GE GXSH39E03, GNSH45E04, GNSH45E03 Owner’s Manual

ge.com

Safetg Information ............. 2

Installation Instructions .... 3-14

Step-bLI-step instructions ........ 6-14

Operating Instructions

Breaking a salt bridge ............. 16

Cleaning the nozzle and

venturi assemblg .................. 16

Features .......................... 17

Service ..................... 15, 18-20

Water softener sgstem ......... 15-20

Care and Cleaning ............. 21

Troubleshooting Tips ...... 22-24

Consumer Support

Consumer Support ........ Back Cover

Parts list/catalog ............... 27-30

WarrantLl (U.S.) .................... 31

WarrantLI (Canada) ................ 32

Water

Softening

Sgstem

Models GXSH39E, GNSH45E

Sistema Suavizante

de Agua

Modelos GXSH39E, GNSH45E

La secci6n en espa_ol empieza en la p6gina 33

Sgstem tested and certified bg NSFInternational against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for the

chemical reduction claims specified on the performance data sheet.

Sistema probado g certificado par NSFInternational contra norma 44 de NSF/ANSIpara las

afirmaciones de reducci6n de los productos quimicos especificadas en la hoja de datos de funcionamiento.

Sgstem Tested and Certified bg the Water Qualitg Association against CSAB485.!. Sistema probado g certificado par Water Qualitg Association en cumplimiento con CSAB485.!.

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model #

Serial #

To find these numbers, lift the

cover and look on the rim below the control panel.

7283950 215Cl173P025

49-50180-2 09-08JR

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

WARNING!

For Four safet_l, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of electric shock, property damage or personal injury.

SAFETYPRECAUTIONS

Check and comply with your state and local codes.

You must follow these guidelines.

iiiilDiiii:,

Use care when handling the water softening

system. Do not turn upside down, drop, drag or set on sharp protrusions.

Water softening systems using sodium chloride (salt) for recharge add sodium to the water.

Persons on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overal! intake.

Potassium chloride can be used as on alternative to sodium chloride in your softener.

The water softening system works on 24 volt-60 Hz

electrical power only. Be sure to use only the

included transformer.

Transformer must be plugged into an indoor

120 volt, grounded outlet only.

Use clean water softening salts only, at least 99.5%

pure. NUGGET,PELLETor coarse SOLARsalts are recommended. Do not use rock, block, granulated

or ice cream making salts. They contain dirt and sediments, or mush and cake, and will create

maintenance problems.

Keep the salt hole cover in place on the softener

unless servicing the unit or refilling with salt.

WARN!NG:00notusewithwaterthat

ismicrobiologically unsafe or of unknown quality

without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

PROPERINSTALLATION

This water softening system must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

iiiilDiiii:_

Install or store where it will not be exposed to

temperatures below freezing or exposed to any type of weather. Water freezing in the system will

break it. Do not attempt to treat water over !O0°R Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessivesun or

heat may cause distortion or other damage to non-metallic parts.

Properly ground to conform with all governing

codes and ordinances.

;, Use only lead-free solder and flux for all

sweat-solder connections, as required by state and federal codes.

iiiiiiiiii;,

Thewater softening system requires a minimum water flow of three gallons per minute at the inlet.

Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi.

If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure may exceed the maximum. Usea pressure reducing valve to reduce the flow if necessary.

Softener resins may degrade in the presence of chlorine above 2 ppm. If you have chlorine in excess

of this amount, you may experience reduced life of the resin. In these conditions, you may wish to

consider purchasing a GEpoint-of-entry household filtration system with a chlorine reducing filter.

WARNING: Discard all unused parts

and packaging material after installation. Small

parts remaining after the installation could be

a choke hazard.

READ AND FOLLOW THISSAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

stall ti

Water Softening System

str cti

Models G×SH39E and GNSH45E

WARNING: Read entire manual. Failure to follow all guides and rules could cause personal

injury or property damage.

• Check with your state and/or local public works department for plumbing codes. You must follow their guides as you install the Water Softening 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.

BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

•IMPORTANT - Savetheseinstructions

for local inspector's use.

• IMPORTANT - Observeallgoverning

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 responsibilitg 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.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

• In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Plumbing Code 248 CMR shell be adhered to.

Consult with your licensed plumber.

• Use onlg lead-free solder and flux for oil sweat- solder connections, as required bg state and

federal codes.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT.)

Use care when handling the softener. Do not turn upside down, drop, drag or set on sharp protrusions.

Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If dagtime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure mog exceed the maximum. Use o pressure reducing valve if necessorg. (Adding o pressure reducing valve mag reduce the flow.)

The softener works on 24 volt-60 Hz electrical power onlg. Be sure to use the included

transformer. Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location to protect

from moisture.

• See Where to Install the Softener section for more details.

-&WARNING: Do not use with water

that is microbiologicollg unsafe or of unknown qualitg without adequate disinfection before or after the sgstem. The water should be tested

periodicollg to verifg that the sgstem is performing satisfactorilg.

• Small ports remaining after the installation could be a choke hazard. Discord safelg.

• Connect the softener to the main water supplg pipe before or ahead of the water heater.

DO NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE SOFTENER. Temperature of water passing

through the softener must be less than 120%.

