Water softener question

[Jeff423]

I'm purchasing a new (to me) house. It has a softener installed, with the bypass valves only opened half way. Is there any reason for this? In my previous homes the valves were always opened or closed. The valves are plastic and very stiff and it's going to take a wrench to turn them. I figure with a wrench I've got about an 80% chance of breaking them. A replacement bypass assembly isn't very expensive so I plan on getting one prior to trying to turn the valves. It's an Autotrol system. FWIW: I sold softeners for 12 years but they were industrial units so I don't know much about the plumbing of residential units.

 

[gjgalligan]

Are you getting a home inspection done prior to buying? If so the inspector "should" be able to answer that question.

 

[gwpercle]

If It was Me ... I would leave the valve alone .
The previous owner has tasted and washed with the existing water and he felt like the setting was correct for the conditions ...
Next I would call a plumber to inspect the system ... if this is not required to make the sale ... you want good clean water coming out the faucets .
I'm the worst plumber on earth ... I can look at a pipe and it starts leaking ... and never stops untill I call a professional to come fix it !
Gary

 

[Jeff423]

Thanks for the above - the sale is a done deal, so no recourse there. I checked the softened hardness today with my Hach kit and it's 8-9gr. I didn't check the untreated water so I don't know what I'm starting with. I check that tomorrow. I did a manual regeneration and that seemed to work, it drew brine and then refilled, so I think some water is bypassing the resin.