GE GNSM48F Owner’s Manual & Installation Instructions

Water Softening

system

Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Installation Instructions . . .3–12

Step-by-step instructions . . . . . . .6–12

Operating Instructions

Breaking a salt bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Cleaning the nozzle and

venturi assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15, 16

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 16–20

Water softener system . . . . . . . .13–21

Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . .23–25

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . . . . . . .Back Cover

Parts list/catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27–30

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

ge.com

7289362 215C1173P024 49-50179 07-06 JR

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model # ________________

Serial # ________________

You can find them on the back of the control head.

Model GNSM48F

Owner’s Manual &

Installation Instructions

Water Softening

System

System tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for the chemical reduction claims specified on the performance data sheet .

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

■ Check and comply with your state and local codes.

You must follow these guidelines.

■ 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 overall intake. Potassium chloride can be used as an 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, PELLET or coarse SOLAR salts 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 .

WARNING: Do not use with water that

is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

PROPER INSTALLATION

■ 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 100°F.

■ Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessive sun 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.

■

The water 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. Use a 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 GE point-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.

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

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

WARNING!

Installation Water Softening System Instructions

Model GNSM48F

Questions? Call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) or Visit our Website at: ge.com

BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

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.

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.

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 daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure may exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve if necessary. (Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the flow.)

• The softener works on 24 volt-60 Hz electrical power only. 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 microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. The water should be tested periodically to verify that the system is performing satisfactorily.

• Small parts remaining after the installation could be a choke hazard. Discard safely.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

• In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,

Plumbing Code 248 CMR shall be adhered to. Consult with your licensed plumber.

• Use only lead-free solder and flux for all sweatsolder connections, as required by state and federal codes.

• Connect the softener to the main water supply 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°F.

Installation Instructions

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Be sure to check the entire softener for any shipping damage or parts loss. Also note damage to the shipping cartons. Contact the transportation company 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 you are ready to use them. Be sure not to discard components hidden in packaging.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION

• Pliers

• Screwdriver

• Teflon tape

• Razor knife

• Two adjustable wrenches

• Additional tools may be required if modification

to home plumbing is necessary.

• 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 supply pipe, up to the softener inlet and outlet. Then, use the necessary adapters to connect the water supply to the 1″ NPT male adapters.

• Use the included bypass valve to install the

softener. The bypass valve allows you 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 bypass valve with the included bypass clips.

• 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 comply with

plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed to connect a 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 11.

WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER

• Place the softener as 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 by

the warranty.

• 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 likely to occur if a leak develops. The manufacturer will not repair or pay 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, 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. Outdoor installation is

not recommended, and voids the warranty.

• Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. The sun’s heat may distort non-metallic parts and may damage the electronics.

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?

WARNING: Use only 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.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Soft water

MAIN WATER PIPE

Hard water

NOTE: See Drain Hose Connections section.

24V transformer

120-volt outlet

O-rings (2)

1″ NPT male adapter (2)

Clips (2)

1″ female adapter (2) (not supplied)

Clips

O-rings (2)

Brine

tank

INLET

Hard water to outside faucets

Fig. 1

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

from the left. Include single

or 3-valve bypass.

Hard water

From softener outlet

Soft water

To softener inlet

OPTIONAL 3-VALVE BYPASS INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Bypass valve

Hard water to outside faucets

Inlet valve

Outlet valve

O-rings (2)

1″ NPT male adapter (2)

Clips (2)

INLET

MAIN WATER PIPE

Hard water

Soft water

120-volt outlet

24V transformer

1″ female adapter (2) (not supplied)

Fig. 2

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

from the left. Include single

or 3-valve bypass.

Hard water

From softener outlet

Soft water

To softener inlet

Brine tank

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 snaps into

place. Pull on the drain fitting to make sure it is held securely in place.

INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

• Remove plastic shipping plug and wire from valve outlet.

• Push the bypass valve (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 top down, as shown.

• Push the NPT adapters (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.

Valve body inlet or outlet

Bypass valve

(push all the way in)

Clip

END VIEW

SIDE VIEW

Installation Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Turn off the gas or electric supply to the water heater, in the possibility that the water heater may be drained while draining pipes.

• Turn off the water supply 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.

Turbine Valve outlet Turbine shaft and

support

NOTE: Be sure the turbine and support are firmly in place in the valve outlet. Blow into the valve port and observe the turbine for free rotation.

Clips

O-rings

O-ring seal goes into the outer groove only. The clip snaps into

the inner groove (see below).

