GE GXSF30H03 Owner’s Manual

0

ge.com

®

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

Installation Instructions .... 3-12

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

Operating Instructions

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

Cleaning the nozzle and

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

Features .......................... 15

Service ..................... 13, 16-18

Water softener sgstem ......... 16-18

Care and Cleaning ............. 19

Troubleshooting Tips ...... 20-22

Consumer Support

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

Parts list/catalog ............... 23-26

Warrantg (U.S.) .................... 27

Warrantg (Canada) ................ 28

Water

Softening

Sgstem

Model GXSF30H

SistemaSuavizante

de Agua

Modelo GXSF30H

La secci6nen espa_ol empiezaen la p6gina 29

0

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 par NSFInternational contra norma 44 de NSF/ANSIpara las
afirmaciones de reducci6n de los productos quimicos especificadas en la hoja de datos de

funcionamiento.

Sgstem Tested and Certified bg the Water Oualitg Association against CSAB485.1.
Sistema probado g certificado par Water Oualitg Association en cumplimiento con CSAB485.1.

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.

7283918 215C1173P021

i

49-50177-1 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 24volt-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 beexposed to

temperatures below freezing or exposed to any
type of weather. Water freezing inthe 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 THISSAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

I

stall ti

Water Softening Sgstem

I

str cti

Model G×SF30H

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

o

Two adjustable wrenches

o

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.

4

Installation Instructions

PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE

SOFTENER

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

Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic or

threaded galvanized? What is the pipe size?

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

-&WARNING: Useonly lead-free solder and

flux to prevent lead poisoning.

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

IN and OUT.

OPTIONAL 3-VALVE BYPASS

INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Hard water

Soft water

24V

transformer

120-volt
outlet

to outside

PIPE faucets

Inlet
valve

Hard

water

SALT ,, :
GOES HERE 7 :

iX ___:6

Brinewell

i s

Fig. i

Use if water supply flows

from the left. Include single

Hard "--_--4_.._

water --_--_4_

From _
softene

I:

CROSSOVER

or 3-valve bypass.

_ To softener

inlet

O-rings (2)

NOTE:See Drain
Hose Connections
section.

Soft

water

SALT :-, _-Brinewell
GOES :_:

HERE ;:

;Is

Fig. 2

from the left. Include single

Hard
water

From d
softener t

outlet

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

I

adapter (2)

O-rings (2)

INLET Clips (2)

water:

Soft

water

To softener

inlet

1" NPT male

3-Volve Bgposs
Sgstem
For soft water

service:

• Open the inlet
and outlet

valves

• Close the

bypass valve

For bypass hard

• Close the inlet
and outlet
valves

• Open the

bypass valve

outletJ

Installation Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

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

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

forward and lift up.

INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

• Remove plastic shipping plug and wire from valve
outlet.

,__zzz.=¢___ Turbine

_ Valve outlet

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

shown.

Cl_ps

" __ Outlet . NPT

Turbine shaft and
support

1/ _ adapter

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

needed to level the softener. Slide softener into
position.

O_rings _ _'_" _-'---valve

/

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

the inner groove (see below).

Snop the 2 Iorge plostic clips in place, from the
top down, as shown.

SIDE
VIEW

Valve
inlet or

• 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.

Clip

END

VIEW

valve

push all the way in}

Installation Instructions

i-_ PLUMB "IN" AND "OUT" PIPES

TO AND FROM SOFTENER

CAUTION: Observe all of the following

cautions as Llou connect inlet and outlet

plumbing. See Typical Installation Illustration.

• 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 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

plumbing

tOUT

IN

• 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 comply
with local codes.

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

part number WS07X10004. The water softener

will not work if water cannot exit this hose
during recharge.

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

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

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

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

• 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 mug be raised to m
maximum height of 14'.

Blue indicator
light

Valve drain hose

P

STANDPIPE

on valve

jJ

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. Bug mcompression fitting (1/4"
female pipe thread x 1/2" O.D. tube) and needed
tubing from gour local hardware store.

