GE GXWH04F, GXWH20F User Manual

GE SmartWater ™

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Household Water Filtration Housing* — GXWH04F and GXWH20F

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

■Check with your state and local public works department for plumbing and sanitation codes. You must follow these guidelines as you install the Household Water Filtration Housing. Using a qualified installer is recommended.

■Be sure the water supply conforms with the Specifications Guidelines. If the water supply conditions are unknown, contact your municipal water company.

WARNING: Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

■It is highly recommended that a water shut-off valve be placed directly upstream of your household filter.

PROPER INSTALLATION

This Household Water Filtration Housing must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

	■ Check with your local public works department for plumbing codes.	■ Do not install on HOT WATER. The temperature of the water
	You must follow their guides as you install the Household Water	supply to the Household Filtration Housing must be between the
	Filtration Housing.	minimum of 40°F and the maximum of 100°F. See the
	■ Use the Household Water Filtration Housing on a potable, safe-to-	Specification Guidelines.
	drink, home COLD water supply only. The filter cartridge will not	■ Do not install the Household Water Filtration Housing using
	purify water or make unsafe water safe to drink. DO NOT use on	copper solder fittings. The heat from the soldering process
	HOT water (100˚F max).	will damage the unit. If making a soldered copper installation,
	■ Protect the Household Water Filtration Housing and piping from	do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the housing.
		Torch heat will damage plastic parts.
	freezing. Water freezing in the housing will damage it.
		WARNING: Discard all unused parts and packaging material
	■ Your Household Water Filtration Housing will withstand up to 125 psi
	water pressure. If your house water supply pressure is higher than	after installation. Small parts remaining after installation could
		be a choke hazard.
	100 psi during the day (it may reach higher levels at night), install
	a pressure-reducing valve before the housing is installed.	■ Do not install filter in an outside location or anywhere it will be
		exposed to sunlight.

REQUIRED TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES FOR INSTALLATION

■2 wrenches: 11⁄8″ and 11⁄4″

■Pipe cutter

■Ruler or tape measure

■Cordless drill and a 3/16″ drill bit (optional)

■File

■Emery paper

■Screwdriver

■For GXWH04F model, additional installation parts may be required:

•(2) 3⁄4″ compression adapters with brass ferrule and nut for installation on copper plumbing—Installation Kit available:

—Retail Part (WHKIT)

—GE Parts (WS35X10023)

•UL-approved grounding clamps and 6-gauge copper grounding wire— Installation Kit available:

—Retail Part (WHKIT)

—GE Parts (WS35X10023)

•Teflon Tape

Optional accessories are available (Visa, MasterCard or Discover cards accepted) by visiting our Website at ge.com or from Parts and Accessories 800.626.2002 (U.S.) or 800.663.6060 (Canada).

■If unit is to be installed on plastic, PVC or galvanized plumbing, separate hardware must be purchased.

CONTENTS INCLUDED WITH PRODUCT

■Filter housing and head

■Product literature

■Sediment filter FXUSC (Rev. 2) (for GXWH20F only)

■(2) 3⁄4″ brass compression fittings with nut and ferrule (for GXWH20F only)

■Teflon tape (for GXWH20F only)

■Canister wrench

■Grounding clamps and wire (for GXWH20F only)

■Mounting bracket with (2) screws

■Timer and batteries

The FXUSC (Rev. 2) filter is tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for materials requirement only.

This GXWH04F is tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for materials and structural integrity requirements only.

The GXWH20F system using FXUSC (Rev. 2) filter is tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for reduction of particulate Class V.

COMPONENT

COMPONENT

184D1060P002 01-08 JR 49-50202-1

ge.com

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY 40225

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ABOUT THE FILTER CARTRIDGE

Performance Data Sheet

GXWH20F system using FXUSC (Rev. 2) filter has been tested according to NSF/ANSI 42 for reduction of the substances listed below. The concentration of the indicated substances in water entering the system

was reduced to a concentration less than or equal to the permissible limit for water leaving the system, as specified in NSF/ANSI 42. While testing was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual performance may vary.

	INFLUENT CHALLENGE			REDUCTION
SUBSTANCE	CONCENTRATION			REQUIREMENT		Rated Service Flow: 8 gpm
Particulate, Class V particles 30 to < 50	At least 1,000 particles/mL			> + 85%		Minimum–Maximum Supply Water Pressure: 20–125 psi
						Minimum–Maximum Supply Water Temperature: 40–100°F
Replacement Filter Cartridges							Rated Service Flow: 4 gpm
			GE MODEL		FUNCTION	LIFE	CONSTRUCTION
Several variables determine how long the cartridge will
			FXUSC (Rev. 2)		Sediment*	3 month/16,000 gallons*	Polypropylene Fiber
last in your Household Water Filtration Housing. These
			FXWPC		Sediment*	3 month/16,000 gallons*	Pleated
include:
■ levels of sediment or other undesirable substances in
your water.			FXWSC		Sediment*	3 month/16,000 gallons*	String Wound
■ the amount of water you use.					10 Micron
■ the filter location (filtering all or part of your			FXWTC (Rev. 2)		Sediment*	3 month/15,000 gallons*	Carbon Paper
household water).					5 Micron
					Chlorine
			*Above data are based on manufacturer’s internal testing.
Filter Cartridge Replacement

You should change your filter when the water flow is noticeably reduced or at least every 3 months.

