How to select a multiport valve — filter or softener, top or side
Short answer: Four things decide the valve — whether it is for a filter or a softener, whether the vessel is top or side mount, the line size in NB, and whether you want manual or automatic. Get those four right and the model follows directly.
The most common mistake is ordering a filter valve for a softener. They look similar but a softener valve has an extra brine port, without which regeneration is impossible.
Filter valve or softener valve
This is the first decision and it cannot be changed later.
| Filter valve | Softener valve | |
|---|---|---|
| Positions | Service, backwash, rinse, drain | The same plus brine draw and refill |
| Brine port | No | Yes |
| Used for | Sand, carbon, multigrade filters | Softeners only |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
Top mount or side mount
This must match your vessel — the two are not interchangeable. See our top vs side mount guide.
- TM in the model name means top mounted
- SM means side mounted
The full range with prices
Manual MPV — top mounted
| Model | Size | Duty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPV 0225F | 20NB | Filter | ₹1,155 |
| MPV 0225S | 20NB | Softener | ₹1,418 |
| MPV 0525 FTM | 25NB | Filter | ₹1,732 |
| MPV 0525 STM | 25NB | Softener | ₹2,100 |
| MPV 1240 FTM | 40NB | Filter | ₹2,468 |
| MPV 1240 STM | 40NB | Softener | ₹2,730 |
Manual MPV — side mounted
| Model | Size | Duty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| MPV 0525 FSM | 25NB | Filter | ₹1,628 |
| MPV 0525 SSM | 25NB | Softener | ₹1,838 |
| MPV 1240 FSM | 40NB | Filter | ₹2,310 |
| MPV 1240 SSM | 40NB | Softener | ₹2,572 |
| MPV 1650 FSM | 50NB | Filter | ₹4,620 |
| MPV 1650 SSM | 50NB | Softener | ₹5,880 |
| MPV 3565 FSM (unions) | 65NB | Filter | ₹7,875 |
| MPV 3565 SSM (unions) | 65NB | Softener | ₹9,450 |
| MPV 3565 FSM (flanges) | 65NB | Filter | ₹12,075 |
| MPV 3565 SSM (flanges) | 65NB | Softener | ₹13,650 |
EVOLVE series — automatic
| Model | Size | Duty | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| EVOLVE 0525 FTM | 25NB top | Filter | ₹9,450 |
| EVOLVE 0525 STM | 25NB top | Softener | ₹9,975 |
| EVOLVE 0525 FSM | 25NB side | Filter | ₹9,975 |
| EVOLVE 0525 SSM | 25NB side | Softener | ₹10,500 |
| EVOLVE 1240 FTM | 40NB top | Filter | ₹13,650 |
| EVOLVE 1240 STM | 40NB top | Softener | ₹14,175 |
| EVOLVE 1240 FSM | 40NB side | Filter | ₹14,175 |
| EVOLVE 1240 SSM | 40NB side | Softener | ₹14,700 |
The complete list is in multiport valves.
Selecting the size
The valve size should match the flow, and also the vessel size:
| Vessel | Flow | Valve size |
|---|---|---|
| 0844 – 1054 | Up to 1,000 LPH | 20NB (0225) |
| 1054 – 1465 | 1,000 – 2,000 LPH | 25NB (0525) |
| 1665 – 2160 | 2,000 – 5,000 LPH | 40NB (1240) |
| 2469 | 5,000 – 8,000 LPH | 50NB (1650) |
| 3072 and above | Above 8,000 LPH | 65NB (3565) |
Additional items for a softener
- Brine director 15NB — ₹1,312, or 20NB at ₹1,522. This sits in the brine tank and controls salt draw
- Brine switch for automatic MPV — ₹761, for automatic valves
- Vacuum breaker 25NB — ₹210, protects the vessel
- Adaptor 2.5 x 4 — ₹210, where the valve and vessel thread sizes differ
Four things to confirm when ordering
- Filter or softener — the most important decision
- Top or side mount — must match the vessel
- NB size — matching the line and flow
- Manual or automatic
The model code system is explained in our MPV code guide, and manual versus automatic in our comparison guide.
Get the right multiport valve
Send your vessel size, flow, whether it is a filter or softener and the mounting type, and we will confirm the model.
💬 WhatsApp par poochhein 📞 9910646957Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a filter valve and a softener valve?
A softener valve has an additional brine port for drawing salt solution during regeneration, which a filter valve does not have. A softener cannot be regenerated with a filter valve, so it stops removing hardness once the resin is exhausted.
How do I choose the multiport valve size?
Match it to your flow and vessel size. Twenty NB suits vessels up to 1054 and flows to a thousand LPH, twenty five NB to about two thousand LPH, forty NB to five thousand, and larger sizes above that.
Can a top mount valve be used on a side mount vessel?
No, they are not interchangeable. The mounting must be decided along with the vessel, because the internal piping arrangement differs between the two.
What is the difference between unions and flanges on the 3565?
Unions are threaded connections and cost less, while flanges are bolted and suit higher pressure or larger installations. The flanged version is considerably more expensive, so choose it only where the installation genuinely requires it.
What else is needed with a softener valve?
A brine director in the brine tank, which controls salt draw, and for automatic valves a brine switch. A vacuum breaker should also be fitted to protect the vessel.