Installation Instructions

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Be sure to check the entire softener for ang shipping damage or parts loss. Also note damage to the shipping cartons. Contact the transportation compang for all damage and loss claims. The manufacturer is not responsible for damages

in transit. Small parts needed to install the softener are

packaged either in a bag or on a cardboard sheet. To avoid loss of the small parts, keep them packaged until gou are readg to use them. Be sure not to discard components hidden in packaging.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS REgUIRED

FOR INSTALLATION

• Pliers

• Screwdriver

• Teflon tape

• Razor knife

Two adjustable wrenches

Additional tools mag be required if modification to home plumbing is necessarg.

In and out fittings included with the softener are 1" NPT male adapters. You should maintain the

same, or larger, pipe size as the water supplg

pipe, up to the softener inlet and outlet. Then, use the necessorg adapters to connect the water

supplg to the 1" NPT male adapters.

Use the included bgpass valve to install the softener. The bgpass valve allows gou to turn off water to the softener for servicing, but still have water in the house pipes. The in and out fittings

referred to above connect to the bgpass valve with the included bgpass clips.

WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER

Place the softener us close as possible to a sewer drain, or other acceptable drain point or standpipe.

It is recommended to keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft water and salt.

Do not install the softener in a place where it could freeze. Freeze damage is not covered bg

the warrantg.

Do not install the softener where it would block access to the water heater or access to the main water shutoff.

Put the softener in a place where water damage is least likelg to occur if a leak develops. The manufacturer will not repair or pug for water damage.

A 120-volt electric outlet is needed to plug in the included transformer. The softener has a 10-foot

power cable. If the outlet is remote (up to 100 feet), use 18 gauge wire to connect. Be sure the

electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location, to protect from wet weather. Be sure

the outlet is unswitched to prevent accidental shutoff.

If installing in an outside location, gou must take the steps necessarg 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. Outdoor installation is

not recommended, and voids the warrantg. Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.

The sun's heat mag distort non-metallic parts and mug damage the electronics.

Use appropriate fitting/pipe material (i.e.,copper,

brass, galvanized or CPVC)to connect the 1" NTP

plastic adapters to the house plumbing.

If additional drain hose is needed for valve and salt tank drains, it can be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002, part number WS07X10004.

If a rigid valve drain is needed to complg with

plumbing codes, gou can bug the parts needed to connect u 1/2" copper tubing or plastic pipe drain. See Step 5.

Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is

needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 9.

Installation Instructions

PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE

SOFTENER

You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to the softener. Look at the house main water pipe at the point where you will connect the softener.

Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic or

threaded galvanized? What is the pipe size?

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

WARNING: Useonly lead-free solder and

flux to prevent lead poisoning.

See Typical Installation Illustration. Use this as a guide when planning your particular installation. Be sure to direct the incoming hard water supply to the softener valve inlet fitting. The valve is marked

IN and OUT.

OPTIONAL 3-VALVE BYPASS

INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Hard water

Soft water

24V

transformer

120-volt outlet

to outside

PIPE faucets

Inlet valve

Hard

water

Fig. 1

from the left. Include single

water

From

softener t outlet

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

To softener inlet

O-rings (2)

NOTE: See Drain Hose Connections

section.

Soft

water

_'X O-rings (2)

INLET Clips (2)

SALT GOES

HERE

Fig. 2

from the left. Include single

Hard water

From

softener _,To softener outlet inlet

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

Soft

water

1" NPT male

adapter (2)

3-Valve Bypass

System For soft water

service:

• Open the inlet and outlet

valves

• Close the

bypass valve

For bypass hard

water:

• Close the inlet and outlet valves

• Open the

bypass valve

Installation Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Turn off the gas or electric supplg to the water heater, in the possibilitg that the water heater mag be drained while draining pipes.

• Turn off the water supplg to pipes to be cut and drain the house water pipes.

• Open both hot and cold faucets at the lowest location possible.

NOTE: For easier installation, remove the top cover. Release 2 clips at rear of cover. Rotate cover

forward and lift up.

INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

• Remove plastic shipping plug and wire from valve outlet. Turbine

_ Valve outlet

• support

NOTE: Be sure the turbine and support are firmlg in place in the valve outlet. Blow into the valve port

and observe the turbine for free rotation.

Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease) into both ports of the valve as

shown.

Turbine shaft and

1-_ INSTALL DRAIN FITTING

• Push the drain fitting (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease) into the part of the valve

as shown.

• Snap the large plastic clip in place, from the top down as shown. Be sure the clip sneps into

piece. Pull on the drein fitting to meke sure it is held securely in piece.

Drai

HOVE THE SOFTENER ASSEMBLY INTO INSTALLATION POSITION

Before sliding softener in position, be sure the installation surface is level and smooth. Sharp objects under the tank may puncture it. If needed, place the tank on a section of 3/4" thick (minimum) plgwood. Then, place shims under the plgwood as

needed to level the softener. Slide softener into position.

dapter

O-ring seal goes into the outer groove only. The clip snaps into the inner groove (see below).

• Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the top down, as shown.

SIDE Clip VIEW

Valve inlet or

• Push the NPTadapters (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease) into both ports of the valve as

shown

• Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the side, as shown.

END

VIEW

valve

all the way in}

Installation Instructions

PLUMB "IN" AND "OUT" PIPES

TO AND FROM SOFTENER

-4,CAUTION: Observea,ofthefollowing

cautions as you connect inlet and outlet

plumbing, See Typical Installation lllustration.

• BE SURE INCOMING HARD WATER SUPPLY IS

DIRECTED TO THE SOFTENER VALVE INLET PORT. If house water flow is from the left, use a plumbing

crossover as shown in Typical Installation Illustration. If house water flows up from the floor level, turn the bgpass valve upside down as shown.

