NickW wrote:

We moved into a house with one of these installed. There were no
instructions left for it.

Is it just a case of:

- making sure the relevant valves are open
- making sure there is enough salt in there
- turning it on...?

We tried this and it continually kicks out water down its waste pipe.
Is this normal or is something wrong?


Sounds like the valves are set to the wrong position, or it's in regen
mode. First check the clock is set to the correct time of day. The
factory setting regens at 2.00am. Also check that the timer is running!
There are three water valves connected to the pipework, inlet, ie water
in from the main, bypass, which allows the unit to be bypassed hence
water does not flow through the softener, and outlet, water flows to
the tanks etc. On the back of the unit, there are normally four
connections. From L to R as viewed from the rear these are, Overflow( at
a lower level than the other connections), Outlet connection, Drain
connection( used during regen) and inlet connection. For normal
operation, inlet valve is open, bypass is closed, outlet is open. I'd
suggest you talk to Waterside nicely and ask them for the instruction
leaflet. I have used one of their units for 20 years without any
problems, but it's a mechanical timer unit.

Regards
Capitol