Kenmore Internal Valve Blockage or Rotor Failure

No water flow through softener; house has no water when unit is in service position

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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

Severely fouled rotor and seals, Resin beads in valve body, Collapsed resin bed blocking distributor tube, Bypass valve mispositioned

How to Fix / Troubleshooting

Safety first: Shut off main water and relieve pressure. Unplug the softener.

Step-by-step checks:

  • 1. Check bypass:
    • Place the bypass in bypass mode. If water returns to the house, the blockage is inside the softener.
  • 2. Inspect valve head:
    • Remove the valve cover and rotor/seal stack.
    • Look for resin beads or debris in the valve ports; flush with water.
  • 3. Check resin tank:
    • Remove the valve head and inspect the top of the resin bed and distributor tube.
    • If resin has migrated into the valve or tube is cracked, replace the distributor tube and resin bed.
  • 4. Reassemble and test:
    • Reinstall components, restore water slowly, and verify flow.
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Repair Difficulty

Professional Required 5/5

Required Part

Valve Head Assembly
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