Every water softener has a bypass valve. It’s usually a set of red and blue levers or knobs at the back of the unit. Think of it as a secret escape route for your water—like a VIP lane that skips the salt tank.
Look for a small metal or plastic block with two or three handles. If you see one handle pointing down and another pointing left, you’re probably in business. If you see a single knob, just smile and nod—you’ll still figure it out.
Pro tip: Snap a photo of it now, before anything goes wrong. Future you will thank you when you’re elbow-deep in soapy panic.
