Ge GNRQ18NBN, GXRQ18NBN User Manual

SAFETY INFORMATION . . . . . . . . 3

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

USING THE REVERSE

OSMOSIS SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Tools and Materials Required . . . . . . . . . . 8

Before Beginning Installation . . . . . . . . . . 9

Plan the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Feed Water Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Drain Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Storage Tank and Faucet . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Faucet Electronics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Connect Tubes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Sanitize the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Test and Purge the System . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CARE AND CLEANING

Cartridge Life and Replacement . . . . . . . 20

Change Faucet Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Drain Flow Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS . . . 23

OWNER’S MANUAL

& INSTALLATION

INSTRUCTIONS

GXRQ18NBN GNRQ18NBN

ENGLISH

PARTS LIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

CONSUMER SUPPORT . . . . . . . 28

Systems tested and certified by NSF

FILTRATION SYSTEM

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model # __________________________

Serial # __________________________

You can find them on the bracket.

International against NSF/ANSI

Standards 58 and 42 for the

reduction of claims as specified on

the Performance Data Sheet

Systems certified by IAPMO R&T

against NSF/ ANSI Standards

42, 53, 58, 401 and P473 for the

reduction of claims as specified

on the Performance Data Sheet.

REVERSE OSMOSIS

GE is a trademark of the General Electric Company. Manufactured under trademark license.

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THANK YOU FOR MAKING GE APPLIANCES A PART OF YOUR HOME.

Whether you grew up with GE Appliances, or this is your first, we’re happy to have you in the family.

We take pride in the craftsmanship, innovation and design that goes into every GE Appliances

product, and we think you will too. Among other things, registration of your appliance ensures that

we can deliver important product information and warranty details when you need them.

Consumer Support section of this Owner’s Manual. You may also mail in the pre-printed registration

card included in the packing material.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

Read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these instructions prior to installation and use of the GE Appliances Reverse Osmosis system. Retain these instructions for future reference.

Intended use: The GE Appliances Reverse Osmosis system is intended for use in filtering potable water in Residential applications, and has not been evaluated for other uses. The system is typically installed at the point of use, and must be installed as specified in the installation instructions. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to install.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Be sure the water supply conforms with the Specification Guidelines. If the water supply conditions are unknown, contact your municipal water company or your local health department for a list of contaminants in your area and a list of laboratories certified by your state to analyze drinking water.

SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING

■ Do not allow children under 3 years of age to have access to small parts during the installation of this product.

WARNING

■ Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.

WARNING

■ Do not install if water pressure exceeds 100 psi (689 kPa). If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), you should install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check your water pressure.

■ Do not install where water hammer conditions may occur. If water hammer conditions exist you should install a water hammer arrester. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check for this condition.

■ Where a backflow prevention device is installed on a water system, a device for controlling pressure due to thermal expansion should be installed.

WARNING

■ Keep batteries away from children. This product contains a lithium button cell battery. If a new or used lithium button cell battery is swallowed or enters the body, it can cause severe internal burns and can lead to death in as little as 2 hours. If you think batteries might have been swallowed or placed inside any part of the body, seek immediate medical attention. Always completely secure the battery compartment. If the battery compartment does not close securely, stop using the product, remove the battery and keep it away from children. Properly dispose of used batteries, keeping them away from children.

To reduce the risk associated with choking:

To reduce the risk associated with the ingestion of contaminants:

To reduce the risk of physical injury due to hydropneumatic tank rupture:

Chemical Burn Hazard:

To reduce the risk associated with ingesting of water contaminated with sanitizer:

■ After installation, sanitizer MUST be flushed from the system before first use as directed within the installation instructions.

This system has been tested for the treatment of water containing pentavalent arsenic (also known as As(V), As(+5) or arsenate) at concentrations of 0.050 mg/L or less. This system reduces pentavalent arsenic, but may not remove other forms of arsenic. This system is to be used on water supplies containing a detectable free chlorine residual or on water supplies that have been demonstrated to contain only pentavalent arsenic. Treatment with chloramine (combined chlorine) is not sufficient to ensure complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. Please see the Arsenic Facts section of the Performance Data Sheet for further information.

This reverse osmosis system contains a replaceable component critical to efficiency of the system. Replacement of the reverse osmosis component should be with one of identical specifications, as defined by the manufacturer, to assure the same efficiency and contaminant reduction performance.

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS (continued)

This system has a lithium battery containing perchlorate. Per California Regulation: Perchlorate Material – Special handling may apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate.

Extended non-use of the Reverse Osmosis system:

■ If the system has not been used for one week or more, open the RO water faucet and allow the system to drain. Close the RO water faucet and allow the system to regenerate the water supply..