___O_T urn bypass

valve upside down to connect to

floor level

IN plumbing

• With the softener in place, determine the correct

length of piping required to connect the household plumbing to the NPT male adapter.

• Remove softener from installation space.

• If making a soldered copper installation, do all

sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the NPT adapters and bypass valve. Torch heat will damage plastic parts.

• When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic

fittings, use care not to cross-thread.

• Use Teflon Tape on all external pipe threads.

• Support inlet and outlet plumbing in some manner

(use pipe hangers)to keep the weight off of the valve fittings.

I-_ CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE

DRAIN HOSE

IMPORTANT: If LlOUwant to attach the drain fitting to a rigid tube, see Connecting a Rigid Valve Drain Tube section on next page.

Use the provided drain hose (20' length included) to attach to the valve drain fitting. To keep water pressure from blowing the hose off, use supplied spring clamp to secure in place. Cut the necessary length and use the remainder in Step 6.

1/4" NPT thread

Barbs for 3/8" I.D. tubing

Hose clamp

Drain hose

Locate the other end of the hose at a suitable drain point (floor drain, sump, laundrg tub, etc.)

that terminates at the sewer. Check and comply with local codes.

IMPORTANT: If more drain hose is needed, it should be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002,

part number WS07X10004. The water softener will not work if water cannot exit this hose during recharge.

Tie or wire the hose in place at the drain point.

High water pressure will cause it to whip during the back-wash and fast rinse cgcles of recharge. Also provide an air gap of at least 1-1/2"

between the end of the hose and the drain point. An air gap prevents possible siphoning of

sewer water into the softener, if the sewer should "back-up."

• Slide softener back into position.

• Make final connections to the bLIpass valve and snap clips into place.

Be sure the clips for the bgpass valve and NPT adapters snap into place. Pull on the bgpass valve and NPT adapters to make sure the parts are held securelg in place.

Installation Instructions

CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE {CONT.)

• Elevating the drain hose may cause back pressure that could reduce the brine draw during recharge. If raising the drain line overhead is required to get to the drain point, measure the inlet water pressure to the softener first. For inlet pressures between 20 and 50 psi, do not raise higher than 8' above the floor. For inlet pressure above 50 psi, the drain line Hag be raised to a maximum height of 14'.

Blue indicator light

Valve drain hose

on valve

Tie or

wire

hose in place

FLOOR DRAIN

CONNECTING A RIGID VALVE DRAIN TUBE To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, bug a

compression fitting (1/4 NPT x 1/2" O.D. tube) and needed tubing from gout local hardware store.

1W' air gap

i-_ INSTALL THE BRINE TANK

OVERFLOW FITTINGS AND HOSE

• Insert the rubber grommet into the 3/4" diameter hole in the brine tank sidewall as shown.

• Push the end of the hose adapter elbow into the

grommet as shown.

• Attach a length of hose (use remaining hose from

Step 5)to the hose adapter elbow. Use a hose clamp to hold it in place.

• Locate the other end of the hose at the drain point. DO NOT ELEVATEthis hose higher than the

elbow on the brine tank.

IMPORTANT: DO NOT TEE OVERFLOW HOSE TO VALVE DRAIN HOSE.

NOTE: This drain is for safetg onlg. If the cabinet (brine tank) should over-fill with water, the excess is carried to the drain.

_.4_---- adapter

_----- Hose

t i clamp

Grommetll Do not connect

/1 to valve drain

l \\hose. Overflow ----_ drain hose '_To acceptable

t -"drain

Hose

1/4" NPT Compression fitting

Clip thread 1/4 NPT x 1/2" O.D.

_l__)e___. vided)

Cut barbs from valve drain elbow (pull clip 1/2" outside

and remove drain valve diameter copper elbow from valve) tube (not provided)

Installation Instructions

I-_ INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

A DANGER:Failure to properly attach

ground clamp could result in electrical shock.

If plumbing is metal, to maintain electrical ground continuity in the house cold water piping, install the included ground clamp as shown.

• Clean pipe with emery paper in the area where the clamp is to be installed.

• Install grounding clamps as shown, making sure clamps fit freely around pipe.

• Make sure lock washer is in place.

• Handtighten screw, then one more full turn with screwdriver.

NOTE: When replacing an existing softener, also replace grounding clamps. If removing softener completely, hard-plumb the water line with same type of pipes as the original to assure plumbing integrity and ground continuity over the life of

the home. To valve inlet

J_] FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR

INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS {CONT.)

• Place bypass valve in the "service" position EXACTLY as follows. KEEP SOFT WATER FAUCETS

OPEN. SLOWLY pull or slide the valve stem (out} toward

the service position, pausing several times to allow the softener to pressurize slowly.

After about 3 minutes, open a HOT water faucet for 1 minute, or until all air is expelled, then close. NOTE: If water appears cloudy or has salty

taste, allow to run for several more minutes, or until clear.

• Close all water faucets.

Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix right away if any are found. Be sure to observe previous caution notes.

Turn on the gas or electric supply to the water heater. Light the pilot, if applicable.

Ground - Clamp

From valve

_ outlet

l-_ FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS

-ACAUTION: Toavoidwaterorair

pressure damage to softener inner parts, be

sure to do the following steps in exact order.

• Fully open 2 cold soft water faucets nearby the softener.

• Place bypass valve in "bypass" position by

pushing the stem inward.

