January 01, 2015

How to replace a water softener venturi

How to replace a water softener venturi

This DIY repair guide explains how to replace the venturi valve in a water softener. During the regeneration cycle, the venturi draws brine into the resin tank. A broken or damaged venturi can't move brine into the resin tank, and the water softener can't soften the water. Replace a damaged or broken venturi with manufacturer-approved replacement part.

Follow these steps to replace the venturi in Kenmore, Whirlpool, and GE water softeners.

Quick links
Tools required
Work gloves
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
15 minutes or less
How to replace a water softener venturi repair guide video.

Replacing a water softener venturi video.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect electrical power

    Unplug the water softener to disconnect power.

  2. 02.

    Bypass the water supply

    Push the water valve into the bypass position.

  3. 03.

    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: Open the lid.

    PHOTO: Release the front clips.

    PHOTO: Release the front clips.

    PHOTO: Remove the top cover.

    PHOTO: Remove the top cover.

  4. 04.

    Remove the venturi

    Hold the venturi housing and twist the cap off of the venturi assembly.

    Pull the filter screen out of the housing. The gasket and spacer comes out with the screen.

    Pull the venturi out of the housing.

    PHOTO: Unscrew the venturi cap.

    PHOTO: Unscrew the venturi cap.

    PHOTO: Remove the venturi cap.

    PHOTO: Remove the venturi cap.

    PHOTO: Pull out the filter screen.

    PHOTO: Pull out the filter screen.

    PHOTO: Remove the venturi.

    PHOTO: Remove the venturi.

  5. 05.

    Clean the housing and screen

    Clean the housing, screen, spacer and gasket.

  6. 06.

    Install the new venturi

    Push the new venturi into the housing.

    Lubricate the gasket with petroleum jelly.

    Push the screen, spacer and gasket into the housing.

    Reinstall the venturi cap.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the venturi cap.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the venturi cap.

  7. 07.

    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.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the top cover.

  8. 08.

    Restore power

    Plug the power cord back in.

Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Symptoms for water softeners

Choose a symptom to see related water softener repairs.

Main causes: faulty brine valve assembly, bad rotor valve…

Main causes: loose water line connections, cracked water-carrying components, bad rotor valve seals…

Main causes: broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, cracked upper distributor in resin tank…

Main causes: broken water flow meter, faulty timer, water flow to softener is bypassed…

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: clogged drain hose, faulty rotor valve, leaky rotor valve seals…

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