Err 18
Sterling Water
Internal Valve Leak / Pressure Differential Fault
Display shows “Err 18” and indicates resin tank pressure or internal leak fault
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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
Cracked valve body, Damaged piston seals, Cracked riser tube, Loose tank adapter
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Immediately place the softener in bypass if you suspect a leak. Shut off water and relieve pressure before disassembling.
Steps:
- 1. Inspect for external leaks: Look around the Sterling valve body, tank neck, and plumbing for visible water.
- 2. Check tank connection: Verify the valve is tightly threaded onto the mineral tank and the O-ring at the tank neck is intact.
- 3. Inspect piston and seals: Remove the valve head from the tank (after depressurizing). Check the piston and seal/spacer stack for damage or misalignment.
- 4. Examine riser tube: Inspect the riser tube and upper distributor for cracks or dislodgement.
- 5. Replace damaged parts: Install a new seal and spacer kit, riser tube, or valve body as required.
- 6. Reassemble and test: Reinstall the valve, pressurize slowly, and check for leaks. Run a regeneration to confirm Err 18 is cleared.
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Repair Difficulty
Hard
4/5
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