_1 ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE

BRINE TANK

• Lift the salt hole cover. Add about :3gallons of water into the tank. Do not add into the brinewell.

Fill tank with NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR

water softener salt with a purity of 99.5% or higher. Do not use rock, block, granulated and ice cream-making salts, or salt with iron-removing additives (except for Diamond Crystal ® Red.Out ® brand salt). Maximum salt storage capacity is approximately 200 Ibs. Keep the salt hole cover closed unless servicing the unit or refilling

with salt.

NOTE: If the softener is installed in a humid basement or other damp area, it is better to fill the

tank with less salt, more frequently. Eighty to 100

Ibs. of salt will last for several months, depending on water hardness, family size and water softening system model.

• Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff valve. Observe a steady flow from both faucets opened above.

Installation Instructions

CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER

To gain access to the transformer/power cord assemblg, remove the salt hole cover from the softener. Unclip the tabs on the rear of the top cover and rotate the cover upward to remove. DO NOT

PULL OR DISCONNECT WIRING.

• The softener works on 24 volt-60Hz electric power. The included transformer changes

standard 120-volt AC house power to 24 volts. Plug the transformer into a 120-volt outlet onlg. Be sure the outlet is alwags live so it can not be switched off bg mistake.

• Replace the top cover.

• Replace the salt hole cover.

PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL

CONTROL SETTINGS REgUIRED upon installation and after an extended power outage.

NOTES:

• WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PLUGGED INTO THE ELECTRICALOUTLET, 12:00 PM (flashing), and an

arrow I_ is displaLled next to PRESENT TIME on the faceplate decal. The blue indicator light will also flash. Program the control as instructed

below.

I- i

If ,-no--- is flashing, use the UP • button to set the correct F or P code as follows: P39 for

GXSH39E or P4S for GNSH45E. If you pass by the correct code number, use the DOWN • button.

Then press the MODE button to accept the correct model.

• A "beep" sounds while pressing buttons for control programming. One beep signals a change in the control displaLI. Repeated beeps mean the control will not accept a change from the button Llou have pressed, and Llou should select another button.

• To program the control, Llou will use the UP •, DOWN • and MODE buttons.

• Use the MODE button to scroll arrow !_ to desired control function.

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

1. Press the MODE button _L 2: In

until arrow I_ points to p, __ ILl i_ PRESENTTJME PRESENT TIME.

2. Press UP • or DOWN

• button to set. The UP button advances the

time; the DOWN button moves the time in reverse.

If the present time is between noon and midnight, be sure PM shows in the displaLI. If the present time is between midnight and noon, be sure AM shows in the displaLI.

NOTE: Each press of an UP • or DOWN • button changes the time bLI one minute. Holding the button changes the time at a rapid rate.

3. When the present time is correct, press MODE to accept.

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

1. Press the MODE button &'v_ 2Ei_

until arrow I_ points to - -_ HARDNESS. .ARDNESS

2. Press UP • or DOWN •

button to set Llour water hardness number in the displaLI. DOWN decreases the hardness value. UP

increases the hardness value.

NOTE: Each press of a button changes the displaLI bLI 1, between 1and 25. Above 25, the displaLI changes 5 at a time (25, 30, 35, etc.). Holding a button in changes the numbers at a rapid rate.

Installation Instructions

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER (CONT.}

3. When the display shows your water hardness (in grains per gallon), press MODE to accept.

NOTE: If there is clear water iron in your water supply, you will need to increase the hardness setting by 5 for each 1 ppm of clear water iron in your water supply.

You can get the grains per gallon (gpg} hardness of your water supply from a water analysis laboratory. If you are on a municipal supply, call your local water department. Or call Legend Technical Services, an independent laboratory, to request a water hardness test kit at 1.800.949.8220, Option 4. If your report shows hardness in parts per million {ppm} or milligrams per liter (my/I}, simply divide by 17.1 to get the equivalent number of grains per gallon.

SET RECHARGE (STARTING} TIME

i. Press the MODE button t_l C.uu

until arrow I_ points to RECHARG ETI M E. I _| RECHARGE

NOTE: A flashing 2:00 AM (factory default) should show in the display. This is e good time for recharge to start (takes about 2 hours)

in most households because water is not in use.

HARD WATER is bypassed to house faucets during recharge.

If no change is needed, go to step 3. To change the recharge starting time, follow step 2.

2. Press UP • or DOWN • button to set the desired

recharge start time. Be sure to observe the AM or PM as you did when setting the time of day.

NOTE: Each press of u button changes the time by

1 hour. Holding the buttons in changes the time at a rapid rate.

3. Press the MODE button to accept.

AM:,.nOli

I ) TIME

SET SALT LEVEL

i. Press the MODE button It_1 mm ,.] SALTLEVEL

SALT LEVEL.

until arrow I_ points to [ u.u ]

2. Determine level of salt in brine tank using yellow indicator on side of brine

well, inside brine tank (see illustration on page 5).

Press UP • or DOWN • button to set the SALT

LEVEL to correspond to level on yellow indicator

in brine tank.

NOTE: Each press of e button changes the level by increments of 0.5 up to 8.0. As the number increases, the suit level burs increase on each whole number. Lowering the suit level below zero turns the

SALT LEVEL indicator OFF.

4. Press the MODE button to accept. The display shows the

present time of day end DAYS

TO EMPTY. RECHARGE TONIGHT

may appear if unit is new.

