The short answer
Bypass sends water straight to the house; use it for service, salt problems or outdoor watering, and return to service slowly.
Positions
- Service: water flows through the softener.
- Bypass: water skips it and the house still has water.
- Three-valve setups: close inlet and outlet, open the bypass.
Returning to service
Open slowly to let air out and avoid a pressure shock to the tank internals.
Replacing a bypass
Match the valve family and pipe size: Fleck 60041SS Bypass Valve, Fleck 60049 Bypass Valve.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
Should my water softener bypass be open or closed?
In service for normal use; bypass only while servicing or watering outdoors.
Why is my softener bypass leaking?
Usually worn O-rings; a seal kit costs less than a new bypass.