1	Turn off water to filter. For model GXWH04F, water	6	Reinstall the filter canister to the unit. Tighten filter
	must be shut off from an upstream valve. For model		canister to seal. Use canister wrench if necessary.
	GXWH20F, rotate control handle to the BYPASS or	7	Slowly rotate control handle to the FILTER position
	OFF position. (See Control Handle.)					Turn canister wrench
			(model GXWH20F) or slowly turn on the upstream
2	Press the red pressure release button to release		shut-off valve (model GXWH04F).			clockwise to remove
	pressure.		Press the red pressure release button to remove			Filter canister
3	Unscrew the filter canister and discard used filter.	8 trapped air.
	Wash the filter canister with mild soap and water. Do	9	Open any downstream faucet and allow filter system
	not use harsh cleaners or hot water.
4			to flush for 5 minutes.
	Inspect the filter canister O-ring. Make sure it is	GXWH04F		Red pressure	GXWH20F
	lightly lubricated with clean food grade silicone		Timer			Timer
	grease (silicone grease is available through GE Parts			release button
	and Service: 1.800.626.2002, part number				Head
	WS60S10005). Be sure the O-ring is seated in the
				Head Red pressure		Control
	groove. It is recommended that you replace the		Filter
	O-ring if it is damaged.			release button		handle
5			cartridge	O-ring seal	Filter	O-ring seal
	Place a new filter cartridge into the canister, making
					cartridge
	sure it is centered and completely seated on the
	bottom seal.			Filter canister		Filter canister

Control Handle (GXWH20F Model Only)

OFF	FILTER
■ Shuts off water.	■ For filtered water. Directs water
	flow through filter.
	2

BYPASS

■Permits flow of water to the house without flowing through the filter. Use this position for filter changes or if filtered water is not desired.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

	Installation Overview	GXWH04F	GXWH20F
	NOTE: Be sure to allow a minimum space of 11⁄2 ″
	under the filter for removing the sump, to change	Recommended	Recommended
	the cartridge.
		shut-off valve	shut-off valve
			Recommended
		Recommended	shut-off valve
		shut-off valve

Select Location

Select a location for the filter that is:

■protected from freezing.

■not exposed to direct sunlight.

It is recommended that a shut-off valve be placed on both sides of the filter.

It is recommended that a mounting bracket be used.

Cut Water Line

WARNING:

A copper or galvanized cold water pipe may be used to ground electrical outlets in the home. Failure to maintain this ground path may result in an electric shock hazard. If the cold water pipe is used to ground electric outlets, please refer to Installing the Ground Wire section before cutting the pipe.

	1	Turn off the water supply and open a nearby faucet to drain
		the water out of the pipes.

■Select a secure location to install the filter and mounting bracket. The location should align the filter housing with the

inlet and outlet pipes and should not cause the pipes to bend. Mark the distance “D” on the pipe. D is about 51⁄4″ for GXWH04F model and 53⁄4″ for GXWH20F model.

	3	Using a pipe cutter, cut pipe. Sand (file) the cut ends of the
		pipe to assure that they are square and smooth.

■ NOTE: Have a bucket and towel available to collect excess water.

2 Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the distance “D” as shown.

■NOTE: It is recommended that the shut-off valve be placed before and after the filter as shown in the Installation Overview illustration.

	GXWH04F			GXWH20F
D							D

Measure to shoulder of fittings. Copper pipe butts against this shoulder.

Install Fittings and Mounting Bracket

Instructions are for installing fittings supplied with the filter (on some models) or the WHKIT onto 3/4″ copper plumbing. If the unit is to be installed on any other type of tubing (plastic, PVC, galvanized), different hardware must be purchased. See instructions with additional hardware purchased, or consult

a qualified plumber.

1	Apply about 12″ of Teflon tape, in a clockwise
	direction, to the pipe threads of each fitting.
	DO NOT use joint compound on any parts.
2	Teflon tape
	Use the bracket as a template to find the
	two screw locations. Wood screws are provided. If mounted
	onto other surface, use appropriate hardware.

3 Drill a 3/16″ hole on each marked screw location (optional), then drive the two wood screws until about 1/4″ of thread

is left. Ensure at least one screw is anchored into wall stud.

4 Assemble a fitting through the mounting bracket hole to the inlet and outlet of the head. Start each fitting by hand to make sure they don’t cross thread. Use a 11⁄8″ wrench to tighten fittings firmly. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

GXWH04F

GXWH20F

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STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

Attach Fittings to Water Line

	Slip a compression nut onto each pipe.
1
	Next, slip the brass ferrule onto each pipe.
2

	D
Brass ferrule	Brass ferrule
Hex nut	Hex nut

Installing the Unit

	1	Align filter assembly with pipe ends, making certain that the
		incoming water supply is going into the filter opening marked
		“IN”. It may be necessary to spread the pipe ends apart to
		install filter assembly.
		Using a 11⁄8″ wrench to hold the fitting in place, use a 11⁄4″
	2
		wrench to tighten the nut. Repeat process for other fittings.

