Culligan Soft-Minder 2005 User Manual
Cat. No. 01017584
Rev. C 12/13/07
DCO # 010262
Owners Guide
& Installation
Instruction
Supplement
Soft-Minder® Twin
Water Softener
Models from 2005
© 2007 Culligan International Company
Thank You
And welcome to your new world of better living with Culligan water.
The Culligan Soft-Minder® Twin Water Softeners are tested and certied by WQA according to WQA S-100
for calcium and magnesium reduction (hardness).
For installations in Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR
shall be adhered to. Consult your licensed plumber for installation of the system. This system and
its installation must comply with state and local regulations.
If this is your rst experience having soft, conditioned water in your home, you’ll be amazed at the
marvelous difference it makes. We promise that you’ll never want to be without it again.
With Culligan’s many years of knowledge and experience in water treatment, you can be condent that the model you selected
has been designed and engineered to provide years of service with a minimum of care and attention.
Some localities have corrosive water. A water softener cannot correct this problem and so its printed warranty disclaims liability
for corrosion of plumbing lines, xtures or appliances. If you suspect corrosion, your Culligan Dealer has equipment to control the
problem.
Sodium Information: Water softeners using sodium chloride for regeneration add sodium to the water. Persons who are on
sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium intake.
This supplement contains important information about the Soft-Minder Twin automatic water conditioner, including instructions
covering installation of the control valve, tank adapter, interconnection piping between the two mineral tanks, and timer
adjustments. For additional information, please refer to the Model 9100 Service manual packed with the control.
Before starting the installation, make certain the water meets the required limitations as shown in the specications. Review the
specications for the unit to be certain all applications requirements have been met. Also, carefully review the Model 9100 Service
Manual, paying particular attention to the regeneration cycle program setting procedure.
Performance Data Sheets are included in this manual for various Culligan Soft-Minder Twin Softener models. Refer to the
Performance Data Sheet for your specic softener, as there are slight differences between the models. The softener warranty is
located on page 18 of this Owner’s Guide.
Attention Culligan Customer:
Your local independently operated Culligan dealer employs trained service and maintenance
personnel who are experienced in the installation, function and repair of Culligan equipment.
This publication is written specically for these individuals and is intended for their use.
We encourage Culligan users to learn about Culligan products, but we believe that product
knowledge is best obtained by consulting with your Culligan dealer. Untrained individuals
who use this manual assume the risk of any resulting property damage or personal injury.
Warning! Prior to servicing equipment, disconnect power supply to prevent electrical shock.
Soft-Minder® Twin
Water Softener
Owners Guide
& Installation
Instruction
Supplement
Models from 2005
Table of Contents Page
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Salt Supply, Usage & Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Care & Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Service Check List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Culligan 61 Soft-Minder Twin Performance Data Sheet . . . . . 22
Culligan 91 Soft-Minder Twin Performance Data Sheet . . . . . 23
Culligan 121 Soft-Minder Twin Performance Data Sheet . . . . 24
Culligan 181 Soft-Minder Twin Performance Data Sheet . . . . 25
Records and Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Promise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Table of Contents 3
Specifications
Twin Specifications
SM-61 Model SM-91 Model
Control Valve Reinforced Thermoplastic Reinforced Thermoplastic
Overall Conditioner Height
Media Tank Design Quadra-Hull or FRP Quadra-Hull or FRP
Media Tank Dimensions (Dia x Ht) 9 x 48 in 10 x 54 in
Salt Storage Tank Dimensions (Dia x Ht) 16 x 43 in 18 x 43 in
