WS1 Drain Line Flow Controller (DLFC) 250 (25.0 gpm) for 1in

This is the Clack WS1 DLFC 250 drain line flow controller, a 25.0 gpm-rated flow disc designed to fit 1in drain line fittings on Clack WS1 control valves. WrekinWater supplies it as a direct replacement for the small plastic disc that meters water to drain during your softener's backwash and rinse cycles. It's the correct DLFC size for larger-capacity WS1 systems running a 1in drain connection.

Signs you need this part

• Resin appears in the drain water during or after regeneration.
• The backwash cycle sounds unusually forceful or the drain line hammers.
• The softener fails to regenerate fully despite a normal salt level.
• The flow-control disc is visibly cracked, split or missing from the drain elbow.

The DLFC's job is to hold the flow to drain at a fixed rate during backwash, so the resin bed lifts and expands by the right amount without being washed away. A worn, cracked or wrong-rated disc lets too much water through, over-expanding the bed and carrying resin down the drain, or restricts flow so much that the bed never cleans properly and softening performance drops off.

WrekinWater has been supplying genuine Clack WS1 spares to UK households for over 15 years, with more than 50,000 customers served from our Bettisfield, Shropshire base. Ordering the correctly rated DLFC first time avoids a mismatched flow rate wearing your resin bed unevenly, and our team can confirm which rating your valve needs if you're not sure.

How to fit it

1. Turn the softener to bypass and isolate the water supply before starting.
2. Locate the drain line elbow fitting at the back of the WS1 valve.
3. Unclip or unscrew the elbow and slide out the old DLFC disc.
4. Fit the new 25.0 gpm DLFC disc the same way round as the original.
5. Reconnect the drain elbow and restore the water supply.
6. Run a manual regeneration and check the drain flow and fittings for leaks.