GE Appliances
Bypass Valve Wear or Damage
Softener bypass valve is hard to turn or leaks when moved.
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Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
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Possible Causes
Scale buildup inside bypass, Worn internal seals, Cracked bypass body, Lack of operation over time
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety first: Shut off main water and relieve pressure before servicing the bypass.
- Step 1 – Exercise valve: Move the GE bypass valve slowly between SERVICE and BYPASS several times to loosen deposits.
- Step 2 – Inspect for leaks: If leaks occur at the stem or body, the internal seals may be worn.
- Step 3 – Replace bypass: Remove the old bypass and install a new GE-compatible bypass valve, using new O-rings and clips.
- Step 4 – Test operation: Restore water and check for smooth movement and no leaks.
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Repair Difficulty
Medium
3/5
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