NPT adapter

Drain fitting

MOVE THE SOFTENER ASSEMBLY INTO INSTALLATION POSITION

CAUTION:

• Secure the resin tank to a stable structure to

prevent it from falling over.

• Locate the brine tank directly next to the resin tank.

• Be sure the installation surface is level and smooth. Sharp objects under the brine tank may puncture it. If needed, place the brine tank on a section of 3/4″ thick (minimum) plywood. Then, place shims under the plywood as needed to level the softener.

• Connect the black brine valve tube from the brinewell to the venturi assembly on the valve, using the plastic nut provided.

PLUMB “IN” AND “OUT” PIPES TO AND FROM SOFTENER

CAUTION: Observe all of the following

cautions as you connect inlet and outlet plumbing. See Typical Installation Illustration.

• 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 bypass valve upside down as shown.

• 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.

• Slide softener back into position.

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

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

Installation Instructions

OUT

Turn bypass valve upside down to connect to floor level plumbing

CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE

IMPORTANT: If you want 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 8.

• Locate the other end of the hose at a suitable drain point (floor drain, sump, laundry 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 cycles 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.”

Barbs for 3/8″I.D. tubing

Hose clamp

1/4″NPT thread

Drain hose

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 ELEVATE this hose higher than the elbow on the brine tank.

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

NOTE: This drain is for safety only. If the cabinet

(brine tank) should over-fill with water, the excess is carried to the drain.

BRINE TUBING CONNECTION

• Route the brine tubing out of the largest hole in

the brine tank sidewall. Use the compression nut (in parts bag) to connect tubing to the nozzle assembly at the main valve.

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 may be raised to a maximum height of 14′.

CONNECTING A RIGID VALVE DRAIN TUBE

To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, buy a compression fitting (1/4 NPT x 1/2″ O.D. tube) and needed tubing from your local hardware store.

Clip

1/4″ NPT thread

1/2″ outside diameter copper tube (not provided)

Compression fitting 1/4 NPT x 1/2″ O.D. tube (not provided)

Cut barbs from valve drain elbow (pull clip and remove drain valve elbow from valve)

Barbs

Brine tubing

Compression nut

Nozzle assembly

Valve assembly

Brine tank

Fig. 4A

Drain fitting on valve

Valve drain hose

FLOOR DRAIN

Tie or wire hose in place

STANDPIPE

LAUNDRY TUB

SUMP

Clamp

⁄2″ air gap

INSTALL TIMER AND COVERS AND MAKE HARNESS CONNECTION

See separate instructions included in box with parts.

To sewer drain

Hose clamp

Hose adapter

Grommet

Overflow drain hose

Brine tank

Venturi nozzle

Brinewell

INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

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.

Ground Clamp

From valve outlet

To valve inlet

Installation Instructions

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.

ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE BRINE TANK

• Lift the salt hole cover. Add about 3 gallons 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 lbs. 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 lbs. of salt will last for several months, depending on water hardness, family size and water softening system model.

FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS

CAUTION: To avoid water or air

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.

• 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 assembly, 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 only.

Be sure the outlet is always live so it can not be switched off by mistake.

• Replace the top cover.

• Replace the salt hole cover.

PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL

TIMER SETTINGS REQUIRED upon installation and

after an extended power outage.

NOTES:

• When the transformer is plugged into the

electrical outlet, 12:00 AM is flashing and the words PRESENT TIME show in the upper display area. Program the timer as instructed below. If, A--- is flashing, see the Setting Model Code section.

• A beep sounds while pressing buttons for timer

programming. One beep signals a change in the timer display. Repeated beeps means the timer will not accept a change from the button or arrow you have pressed and you should use another.

• To program the timer, you will use the SET, UP (+)

and DOWN (-) buttons.

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

NOTE: If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the display, press the SET button until they do.

1. Press the UP (+) or DOWN (-) button to set. The UP button moves the display ahead; the DOWN

button moves the time backward.

NOTE: Each press of an UP or DOWN button changes the

time by 1 minute. Holding the buttons in changes the time 32 minutes each second.

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

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

2. When the present time shows, press SET to apply.

Down (–) button Data button

Up (+) button

Display

Touch or Hold button

Set button

RECHARGE TONIGHT

RECHARGE NOW

Excel

TOUCH

HOLD

SET

DATA

TIME HARDNESS

REMAINING CAPACITY FLOW RATE GPM GALLONS TODAY AVG. DAILY GALLONS

PRESENT TIME

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