The short answer
The bypass sits between your plumbing and the softener's valve. In service water flows through the softener; in bypass it goes straight to the house so you can repair, refill or troubleshoot without losing water. Replacements are valve-specific: Fleck, Clack and the cabinet brands each use their own.
Types
- Push-pull or lever plastic bypasses on most cabinet and Fleck units, such as the Fleck 60049.
- Stainless steel bypasses for Fleck heads where plastic has cracked.
- Cabinet-softener bypasses by part number, such as 7345388.
Matching a replacement
- Find the valve family or the softener brand and model.
- Match the pipe connection (3/4 or 1 inch) and the adapters.
- Replace the O-rings at the same time.
Leaks at the bypass
Most bypass leaks are O-rings; seal kits are cheaper than a new bypass. Parts that name your valve are in the valve parts lookup.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
How do I put a softener in bypass?
Turn or push the bypass handle to the bypass position (often marked); on three-valve setups close inlet and outlet and open the bypass.
Will bypass shut off water to the house?
No: bypass keeps water flowing to the house and only skips the softener.