Does your GE water softener need repairing? Today we are going to a look at some of the most common problems with this type of softener.
We have over 25 years experience in the water softener industry in the Kitchener-Waterloo region. We'd love to share our knowledge with you.
We'll show you how to identify the problem with your GE water softener, how to fix it, why it's happening, and where to get it fixed. So let's get started.
Learn how to repair the most common GE water softener problems
How Long Will Your GE Water Softener Last?
A GE water softener will typically last between 10 and 15 years. Because it is an appliance with mechanical and electrical parts, unfortunately, it will eventually break down. If you keep your GE water softener well maintained, however, it can last much longer.
If you live in the Kitchener-Waterloo area and would like your softener serviced or repaired, contact WaterSmart. We can repair any make or model of water softeners including GE water softeners, at an affordable price.
GE Water Softener Problems and Repairs
Problem #1: Your Softener Has No Power
Water softeners need power in order to function. If your softener gets unplugged accidentally or if your outlet isn’t working, or if a fuse or circuit breaker has blown, then it won't have the power it needs to operate.
How to Repair:
Check that your unit is plugged securely into your outlet. If it is, then check the outlet itself.
You can test the outlet by plugging a small appliance like a lamp that you know is working into the outlet to see if it is working. If there is a problem with the outlet, then it is best to contact a professional.
If your outlet is working fine, then check your fuse/breaker box to make sure that you haven't blown a fuse or breaker for that outlet. If it has, then you need to replace the fuse or flip the breaker switch back on.
Check to make sure that you haven’t blown a fuse or flipped a breaker
Problem #2: Your Manual Bypass Valve Is in the Wrong Position
If your manual bypass valve is in the wrong position, then your water softener will not be functioning properly.
How to Repair: Move the handle for the manual bypass valve into the OUT position. If it is pushed in then your water softener will be in bypass mode and won’t soften your water.
Problem #3: You Don’t Have Enough SAlt
If you don’t have enough salt in your GE Water Softener or if you have run out of salt, it won’t function properly. Your tank should be at least 1/3 full at all times.
How to Repair: Fill your water softener with water softener salt. Do not use regular salt as it has too many impurities and could damage your unit.
Be sure to fill your GE water softener with proper water softener salt
Problem #4: You Get a Salt Bridge
From time to time a salt bridge can form inside your GE water softener. This is probably one of the most common problems that you will encounter.
A salt bridge occurs when your salt solidifies in an arc above your water level. When this happens, the brine water is not able to reach the salt, so your water softener cannot function properly.
How to Repair: Break up the salt bridge by tapping on the outside of the salt tank with a rubber mallet. If this doesn't break up the bridge, then use a long tool, such as a broom handle to chop through the solidified salt.
Once you have broken up the salt bridge, then press the RECHARGE button on your softener to immediately recharge your system. The following video will show you how to get rid of a salt bridge.
Watch how to get rid of a salt bridge
Problem #5: Your Blending Valve Is Open
If your blending valve has been turned counter-clockwise and is in the open position, then your water softener will not be working.
How to Repair: Turn your blending valve clockwise until it is in a fully closed position.
Problem #6: Your Venturi Is Clogged
Over time your venturi can get clogged or damaged. If there are any foreign particles, debris, scratches, etc. in the venturi passages, then they can prevent your softener from working properly.
How to Repair: To fix this, do the following:
Turn off the water pressure to your water softener
Take the nozzle assembly apart. You can refer to the "Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly" section in your owner's manual.
Inspect the parts carefully
Carefully clean and replace anything that is dirty or broken.
Make sure that the holes in the gasket are properly centred over the holes in the housing.
Cleaning your venturi is a more complicated procedure than the previous ones. If you would like a professional to do this for you, contact us.
If your softener is not working you will notice mineral stains on your appliances
Problem #7: Your Settings Are Wrong
Your GE water softener needs to be programmed for the water hardness level in your home. The Kitchener-Waterloo region has particularly high levels of water hardness. If your softener has not been programmed properly to handle the high level of hardness, or if the hardness setting has been adjusted too low, you won't have soft water.
How to Repair:
Press the MODE/SET button on your softener until the arrow points to HARDNESS.
The number shown should match your actual grains per gallon of hardness in your water.
Refer to "Programming the Control" in your user manual to learn how to change the setting.
If you would like help determining what your water hardness level is and would like help programming your water softener, contact the local experts at WaterSmart.
Problem #8: Using Hot Water During Regeneration
If you are using hot water at the same time as your water softener is regenerating, then your hot water tank will automatically fill up with water that hasn't had a chance to get soft.
How to Repair: Try not to use hot water while your softener is regenerating.
Try not to use hot water when you GE water softener is regenerating
Problem #9: Your Sensor Wire is Unplugged
If your sensor wire gets unplugged, then your softener won’t produce soft water.
How to Repair: You can check your user's manual in the "Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics" section to troubleshoot the issue or you can call a professional to service your water softener.
Problem #10: There Is a Mechanical Problem
How to Repair: Whenever you encounter a mechanical problem with your GE water softener, such as a broken motor or a wiring issue then it is best to call a professional to repair it.
Problem #11: Your Meter Turbine Needs Repairing
How to Repair: You can check your user's manual in the "Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics" section to troubleshoot the issue or you can call a professional to service your machine.
The following video will also show you how to repair your GE water softener turbine.
Watch how to repair your turbine
Looking for a GE WATER SOFTENER REPAIR? Trust WATERSMART
You can trust WaterSmart with all your GE water softener repairs. WaterSmart has been serving the Kitchener region including Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and surrounding areas since 1994 with innovative water softening products and excellent service.
We are committed to helping you improve the quality of your home's water. We live and work in the Kitchener-Waterloo region so we understand the hard water challenges of this area.
We know how to program your water softener for maximum efficiency and are familiar with the types of water softener repairs that you might need.
Our fully trained technicians are highly experienced and are able to work on any make or model of water softener you may have. We will always try our best to repair your water softener before we would recommend replacing it.
If you do, however need to replace your softener, we can recommend the right type and size of softener that you need for the size of your household.
Even if you didn't purchase your water softener from us, we can still rely on us to fix it for you at an affordable price. You can trust WaterSmart for your water softener repair, purchasing, and installation as well as all your plumbing needs.
Contact WaterSmart today to book an appointment.
““WE WENT IN LOOKING FOR A NEW WATER SOFTENER, YOUR STAFF WAS INFORMATIVE, FRIENDLY AND DID NOT PUT ANY PRESSURE ON US. AFTER SOME SHOPPING AROUND, WE FOUND THAT YOUR STORE OFFERED THE BEST PRICE, PRODUCTS AND INSTALLATION.…” ”