1/4" NPT

threads

g

LAUNDRY TUB

Tie or

wire

hose in
place

FLOOR DRAIN

SUMP

11/2"air gap

r_ INSTALL THE BRINE TANK

OVERFLOW FITTINGS AND HOSE

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

• Push the end of the hose adapter elbow into the

grommet us shown.

• Attach a length of hose (use remaining hose from

Step 4)to the hose adapter elbow. Use U hose
clump to hold it in place.

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

elbow on the brine tank.

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

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

J

_q_____ adapter

_---- Hose

Hose

/ I] clamp

Grommetll Do not connect

// to valve drain

I \\hose.

Overflow --_
drain hose _To acceptable

N drain

,/ 1/2" O.D. copper
P

Clip

Cut barbs from
drain fitting

Barbs

tube (not provided)

Compression fitting

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

tube (not provided)

Installation Instructions

[_] INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

-ADANGER:Failuretoproperly 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

FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR

INSTALLATION FOR WATER
LEAKS (CONT.I

• 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

f

From valve

_ outlet

FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM
SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR

INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS

-ACAUTION: Toavoidwaterorair

pressure damage to softener inner parts, be

sure to do the following steps in exact order.

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

• Place bypass valve in "bypass" position by

pushing the stem inward.

J-_ 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 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

_7 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 120-volt AC house power to 24 volts.
Plug the transformer into a 12D-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

PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL

_O

111n

®

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

NOTES:

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

PRESENT TIME is displaged. Program the control
as instructed below.

F_

If _-u_- - - is flashing, use the UP • button to
set the correct model code as follows: F30 for

GXSF30H. If Llou_pass bLI the correct code number,
use the DOWN ¥ button. Then press the MODE

button to accept the correct model.

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

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

• Use the MODE button to select the desired control
function.

@

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

i,

Press the MODE button until
PRESENTTIME appears in the

displag.

,

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. Ifthe present

time is between midnight and noon, be sure AM

shows in the displag.
NOTE: Each press of an UP • or DOWN • button

changes the time bLIone minute. Holding the
button changes the time at a rapid rate.

,

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

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

1. Press the MODE button until
HARDNESS appears in the 2 I-_-I

displag.

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

10

w J PM

114 II

-I.30

PRESENT.ME

1.30

PRESENT.ME

HARDNESS

]

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 bg 17.1 to get the
equivalent number of grains per gallon.

SET RECHARGE {STARTING} TIME

1. Press the MODE button until

RECHARGE TIME appears in the

display.

NOTE: A flashing 2:00 AM (factory
default) should show in the display. This is a 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 a 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.

3,MM _
C.uu

REChARgE

riME

OPTIONAL CONTROL SETTINGS

The controller display has several options and
features.

SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS
This display contains system

diagnostics information to assist in
troubleshooting problems with the
Water Softener. See page 17.

To access the System Diagnostics, press and hold
the MODE button for 3 seconds.

To return to the normal display, press the MODE
button 2 times.

SALT EFFICIENCY
When the SALT EFFICIENCY feature is ON, the

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

NOTE: California Regulations require this feature to
be ON for installations in California.

To access the Salt Efficiency,
press and hold the MODE
button for 3 seconds. The System
Diagnostics display will appear.

Press the MODE button again and [ C C

the Salt Efficiency display will _ r r
appear.

To change the setting, press the
UP • or DOWN • buttons to toggle the feature
ON or OFF. Press the MODE button to accept.

r"l n n

El El El -- --

ur!

o

k

OR P

ERROR SIGNALS
If there is an error code detected,

the display will flash Err to signal
that the softener requires service.

See page 16 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.

11

Er rD I

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 bg the
Water Qualitg Association for disinfecting.

