Water Softeners and Air Filtration Systems - One-Time Softener Leak?

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uiplanner
01-14-06, 03:56 PM
I had a plumber install my new Kenmore water softener yesterday. I did the initial sanitizing recharge cycle last night. When this cycle first started, there was a loud gush of air clearing the system and the valve drain hose, and I immediately had a leak develop at the plastic inlet valve. This was not a leak at the connection between the copper pipe and the valve, but within the inlet valve itself.

The leak abated as the recharge cycle went on, and after 15 minutes was completely gone. I have recharged the system twice since then and have not had ANY leaking. Is it possible that this was a "one time" leak from the high pressure in the line? Can the plumber come back and fix anything if there's no leak when he's there?

Thanks for the help.


justalurker
01-14-06, 10:44 PM
You may have experienced an O-ring that needed to see pressure to "seat". Some times this happens especially the first time you cycle a new softener and purge the air.

I had a softener that would leak at an o-ringed inlet connection if I turned on the water slowly but when I quickly flipped the 1/4 turn ball valve and shocked the inlet it would seal perfectly until the next time it was disturbed.

The fact that the leak is gone leads me to believe this won't happen again. Keep an eye on it though.