Recommended installation is under the sink. However, the unit can be installed in a remote location, up to 20 feet away from the sink.

• However, additional materials will be required. See parts list to obtain additional materials from GE Appliances.

• Locating the tank on a basement floor, with the faucet at a first floor sink may result in some loss of flow rate and

SAFETY INFORMATION

capacity (approximately 20%). Installing a second tank will improve this performance.

If Reverse Osmosis system is connected to a refrigerator icemaker, do not use copper tubing for the connection between the Reverse Osmosis system and the refrigerator.

Sanitize upon installation of the Reverse Osmosis system and after servicing inner parts, including replacement of prefilter, postfilter and Reverse Osmosis cartridge. It is important to have clean hands while handling inner parts of the system. See the Sanitizing the System section.

This Reverse Osmosis system contains a replaceable treatment component critical for effective reduction of total dissolved solids. This product water shall be tested periodically to verify that the system is performing satisfactorily. See the The Water Test Kit section.

BE SURE TO FOLLOW ALL APPLICABLE STATE AND LOCAL CODES.

NOTICE: To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:

■ Read and follow these instruction before installation and use of this system.

■ Installation and use MUST comply with all state and local plumbing codes.

■ Protect from freezing, remove filter cartridge when temperatures are expected to drop below 40° F (4.4° C).

■ Do not install systems in areas where ambient temperatures may go above 110° F (43.3° C).

■ Do not install where water hammer conditions may occur. If water hammer conditions exist, you should install a water hammer arrester. Contact a plumbing professional if you are uncertain how to check for this condition.

■ Where a backflow prevention device is installed on a water system, a device for controlling pressure due to thermal expansion should be installed.

■ Do not use a torch or other high temperature sources near filter system, cartridges, plastic fittings or plastic plumbing.

■ On plastic fittings, never use pipe sealant or pipe dope. Use PTFE thread sealing tape only, as pipe dope properties may deteriorate plastic.

■ Take care when using pliers or pipe wrenches to tighten plastic fittings, as damage may occur if over tightening occurs.

■ Do not install in direct sunlight or outdoors.

■ Locate the system in such a position as to prevent it from being struck by other items used in the area of installation.

■ Ensure that the location will support the weight of the system when installed and full of water.

■ Ensure all tubing and fittings are secure and free of leaks.

■ Do not install unit if any collets (parts 14 and 15 on page 25) are missing. Contact 877.959.8688 if collets are missing from any fittings to obtain replacements.

■ Replace the disposable prefilter and postfilter cartridges every 6 months, at the rated capacity, or sooner if a noticeable reduction in flow rate occurs.

■ Replace the disposable RO cartridge every 24 months, or sooner if a noticeable reduction in filtration efficiency occurs.

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Specifications

Reverse Osmosis System Models: GXRQ18NBN and GNRQ18NBN

Supply water pressure limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-100 psi (280-689 kPa)

Supply water temperature limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40-100 °F (4-38 °C)

Maximum total dissolved solids (TDS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2000 ppm

Maximum water hardness @ 6.9 pH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 gpg

Maximum iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0

Chlorine in water supply (max. ppm) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.0

Supply water pH limits (pH) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-10

Product (quality) water, 24 hours1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14.76 gal. (55.9 liters)

Percent rejection of TDS, minimum (new membrane)1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86.5

Automatic shutoff control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yes

Efficiency2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10.6 %

Recovery3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21.2 %

This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiated by test data.

@ Feed water supply at 50 psi, 77°F, and 750 TDS. Quality water production, amount of waste water and percent rejection all vary with changes in pressure, temperature and total dissolved solids.

Efficiency rating means the percentage of the influent water to the system that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water under operating conditions that approximate typical daily usage.

Recovery rating means the percentage of the influent water to the membrane portion of the system that is available to the user as reverse osmosis treated water when the system is operated without a storage tank or when the storage tank is bypassed.

SPECIFICATIONS

Non-potable Water Sources: Do not attempt to use this product to make safe drinking water from non-potable water sources.

Do not use the system on microbiologically unsafe water, or water of unknown quality without an adequate disinfection before or after the system. This system is certified for cyst reduction and may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.

Arsenic Reduction: This system shall only be used for arsenic reduction on chlorinated water supplies containing detectable residual free chlorine at the system inlet. Water systems using an inline chlorinator should provide a one minute chlorine contact time before the reverse osmosis system.

Nitrate/Nitrite Test Kit: This system is supplied with a nitrate/nitrite test kit. Product water should be monitored periodically according to the instructions provided with the test kit.