18 x 43 in
Exchange Media, Type and Quantity Cullex® Media, 1.0 ft
Underbedding, Type and Quantity Cullsan®
Underbedding, 12 lb
Exchange Capacity 13,760 gr @ 3.3 lb 21,193 gr @ 5 lb
@ Salt Dosage Per Recharge 27,848 gr @ 9.3 lb 42,890 gr @ 14 lb
32,939 gr @ 15 lb 50,732 gr @ 22.5 lb
Efciency rated dosage
Freeboard to Media
Freeboard to Underbedding
1
2
3
4130 gr/lb @ 3.3 lb salt dosage 4,240 gr/lb @ 5 lb salt dosage
14.5 in 14.5 in
44.5 in 47.5 in
Salt Storage Capacity 250 lb or 375 lb 375 lb
Rated Service Flow @ Pressure Drop 10.7 gpm @ 15 psi 10.2 gpm @ 15 psi
Total Hardness, Maximum 75 gpg 99 gpg
Total Iron, Maximum 5 ppm 5 ppm
Hardness to Iron Ratio, Minimum 8 gpg to 1 ppm 8 gpg to 1 ppm
Operating Pressure 20-125 psi 20-125 psi
Operating Temperature 33-120°F 33-120°F
Electrical Requirements 24V/60 Hz 24V/60 Hz
Electrical Power Consumption, Min/Max 5 Watts/ 6 Watts 5 Watts/ 6 Watts
Drain Flow, Maximum
Recharge Time, Average
Recharge Water Consumption, Average
4
5
5
2 gpm 2 gpm
67 min 67 min
57 gal 57 gal
3
Cullex® Media, 1.5 ft
Cullsan®
Underbedding, 15 lb
3
1 The efciency rated dosage is only valid at the stated salt dosage and is efciency rated according to NSF/ANSI 44.
2 Measured from top of media to top surface of tank threads. (backwashed and drained).
3 Measured from top of underbedding to top surface of tank threads.
4 Backwash at 120 psi (830 kPa).
5 10 minute backwash, 3.3 lb 9” model, 5 lb (2.7kg) 10” model.
4 Culligan Platinum Plus® Series
Introduction
It’s All So Easy, So Economical, So Efficient, So Enjoyable!
Kind To Skin And Complexion
Soft water will help prevent red, itchy or dry skin because there are no hardness impurities to cause soreness, no soap curd to coat
the skin. Shaving is easier, smoother - either with blade or electric shaver.
Bathing And Showering
You’ll use far less soap with conditioned water. Use your soap very sparingly - not as you did before soft water. Just a quick rinse
removes all lather, leaving your skin pleasantly smooth and silky - because now it’s free of sticky soap curd and lm.
Saves Washing Costs. Helps Control Environmental Pollution
Soft water washes whiter and cleaner with less soap or detergent. Because the hardness impurities are removed, your soap can
concentrate solely on washing. People usually nd that they can reduce the amount of soap they use substantially. If you normally
used a cup per wash load with hard water, try using only 1/3 cup depending on the size of your wash load and the degree of soil.
Different amounts are required, but you can use less with softened water. An added bonus is the fact that your washable fabrics will
last longer.
Super Hair Conditioning
Soft water is great for scalp and hair care. No insoluble deposits are formed. Hair is shinier, softer, more manageable. Reduce the
amount of shampoo you have normally used.
Dishes Are A Delight
Washed by hand or in a dishwasher, glassware, dishes and silver wash cleaner, easier. Follow your dishwasher manufacturer’s
instructions. Soft water promotes sanitation because no greasy hard water lm can form to collect or harbor bacteria.
Easier Housekeeping, Gleaming Fixtures
You’ll be amazed at the marvelous difference. Just a swish of the cloth, and the bathtub or shower and xtures are clean and
sparkling. Imagine, no scouring! No hard water scum to cause rings, streaks, spots and stains. To keep their gleaming luster, simply
wipe xtures with a towel after use. Formica, tile, walls, oors, woodwork surfaces clean easier, stay clean longer. You’ll save on
cleaning aids and save on time.
Saves Water-heating Energy, Helps Water-using Appliances
Soft water reduces the formation of rock-like hard water scale which encrusts water heaters, hot water pipes, shower heads, and
water-using appliances. This scale can cause premature maintenance and failure.
Elimination of hard water also provides substantial energy savings because scale acts as an insulator, wasting electricity or gas used
to heat water.
Savings Galore
A water conditioner is frequently referred to as “the appliance that pays for itself”. You’ll nd that your savings on soaps, detergents,
cleaning aids, and personal care products will help your family’s household budget. And if you place a price on your time, you’ll be
most happy with the time saved by your new family servant.
