SECTION 3
CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
3D. KEEP THE SOFTENER FROM FREEZING
If the softener is installed where it could freeze (summer cabin, lake home, etc.), you must drain all water from it to stop possible freeze damage. To drain the softener:
1. Close the shut:off valve on the house main water pipe, near the water meter or pressure tank.
2. Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent pressure in the softener.
3. If a single bypass valve is installed, move the stem into bypass. See FIG. 12 on page 18. In a 3:valve bypass system, close the inlet and outlet valve and open the bypass valve. If you want water in the house pipes again, reopen the shut:off valve on the main water pipe.
4. Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet. Remove the salt hole cover and the main cover. Take off both drain hoses.
5. Carefully remove the large holding clips at the softener inlet and outlet (see Key No. 61, on page 30). Separate the softener from the adaptors or bypass valve.
6. Remove the brinewell cover and disconnect the brine valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi assembly (see page 23). Lift the brine valve out of the brinewell. Tip the brine valve upside down to drain out water.
FIG. 11 DRAIN WATER FROM THE SOFTENER
7. Looking at FIG. 11, lay a piece of 2 inch thick board near the floor drain. Move the softener close to the drain. SLOWLY and CAREFULLY tip it over until the rim rests on the wood block with the inlet and outlet over the drain. DO NOT ALLOW THE SOFTENERS WEIGHT TO REST ON THE INLET AND OUTLET FITTINGS OR THEY WILL BREAK.
8. Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches and hold until all water has drained. Leave the softener laying like this until you are ready to use it. Plug the inlet and outlet with rags to keep dirt, bugs, etc. out.
16
