24
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the chart on this page first and you may not need to call for service.
NO SOFT WATER – Most Common Problems:
Check the following before calling for service:
• Not enough salt—should be at least 1/3 full.
• Bypass valve in “Bypass” position—handle should be in the “OUT” (service) position.
• Hardness setting too low. Check hardness setting and adjust. Verify hardness of supply water—from
local water company, water test or call the GE Appliances Answer Center (800-952-5039 in US).
• Salt Bridge—salt solidifies above water level so that brine water is not in contact with salt. See the
Breaking a Salt Bridge section.
Problem
Possible Cause
What to do
No soft water
Faucet or fixture where sample
was taken not plumbed to soft
water. NOTE:
Be sure sample is
from a faucet that does not mix
soft and hard water. For example,
a single lever kitchen faucet, if the
cold side is plumbed to hard water.
• To conserve salt, the installer may have isolated
some fixtures (outside faucets, toilets, etc.) from soft
water. From the outlet of the water softening system,
trace the water flow path, in house plumbing. If soft
water is not directed to a faucet or fixture where
wanted, consult a plumber.
No salt in the brine tank or salt
bridged
• Check for a salt bridge or, if the tank is empty, refill
with recommended salt. Press (for 3 seconds) the
RECHARGE button to start an immediate recharge
and restore soft water supply.
External power supply unplugged
at wall outlet or power cable to
softener not connected. Fuse
blown or circuit breaker popped
on circuit to electrical outlet.
Electrical outlet on a circuit that
can continuously be switched off
• Check for a loss of electrical power to the water
softening system, due to any of these conditions
and correct as needed. With the power supply
restored, observe the faceplate time display and
read Programming the Control section. NOTE: the
electrical outlet for the softener should be live so it
cannot be accidentally switched off.
Manual bypass valve in bypass
position
• Be sure the bypass valve stem is positioned
properly, with the handle in the OUT position.
Valve drain hose pinched,
plugged, elevated too high or
otherwise restricted
• Any restriction in the drain hose may prevent proper
operation of the nozzle and venturi and reduce or
prevent brine draw during recharge..
Nozzle and venturi dirty,
incorrectly assembled or
damaged
• Refer to Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly
instructions. With water pressure to the water
softening system off, take the nozzle assembly
apart. Inspect, clean and replace as needed. Any
foreign particle(s), scratches, nicks, etc. in the
passages can prevent operation. Be sure holes in
the gasket are centred over holes in the housing.
Before you call for service