Water For Lawns And Household Plants
If possible, lawn sprinkling faucets should be supplied with hard water primarily because it is uneconomical to soften so much water.
Household plants are much more sensitive than lawns with respect to the kind of water which is best. First, because they receive no
rainfall and, second, there is little or no drainage of the soil. Preferably they should be watered with rain water or water which is low
in mineral content such as distilled or demineralized water. Softened water is not recommended for house plants because a build-up
of sodium in the soil may interfere with efcient absorption of water by the plant root system. Additional information may be obtained
from your independently operated Culligan dealer.
Introduction 5
How Your Water Conditioner Works
Why Water Gets Hard And How It’s Softened
All of the fresh water in the world originally falls as rain, snow, or sleet. Surface water is drawn upward by the sun, forming clouds.
Then, nearly pure and soft as it starts to fall, it begins to collect impurities as it passes through smog and dust-laden atmosphere.
And as it seeps through soil and rocks it gathers hardness, rust, acid, unpleasant tastes and odors.
Water hardness is caused primarily by limestone dissolved from the earth by rainwater. Because of this, in earlier times people
who wanted soft water collected rainwater from roofs in rain barrels and cisterns before it picked up hardness from the earth.
Some localities have corrosive water. A softener cannot correct this problem and so its printed warranty disclaims liability for
corrosion of plumbing lines, xtures or appliances. If you suspect corrosion, your Culligan Man has equipment to control the
problem.
Iron is a common water problem. The chemical/physical nature of iron found in natural water supplies is exhibited in four general
types.
1. Dissolved Iron - Also called ferrous or “clear water” iron. This type of iron can be removed from the water by the same ion
exchange principle that removes the hardness elements, calcium and magnesium. Dissolved iron is soluble in water and is
detected by taking a sample of the water to be treated in a clear glass. The water in the glass is initially clear, but on standing
exposed to the air, it may gradually turn cloudy or colored as it oxidizes.
2. Particulate Iron - Also called ferric or colloidal iron. This type of iron is an undissolved particle of iron. A softener will remove
larger particles, but they may not be washed out in regeneration effectively and will eventually foul the ion exchange resin. A
ltering treatment will be required to remove this type of iron.
3. Organic Bound Iron - This type of iron is strongly attached to an organic compound in the water. The ion exchange process
alone cannot break this attachment and the softener will not remove this type of iron.
4. Bacterial Iron - This type of iron is protected inside a bacteria cell. Like the organic bound iron, it is not removed by a water
softener.
When using a softener to remove both hardness and dissolved iron it is important that it regenerates more frequently than ordinarily
would be calculated for hardness removal alone. Although many factors and formulas have been used to determine this frequency,
it is recommended that the softener be regenerated when it has reached 50 - 75% of the calculated hardness alone capacity. This
will minimize the potential for bed fouling (Iron removal claims have not been veried by the Water Quality Association).
If you are operating a water softener on clear water iron, regular resin bed cleaning is needed to keep the be from coating with iron.
Even when operating a softener on water with less than the maximum of dissolved iron, regular cleanings should be performed.
Clean every six months or more often if iron appears in your conditioned water supply. Use resin bed cleaning compounds carefully
following the directions on the container.
Caution! Do not use where the water is microbiologically unsafe or with water of unknown quality without
adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
Hardness sample kits are available through your local Culligan dealer.
6 Culligan Soft-Minder Twin® Softeners
The Culligan Process
Your Culligan water conditioner consists of three basic components, (A) the Control Valve, (B) the Mineral Tank, and (C) the Brine
System.
A. The exclusive Culligan control valve automatically performs a variety of tasks that are necessary for the proper operation of
your water conditioner. These tasks, commonly referred to as cycles or operating positions, are: Service, Regeneration, and
Brine Rell.
1. Service: While the control valve is in the “Service cycle”, hard water is directed down through the column of Cullex® resin
where hardness minerals are removed from the water. The softened water is then directed into your household plumbing
lines. The ability of the Cullex resin to remove hardness minerals needs to be periodically replenished; this is referred to
as . . .
