How to Replace Water Softener Pistons and Seals
Water softeners have several seals and pistons that need to be replaced sometimes. The Fleck 5600 line of water softeners has these parts available as a rebuild kit. The seals and pistons are grouped in the valve body, under the control head.
Move the water softener inlet handle to the “Bypass” position, or just turn off the main water supply. Rotate the softener main dial to the “Backwash” position.
Remove the screws holding the back cover to the softener control head. Remove the screw and washer from the eye of the main piston.
Locate the two large screws near the bottom edge of the control head, and remove them. If there is a very thin tube running from the control head, remove it from the valve body by pulling straight up.
The Fleck water softener control head can now be removed by tilting it slightly forward to clear the piston and retaining hook. Set it to the side.
Remove the softener’s piston by pulling up on it. This may take some force; use a screwdriver inserted through the eye to help grip it better. Twisting while pulling also helps.
From the water softener body, remove the spacers and seals. If they are stuck due to scale or deposits, use a wire hanger or similar tool to pull them out. Make sure to get them all, or the new ones won’t have room to fit.
Remove the brine valve by pulling up on it. This unit has an O-ring on it near the top. There is another O-ring that should stay in the softener body; make sure it stays seated in its groove. It’s not necessary to replace this, but if a new one came with your kit, go ahead and change it.
Install the new seals and spacers in the water softener. Start and finish with a seal, alternating spacers and seals to form a stack. After inserting each one into the valve body, run your finger around to push it down flat and even. After the last seal, insert the new piston and push it down firmly.
Install the new brine valve and re-install the plate, and start all three screws into the valve body. The plate should be sticking up slightly from the body of the water softener – this is normal. Tighten the screws a few turns at a time, to gradually draw the plate flat to the valve body. The seals will compress under screw pressure.
Re-mount the control head, and fasten it with the two screws. Install the new screw and washer into the center eye of the main piston.
Replace the back cover. Insert the small tube, if any back into the valve body. Turn on the water, or move the valve to the “Service” position. Check the time indicated on the front dial, and reset it if necessary.