..... -t. 3

SALT I I h'_ _] SALT LEVEL

3._nl I

DAYS TO EMPTY

The words DAYS TO EMPTY and o rSALTI 3. inl 1

numberareshownthe,owerha,fI..... I

ofthe display.Thisinformationis Iml i-I--I

shown inthe normal run display. LEI J

This is to inform the user of the number of days before the suit level in the brine

tank reaches Level 0. There will be suit left in the salt tank, but it mug not be sufficient to fully recharge

the system. Suit should be added at this time to avoid hard water. The value is updated daily and whenever the SALT LEVEL value is changed.

NOTE: For the first several weeks of operation, the DAYS TO EMPTY may provide erratic operation. For example, the blue indicator light may flash, showing that more salt is required when the actual salt level

in the tank is well above the Level 0. In some cases,

the DAYS TO EMPTY may even increaseovera severalweek period.

It takes a couple of months for the water softener to learn your water usage pattern. Once it does this, it will accurately determine actual salt usage pattern. During this first period, check salt level when blue indicator light flashes. If the salt level in the tank is at Level 1 or above, allow system to run. Be sure to reset your salt level indicator each time you add salt to the system.

Installation Instructions

OPTIONAL CONTROL SETTINGS

The controller display has several options and features.

LOW SALT ALARM [,L_ ]

The

LOW SALT ALARM, when I.--- J-I

enabled, will sound the beeper LiE 4_/ un when the DAYS TO EMPTY value is

15 days or less. To change this setting, press and hold the MODE button for 3 seconds. ON (factory default) or OFF will flash in the display. Press the UP

• or DOWN • buttons to toggle this feature ON or OFF.Press the MODE button to accept, and the display will move to SALT EFFICIENCY.

When the SALT EFFICIENCY rl SALT EFFICIENCY I_&__ ]

feature is ON, the unit will operate _ up-!_ at a salt efficiency of 4000 grains of hardness removed per pound of salt. This mode of operation is the most efficient setting for salt usage, because the system will tend to recharge more often, with less salt usage. Turning the feature OFF will tend to lengthen the time between recharge cycles, which will provide the most efficient usage of water, but may use more salt. The degree of difference between these two cycles is highly dependent on the water usage and hardness at a particular installation.

NOTE: California Regulations require this feature to

be ON for installations in California. To change the setting, press the UP • or DOWN •

buttons to toggle the feature ON or OFF. Press the

NODE button to accept. The display will move to

SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS.

DIAGNOSTICS n r, n

SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC _ I_ _ I This display contains system uuu

diagnostics information to assist in troubleshooting problems with the system. See page

18 for details. Press the MODE button to return to

the normal run display.

FEATURE: OTHER DATA DISPLAYS

These models have an option to have the run display indicate different information. The information displayed on the top half of the display can be changed to one of the following:

CAPACITY REMAINING - This is the percentage of

water softening capacity remaining. Immediately

after a regeneration, 100% shows. As water is used, the percentage will decrease until the

next regeneration. During regenerations,

the percentage increments upward. When PRESENTTIME is displayed, f_#_\l",_"_°UO I ]

press the DOWN • button; % J J_ .... t /

REH will appear in the display. J: I

The value shown is between 0 andL_! ........-;...... ! J

100 percent. This value is based on current operating capacity. Pressing the UP • button will return the screen to the previous display.

• AVERAGE DAILY GALLONS - The figure displayed is the average gallons of water used by the household each dog over the post seven-dog period.

Press the DOWN • button again

to display the Average Daily Gallons. ADG will appear in the display. This value is updated every night at midnight. Pressing the UP • button will return the screen to the previous display.

FLOW RATE, GPH - When using soft water, this display shows the flow rate passing through the softener (in gallons per minute). Zero shows if

water is not passing through the softener.

Press the DOWN • button again _1 ,uc ]

todisplaytheflowrate.GPM willII ..... I

appear inthe display.Thisvalue

is updated every Vesecond. ...... ......I J

Pressing the UP • button will return the screen to the previous display. Pressing

the DOWN • button will return the screen to the PRESENT TIME display.

SALT 3 IT

........ CO

= 2

RECHARGE TONI6HT

I_W!o_o,Lj I I

I I'_

Installation Instructions

SIGNALS

LOST TIME SIGNAL

If time is lost on the display due to power interruption, the blue indicator light will flash 4 times every second, until the present time of day

is entered.

LOW SALT SIGNAL When the DAYS TO EMPTY drops to 15, the blue

indicator light and DAYS TO EMPTY in the display will flash every second and the alarm will beep every 30 seconds (from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM),to notify the user that the unit is running low on salt. As soon as any button is pressed, the alarm will stop beeping. The blue indicator light and DAYSTO

EMPTY will continue to flash. Once salt is added to the brine tank and the SALT LEVEL is reset, the

DAYSTO EMPTY will be reset.

ERROR SIGNALS

If there is an error code detected, [t_ E r r ]

the blue indicator light will flash 4 times every second, the display will I

flash Err and the alarm will beep every 30 seconds (from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) to signal that the softener requires service. The alarm can be turned off by pressing any button, but the blue indicator light and display will continue

to flash. See page 18 for information to assist in

troubleshooting error codes. Once the problem is corrected, disconnect the transformer from the wall outlet momentarily, and plug it back in. The normal display will appear. The motor may run for several minutes, as the unit resets. If the problem is not corrected, the error code will reappear in 6 minutes.

BLUE INDICATOR LIGHT Steady blue light indicates that the unit is working

correctly. The light flashes when the unit needs attention from the user.

