GE GXSF18G03, GXSF18G02 Owner’s Manual

ge.com

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

Installation Instructions .... 3-13

Step-bLI-step instructions ........ 6-13

Operating Instructions

Breaking a salt bridge ............. 15

Cleaning the nozzle and

venturi assemblg .................. 15

Features .......................... 16

Service ..................... 14, 17-19

Water softener sgstem ......... 17-19

Care and Cleaning ............. 2o

Troubleshooting Tips ...... 21-23

Consumer Support

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

Parts list/catalog ............... 27-50

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

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

Water

Softening

Sgstem

Model GXSF18G

Sistemo Suavizonte

de Ague

Modelo GXSF18G

Lo secci6n en espa_ol empieza en la p6gina 33

Sgstem tested and certified bg NSFInternational against NSF/ANSIStandard 44 for the chemical reduction claims specified on the performance data sheet.

Sistema probado g certificado por 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 CSAB483.1. Sistema probado g certificado pot Water Qualitg Association en cumplimiento con CSAB483.1.

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.

7289396 215Cll73P027

49-50182-1 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. Besure 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 isover 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 THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

stall ti

Water Softening Sgstem

str cti

Model G×SF18G

WARNING: 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 - ObserveaUgoverning

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 shall 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.

-&WARNING: Do not use with water

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

periodicallg 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 necessarg 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 NPT male adapters

referred to above connect to the bgpass valve with the included plastic 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 4.

Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is

needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 8.

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

Soft ate _ ' 'ATER pip

Illl LI --_- water

24V 120-volt Ilii k__.___ Hard transformer outlet Jill --_--_-:_water to

| ,/ _. 1" female outside V _I" _ adapter (2) faucets

jill!j _ (not supplied) _-_J _ _-_ 1" NPT male

adapter (2) O-rings (2)

Salt hole 3s (2) cover INLET

"O-rings (2)

-AWARNING: 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

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

NOTE: See Drain Hose Connections

section.

Soft

water

HERE

Brinewell

Fig. 2

from the left. Include single

Hard water

From

softener outlet * inlet

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

I TO softener

Soft

water

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 mall be drained while draining pipes.

• Turn off the water supplll 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. Slide the salt hole cover open. Locate the top cover release point. Pull gentlll on the top cover at the release point, lift up and rotate top cover backward

to remove.

Top Cover

Release Point

• Remove all packing material located under top cover.

Salt Hole Cover

Top Cover

| INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

• Remove plastic shipping plug and wire from valve outlet.

'1 _L

• "" _ Valve outlet

NOTE: Be sure the turbine and support are firmlll 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.

Cli ps A-_

s...............,. :_ adapte

Drain fitti __ _--- Clip

Inlet_:__ Bypass

O-rings _ 7_1" '--"---valve

Turbine

Turbine shaft and

support

...... :_: r

:_ ._Outlet . NPT

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 VIEW

Clip

END

VIEW

Valve

inlet or outlet

• 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.

Bypass valve (push all the way in}

r_ 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 mall puncture it. If needed, place the tank on a section of 3/4" thick (minimum) plllwood. Then, place shims under the plllwood as

needed to level the softener. Slide softener into position.

Installation Instructions

[_ PLUMB "IN" AND "OUT" PIPES

TO AND FROM SOFTENER

- ,CAUTION: Observea,ofthefollowing

cautions as LlOUconnect inlet and outlet

plumbing, See Typical Installation lllustration.

• BE SURE INCOMING HARD WATER SUPPLYIS DIRECTED TO THE SOFTENER VALVE INLET PORT.

If house water flow is from the left, use a plumbing crossover as shown in Tgpical

Installation Illustration. If house water flows up from the floor level, turn the bLIpass valve upside

down as shown.

Turn bypass valve upside

down to connect to floor level

plumbing

tOUT

• With the softener in place, determine the correct length of piping required to connect the household plumbing to the NPT male adapter.

_-_ CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE

DRAIN HOSE

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 5.

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 800.626.2002,

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."

• Remove softener from installation space.

• If making a soldered copper installation, do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the NPT adapters and bgpass 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 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 mall be raised to a maximum height of 14'.

Dra

fittings

on valve

Valve drain

hose

hose in place

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

a hacksaw to cut the barbed end from the drain fitting as shown. Rotate the drain fitting so the

cutting blade clears the valve housing to prevent damage to valve. Bull a compression fitting (1/4" female pipe thread x 1/2" O.D. tube) and needed tubing from llour local hardware store.

Clamp

le or wire

FLOOR DRAIN

STANDPIPE

LAUNDRY TUB

SUMP

11//' 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 4) 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 safetll onlll. If the cabinet (brine tank) should over-fill with water, the excess is carried to the drain.

Hose adapter

Hose

Grommet

Overflow drain hose

clamp

Do not connect to valve drain hose.

To acceptable drain

1/4" NPT

threads

:::i! tube (not provided)

CIi

Cut barbs from drain fitting

0.0.co er

Compression fitting

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

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-f] FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR

INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS {CONT.)

