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Replacement Control Valve For Softeners And Auto-Filters
July 24, 2007 |
The control valve on a water softener or automatic backwashing filter system is undoubtedly the most complex component of the entire system. While the control valves we sell on the web site are designed to last decades, very old controllers or lesser quality valves do break down. While repair is an option, you need to factor in the cost of replacement parts and labor. A Fleck, Autotrol or Clack valve is certainly worth the repair cost, but if they are older discontinued models (such as the Autotrol 1550), parts may be too hard to find, so a replacement control valve might be the way to go. Our control valves are brand new from the factory and come with the 5-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Before shopping for a new control valve, there are a few items you need to consider. You will first need to know the size capacity of your media tank. The media tank is the cylinder that the control valve fastens to. The dimensions of the media tank allow us to install the proper injectors and flow controls in your new valve. This is important for proper backwashing or regeneration.
Next would be the size of the threaded opening in the top of your media tank. The industry standard for residential systems is 2-1/2 inch wide by 8-count threads. In other words, the opening on top measures 2.5 inches across and the threads are quite large at 8-per-inch. If your tank’s opening seems smaller than 2.5 inches, check to see if the tank is fitted with a reducing bushing. Often times that bushing can be removed to reveal the standard 2.5 inch opening.
Another important consideration is the diameter of the distributor tube that runs up and down the center of your media tank. This distributor must slide up into the bottom of the control valve where an o-ring seal keeps it from leaking. The diameter of the distributor should be 1.05 inches. If your distributor is 13/16-inches in diameter, a PVC bushing can be used or if you have an Autotrol valve, an adapter is available. The Fleck model 7000 uses a 32mm distributor, but an adapter is available for that control valve to allow it to fit on a standard 1.05 inch distributor.
Finally, the flow direction of your water supply pipe is important. Often times a new replacement control valve will not accept water flow in the same direction as your original valve. The in and out pipes may need to be reversed to work with the new valve.
Because media and brine tanks can last indefinitely if not exposed to the elements, replacing the control valve (or rebuilding it) makes good economic sense when compared with purchasing an entire new system.
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