• Light flashes and DAYSTO EMPTY flashes-check

salt level and odd salt as required.

• Light flashes and Err is in the display-electrical

problem with system-see page 18.

• Light will also flash when power to the unit has

been interrupted. Check the PRESENT TIME setting.

SANITIZING PROCEDURES

Installation Instructions

To complete the installation, do the following sanitizing procedures.

Care is taken at the factory to keep your water softener clean and sanitary. Materials used to make the softener will not infect or contaminate your water supply and will not cause bacteria to form or grow.

However, during shipping, storage, installation and operation, bacteria could get into the softener. For this reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested when installing.

NOTE: Sanitizing is recommended by the Water Quality Association for disinfecting.

Be sure to complete all installation steps, including programming the control.

Pour about 3/4 oz. (1Vztablespoons) of common

5.25% unscented household bleach (Clorox, Linco, Bo Peep, White Sail, Eagle, etc.)into the brinewell. Refer to illustration on page 5.

. IMPORTANT: Press and hold for 3 seconds

the faceplate RECHARGE _ button to start an immediate recharge. RECHARGE begins to flash in the display. The bleach will be drawn through the

water softener, and out the drain. This process takes approximately 2 hours.

4. If, after sanitization, water from the house faucet tastes salty or has a slight color, this is a preservative from the resin tank. Turn on the cold

soft water faucets and drain for a few minutes or until clear.

NOTE: When the sanitizing recharge is over, all remaining bleach is flushed from the conditioner and your house COLD water supply is fully soft immediately. However, your water heater is filled with hard water and as hot water is used, it will refill with soft water. When all the hard water is replaced in the water heater, hot only and mixed hot and cold water will be fully soft. If you want totally soft water immediately, after the above recharge, drain the

water heater until the water runs cold.

-&WARNING: ,f you do drain the water

heater, use extreme care as the hot water could cause burns. Turn the water heater off prior to draining.

SPECIFICATIONS/D IMENSIONS

Rated Capacity*

Rated Efficiency**

Amount of High Capacity Resin (Ibs/cu. ft)

ResinTank Nominal Size (in.,dia. x height) Service Flow Rate (gpm) Water Supply Maximum Hardness (gpg) Water Supply Maximum Clear Water Iron (ppm)*** Water Pressure Limits (min.-max. psi)****

Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow (psig) Water Temperature Limits (min.-max. °F)

Maximum Flow Rate to Drain (gpm)

These systems conform to NSF/ANS144 for the specific capacity claims as verified and substantiated by test data. * Testing was performed using pellet grade sodium chloride as the regenerant salt.

** Efficiency rating is valid only at the lowest stated salt dosage. These softeners were efficiency rated according to

NSF/ANS144.

*** Extent of iron removal may vary with conditions. The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WOA

test data. State of Wisconsin requires additional treatment if water supply contains greater than 5 ppm clear water iron. Use of Diamond Crystal ® Red,Out ®or Super Iron Out® will improve iron removal. Referto Cleaning Iron Out

of the Water Softening System section.

**** Canada working pressure limits: 1.4-7.0 kg/cm<

G×SH39E

!!,700 grains with

2.3 Ibs of salt

30,800 grains with

8.5 Ibs of salt

39,000 grains with

1/4.7Ibsof salt

5,100 grains/lb.

@2.3 Ibs. of salt

56.2/1.08 9x 40

110

20-125

1/4

40-120

2.3

GNSH45E

13,300 grains with

2.6 Ibs of salt

35,500 grains with

9.8 Ibs of salt

45,100 grains with

17.0 Ibsof salt

5,!20 grains/lb.

@ 2.6 Ibs. of salt

65.0/1.25 i0 x 40

9.5 160

20-125

40-120

2.3

INLET-

OOT_ _ T/\

i -q- 19" -m_

471A"

411/4" _- 16"-_

3%" k---

-___

About the water softener system, ge.com

Service

When the water softening system is providing soft water, it is called "Service." During service,

hard water flows from the house main water pipe into the water softening system. Inside the water

softening system resin tank isa bed made up of thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads. Ashard

water passes through the bed, each bead attracts and holds the hard minerals. This is

called ion-exchanging. It is much like a magnet attracting and holding metals. Water without hard minerals (soft water) flows from the water

softening system and to the house pipes.

After a period of time, the resin beads become coated with hard minerals and they have to be

cleaned. This cleaning is called recharge. Recharge is started at 2:00 AM (factory setting)

by the water softening system control, and consists of five stages or cycles. These are FILL,

BRINING, BRINE RINSE,BACKWASHand FAST RINSE.

Automatic Hard Water Bgpass During Recharge

For emergency needs, hard water is available to the home during the recharge cycles.

Fill

Salt dissolved in water is called brine. Brine is needed to clean the hard minerals from resin

beads. To make the brine, water flows into the salt storage area during the fill stage.

However, you should avoid using HOT water because the water heater will fill with the hard

water.

Backwash

During backwash, water travels up through the resin tank at a fast flow rate, flushing

accumulated iron, dirt and sediments from the resin bed and to the drain.

Brining

During brining, brine travels from the salt storage area into the resin tank. Brine isthe cleaning

agent needed to remove hard minerals from the resin beads. The hard minerals and brine are

discharged to the drain. The nozzle and venturi create a suction to move

the brine, maintaining a very slow rate to get the best resin cleaning with the least salt.