• Place bypass valve in the "service" position EXACTLY us 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

[-_ FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS

-&CAUTION: 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.

• Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff

valve. Observe a steady flow from both faucets opened above.

F81 ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE

BRINE TANK

Reinstall top cover assembly, align cover with the top of the softener. Push down to snap cover into place. Open the salt hole cover and squeeze the top cover and the blue rim together near the top cover release point to completely assemble the top cover to the rim.

Slide open 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.

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- t

If .-no--- is flashing, use the UP • button to set the correct F code as follows: F18 for

GXSF18G. If Llou pass bLIthe correct code number, use the DOWN • button. Then press the NODE 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 1 and 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 ME. 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 DAYSTO 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.

If you have very hard water, and you find your system is regenerating every 1-2 days, turn the SALT EFFICIENCY to OFF to lengthen the time between regenerations.

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

MODE button to accept. The display will move to SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS.

DIAGNOSTICS u SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC _ J-I _ i

This display contains system uuu diagnostics information to assist in troubleshooting problems with the system. See page

17 for details. Press the MODE button to return to the normal run display.

nnn

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 DAYSTO 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

DAYS TO EMPTY will be reset.

ERROR SIGNALS If there is an error code detected, SALT C --1

the blue indicator light will flash 4 ..... i_-r r

times every second, the display will 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 17 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 DAYS TO EMPTY flashes-check salt level and add salt as required.

• Light flashes and Err is in the display-electrical problem with system-see page 17.

• 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

G×SF18G

Rated Capacity* 8,000 grains with 1.8 Ibs. of salt

13,300 grains with 3.8 Ibs. of salt

18,800 grains with 10.2 Ibs.of salt

Rated Efficiency** /4,330 grains/lb. @ 1.8 Ibs. of salt

Amount of High Capacity Resin (Ibs/cu. ft) 33.3/0.64

ResinTank Nominal Size(in., dia. x height) 10 x 21 Service Flow Rate (gpm) 7 Water Supply Maximum Hardness (gpg) 95 Water Supply Maximum Clear Water Iron (ppm)*** 5 Water Pressure Limits (min.-max. psi)**** 20-125

Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow (psig) 8 Water Temperature Limits (min.-max. °F) /40-120

Maximum Flow Rate to Drain (gpm) 2.2

This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 4/4for 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 and service flow rate. This softener was efficiency

rated according to NSF/ANSI/44.

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

independent laboratory test data. Useof Diamond Crystal ® Red,Out ®or Super Iron Out ®will improve iron removal. Refer to Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System section.

**** Canada working pressure limits: 1./4-7.0 kg/cmt

nlet

22.9"

About the water softener system.

Service

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

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

softening system resin tank is a bed made up of thousQnds of tiny, plQstic resin beQds.AshQrd

water posses through the bed, eQchbeQd attracts and holds the hQrdminerals. This is

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

softening system and to the house pipes.

After a period of time, the resin beQdsbecome coQted with hQrd minerals and they hove to be

cleQned.This cleQning is called recharge. RechQrge 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 QvailQble to the home during the rechQrge cycles.

Fill

Solt dissolved in woter is coiled brine. Brine is needed to cleon the hord minerols from resin

beods. To moke the brine, woter flows into the solt storoge oreo during the fill stoge.

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

water.

Backwash

During bockwosh, woter trovels up through the resin tonk ot o fost flow rote, flushing

occumuloted iron, dirt ond sediments from the resin bed ond to the droin.

Brining

During brining, brine trovels from the solt storoge oreo into the resin tonk. Brine isthe cleoning

ogent needed to remove hord minerols from the resin beods. The hord minerols ond brine ore

dischorged to the droin. The nozzle ond venturi creote o suction to move

the brine, mointoining o very slow rote to get the best resin cleoning with the leost solt.

Brine Rinse

After o pre-meosured omount of brine is used, the brine volve closes.Woter continues to flow in

the some poth os during brining, except for the discontinued brine flow. Hord minerols ond brine

flush from the resin tonk to the droin.

Fast Rinse

Bockwosh isfollowed by o fost flow of woter down through the resin tonk. The fost flow flushes brine from the bottom of the tonk,

ond pocks the resin bed. After fost rinse, the woter softening system

returns to soft woter service.

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.

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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 a small brush to remove iron or dirt.

Also check and clean the gasket. NOTE:Some models have 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

only. Do not overtighten the cap.

Cap __

O-ring seal _O

Screen __

support

Screen

*Flow plug __

Venturi

Nozzle & __

Gasket

*Flow __

plug

Nozzle &

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.

About the water softener system.

Normal Operation, Control Displays

During normal operation, the present time of day and AM or PH and DAYSTO EMPTYshow

in the control display area. When the demand computer determines a recharge is needed,

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

TONIGHTflashes until the next recharge start time, then changes to RECHARGE,which flashes

until the recharge isover.