3

4

Hang mounting bracket with unit onto previously installed screws. Drive two screws to secure unit tightly to the wall if necessary.

Install a filter into the housing and tighten canister to seal (see Filter Cartridge Replacement section).

Installing the Ground Wire

NOTE: If your house plumbing is plastic, it would not be used as a grounding path, and this step should be skipped.

IMPORTANT: A copper or galvanized cold water pipe is often used to ground electrical outlets in the home. Grounding protects you from electrical shock. The water filter housing may have broken this ground path. To restore connection, install a 12″ long, 6-gauge copper wire across the filter, and tightly clamp using UL-approved 1/2″ –1″ bronze grounding clamps at both ends as shown. Zinc clamps should not be used on copper plumbing. For GXWH04F, wire and clamps may be purchased separately from your local hardware store, or are available by visiting our Website at ge.com, or from Parts and Accessories by calling 800.626.2002 (U.S.)or 800.663.6060 (Canada)—order part number WHKIT.

	1	Clean copper pipe and ends of wire with emery paper. Bare
		wire is recommended. If insulated wire is used, it should be
		stripped 3/4″ at each end before cleaning with emery paper.
		Attach bronze clamps to copper pipe. Tighten screws.
	2
		Attach wire to clamps as shown. Tighten screws.
	3

Ground wire

Clamp

Final Check

1

2

3

Install filter, if not already done. (See Filter Cartridge Replacement section.)

Slowly turn on water supply.

Check entire system for leaks.

4

5

If leaking from fittings, shut off water pressure and tighten or reseal fittings. If leaking from the canister, tighten the canister with a wrench.

Open any downstream faucet and allow filter and housing to flush for 5 minutes.

Timer Installation and Application Instructions

Blue reset button

Timer cap

2 AAA

batteries

Timer base

Timer seat

Head

Timer battery installation and change

Insert coin or screwdriver into the slot between timer cap and base. Gently pry them open and separate timer base from cap. Install or change 2 new AAA 1.5 volt batteries. After you have the batteries in place, line up the base and cap and snap them back together.

It is recommended to change the batteries at least every 2 filter changes, or when the blue LED light seems dim.

Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc.) batteries.

Installation of timer

Hold the timer body in the center and gently push the timer to its seat at the top of the head or attach it in a remote location for easy viewing.

Timer reset and application

After new batteries are installed or filter is changed, push and hold the blue timer reset button (hold the reset button for approximately 5 seconds). Release the reset button after the light stops flashing. The timer has been reset. The light will flash again in 90 days to remind you that it is time to change the filter.

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PARTS LIST

002

	1
0
0

003

006

999

002

			1					G	G
0
0
								X	X
								W	W
								H	H
								0	2
								4	0
					Ref. No.	Part No.	Part Description	F	F
					001	WS35X10023	Installation Kit	—	1
						or WHKIT
					002	WHTIMER	Timer	1	1
					003	WS03X10038	O-Ring	1	1
					005	WX5X140	Canister Wrench	1	1
					006	FXUSC (Rev. 2) Filter Element—Polypropylene Fiber		—	1
						FXWPC	Filter Element—Pleated	—	—
						FXWSC	Filter Element—String	—	—
						FXWTC (Rev. 2) Filter Element—Carbon Paper		—	—
					999	49-50202-1	Installation Instructions	1	1
	005

To obtain replacement parts, call toll-free 800.626.2002 (U.S.), 800.663.6060 (Canada—English), 800.361.3869 (Canada—French).

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

	• What does this warranty cover?	• How do I make a warranty claim?
	— Any defect in materials or workmanship in the manufactured product.		— Return to the retailer from which it was purchased, along with a copy
	• What does this warranty not cover?		of the “Proof of Purchase.” A new or reconditioned unit will be provided.
			This warranty excludes the cost of shipping the product to your home.
	— Filter Cartridges.
	— Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
	— Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.		EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and
	— Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, altered, used		exclusive remedy is product exchange as provided in this
	commercially or used for other than the intended purpose.		Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied
	— Use of this product where water is microbiologically unsafe or		warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
	of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before or after		are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.
	the housing*. Housings certified for cyst reduction may be used
	on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.
		This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding
	*The term “housing” means the combination of the head and filter
		owner for products purchased for home or office use within the USA.
	canister which together form a filter pressure vessel.
		In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service to your
	— Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
		home or office.
	— Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with	Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
	this appliance, its installation or repair.
		consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
	• For how long after the original purchase?	may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. To know what your
	— One (1) year.	legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s
		Attorney General.
		Contact us at ge.com, or call toll-free at 800.952.5039 in the U.S.,
		or 866.777.7627 in Canada.

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