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

2. Pour about 3/4 oz. (IY_ tablespoons) of common

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

3. 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: ,fyou 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×SF30H

Rated Capacity* 11,800 groins with 2.3 Ibs.of salt

25,300 grains with 7.4Ibs. of salt

30,200 grains with 12.5 Ibs. of salt
Rated Efficiency** 5,120 grains/lb. @2.3 Ibs.of salt
Amount of High Capacity Resin (Ibs/cu. ft) 40.6/0.78
ResinTank Nominal Size(in.,die. x height) 8 x 40
Service Flow Rate (gpm) 7.5
Water Supply Maximum Hardness (gpg) 95
Water Supply Maximum Clear Water Iron (ppm)*** 7
Water Pressure Limits (min.-max. psi)**** 20-125
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow (psig) 14
Water Temperature Limits (min.-max. °F) 40-120
Maximum Flow Rate to Drain (gpm) 2.0

This system conforms to NSF/ANS144 for the specific copodty 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. This softener was efficiency rated according to

NSF/ANS144.

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

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

of the Water Softening System section.

**** Canada working pressure limits: 1.4-7.0 kg/cmL

INLET-

iI, ..__ 19, __

471A"

41W' "9-16 '''-_

3%"

12

About the water softener system, ge.com

Service

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

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

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

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

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

softening system and to the house pipes.

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

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

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

BRINING, BRINE RINSE,BACKWASH and FAST
RINSE.

Automatic Hard Water Bgpass During Recharge

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

Fill

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

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

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

water.

Backwash

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

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

Brining

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

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

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

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

Brine Rinse

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

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

flush from the resin tank to the drain.

Fast Rinse

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

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

returns to soft water service.

13

About the water softener sgstem.

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 is full 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 isthe best

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

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

and down. Ifthe 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 mode the bridge, take it
out. Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt

onlg. In humid areas, it is best to fill with less salt,
more often to prevent a salt bridge from forming.

Push tool into salt
bridge to break

Pencil
mark

Salt

Broom
handle

bridge

Water level

14

Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly

A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the
water softening sgstem to work properlg. 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.
To get to the nozzle and venturi, remove the

water softening sgstem top cover. Besure 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. Be sure to

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

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

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

only. Do not overtighten the cap.

Cap _

O-ring seal _0

Screen --_@

support

Screen --_,_

*Flow plug -------_

i

Nozzle &

Venturi

Gasket _I

_ Screen

[\..

*Flow ------_- _,

plug

!

Nozzle & l

Venturi

housing

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

*Install with numbered side up, concave side down.

Normal Operation, Control Displays

During normal operation, the present time of dag
and AM or PMshow in the control displag area.

When the demand computer determines a
recharge is needed, RECHARGETONIGHTbegins

to flash in the displag along with the present
time. RECHARGETONIGHTflashes until the next

recharge start time, then changes to RECHARGE,
which flashes until the recharge is over.

Feature: Optional Recharge Controls

Sometimes, a manuallg started recharge mag
be desired or needed. Two exomples:

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

The sgstem ran out of salt.

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

recharge start time.

ge.com

RECHARGE TONIGHT
Touch (do not hold) the RECHARGE@ button.

RECHARGETONIGHTflashes in the control

displag area. A recharge will occur at the next
preset recharge start time. If gou decide to cancel

this recharge, touch the same button once more.

RECHARGE NOW
Press and hold the RECHARGE@ button until

RECHARGENOW starts to flash in the control

displag area. The water softening sgstem begins
an immediate recharge and, when over in about

two hours, gou will have a new supplg of soft
water. Once started, gou cannot cancel this

recharge.

Feature: Memory

If electrical power to the water softening sgstem
is interrupted, the control displag is blank, and

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

power isrestored, gou have to reset the present
time onlg if the displag 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 sgstem continues to work as

it should to provide gou with soft water. However,
recharge mag occur at the wrong time of dag

until gou 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 sgstem (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 displag.

The chart on Error Codes shows the error
codes that could appear and possible reasons

for each code. See Monuo!ly Initioted Electronics
Diagnostics to further isolate the defect.

15

About the water softener sgstem.

Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service

ERRORCODE
DISPLAYED ERR0,3 ERR04 ERR05

POSSIBLEDEFECT •Control

Toremove an error code: 1. Unplug transformer.

ERR01

• Motor
inoperative

•Wiring
harness or

connection

to switch

• Position
switch

• Control

2.Correct defect.

