Clack WS1 fills salt tank during regen instead of draw

[DHO]

Recently, my water softer stopped working. Clack ws1 CD.

I took it apart and found it was filthy. I cleaned it out, including all the valves and spacers.
Afterward, it still would not regenerate.

The backwash, rinse, and fill steps seem to work.
But during regenerate/brine draw stage water FILLs the salt tank instead of drawing brine from it.

So, I replaced the seal pack, brine piston, piston, inlet valve, inlet value, and the white injector. I figured that's all the critical parts.
All replaced and exact same issue..... during regenerate/brine stage water FILLs the brine tank.

I checked to ensure the brine hose is clear. It will easily pull fluid in both directions.

Next, I cleaned and regenerated the resin tank.... no affect.

So, now I make the assumption the valve controller head has to be cracked or otherwise broken.
I replaced the controller valve. I got a WS1 CS. And the exact same problem..... during regenerate/brine stage water FILLs the salt tank.

I'm at a lose... Any suggestions?


Photo of the water entering the brine tank, instead of drawing out brine:

0 new items by Derek Hunter (DHO)

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[ditttohead]

During the brine draw cycle, remove the drain line completely. Remove the drain clip, remove the drain elbow, then see if it draws.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[DHO]

During the brine draw cycle, remove the drain line completely. Remove the drain clip, remove the drain elbow, then see if it draws. View attachment 81600

Thank for the suggestion.

Aside from making a big mess. No suction still.

 

[ditttohead]

A simple test to see if it is the media, remove the riser pipe inside the tank and try again.

 

[Reach4]

A simple test to see if it is the media, remove the riser pipe inside the tank and try again.

But getting the riser/distributor pipe back in would typically be hard if there is gravel.

 

[Master Plumber Mark]

do something simple and see what happens.....
maybe you have already done this, i dont know
but you have certainly done everything else to that clack unit already......

I just had one where the brand new suction hose just had a small leak or warp in the pipe
and it was just a matter of getting a new hose and then it worked fine...