2. Regeneration: While the control valve is in the “Regeneration cycle”, water is rst directed up through the column of
Cullex resin to ush accumulated sediment out of the resin and down the drain. Then, the regenerant brine solution is
slowly drawn from the bottom of the salt storage tank of the Brine System and is directed down through the column of
Cullex resin, restoring the ability of the resin to remove hardness minerals from your water supply. Once completed, the
regeneration cycle is followed by . . .
3. Brine Refill: While the control valve is in the “Brine Rell cycle”, a predetermined amount of water is directed to the salt
storage tank of the Brine System so that additional salt can be dissolved to provide the brine solution that will be needed
for the next regeneration cycle.
B. The exclusive Quadra-Hull® Mineral Tank contains the Cullex resin column, Cullsan® underbedding, and an outlet manifold.
The number of gallons of hard water that can be softened by the Cullex resin column before it needs regeneration is called
the “capacity” of the resin column, and depends upon the amount of hardness minerals in each gallon of water (expressed as
grains per gallon) and upon the amount of regenerant brine solution (expressed as pounds of salt) passed through the resin
column during regeneration.
Your Culligan service person, taking into account the hardness of your water and the amount of softened water your
household may reasonably expect to use each day, has carefully established how often the softener will regenerate and how
much salt will be used for each regeneration. This will ensure that all of your soft water needs will be fullled without using an
excessive amount of salt.
C. The Brine System consists of a salt storage container and hydraulic Dubl-Safe valve. The salt storage container holds the salt
that is used to make the regenerant brine solution. The hydraulic Dubl-Safe valve limits the amount of water that is returned to
the salt storage tank during the brine rell cycle.
Since a predetermined amount of salt is dissolved with each brine rell cycle, the salt must be periodically replenished in order
to maintain efcient operation. Your Culligan service person will be able to tell you about how often salt must be added to the
salt storage container.
Introduction 7
Preparation
Component Description
The water conditioner is shipped from the factory in a minimum of four cartons. Remove all components from their cartons and
inspect them before starting installation.
Control Valve Assembly - Includes the Soft-Minder Twin Control. Small parts packages will contain additional installation
hardware, and the conditioner Owner’s Guide.
Media Tank - Includes Quadra-Hull® media tank complete with Cullex® ion exchange resin, underbedding and outlet manifold.
Salt Storage Tank Assembly - Includes salt storage container with support plate and Dubl-Safe™ brine rell valve and chamber.
Bypass Valve - Includes the stainless steel bypass valve and pins.
Tools and Materials
The following tools and supplies will be needed, depending on installation method. Observe all applicable codes.
Note: Check and comply with your state and local codes. You must follow these guidelines.
All Installations
• Safety glasses
• Phillips screwdrivers, small and medium tip.
• Gauge assembly (PN 00-3044-50 or equivalent)
• Silicone lubricant (PN 00-4715-07 or equivalent) - DO NOT USE PETROLEUM-BASED LUBRICANTS
• A bucket, preferably light-colored
• Towels
Special Tools
• Torch, solder and ux for sweat copper connections
• Use only lead-free solder and ux for all sweat-solder connections, as required by state and local codes.
• Threading tools, pipe wrenches and thread sealer for threaded connections.
• Saw, solvent and cement for plastic pipe connections.
Materials
• Brine line, 5/16” (PN 00-3031-28 or equivalent)
• Drain line, 1/2” (PN 00-3030-82, gray, semi-exible; or PN 00-3319-46, black, semi-rigid; or equivalent)
• Thread sealing tape
• Pressure reducing valve (if pressure exceeds 125 psi [860 kPa], PN 00-4909-00 or equivalent)
• Pipe and ttings suited to the type of installation
• Water softener salt (rock, solar or pellet salt formulated specically for water softeners)
8 Culligan Soft-Minder Twin® Softeners
Application
Water quality - Verify that raw water hardness and iron are within limits. Note the hardness for setting the salt
dosage and recharge frequency.
