GE Appliances Valve Stuck in Backwash/Rinse Position

Water softener is stuck in regeneration and continuously runs water to the drain.

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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

Jammed rotor and seal, Broken cam gear, Drive motor failure, Control board not advancing cycle

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Immediately place the softener in BYPASS to stop water flow and prevent drain overload. Unplug the unit.

  • Step 1 – Bypass and depressurize: Move the bypass valve to BYPASS and open a nearby faucet to relieve pressure.
  • Step 2 – Inspect drive assembly: Remove the control cover and inspect the drive motor and rotor/cam assembly for broken parts or obstructions.
  • Step 3 – Manually reposition valve: With power off, gently rotate the cam to the SERVICE position (refer to GE service diagrams). Do not force if it is seized.
  • Step 4 – Replace damaged parts: If the cam gear is stripped or the rotor is damaged, replace the rotor & seal kit and/or drive motor.
  • Step 5 – Test regeneration: Restore water and power, then run a manual regeneration to ensure the valve advances through all steps and returns to service.

Warning: Prolonged flow to drain can waste large amounts of water and may flood if the drain is restricted.

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Repair Difficulty

Hard 4/5

Required Part

Rotor & Seal Assembly
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