Brine Rinse

After a pre-measured amount of brine is used, the brine valve closes. Water continues to flow in

the same path as during brining, except for the discontinued brine flow. Hard minerals and brine

flush from the resin tank to the drain.

Fast Rinse

Backwash isfollowed by a fast flow of water down through the resin tank. The fast flow flushes brine from the bottom of the tank,

and packs the resin bed. After fast rinse, the water softening system

returns to soft water service.

About the water softener system.

Breaking a Salt Bridge

Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt storage area. It is usuallg caused bg high

humiditg or the wrong kind of salt. When the salt bridges, an emptg space forms between the

water and salt. Then salt will not dissolve in the water to make brine.

If the brine tank isfull of salt, it is hard to tell if gou have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is under it. The following is the best

wag to check for a salt bridge. Salt should be loose all the wag to the bottom of

the tank. Take a broom handle or like tool, and carefullg push it down into the salt, working it up

and down. If the tool strikes a hard object (be sure it's not the bottom or sides of the tank), it's

most likelg a salt bridge. Carefullg break the bridge with the tool. Do not pound on the walls

of the tank. If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it

out. Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt onlg. In humid areas, it is best to fill with less salt,

more often to prevent a salt bridge from forming.

Push tool into salt bridge to break

Pencil mark

Broom handle

bridge

Water level

Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly

A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the water softening system to work properly. This

small unit makes the suction to move brine from the salt storage area to the resin tank during

recharge. If it becomes plugged with sand, dirt, etc., the water softening sgstem will not work

and gou will get hard water. Toget to the nozzle and venturi, remove the

water softening sgstem top cover. Be sure the water softening sgstem is in service cgcle (no

water pressure at nozzle and venturi). Then, while holding the nozzle and venturi housing with one

hand, remove the cap. Lift out the screen support and screen, then the nozzle and venturi. Wash

and rinse the parts in warm water until clean. If needed, use asmall brush to remove iron or dirt.

Also check and clean the gasket. NOTE:Some models hove a small flow plug

located in the nozzle and venturi, and/or a small cone shaped screen in the housing. Besure to

check and clean these parts, if gout model is so equipped.

Carefullg replace all parts in the correct order. Lightlg lubricate the o-ring seal with clean

silicone grease or petroleumjellg and place in position. Install and tighten the cap, bg hand

onlg. Do not overtighten the cap.

Cap __

O-ring seal _O

Screen _@

support

Screen

_Flow plug __

Venturi

Nozzle & Z_

Gasket

_ Screen

_Flow __

plug

Nozzle & l

Venturi

housing

IMPORTANT:Be sure small holes in the gasket are centered directlg over the small holes in the nozzle and venturi housing,

*Install with numbered side up, concave side down.

Normal Operation, Control Displays

During normal operation, the present time of dQy QndAM or PH and DAYSTOEMPTYshow

in the control displQy QreQ.When the demand computer determines a rechQrge is needed,

RECHARGETONIGHT begins to flQsh in the display along with the present time. RECHARGE

TONIGHTflashes until the next rechQrge start time, then chQnges to RECHARGE,which flQshes

until the rechQrge isover.

Feature: Optional Recharge Controls

Sometimes, a manuQIly started rechQrge may be desired or needed. Two exomples:

You hove used more water thQn usuQI(house guests, extra washing, etc.) and you may run out of soft water before the next rechQrge.

The system ran out of sQIt.

Use one of the following feQtures to start a rechQrge immediQtely, or at the next preset

rechQrge start time.

ge.com

RECHARGE TONIGHT

Touch (do not hold) the RECHARGE_ button.

RECHARGETONIGHTflQshes in the control

displQy areQ.A rechQrge will occur at the next

preset recharge start time. If you decide to cancel

this recharge, touch the same button once more.

RECHARGE

Press and hold the RECHARGE@ button until

RECHARGEstarts to flash in the control display

area. The water softening system begins an

immediate recharge and, when over in about two

hours, you will have a new supply of soft water.

Once started, you cannot cancel this recharge.

Feature: Memory

If electrical power to the water softening system is interrupted, the control display is blank, and

the blue indicator light is off, but the control keeps correct time for about 6 hours. When

power isrestored, you have to reset the present time only if the display and blue indicator light

are flashing. All other settings are maintained and never require resetting unless a change is

desired.

If the time is flashing after a long power outage,

the water softening system continues to work as

it should to provide you with soft water. However,

recharge may occur at the wrong time of day

until you reset the control to the correct time

of day.

Feature/Service: Automatic Electronic Diagnostics

The control computer has a self-diagnostic function for the electrical system (except input

power and water meter). The computer monitors the electronic components and circuits for

correct operation. If a malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the control display.

The chart on Error Codes shows the error

codes that could appear and possible reasons

for each code. See Monuo!ly Initioted Electronics

Diognostics to further isolate the defect.

About the water softener sgstem.

Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service

ERRORCODE DISPLAYED ERR0,3 ERR04 ERR05

POSSIBLEDEFECT •Control

Toremove an error code: 1. Unplug transformer.

ERR01

• Motor inoperative

•Wiring harness or

connection

to switch

• Position switch

• Control

2.Correct defect.

3.Plug transformer in.

4. Wait for at least 6 minutes. Theerror codewi!! return if the reason for

the error code was not corrected.

ERR 02

• Position switch

•Control

.Motor

inoperative or wiring harness

,Control

•Position switch or

wiring harness

•Control

Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure

If you are not getting soft water, and an error code is not displayed, use the procedures below

to find the problem. First make the following visual checks.

