Removing Water Softener Valve from Tank ( standard threaded tank )

[@jasonhannaford6485]

You did a really great job with this video. I watched another video first where the guy said, "depressurize the system and then...", but he never said how to depressurize it. Chances are that if i already knew how to do that, i probably know how to do the rest of it. Thank you for being detailed.

[@sydneybird116]

At 4:00, your comment about the o-ring was the solution for my issue of a properly working system but no soft water. I did not find anywhere else on KZbin or install manuals about making sure the tube is inserted through the o-ring up into the valve head. Thanks! Also, those water hardness test strips are junk. The Hach 5B Hardness Test Kit is essential.

[@Cozmo544]

Hello, I have an older water softener and I’m trying to remove the valve body from the resin tank. I think I’ve tried just about everything and I can’t get it to turn. Have you ever encountered this problem? Thank you.

[@ishmadrad]

Hallo Andrew. May I ask a question? I have a similar system installed in my house. I have a 5600SXT valve. Actually the system is not correctly working, so I need to do some DIY work to fix the thing. I leart a lot watching various videos, your too, but I keep having a doubt. I'd like to completely disassemble the system, so I can watch the resin inside the tank, also I'd like to dismount the 5600SXT valve, so I can check the parts can be obstructed with dirt/salt etc. But when I turn off the system, and bypass it, I end with the tank very heavy, 'cause I think it's still filled with water. So, do I have to manually select a specific phase of the regeneration program BEFORE I shutdown the system and bypass it (before I start to unscrew the various tubes from the valve)? Should I do this manual part of the programming with the bypass on (so no new water come inside the 5600SXT)? If you can, please waste a minute to give me a kind answer. Thanks a lot in advance.

[@BlueCollarBibleStudy]

Very informative. Thanks for posting

[@emmettkelly7465]

I very gently put a large pipe wrench on the flange below the head (right above the tank), and it loosened very easily. Trying to remove the head by hand by myself wasn't making any progress. This time, I didn't tighten the head as much. Hopefully, it will unscrew more easily next time.

[@rbrbworld]

THANKS!! You gave me new hope. I took a slightly different route. Harbor Freight Item Number 63834 16” V-Jaw Groove Joint Pliers $15.99 ($12.79 with coupon!). Like you said, grip at flange and it will come off VERY EASILY just by yourself. I tried this with 2 people (no pliers) during another maintenance several years ago and just gave up thinking it was impossible.

[@oceansidemattify]

Thank you. Just what I needed.

[@normellow]

I have a Rainsoft silver series from 2005. Can I replace the entire head with a newer different model head . If so which models can I use. Thanks,

[@WatermanAndy]

We explain how and the valve options in detail our website, www.softenerparts.com/Replacing_Rainsoft_Amazon_Valves_s/56.htm

[@christophe3281]

Yeah, but how do you remove that basket? Looks like it goes on easy but trying to remove it is a whole other problem.

[@webelongtotheday2029]

The top distributor basket is not really meant to "come off" once installed. You can remove by using EXTREME Force -- likely breaking in the process. A new Top Distributor ( PN MD1203 for 1.05" O.D. Riser Pipe ) would then be required.

[@blenderbenderguy]

My tank is not exposed but enclosed by the salt tank and has a lid. I can't get hold of the resin tank to be able to unscrew control valve. Only way I see is to get tank out is lift it out of salt tank, at least a 2 person job. Only way to lift is grab by the control valve assembly. Is that strong enough to lift tank out?

[@LowCostWaterSofteners]

You may not have a fleck 5600 The real question is do you have this type of valve, you may have a GE or whirlpool which is a little different

[@Rotaris1]

How do you remove without distributor tube lifting THEN what

[@kferrel8661]

Why don’t you show the back as you give instructions?

[@ivan1447]

Thank you so much for your video. I did not understand the part of the upper basket being optional. I am an A/C guy but I am helping a friend with his softener. What is an overfilled tank or short tank? And what type of resin requires the upper basket? I could not understand what you said. Hope you can respond quick, I am in so much trouble right now ! Lol

[@WatermanAndy]

Carbon filters "require" the Top Distributor to prevent carbon "fines" from getting backwashed up into the Valve and out the drain. A properly sized Water Softener ( tank 44 inches or tall and filled no more than 60% full ) and Iron filters ( media is heavy ) do not "require" a top distributor. Only when a tank is overfilled ( more than 60% ) or Tannin RESIN is added to a water softener is the Top Distributor "required" with a water softener application. We do include the top distributor with all our water softeners and complete Valves as a precaution, but no because they are "necessary". Should the water flow be REVERSED or the TANK be laid down, the top distributor would prevent the media from going up into the valve head.

[@ivan1447]

Andrew Cross I put in a tan / orange color resin. I really have no idea what kind it is. Does the color tell you anything? I threw the bag away already. The tank is 1054, I think that means it is 10” diameter and 54” height correct? I did fill it up to about 60% only.

[@WatermanAndy]

Water Softener Resin come in may colors ( amber, brown, black, and orange are common ). And a 10 x 54 tank would properly hold 1.5 cu.ft. of Resin without needing a top distributor.

[@ivan1447]

Andrew Cross So does the color matter? If the distributor is needed only for “white tannen resin” and the resin I used is tan or orange does that help eliminate any possibilities?

[@WatermanAndy]

You need to read up about RESIN on our website.. this is not the place for me to explain everything there is to know. See our "Resin Replacement Guide" under DIY Repairs"

[@spelunkerd]

Good review, thanks.

[@OldManHuggins]

Thank you.

[@rbrbworld]

Harbor Freight Item Number 63834 16” V-Jaw Groove Joint Pliers $15.99 ($12.79 with coupon!). Like other comment, grip at flange and it will come off VERY EASILY just by yourself. I tried this with 2 people (no pliers) during another maintenance several years ago and just gave up thinking it was impossible. This time I saw Emmett Kelly's comment.

[@WatermanAndy]

Good suggestion. This tool would give you the added leverage to get a stuck valve to unscrew from the tank, and only require one person.