Review on 💧 Convenient Water Softener Bypass: Kenmore 7278434 – Easy Access for Plumbing Maintenance by Justin Hill

I have a GE GXSF30V softener that is over 5 years old and the outlet connected to the unit had a small leak where the locking clip is located. It is the correct part and fits perfectly with no leaks. Of course, with a repair like this, you might think that the O-ring is leaking, but that's not the case. To depressurize the lines and remove the retaining clips, the water supply MUST be shut off. Using a medium flathead screwdriver, carefully pry/remove the clips. Replacing the o-ring did not fix the cause for me. To stop the leak, the entire bypass valve had to be replaced, which was done. My research tells me that many people have the same invisible crack. Mine is on the outlet side or left if you are in front of the softener. The crack is on the inside/top, so it's small and invisible, but several gallons a day can seep into your brine tank. Knowing better I'll skip the o-ring and move on to that part and be done with it. But your elimination process can still include replacing the O-ring as a first step. You have to choose your fight.