Installations In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires installation be performed by a licensed plumber and do not permit the use of saddle valves. Plumbing code 248-CMR of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts must be followed in these cases.

Product Water Testing: The Reverse Osmosis system contains a replaceable treatment component critical for the effective reduction of total dissolved solids. Product water should be tested periodically to verify that the system is performing properly.

Replacement of the reverse osmosis component: This reverse osmosis system contains a replaceable component critical to the efficiency of the system. Replacement of the reverse osmosis component should be with one of identical specifications, as defined by the manufacturer, to assure the same efficiency and contaminant performance.

Dimensions:

14”

14"

9-1/4”

9-1/4"

12-1/2”9” dia.

9" dia.

Storage Tank Reverse Osmosis Assembly

12-1/2" 3-5/8"

3-5/8”

RO Product

Water Faucet

9-3/4"

9-3/4”

Using the Reverse Osmosis System

How the Reverse Osmosis System Works

Reverse Osmosis reduces Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and organic matter from water by diffusing it through a special membrane (see Performance Data Sheet). The membrane separates minerals and impurities from the water and they are flushed to the drain. For the reduction of the claims specified, see Performance Data Sheet. High quality product water goes directly to the drinking water faucet or to the storage tank. The system makes a good supply of drinking water each day. How much it makes depends on the feed water supply pressure, temperature and quality.

The prefilter and postfilter are replaceable cartridges. The carbon prefilter reduces chlorine while also filtering sediments. The postfilter reduces any other undesirable tastes and odors before you use the water.

The system includes an electronic faucet assembly with a prefilter and postfilter change reminder. When six months have passed, a flashing light will remind you to change the two filters.

Description of the Reverse Osmosis System

Prefilter - Water from the cold supply pipe is

directed to the prefilter cartridge. The prefilter is a replaceable sediment cartridge containing activated carbon. The prefilter reduces chlorine taste and odor in the feed water because CHLORINE DESTROYS THE REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANE. Filtered, clean, chlorine-reduced water flows from the prefilter to the Reverse Osmosis cartridge.

Reverse Osmosis Cartridge - The middle

cartridge includes a tightly wound, special membrane. Water is forced through the cartridge where the membrane reduces the dissolved solids and organic matter. High quality product water exits the Reverse Osmosis cartridge and goes to the storage tank. Reject water, with the dissolved solids and organic matter, leaves the cartridge and is discharged to the drain through 1/4” tubing.

Storage Tank - The storage area holds up to 1-3/4

gallons of product water. A diaphragm inside the tank keeps water pressurized, when the tank is full, for fast flow to the faucet when drinking water is needed. When the tank is empty of water, the pressure at the air valve is 5 - 7 psi.

Postfilter - After leaving the storage tank, but before

going to the system faucet, product water goes to the post filter cartridge. The postfilter is an enhanced replaceable sediment cartridge containing activated carbon designed to reduce select pharmaceuticals, select herbicides/pesticides, VOCs, BPA and PFOA/ PFOS as well as remaining tastes, odors, and sediments. Clean, high quality drinking water flows through the tubing and to the system faucet.

USING THE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM: How the System Works

RO Product Water Faucet - The countertop

faucet dispenses filtered drinking water when opened. It has a variable flow handle. To comply with plumbing codes, an air gap is built into the faucet drain water connection.

Faucet Electronics - Inside the faucet handle is a

battery operated 6 month timer. The faucet LED will light blue for a few seconds whenever the faucet handle is operated. When 90% of the filter lifetime has elapsed, the LED will flash blue 3 times whenever the faucet handle is operated. It will flash red continuously when 100% (6 months) has elapsed, to indicate that the prefilter and postfilter cartridges must be changed.

Automatic Shutoff Assembly - To conserve

water, the drinking water system has an automatic shutoff. When the storage tank has filled to capacity and the drinking water faucet is closed, pressure closes the shutoff. Water flow to the Reverse Osmosis cartridge is shut off until drinking water is used again, and pressure drops in the Reverse Osmosis system.

Check Valve - The check valve in the manifold

assembly prevents a backward flow of product water from the storage tank. A backward flow could cause the Reverse Osmosis membrane to rupture.

Flow Control - The flow control regulates the flow

of water through the Reverse Osmosis cartridge at the required rate to produce high quality water. The control is located in the elbow fitting where the red 1/4” drain line exits the manifold.