3.Plug transformer in.

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

the error code was not corrected.

ERR 02

• Position
switch

•Control

.Motor

inoperative
or wiring
harness

,Control

•Position
switch or

wiring
harness

•Control

Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure

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

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

VISUAL CHECKS:

1. Isthere electrical power to the outlet the water

softening system transformer is plugged into?

CONTROL
DISPLAY

i

BLANK.

CONTROL SHOWS

WRONG TIHE AND

DAY,AND/OR IS
FLASHING.

Checkelectrical
power to control

transformer,

__ (outlet,

power cable,all
connections).

Electricalpower was

off. Resetthe correct
time of day.

Z Isthere sufficient salt in the storage tank?

3. Isthe softener bypass valve directing water
for soft water service?

4. Is the 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

i Domanual

to verify

proper

function.

16

CONTROL DISPLAY
SHOWS CORRECTTIHE

AND DAY AND IS

STEADY.

Domanual
diagnostics.

Service: Monuolly Initiated Electronics Diagnostics

1.To enter diagnostics, press and hold the

MODE button until (000- -)shows in the
displag.

A Thefirst 5 digits indicate water meter

operation asfollows:

000 (steadg)= soft water not in
use...noflow through the meter.

--OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET--

000 to 199 (continual)= repeats display for each
gallon ofwater passing through the meter.

Va Ive----._

outlet

and shaft

If you don't get a reading in the display,with faucet
open,pull the sensorfrom the valve outlet port. Pass

a small magnet backand forth infront of the sensor.
Youshould get a reading in the display. If you get a

reading,shut off water supply,unhook the in and out
plumbing and checkthe turbine for binding.

B

Theletter (P)and dash(es)indicate POSITIONswitch
operation. The letter appearing means the switch is
closed;the dash means the switch is open.Usethe

RECHARGE@ (RECHARGETONIGHT-RECHARGENOW)
button to manually advancethe valve into each cycle and
check correct switch operation.

Turbine Switches

Nnn J
UUU---- _ i

tt

Water Switch (B)

Meter

support

ge.com

C

While in this diagnostic screen,the following information is
available and may be beneficial for various reasons.This

information isretained by the computer from the first time
electrical power is applied to the control.

iii.,Pressand hold the UPbutton to display the number

of days this control has had electrical power applied.

iii.,Pressand hold the DOWN button to display the

number of regenerations initiated by this control
sincethe SRcode number was entered.

seconds until a ServiceRating code
appears in the display, l

2. Pressthe MODEbutton and hold inthree I 5 R_q i

For correct water softening system
operation, the model code must be F30for model

GXSF3OH.
Toreset thecode, pressthe UP or DOWN button until the

correct number shows.

3. Pressthe MODEbutton to return to the presenttime display.

If the code was changed, makeALLthe timer settings.

NOTE:Ifthe control is left in a diagnostic display or a

flashing display when setting times or hardness,present time
automatically returnsif a button isnot pressedwithin four

minutes.

CORRECTSWITCH

DISPLAYS VALVE CYCLESTATUS

Valve in service,fill,brining, backwash

or fast rinseposition.

--p

Valve rotating from one position to

another

17

About the water softener sgstem.

Service: Hunuully Advunce Recharge Check

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

1. Pressthe RECHARGE@ button and hold in for
three seconds. RECHARGENOW begins to

flash as the water softening system enters the
fill cycle of recharge. Remove the brinewell

cover and, using a flashlight, observe fill water
entering the brine tank. If water does not enter

the tank, look for an obstructed nozzle, venturi,
fill flow plug or brine tubing. SeeCare and

Cleaning of the Water Softener System section.

2. After observing fill, press the RECHARGE@

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

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

and observing a noticeable drop inthe liquid
level over an extended period of time.

NOTE:Be sure 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 islow, 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.

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

distributor, backwash flow plug or drain hose.

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

look for a fast drain flow. Allow the water
softening system to rinse for a few minutes

to flush out any brine that may remain in
the resin tank from the brining cycle test.

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

18