Water softener / water conditioner identification:
How to determine the manufacturer, brand, & model of a water softener or water conditioner. Knowing the water softener brand & model helps obtain installation & operation & repair instructions, water softener service, & water softener repair parts.
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This article has advice for identifying your water softener or water conditioner brand and we give contact information for water softener parts & repairs for many water softener brands.
Note: this page is about identifying water softeners and water conditioners.
For a complete list of water conditioner & water softener companies and links to all water softener installation manuals and users manuals
see WATER CONDITIONER / SOFTENER MANUALS - free PDF downloads sorted by brand and model
If you don't see an obvious brand and model name on your water softener it is often still possible to identify the softener and/or its control head (the key part); many water softener brands actually use a control head manufactured by one of just a few major manufacturers.
Look for these water softener id context clues; you are welcome to post photos at the page bottom Comments box - one photo per comment.
7/17/2014 Trent D'Ewart said:
Can you please help me identify what brand of water softener I have so that I can find an operators manual?
Trent,
Look carefully at all sides of all of the pieces of equipment for names, numbers, identifying marks, including inside the cover of the water softener controls.
If you still find absolutely nothing, a look at the water softener controls themselves will often show a rather generic control style - as several water softener brands actually use parts made by the same manufacturer but sold under a variety of names. In that case you may be able to follow the advice on control use from any of them.
If you like, use our CONTACT link to send me photos of your equipment and we may be able to comment further.
You can also certainly call local water conditioner companies in your area - as most likely the unit you have was installed by one of them, and most of them will be happy to come to your home to check the condition of your unit and to recommend any service or cleaning or repairs needed.
It is the control head or water conditioner "valve" mounted on top of the unit that controls the system's regeneration cycle and salt usage. So that part is key.
Start by looking carefully on all sides and under covers or the control head cover and back for a manufacturer or brand, or if you cannot find any such labeling, you could try contacting local water softener distributors, since your unit was most likely installed by a local supplier.
You can also try contacting the water conditioner manufacturers we list below.
Since the control valve on your water softener matches photos of units at the Aqua Maid website I'd start by contacting Aqua Maid and asking for (or downloading) the installation and operation manual for their equipment.
Aqua Maid can be contacted at 3375 Hwy 98S Suite B-1 Lakeland, Fl 33803 Phone: 1-888-925-0213 Fax: 863-665-9595 aqua665@aol.com http://www.aquamaidwatersystems.com/Products/SSC.aspx
Crystal Quest 2130 Northwest Pkwy S.E. Suite - i Marietta, GA 30067 1-800-934-0051 1-770-951-5600 1-800-716-7718 1-770-953-1600 support@crystalquest.com sales@crystalquest.com http://www.crystalquest.com/watersoftener.htm
From just looking at your photo of the control valve I see that you can set
attached is a picture (shown at left) of the control for the water softener that came with the house three years ago. I just started running the water softener after cleaning the brine tank and filling it up with salt. I left the settings as is.
The unit has a separate tank for the brine with a float inside. (tank size is 18" x 33") Unfortunately, I don't have any manual on the system and on top there is no manufacturer's name, model no.
Except there is hand written note "TT 948 56 AE". S/N 12671 Could you please help me identify the maker of this machine or how should I proceed to set it up correctly?
KD: the water softener control that is shown in your photo (above left) appears to be widely used across a variety of water softener brands and models, as you can read in the FAQ text just above.
That's because some OEM manufacturers of water softener controls and parts sell those components to a number of companies who then sell and install water softeners under their own brand.
For example in Sun City Arizona and other parts of that state, the water softener you show above is widely distributed under the Pro-Tec Water Equipment brand.
Depending on where you live, choose and try calling one of the water conditioner distribution & sales companies listed just below, as all of them sell water softeners using the control shown in your photograph:
Some of the water conditioner's operating instructions are printed right on the front of the control. On many models, basic water softener adjustment procedures and guidelines are printed inside of the control cover or lid. But best is to obtain the installation and operating guide book from your equipment's manufacturer.
Make a note of your water softener's model and serial number if you can find it. Your note contained some of that information;
Often, as our photo illustrates, the back of the water softener control includes a sticker with water conditioner model and serial number information. That information can help assure that the manufacturer whom you contact can provide you with the most accurate water softener operating instructions.
