Clack no hard water bypass F - M (V3070FM) for WS1 & WS1.25 valves

The 10440000082 (V3070FM) is a no hard water bypass assembly for Clack WS1 and WS1.25 control valves, supplied in a female-to-male thread configuration. Unlike a standard bypass, this design is built so that even if the control valve faults or is left mid-cycle, no unsoftened water can slip through to the outlet, making it a common choice where a continuous soft water supply is important. Because this bypass sits directly in the mains supply path and its orientation and thread configuration have to match your existing pipework and valve exactly, WrekinWater recommends having it fitted by a competent installer or plumber, and stocks the part ready for despatch.

Technical specifications

Symptoms that mean you need this part

• The bypass valve is stuck or seized and won't move between service and bypass positions
• The bypass body is cracked or leaking at the joints or handle spindle
• The bypass lever or handle has broken off, leaving you unable to isolate the softener
• Hard water is passing through even in the service position because the bypass seats are worn
• You're replacing a control valve and the existing bypass is an incompatible type or configuration

Why it fails / why it matters

A no hard water bypass is designed so that, unlike a standard three-way bypass, it can never allow raw or hard water through to the outlet even if the control valve is faulted or caught mid-cycle, which matters in installations where any lapse in soft water supply is a problem. Over years of use the bypass body can crack, its internal seats and o-rings wear, or the handle mechanism can seize or break, all of which compromise its ability to isolate or protect the supply correctly. Because the bypass is central to how the whole softener is plumbed in and protected, a failure here typically means the entire assembly needs replacing rather than a single component.

Why buy this from WrekinWater

WrekinWater has supplied Clack valve and bypass components to installers and DIY customers for over 15 years from its Bettisfield, Shropshire base, and stocks the WS1 and WS1.25 bypass range including this no hard water configuration. Orders are processed quickly and the business is rated Excellent on Trustpilot, which matters when your softener's isolation and supply protection are at stake.

How to fit it

1. Confirm your valve series (WS1 or WS1.25) and the female-to-male thread configuration match your existing installation before fitting
2. Arrange for a competent plumber or installer to isolate the mains supply and remove the existing bypass assembly
3. Fit the new V3070FM bypass with fresh o-rings and retaining clips at the valve body
4. Check the bypass is orientated correctly according to the flow arrows moulded into the body
5. Have the installer pressure test the connections for leaks before the softener is returned to service
6. Confirm the bypass switches correctly between service and bypass, and that regeneration still isolates the outlet as expected