Feature: Optional Recharge Controls

Sometimes, a manually started recharge may be desired or needed. Two exomples:

You have used more water than usual (house guests, extra washing, etc.) and you may run out of soft water before the next recharge.

The system ran out of salt.

Use one of the following features to start a recharge immediately, or at the next preset

recharge start time.

RECHARGE TONIGHT

Touch (do not hold)the RECHARGE@ button.

RECHARGETONIGHTflashes in the control

display area. A recharge 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.

Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service

ERRORCODE DISPLAYED ERR0,3 ERR04 ERR05

POSSIBLEDEFECT •Control

Toremove an error code: 1. Unplugtransformer.

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 code wi!!return if the reasonfor

the error code was not corrected.

ERR 02

• Position switch

•Control

.Motor

inoperative or wiring harness

,Control

•Position switch or

wiring harness

•Control

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Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure

If you are not getting soft water, and an error code isnot 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 TIMEAND

DAY,AND/OR IS FLASHING.

Checkelectrical power to control

transformer,

__ (outlet,

power cable,all connections).

Electricalpower was

off. Resetthe correct time of day.

Z Isthere 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 4.

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

Investigatereason for power loss.

REPAIRAS NEEDED

CONTROL DEFECTIVE

diagnostics

j Do manual

to verify

proper

function.

CONTROL DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECTTIME

AND DAY AND IS

STEADY.

Domanual diagnostics.

About the water softener system.

Service: Manually Initiuted Electronics Diugnostics

1. Toenter diagnostics, press and hold the NODE button for 5 seconds until

the Low Salt Alarm screen shows.

LEVEL

SALT l

to advance through Low Salt Alarm 2#_ U and Salt Efficiency options. See ¢'tmm

2. PresstheNODEbutton2times 17 _ 1 Programming the Contro! for U UU

details on these two options.

3. OPERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS

Motor Position

Valve | , switch

position. J, ,/

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 5 - 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 in the 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 NODE button to return to normal operation

and display.

Service: Set Model Code

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

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

2. Pressand hold the NODE button again

for 3 seconds. A display with r

L nn at

the top will appear.

& Pressthe UP • or DOWN • buttons to

select the correct model code.

F!8-GXSF!8G

4. Pressthe NODE button one time to return to normal

operation and display. Ifthe model code was changed:

the display will go blank momentarily, then display the

model code entered.

SA.T r i

..... 1_013

F irl

Position

switch

i housing

Valve outlet

and shaft

support

- 000 indicates no water isflowing through the valve

- Open nearby soft water faucet

- 000 to 1/41(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.

Service: Manuallg Advance Recharge Check

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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. See Care 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. Aslow 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.

Care and cleaning of the water softening system.

Checking the Salt Storage Level and Refilling

Brine (salt dissolved in water)is needed for each and every recharge. The water for making brine is metered into the salt storage area by the

water softening system valve and control.

However, you must keep the tank supplied with salt.

Use clean water softening salts only, at least

99.5% pure. NUGGET,PELLETor 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.

When to refill with salt: If the blue indicator light and DAYSTOEMPTYare flashing, there is less

than 15 days supply of salt. Refill with salt. In humid areas it isbest to refill with less salt and

more often, to avoid the forming of a salt bridge (seepage !5). After adding salt, remember to

reset the SALTLEVELin the control (see page !!). Never allow the salt level to drop below zero on

the yellow indicator before you refill it. Without enough salt, you will soon have hard water.

Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System

Your water softening system takes hardness minerals (calcium and magnesium) out of the water. Also, it can control some (seethe

Specification Guidelines section)"clear water" iron. With clear water iron, water from a faucet

is clear when first put into a glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the water begins to cloud or turn rust

colored. A water softening system will not remove any iron that makes the water cloudy or rusty as it comes from the faucet (called red water iron).To take red water iron out of water,

or over the maximum of clear water iron, an iron filter or other equipment is needed.

GErecommends using only Diamond Crystal® Red.Out ®brand salts with Iron Fighter®additive

to help keep the resin bed clean of clear iron. If your water supply has clear water iron, periodic resin bed cleaning is needed. GErecommends

using Super Iron Out®brand resin bed cleaner to thoroughly clean your resin bed if your iron

content is high. Clean the bed at least every six months, or more often if iron appears in the soft

water between cleanings.

IMPORTANT:It is important to mix the resin bed cleaner with water (following the manufacturer's

instructions), pour it into the brinewell tube (seepage 5)and recharge the softener

immediately. Do not pour the resin bed cleaner in with the salt, as it will not be as effective in

cleaning the resin,and can cause damage to the softener if it is left in the brine tank for an

extended period due to the corrosive gases that are formed.

CAUTiON: Water softeningsalt

with iron removing additives: Some salts

may have an additive to help the water

softening system handle iron in the water supply. Although this additive may help to

keep the water softening system resin clean, it may also release corrosive fumes that

weaken and shorten the life of some water softening system parts. GErecommends

using only Diamond Crystal®Red.Out® brand salt.

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