Kenmore 7278434 Water Softener Bypass Valve

Got the job done no problem!

Perfect fit for my whole house water filter. It was difficult to get the correct part number. Seller did a great job marking the photos with the correct screw count and gap between the intake ports. Once I removed the old one I noticed the part number marked on the plastic and used that part number to match the correct bypass valve. installation took just about 5 minutes and that is because I was very careful with removing the retaining clips as this part does not come with clips or O-rings. Great product although a bit pricey. Original lasted 14 years outside (in a shaded area) in South Florida, so we will see how reliable this replacement part is.

Worked like a charm. Old manifold sprung a leak and no matter what I changed, it wouldn't stop. Swapped this in with silicone lubricant and not a drop leaking after a week. Far less frustration than I figured and worked like a champ. The bypass isn't quite as good as the original, still has a small amount of water that flows in bypass mode but it's manageable. Lot better than a new $500 softener.

I have a 5+ years old GE GXSF30V softener that the output connecting to the unit had a small leak by where the locking clip is. This is the right part and fit perfectly without any leaks. Naturally, for this repair you would think it's the o-ring that is leaking, but it's not the case. You MUST shut off the water main to relieve the line pressure in order to remove the locking clips. With a mid size flat screw driver to pick/remove the clips carefully. O-ring replacement did not address the root cause for me. The whole by-pass valve must be replaced to stop the leak, and it did. My research tells me many have the same hairline crack that is invisible. Mine is on the outlet side or left side when you are in front of the softener. The crack is on the inside/top, so small and invisible, but it can leak a few gallons a day to your brine tank. If I've known better, then I will skip the O-ring, go ahead with this part and be done. But your process of elimination may still involve the o-ring replacement as your first step. You have to pick your battle.

Item came very quick. Used to replace older one that was leaking. Only been in a few days hopefully will last 4-5 years.

This is the one to get if it’s your part number, works perfectly as it should. The China version I got cheap leaked worse than the broken one and I sent it back.

This fixed the water leak problem where the tank was filling up with water. We tried to replace the O-rings and that did not stop the leak. We could not find any leaks but ended up buying this valve assembly as a last resort. Once installed the bypass handle moves freely and the leak stopped completely. Upon closer inspection of the old part there was a hairline crack visible. I have circled this in the photos in red and there are pictures of it without the red marks so you can see how difficult it might be to see it with the part installed. I hope this helps someone who has the same issue with water filling up the salt tank.

Perfect fit for kenmore water softener

Fixed the water softener!