2020/07/11 mgarmone@gmail.com said:
I do not see a manufacture name on the unit. Need to manual. Does not seem to be regenerating automatically. serial number BR102305; bar code# 01023050 please help
MG
This softener, in several versions, is sold under several brands. See details and manuals at
at ANGEL WATER CONDITIONER / SOFTENER MANUALS
Our collection of Aqua-brand water softener & water conditioners, manuals, contact information, and other guides is now found
at AQUA WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
They include water softeners whose brand or name includes "Aqua" including at least
AquaAmerica water softeners, Aqua Cera water softeners,
Aqua Logic water softeners, Aqua Magic water softeners
Aqua Maid water softeners,
Aqua Pure water softeners,
Aqua Rena water softeners, AquaSoft water softeners,
Aqua Systems water softeners, Aqua Sana water softeners
AquaViva water conditioners.
That page also provides contact information and manuals for Hellenbrand Water Softeners
Curious if you're familiar with the brand of water "conditioner" Aqua Cera. Salt and electric free unit that uses it's media to condition, not soften, water.
Water will still test hard as usual however their claim is that there will no longer be any scale build up at fixtures.
They also recommend these units for people who don't like the slimy feel of softened water. Sounds fine and good but how proven is this technology? - Anon 6/14/12
OPINION: I'm a bit skeptical about treatment systems that say water will still test hard but won't leave scale in buildings, and would welcome supporting scientific or independent supporting research confirming that the assertion that minerals (Ca and Mg) are left in the water but do not precipitate out as scale.
Anon, we discuss AquaCera and other Aqua-brand water treatment equipment at
See details and find manuals for Aqua Cera water softeners
at AQUA CERA WATER FILTERS & MANUALS
Note: Aquasoft and Aqua Soft water softeners, water conditioners and other water treatment equipment is a brand found listed in various U.S. states as well as in other countries as we list above.
See details and find manuals for AquaSoft water softeners
at AQUA SOFT WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
[Citation needed]
See details and find manuals for AquaSoft water softeners
at AQUA WATER SOFTENER MANUALS including Hellenbrand manuals for Hellenbrand equipment sold under the Aqua- brand.
Above: identification photo of an Autotrol water softener Model 267 / 270.
This same control head appears on Pentair Water Softeners
Our collection of Autotrol water softener manuals, contact information, and other guides is now found
at AUTOTROL WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
Photo: data tag from an Artesian water softener - courtesy of InspectApedia.com reader Tony posted originally
at WATER SOFTENERS & CONDITIONERS
See ARTESIAN WATER SOFTNER MANUALS
Below: an exchange-tank type water conditioner
Crystal Clear water softeners use a variety of control valves or control heads as illustrated above.
Illustration: Crystal Quest whole house water softener with Pre/Post filtration, Model # CQE-WH-01123 - cited below
Attached are two photographs of our water softener [missing]. We do not know what type of softener we have or how to set it. Can you give us a clue to the manufacturer and where we could get a manual?
[Click to enlarge any image]
We are guessing what the different knobs are? We can't seem to set it to run on the timer. We set it to "in service" and the time of day, but it won't run on its own at that setting.
So we have been setting it to regenerate to get it to run manually. We would like to get it to run automatically. We need help. - B.B.
B.B., don't know this specific brand for sure but doing some research on stainless steel water conditioner brands I found that
So your unit may be a Crystal Quest or an Aqua Maid POE (Point of entry) water conditioner or water softener similar to their models CQE-WH-01127 or CQE-WH-01128 but with an older control head.
See details at CSI WATER SOFTENERS
Below: a Culligan™ water softener system. Culligan equipment usually has its brand name prominently displayed on the water conditioner control head - atop the narrow resin tank in the center of our photograph below.
For an example see CULLIGAN MARK 100 Water Softener Owner's Guide, 1994-1998
Our collection of Culligan water softener manuals, contact information, and other guides is now found
at CULLIGAN WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
Also see [2] Culligan Mark 10 Water Softener 1994-1998 Installation and Operating Instructions (covering models manufactured after 1995) (1-96) 01881948.pdf available from www.culligan.com
(Apr 11, 2016) matt said:
I cannot for the life of me figure out what brand of water softener head this is. It is completely unlabeled except for an assembly sticker that has the initials NK on it, and serial number 4636649 with patent numbers 3249122, 3347556, 3349915, 3457792, 3616820, 3742768, 3874412, 4290451.
I would post a photo but am unsure how to on here. It has an 80 minute pin timer in the top left corner, a clear dial to set time and gallons in the bottom center and a 4 paddle wheel. please help
Also it is a twin tank system its all black and the valve control sits right between the tanks.
Matt:
No surprise: having reviewed a lot of water softener materials, manuals, ads, companies, it's apparent that many water softeners use the same or very similar parts produced by manufacturers of generic parts. The good news is that you can often thus find a suitable repair or replacement part.