Pressure - If pressure exceeds 125 psi (860 kPa), install a pressure reducing valve (see materials checklist). On private water
systems, make sure the minimum pressure (the pressure at which the pump starts) is greater than 20 psi (140 kPa). Adjust the
pressure switch if necessary.
Caution! The use of a pressure reducing valve may limit the ow of water in the household.
Temperature - Do not install the unit where it might freeze, or next to a water heater or furnace or in direct sunlight. Outdoor
installation is not recommended and voids the warranty. If installing in an outside location, you must take the steps necessary to
assure the softener, installation plumbing, wiring, etc. are as well protected from the elements (sunlight, rain, wind, heat, cold),
contamination, vandalism, etc. as when installed indoors.
Location
Space requirements - Allow 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) behind the unit for plumbing and drain lines and 4 feet (1.3 meters) above for
service access and lling the salt container (See gure 1).
Floor surface - Choose an area with solid, level oor free of bumps or irregularities. Bumps, cracks, stones and other irregularities
can cause the salt storage tank bottom to crack when lled with salt and water.
Drain facilities - Choose a nearby drain that can handle the rated drain ow (oor drain, sink or stand pipe). Refer to the Drain
Line Chart, Table 1 (page 11), for maximum drain line length.
Note: Most codes require an anti-siphon device or airgap. Observe all local plumbing codes and drain restictions. The system
and installation must comply with all state and local laws and regulations. Waste connections or drain outlets shall be designed
and constructed to porvide for connection to the sanitary waste system through an air gap of 2 pipe diameters or 25mm (1 in.),
whichever is larger.
Electrical facilities - A 10-foot cord and wall mount plug-in transformer are provided. The customer should provide a receptacle,
preferably one not controlled by a switch that can be turned off accidentally. Observe local electrical codes.
Note: The softener works on 24 volt - 60 Hz power only. Be sure to use the included transformer. Be sure the ectrical outlet
and transformer are in an inside location to protect from moisture. Properly ground to conform with all governing codes and
ordinances.
Preparation 9
Installation
HARD WATER IN
TO HOSE BIBS
TREATED WATER OUT
HEATER
WATER
METER
PUMP
OR
BRINE
TANK
SOFT-MINDER TWIN
DRAIN
LINE
AIR
GAP
Use this installation supplement with the Fleck Service Manual and Timer Supplemental Service Manual. This addendum
supplements the Fleck 9100 Service Manual and Timer Service Manual.
Figure 1
Placement
• Set the media tanks on a solid, level surface that provides easy access to a water supply, drain system and electricity.
• Place the brine system on a at, smooth, solid surface close to the media tank.
• Plumbing should comply with the applicable state and local plumbing codes.
• Connect the couplings and yoke assembly to the control valve and tank adapter. Lubricate the o-ring with silicone lubricant.
• Lubricate the distributor and tank o-ring seal with silicone lubricant.
• The joints near the drain must be soldered prior to connecting the drain line ow control tting (DLFC). Leave at least 6”
between the DLFC and the joints when soldering. Failure to do this could cause damage to the drain module. Teon tape is
the only sealant to be used on the drain ttings.
Figure 2
Control Valve
A 0.5 gpm BLFC is installed in the control valve. A 0.25 gpm BLFC is included in the control parts pack that needs to be used on
9” tank when salt dosage is less than 5 lbs. Remove the BLFC from the brine valve. Install the BLFC by removing the brine tting,
remove the retainer, remove and replace with the proper size.
A white #1 eductor throat and nozzle is packaged with the control valve for use on the 9-inch tanks. See table 2 for eductor throat
and nozzle selections.
When changing the eductor nozzle and throat, remove the eductor
assembly mounting screws. Carefully remove the eductor assembly
from the control. Unscrew the eductor nozzle and throat and replace
with the correct size eductor. Reassemble onto the control valve.
Included in the parts pack are drain line ow controls with different
gpm capacities. Tank size will determine which size ow control to
install. Use the 2.00 gpm for the 9-inch tank and 10-inch tank. See
table 2 for DLFC selections
Install the DLFC by removing the drain line elbow adapter. Unscrew
10 Culligan Soft-Minder Twin® Softeners
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