GE GNSM48F03, GNSM48F02, GNSM48F00 Owner’s Manual

Safety information ............. 2

installation Instructions ...s-12

Step-bg-step instructions ....... 6-12

Operating Instructions

Breaking a salt bridge ............. !a

Cleaning the nozzle and

venturi assemblg ................. 14

Features ...................... 15, !6

Service .................... 13, 16-20

Water softener sgstem ........ 13-21

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

Troubleshooting Tips ...... 23-25

Consumer Support

Consumer Support ....... Back Cover

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

Warrantg ........................ 31

ge.com

Water Softening

Sgstem

Model GNSM48F

chemical reduction claims specified on the performance data sheet.

System tested and certified by NSFInternational against NSF/ANSIStandard 44 for the

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model # Serial #

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

7289362 215Cl173P024 49-50179 07-06 JR

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

;i WARNING!

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

SAFETYPRECAUTIONS

::Ji::Check and complg with gour state and local codes.

You must follow these guidelines.

::Ji::Use care when handling the water softening

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

?_:Water softening sgstems 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 on alternative to sodium chloride in your softener.

?_:The water softening sgstem works on 24 volt-60 Hz

electrical power onlg. Be sure to use only the

included transformer.

iJi::Transformer must be plugged into an indoor

120 volt, grounded outlet onlg.

::Ji::Use clean water softening salts onlg, at least 99.5%

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

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

maintenance problems.

::J_::Keep the salt hole cover in place on the softener

unless servicing the unit or refilling with salt.

WARN ING: DOnot usewith water that

is microbiologicallg unsafe or of unknown qualitg without adequate disinfection before or after the

sgstem.

PROPERINSTALLATION

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

?_:Install or store where it will not be exposed to

temperatures below freezing or exposed to ang tgpe of weather. Water freezing in the sgstem will

break it. Do not attempt to treat water over 100°R

::J_::Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessivesun or

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

?_:Properlg ground to conform with all governing

codes and ordinances.

!;_:Use onlg lead-free solder and flux for all

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

?_:Softener resins mag degrade in the presence of

chlorine above 2 ppm. If gou have chlorine in excess of this amount, gou mag experience reduced life

of the resin. In these conditions, gou mag wish to consider purchasing a GEpoint-of-entrg household

filtration sgstem with a chlorine reducing filter.

A WARNING: Discard all unused parts

and packaging material after installation. Small

parts remaining after the installation could be

a choke hazard.

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

Maximum allowable inlet water pressureis 125psi. If dagtime pressureis over 80 psi, nighttime pressure

mag exceed the maximum. Usea pressure reducing valve to reduce the flow if necessarg.

READAND FOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMATIONCAREFULLY.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

nstructlons Model GNSM48F

iJns'a"a,ionIwaterso'teninosystemI

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

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

injurg or propertg damage.

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

NOTE: Failure to complg with these installation instructions will void the product warrantg, and the installer will be responsible for ang service, repair or damages caused therebg.

BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

Read these instructions completelg and carefullg.

• IMPORTANT - savetheseinstructions

for local inspector's use.

• IMPORTANT - Observeallgoverning

codes and ordinances.

• Note to Installer- Besure 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 Warrantg,

• 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 gour licensed plumber.

• Use onlg lead-free solder and flux for all 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 mag exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve if necessarg, (Adding a 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.

AWARNI NG:Do not use with water

that is microbiologicallg unsafe or of unknown qualitg without adequate disinfection before or after the system, The water should be tested

periodicallg to verify that the system is performing satisfactorily,

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

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 transiL

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 REQUIRED

FOR INSTALLATION

• Pliers

Screwdriver

• Teflon tape

• Razor knife

Two adjustable wrenches

• Additional tools may be required if modification

to home plumbing is necessarg.

In and out fittings included with the softener are !" 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 necessarg adapters to connect the water

supplg to the !" 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 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 bg the warrantg.

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

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

A &20-volt electric outlet isneeded to plug in the included transformer. The softener has a !0-foot

power cable. If the outlet is remote (up to !00 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 warrants. Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.

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

• Use appropriate fitting/pipe material (i.e., copper, brass, galvanized or CPVC) to connect the !" 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 WS07X!0004.

If a rigid valve drain is needed to complg with plumbing codes, gou can bug the parts needed

to connect a 1/2" copper tubing or plastic pipe drain. See Step S.

Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is

needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 11.

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 gou will connect the softener.

Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic or

threaded galvanized2 What is the pipe size2

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

kWARNING: Use onlg lead-free solder and

flux to prevent lead poisoning,

See Tgpicaf Installation Illustration. Use this as a guide when planning gour 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 MAIN

24V transformer

120-volt outlet

to outside

Pip E faucets

Inlet valve

Hard water

Brine tank

Fig. 1

from the left. Include single

water

From

softener t outlet

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

NOTE: See Drain

Hose Connections

section.

Soft

water

To softener inlet

O-rings (2)

Fig. 2

from the left. Include single

Hard

water (_ !:--::L-{2:::

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

From

softener t

1" NPT male

_, O-rings (2)

INLET Clips (2)

Brine tank

Soft

water

To softener

inlet

pter (2)

outlet Z_

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.

_1 INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

• Remove plastic shipping plug and wire from valve outlet.

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

shown.

Turbine

Turbine shaft and

Clips

[_ 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.

Drain fitting

[3] MOVE THE SOFTENER ASSEMBLY

INTO INSTALLATION POSITION

CAUTION:

• Secure the resin tank to a stable structure to

prevent it from fulling over.

• Locate the brine tank directlg next to the resin

tank. Be sure the installation surface is level and

smooth. Sharp objects under the brine tank mag puncture it. If needed, place the brine tank on a section of 3/4" thick (minimum) plgwood. Then, place shims under the plgwood as needed to

level the softener.

/ NPT adapter

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 END

VIEW

Valve bad, Bypass valve inlet or push all the way in)

• 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, asshown. 6

• Connect the black brine valve tube from the brinewell to the venturi assemblg on the valve,

using the plastic nut provided.

Installation Instructions

141 PLUMB "IN" AND "OUT" PIPES

TO AND FROM SOFTENER

CAUTION: Observe all of the following

cautions as gou connect inlet and outlet

plumbing. See Typical Installation Illustration.

• BE SURE INCOMING HARD WATER SUPPLY IS DIRECTEDTO 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.

Turn 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 adapten

• 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.

151 CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE

DRAIN HOSE

IMPORTANT: If gou 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 necessarg length and use the remainder in Step 8.

1/4" NPT thread

Barbs for 3/8" I.D. tubing

ose 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 complg with local codes.

IMPORTANT: If more drain hose is needed, it should be ordered from GE Parts at 800.6262002,

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.

• Hake final connections to the bgpass 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

[_ CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE

DRAIN HOSE ICONT.i

• Elevating the drain hose mag 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 mag be raised to a maximum height of 14'.

Fig. 4A Valve

drain hose

! P /' ". g_I_

STANDPIPE

_f] 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 assemblg at the main valve.

Compression nut Nozzle assembly

Brine tubing

assembly

Brine tank

I8] INSTALL THE BRINE TANK

OVERFLOW FITTINGS AND HOSE

11½"air gap

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 gour local hardware store.

1/4" NPT

thread

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)

1/2" outside

diameter copper tube (not provided)

• 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, Grommet the excess is carried

to the drain.

Hose

adapter'_ Venturi

nozzle

Brine

tank

[6] INSTALL TIMER AND COVERS AND

MAKE HARNESS CONNECTION

See separate instructions included in box with parts.

Overflow drain hose

To sewer drain

I -. ..... -÷

Installation Instructions

19] INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

-ADANGER: 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 clumps us shown, making sure clamps fit freely around pipe.

Make sure lock washer is in place. Hundtighten 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

I_ FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER

LEAKS ICONT.)

• 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

_ Fo_ee_tvalve

I_ FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS

-ACAUTION: Toavoidwateror 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 bg pushing the stem inward.

I_] 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, PELLETor 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 2/4volt-60Hz electric power. The included transformer changes

standard !20-volt AC house power to 2/4 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 coven

Replace the salt hole cover.

PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL

Hold button

Up (+) button

Set

button

Down (-)

_!i_::i' / button

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 displag 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 displag. Repeated beeps means the timer will not accept a change from the button or arrow gou have pressed and gou should use another.

Data

._ button

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

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

1. Press the UP (+) or DOWN (4 button to set. The UP button moves the displau ahead; the DOWN

button moves the time backward.

NOTE: Each pressofan uP or DOWN buttonchanges the

time bU 1 minute.Holdingthe buttonsinchanges 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 applg.

I _,/'-I j--¢_

Ir"'UU

• To program the timer, you will use the SET, UP (+) and DOWN (-) buttons.

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