My search suggests that NK is a brand found on a number of water softener parts that are made in China by Cygnus Water Purification Technology Co., Ltd. located in Zhejiang, China
I'd look for a brand on the water softener itself, often inside the control head cover.
(June 11, 2015) Rev. D.V. Campbell said:
Need to find the brand name of a recently acquired water softener. No. #541-008C4FAA INJ: 4 Serial No. #63247 it is missing one of the water connection nuts and I need it to get it running. Also need the operating i.e. owner's manual
Sorry about that please email me at dvcampbell@ymail.com if you can assist me the name on the timer is ERIE MANUFACTURING CO and yes I have sent them a message as well, but they primarily sell and do not keep parts. Thank you all for your assistance and prayerfully someone can assist us in our endeavors.
D.V.
A Check for possible ID also found as did you, an Erie brand water softener at www.eriewatertreatment.com It may help you obtain the part you need if you download a copy of the water softener parts manual for your model.
Chances are the part you are missing is a standard plumbing fitting available from any plumbing supply house - I'd start there.
Or I found several online vendors selling parts for the Erie series.
See Water-Right WATER SOFTENERS - producer of Evolve softeners & water conditioners
Fleck water softeners are the product of a number of patented water softener and valve inventions and improvements by Andrew J. Fleckenstein and Lambert W. Fleckenstein (cited below). The Fleckensteins patented a number of water softener controls and features between (at least) 1963 and 1981.
See details and our complete set of Fleck and Fleckstein history, identification, and Fleck water softener manuals as free PDF downloads found
at FLECK WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
Also see PENTAIR WATER SOFTENERS
Shown above: an identification photo for a Hellenbrand E3 Water Softener
Our collection of manuals and contact information for Hellenbrand water softeners can be found
at HELLENBRAND WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
Also see AQUA WATER SOFTENER MANUALS - producers of some Hellenbrand water softeners.
This water softener sports two identifications: Impressions control head and WaterRight brine tank.
[Citation needed]
Our collection of Kinetico water softener manuals, contact information, and other guides is now found
at KINETICO WATER SOFTENER MANUALS where you will find additional pictures that help identify both traditional water-flow-operated Kinetico softeners and also models that use a programmable electric control head.
Below in two photos we see the characteristic traditional Kinetico water treatment system whose operation is entirely run by the flow of water through the equipment. You'll notice the usually black, round cylinders with a black control device mounted atop, and also notice the absence of any electrical connection.
Above: Kinetico® Mach series water conditioning system, Dutchess County New York USA - mis-spelled occasionally as Kinetco water softeners.
Below: a Kinetico Combo water treatment system that uses an "electronic" control valve atop the treatment tank - at left in the photo.
Below, cover & control on a Kisco® Water Softener, New York State
See contact information and manuals at Master WATER SOFTENERS
Below: an antiquated but still working water softener, possibly distributed by Montgomery Wards
[Citations & manuals needed for Montgomery Wards water softeners]
[[Citations & manuals needed for Nugens water softeners]
OSMONICS / GE Power Systems (acquired Osmonics in 2002) to bcome part of GE Water Atlanta GA & Minnetonka MN, a division of General Electric Company.
Above: a multi-tank controller from Pentair, the Pentair Logix 764 control head
See: Pentair water softener manuals, contact information, and other guides now found
at PENTAIR WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
Below, a ProTec® water softener, Surprise, Arizona
[Citation & Pro-Tech water softener contact information & manuals needed]
[Photo wanted]
Above: a Sears Kenmore 38350 Water Softener and photos of other Kenmore water softener models and data tag and controls above & below.
Identification photo: below is a Siemens KFZSS water softener control head.
[Citation needed]
See details at Water-Right WATER SOFTENERS
also at FLECK WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
...
Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.
@Tom,
From just the serial number we can't identify the brand and model of your water softener, but you can probably find a match for the control by scanning the article above, OR post some photos here (one per comment) including of any labels and stickers on the control head, including part numbers or patent numbers, and we may be able to identify it.
On 2023-05-05 by Tom
I have a water softener clock control valve with no brand name or model number showing, but a Serial number 125502-001.000-0030C00. Can you tell me the brand name/manufacturer? I need to order a replacement. Thank you.
< thardin1@satx.rr.com >
On 2023-02-11 by InspectApedia Publisher
@Joe,
Please post a photo of the data tag on those filters.
But even without the brand and model number, the O-ring and filters will be a standard size. Turn. off water, remove a filter and O-ring, and take that to your plumbing supplier for a match.
