypass

Turn the bypass so water skips the softener during a leak or a service. The house keeps its water, untreated, until you turn it back.

6 steps

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Look at the back of the softener's head, where the pipes join it: a push-in stem, a knob or a lever.
Push the stem all the way in, or turn the knob or lever to bypass. The arrows on it show which way.
Twin-tank and salt-free systems often have three valves on the pipes. Close the two into and out of it, then open the one between.
Water should flow as usual. It's untreated now, so it may feel harder.
When the work's done, turn the bypass back slowly, part way first, so the tank fills without a bang.
Water still coming from the head or the tank with the bypass on: turn off the main water and ask Handyman for a plumber.

Handyman says: Still leaking? I'll find a plumber.

Free for every home. Handyman asks a few questions, then books a pro it trusts.