VISUAL CHECKS:

1. Is there electrical power to the outlet the water

softening system transformer is plugged into?

CONTROL DISPLAY

BLANK.

CONTROL SHOWS

WRONG TIHE AND

DAY,AND/OR IS FLASHING.

Checkelectrical power to control

transformer,

__ (outlet,

power cable,all connections).

Electricalpower was

off. Resetthe correct time of day.

Z Is there sufficient salt in the storage tank?

3. Is the softener bypass valve directing water for soft water service?

4. Isthe valve drain hose open to the drain, not more than 8' above the softener, and

unobstructed? If hose is above 8', see page 8, step 5.

If you do not find a problem with the visual checks, continue below.

Investigatereason for power loss.

REPAIRAS NEEDED

CONTROL DEFECTIVE

diagnostics

i Domanual

to verify

proper

function.

CONTROL DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECTTIHE

AND DAYAND IS

STEADY.

Domanual diagnostics.

Service: Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics

ge.com

1. Toenter diagnostics, press and hold the MODE button for 3 seconds until

the Low Salt Alarm screen shows.

LEVEL

4_/)0 rl

SALT l

to advance through Low Salt Alarm 2_ U and Salt Efficiency options. See ftmn

2.PresstheMODEbutton2times Ft _ 1 Programming the Contro! for U U U

details on these two options.

3. OPERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS

Motor Position

Valve ] ,switch

pos,t, f

r ;L

Water meter

• Valve Position- Pressthe RECHARGE_ button to initiate

a recharge cycle. Press again to manually index valve to next position. See Service: Monuo!ly Advance Recharge

Checkfor details.

0 - Service i - Fill

2 - Brine 3 - Backwash

4 - Fast Rinse

Motor Operation - Two dashes will circulate around

when motor should be running.

Position Switch Operation -

r ,_- Closed - valve rotating to next position

n u - Open - valve in position, service, fill, brine, etc.

Water Meter - Indicates whether water is flowing through valve.

- If there is no reading in the display, with faucet open, check the sensor. Pull the sensor from the valve outlet

port, and pass a small magnet in front of the sensor.

Counter should index in the display. If counter does

not index, check to make sure harness isconnected to board properly. If there is a reading inthe display, there may be a problem associated with the turbine.

Turn off water supply, close the bypass valve and disconnect bypass valve from body. Check turbine for binding or restriction due to debris. If this does

not correct the problem, the Timer, Sensor or Turbine

may require replacement.

4. Historical data about the softener isavailable. Press and hold the UP • button to display the number

of days this control has had electrical power applied. Press and hold the DOWN • button to display the

number of recharges initiated by this control since the model code number was entered.

5. Pressthe MODE button to return to normal operation

and display.

Service: Set Model (F or P) Code

1. Tochange or check model code, first press and hold the

MODE button for 3 seconds until the Low Salt Alarm screen shows.

2. Pressand hold the MODE button again

for 3 seconds. A display with r

__on at

the top will appear.

3. Pressthe UP • or DOWN • buttons to

select the correct model code.

P39-GXSH39E or P45-GNSH45E

4. Pressthe MODE button one time to return to normal

operation and display. If the model code was changed:

the display will go blank momentarily, then display the

model code entered.

SALT F i

..... L 0 0

p-irl

Position

switch

i housing

Valve outlet

and shaft

support

- 000 indicates no water is flowing through the valve

- Open nearby soft water faucet

- 000 to 141 (continual) shows water is flowing. Display repeats for each gallon of water passing through the

meter. Control will beep at every gallon.

the display will then return to the set present time display,

and the blue indicator light will flash. The control will have

to be reprogrammed. See Programming the Contro!.

NOTE:If the control is left in any of the above diagnostic displays, or a flashing display when setting time, hardness,

etc., it will revert back to the normal display in 4 minutes.

About the water softener sgstem.

Service: Manuallg Advance Recharge Check

NOTE:The control display must show a steady time (not flashing).

1. Pressthe RECHARGE@ button and hold in for three seconds. RECHARGEbegins to flash as

the water softening system enters the fill cycle of recharge. Remove the brinewell cover and,

using a flashlight, observe fill water entering the brine tank. If water does not enter the tank, look for an obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow

plug or brine tubing. SeeCare and Cleaning of the Water Softener System section.

2. After observing fill, press the RECHARGE@

button to move the water softening system into brining. A slow flow of water to the drain

will begin. Verify brine draw from the brine tank by shining a flashlight into the brinewell

and observing a noticeable drop in the liquid

level over an extended period of time.

NOTE: Besure a salt bridge is not preventing water from contacting salt. SeeCare and

cleaning of the water softening system section.

If the water softening sgstem does not draw brine, check:

,, nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective.

defective nozzle and venturi seal.

,, nozzle and venturi not seated properly

on gasket.

,, other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor and

disc, wave washer, etc.).

,, restricted drain (check drain fitting and

hose).

NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated drain hose may cause back pressure,

stopping brine draw.

3. Again, press the RECHARGE@ button to move the water softening system into backwash.

Lookfor a fast flow of water from the drain hose. A slow flow indicates a plugged top

distributor, backwash flow plug or drain hose.

4. Pressthe RECHARGE@ button to move the water softening system into fast rinse. Again

look for a fast drain flow. Allow the water

softening system to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any brine that may remain in the resin tank from the brining cycle test.

5. To return the water softening system to service, press the RECHARGE@ button.

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