The Small Valve That Keeps Your Water Softener Running Smoothly A bypass valve water softener component is a simple but critical part that lets you redirect water around your softener — keeping water flowing to your home even when the softener needs service, repair, or is temporarily shut down. Here's the quick answer: A bypass valve diverts water around the resin tank instead of through it Your home still gets water — it just won't be softened while bypassed You can activate