Using the Reverse Osmosis System

PRODUCT WATER FAUCET

Air Gap

PRODUCT WATER

BLACK

Gravity

DRAIN WATER

Drain

USING THE REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM: How the System Works

WATER

AUTOMATIC

SHUTOFF

GREEN

Drain Flow

Control

Check Valve

BLUE

PRODUCT

POSTFILTER

YELLOW

WATER

STORAGE

TANK

RED

PREFILTER

MEMBRANE

Reverse Osmosis Water Flow Schematic

Water Flow Description

1. Water enters prefilter. Sand, silt and other sediments are reduced. Chlorine is also reduced.

2. Water leaves prefilter and proceeds to the Reverse Osmosis cartridge.

3. Water enters the Reverse Osmosis membrane. Dissolved solids are reduced.

4. Processed water leaves the Reverse Osmosis membrane and flows to the storage tank.

5. Drain water with dissolved solids leaves the Reverse Osmosis membrane and flows to the drain.

6. Faucet is activated.

7. Processed water leaves the storage tank and flows to the postfilter, where it is filtered to ensure fresh taste.

8. Water flows to the Reverse Osmosis faucet.

Installation

Reverse Osmosis Filtration System

Instructions

Models GXRQ18NBN and GNRQ18NBN

Questions? Call 800.626.2005

or visit our Website at: GEAppliances.com/ge/service-and-support/contact.htm

WARNING

■ Check with your state and/or local public works department for plumbing codes. You

must follow their guides as you install the Reverse Osmosis system.

NOTE: Failure to comply with these installation instructions will void the product warranty, and the installer will be responsible for any service, repair or damages caused thereby.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION

INSTALATION INSTRUCTIONS

■ Electric Drill and 1-3/8” Drill Bit (type as required) if mounting hole is needed for faucet

■ Electric Drill and 3/8” Drill Bit (type as required) if installing the included drain adapter

■ Two (2) Adjustable Wrenches

■ Tape Measure

■ Phillips and Flat Blade Screwdrivers

■ Utility Knife

■ PTFE Thread Sealing Tape

■ If your main water line is a rigid pipe, you will require a compression fitting and possibly other plumbing hardware to complete the installation.

IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the sink,

consult a qualified plumber or installer for drilling procedures. Special drill bits may be needed for stone, porcelain or stainless steel.

Read entire manual. Failure to follow all guides and rules could cause personal injury or property damage.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

■ IMPORTANT: Save these instructions for local

inspector’s use.

■ IMPORTANT: Observe all governing codes

and ordinances.

■ Note to Installer: Be sure to leave these instructions with the consumer.

■ Note to Consumer: Keep these instructions for future reference.

■ Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.

■ Product failure due to improper installation is not covered under the warranty.

■ A shutoff valve must be available or added near the installation point.

Items in Parts Bag

CONTENTS INCLUDED WITH SYSTEM

■ Reverse Osmosis Assembly and Tubing

■ Product Literature (Owner’s Manual and Installation Instructions)

■ Performance Data Sheet

■ Water Supply Fitting

■ Faucet Assembly with Electronic Timer and Tubing

■ Storage Tank

■ Tank Connector

■ Drain Adapter

Drain Adapter

Nitrate / Nitrite Test Kit

Water Supply

Fitting

Ta nk

Connector

Eye

Dropper

Installation Instructions

THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

INSTALATION INSTRUCTIONS

FEED WATER

The water supply to the Reverse Osmosis system must have the qualities listed in the specifications. Municipal water supplies most often will have these qualities. Well water may need conditioning; have the water tested by a water analysis laboratory and get their recommendations for treatment.

IMPORTANT: For water with a hardness greater

than 10 grains (at 6.9 pH) the use of a softener is recommended. Failure to install a softener will reduce the life of the Reverse Osmosis cartridge.

RO DRAIN CONNECTION

A suitable drain point and air gap (check your state and/or local codes) are needed for reject

water from the Reverse Osmosis membrane cartridge.

RO FAUCET

The RO product water faucet installs on the sink or on the countertop next to the sink. It may be installed in an existing sink spray attachment hole, or a hole may be drilled. Space is required underneath for tubing to and from the faucet, and for securing the faucet in place. All three faucet tubes are supplied already connected at one end to the faucet.

BASEMENT INSTALLATION

If installing in a basement, leave enough tubing in place during installation to be able to move unit to floor for ease at servicing and making filter/ membrane changes. Additional tubing and fittings required.

NOTE: See parts list on page 25 for optional parts

that may be required for a basement installation.

RO Product Water Faucet

Tank

Connector

3/8” Black

Drain

Water Supply

Fitting

HOT COLD

3/8” Yellow Tube

Red Collet

Yellow Collet

Storage Tank Reverse Osmosis Assembly

Adapter

Sink

P–Trap

Tube

1/4” Red Tube

3/8” Blue Tube

1/4” Green Tube

Green Collet

Blue Collet

+ 19 hidden pages