How To Bypass Your Water Softener: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
How to bypass a water softener is something many of our customers ask us. Bypassing your water softener can be necessary if there is an issue with your water softener and some people also choose to bypass their systems when they don’t need it. In fact, it can be a smart way to save water and improve the efficiency of your system. Whether you're doing maintenance, moving house, or just want hard water for outdoor use, this guide walks you through the process.
Why Would You Bypass a Water Softener?
There are several common reasons to temporarily bypass your water softener:
1. Water Softener Servicing or Repairs
If your water softener needs maintenance or inspection, bypassing it can prevent any issues from getting worse during servicing.
2. Relocating Your Water Softener
If you're moving house, you'll want to bypass the system while it's being uninstalled and relocated. (Good news — we can help you move your unit!)
3. Hard Water for Outdoor Use
Soft water isn’t ideal for watering gardens. Bypassing your softener allows hard water to flow to outside taps, which is better for soil and plants.
Step-by-Step: How can I Bypass My Water Softener?
Follow these simple instructions to put your system into bypass mode.
Step 1: Locate the Inlet and Outlet Valves
- Find the hoses on the side of your water softener.
- These lead to the inlet and outlet valves, which may go through a wall or into another room.
- Follow the pipes carefully until you locate all three valves: inlet, outlet, and bypass.
Step 2: Adjust the Valve Settings
To bypass your water softener, do the following:
- Set the inlet (blue) valve to OFF
- Set the outlet (blue) valve to OFF
- Set the bypass (grey) valve to ON or OPEN
This will divert the water around the softener, so hard water flows through your plumbing instead.
Reversing the Bypass: Restoring Soft Water
To return to normal soft water flow:
- Set the inlet (blue) valve to ON
- Set the outlet (blue) valve to ON
- Set the bypass (grey) valve to OFF
Soft water will now resume throughout your home or building.
Troubleshooting Valve Positions
If you’re unsure whether a valve is open or closed:
- When the handle is in line with the pipe, it's open
- When the handle is across the pipe, it's closed
Valve handles may feel stiff — this is completely normal. They are designed to twist only 90° in one direction.
Important Note: Every Installation is Unique
Not every commercial or domestic setup will look the same. If you're unsure about your installation, get in touch with our team — we're happy to walk you through it step by step.