You need to know or guess at the lease just what your filters are for, as there are two different ones. Most-common is first a sediment filter and second an odor and chemical filter. The second may contain charcoal.
On 2023-02-11 by Joe
I have a dual water filter system but I don't know the model number and therefore cannot purchase the correct filters and o-Ring. The only thing I know is that it is a Atlas Filtri system.
@Roger Wimmer,
If you don't have the manual for your softener, see
WATER CONDITIONER / SOFTENER MANUALS for instructions for most water softener brands and models, free PDF downloads
where you will find manuals for Clack water softeners listed under "C"
On 2022-11-08 by Roger Wimmer
I have a CLACK CC water softner - Size 10X47, Model No. 4FK-1040-56ML, Serial No. 239149. Several years ago when the installer initially hooked up the softner he promised a user manual (and once again just two years ago he said he would provide one) we do not have a user manual is there one available and how do I acquire it. Thank You.
On 2022-11-05 by InspectApedia (Editor)
@Claire,
I suspect that water softener is using a control head from one of the major manufacturers. Please post a photo of the control head and compare yours with the ones above on this page.
Also see PENTAIR WATER SOFTENER MANUALS
On 2022-11-05 by Claire Hutton
I recently bought a house and am looking to learn how to use my structural Water softener. Here are photos of the identifying tags and model #s.
...
@Betty Haimbaugh,
Sure, see
CULLIGAN WATER SOFTENERS
Where we show how to decide the serial number.
Let me know if you have further questions.
On 2022-10-24 by Betty Haimbaugh
I am trying to find out what year our Culligan water softner is. The model Number is: 447827 and the serial number is: 307306. We bought this home recently and there seems to be no information on the unit. Can you help me with the year? Thank you
On 2022-10-07 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - be sure you know cause of fire
@Karen Joiner,
We're sure sorry there was a fire.
I can't see anything that gives any identifying information in your photo.
It's worth looking more carefully and thoroughly at that water heater to find other identification tags or stickers.
It's also the case that you need to know what caused the fire before assuming that it was the heater itself.
For example, if forensic expert established that the fire point of origin was at the water heater, an improper installation could be at fault.
On 2022-10-06 by Karen Joiner
I need to find out the manufacturers and or company that installed this system in a home in Quartzsite, AZ. My father’s home caught fire and the contractor removed some of the parts to the below system. The only information on the unit is Made in the USA and a serial #BR 67941
On 2022-09-27 by InspectApedia-911 (mod)
@water softener,
Please use the Add Image button to post a photo if your units database & control head.
On 2022-09-27 by water softener
serial number 3755366
model number 5600
LR 25430
On 2022-07-11 by InspectApedia (mod) - correct patent numbers may help identification
@Anonymous,
Have you looked under or inside of the control covers to see if there are any other data tags that may have a model number?
If you could post a photo of any data tag or the control head, we may be better able to help you.
Also please try again to get that patent number correct since the digits the way you wrote them can't possibly be right, so I wasn't able to look it up
On 2022-07-11 by Anonymous
what brand would this be serial number is 111477-001.000-0013C and have Bro13907 or a13899 on it I also pattent 5,5556,259 and anoth number Ao278. What is the size and brand?
On 2022-06-15 by InspectApedia (mod)
@Ann Roe,
Not with confidence from just the photo but it's worth a look through the images and manuals that we already have to see what looks closest to this one. Knowing the age may be helpful.
Have you looked under or inside of the control covers to see if there are any other data tags that may have a model number?
On 2022-06-15 by Ann Roe
Do you know what model number this is so I can find instructions for it
On 2022-06-14 by InspectApedia-911 (mod) - Autotrol water softener, no older than 1984
@Ann Roe,
That's an Autotrol water softener, dating from no older than 1984. The oldest patent on the control head in your photo is:
Prosser, David G. "Adjustable constant flow valve." U.S. Patent 3,322,145, issued May 30, 1967. Filed by Autotrol.
The newest patent is
Seal, J. David. "Microcomputer controlled demand/scheduled water softener." U.S. Patent 4,490,249, issued December 25, 1984. Assigned to Autotrol.
On 2022-06-12 by Ann Roe
Can you identify this type of water softener
On 2022-05-27 by InspectApedia (mod)
@varun,
Check for data tag to identify the brand of your softener and his model and then see
WATER CONDITIONER / SOFTENER MANUALS
https://inspectapedia.com/plumbing/Water_Softener_Manuals.php
On 2022-05-26 by varun
Looking for manual for this softener
...
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