GE GXSF39E04, GXSF39E01 Owner’s Manual

wwvv.GEAppliances.com

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

Installation Instructions . ._3-1_2

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

Operating Instructions

Breaking a salt bridg_ ....... 14

Cleaning the nozzle and

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

Features .................. ] 5

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

V_'ater softener system .... 13-18

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

Troubleshooting Tips .... 20-22

Consumer Support

Consumer Support . .Back Cover

Parts list/catalog ........ 24-27

V_'arranty (U.S.) ............ 98

_'arrantv (Canada) ......... 99

Water

Softening

System

ModelsGXSF35E,GXSF39E

Sistema Suavizante

de Agua

Modelos GXSF35E,GXSF39E

La secci6n en espafiol empieza en la pagina 31

System tested and certified by NSF hHernational against NSF!ANSI Standard 44 tbr die
chemical reduction claims specified on the pert_)rmance data sheet.

Sistema probado y certi/icado por NSF International contra norma 44 de NSF!ANSI para
las afirmaciones de reducci6n de los productos qufmicos especiticadas en la hoja de datos

de funcionamiento.

Write the model and serial numbers here:
Model #
Serial #

To lind these numbers, lift the cover and
look on the rim below the control panel.

7247174 215Cl173P010 49-50151 02-05JR

IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION.

READALLINSTRUCTIONSBEFOREUSING.

WARNING!

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

SAFETYPRECAUtiONS

_: Check and cmnl)ly with vour state and local

codes. You must tollow ti/ese guidelines.

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

s_:stem. Do not turn upside down, drop, drag
or set on sharp protrusions.

?_:Water softening systems using sodimn chloride

(salt) for recharge add sodium to the water:

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

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

The _ater softening system _orks on 24 xolt-60 Hz

electrical power only. Be sure to use only the

included transformer

iJi::Transformer must be )luo,_ed into indoor

120 xolt, grotmded outlet only.

_: Use clean water softening salts only, at least

99.5% pm'e. NUGGET, PEI,I,ET or coarse
SOLAR salts are recommended. Do not use rock,

block, granulated or ice cream making salts.
They contain dirt and sediments, or mush and

cake, and will create maintenance problems.

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

tmless servicing the trait or refilling with salt.

A WARNING:oo.o, use with water that is

microbiologically unsati _ or of unknown quality
without adequate disinfection befi)re 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.

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

temperatures beh)w fl'eezing or exposed to any
type of weather: Water fi'eezing in the system will

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

::Ji::Do n0tinstall in direct sunlight. Excessive sun or

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

Properly ground to cent)tin 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.

_: Softener resins may degrade in the presence

of chlorine above 1 ppm. If you have chlorine
in excess of this ainount, you inay experience

reduced life of the resin. In these conditions,
you may wish to consider pro'chasing a (;E

point-ofent_ T household filtration system with
a chlorine reducing filte_:

A WARNING:Disc.,-d.lluilusedpax'ts

and packaging material alter installation.
Small parts remaining after the installation

could be a choke hazard.

Tile water softening s}:stem requires a minimum
water flow of three galhms per minute at the inlet.

Maximum allowable inlet water pressm'e is 125 psi.
]f daytime pressm'e is over 80 psi, nighttime

pressm'e may exceed the maximmn. Use a pressm'e
reducing \:dye to reduce the flow if necessarx:

READANDFOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMAtiONCAREFULLY.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

2

Installation instructions. GEA.,liancescam

A_ CAUTION: Certain plumbing skills are needed for installation. If you are unsure about

any part of the installation of this product, consult a professional plumber.

Unpacking and Inspection

Be sure to check the entire softener for any
shipi)ing damage or parts loss. Also note

dmnage to tile shii)ping cartons. (:ontact the
transportation company for all damage and

loss claims. The ii/antlf_lCttli'ei" is not
responsible fl)r damages in transit.

Important Installation Recommendations

Read entire manual. Failure to follow all guidelines and rules could cause personal injury or

property damage.

Small parts needed to install tile softener are
packaged either in a bag or on a cardboard

sheet. To avoid loss of the small parts, kee I)
them packaged until you are ready to use them.
Be StlYe not to discard components hidden in

packaging.

::Ji::Before you begin installation, read these

Installation Instructions completely. Then,
obtain all tile materials and tools you will

need to make tile installation. Failure to

properly install tile softener voids tile

W[l I'I'_1 n IV;

Check local codes. Tile installation must

con[()I'Ill to theI//.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
Plumbing Code 248 CMR shall be adhered to.
Consult with your ficensed plumber.

Lrse only lead-h'ee solder and flux for all

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

Connect tile softener to tile main water

supply pipe before or ahead of the water

heater. DONOTRUNHOT WATERTHROUGH

THESOFTENER.Temperature of water

passing through tile softener must be
less than 120°K

::Ji::Use care when handling tile softener.

Do not ttli'n upside down, drop, drag
or set on sharp protrusions.

Maximmn allowable inlet water pressm'e is

12,5 psi. If daytime pressm'e is over 80 psi,
nighttime pressm'e may exceed the

maximmn, krse a pressm'e reducing valve
if necessary. (Adding a pressm'e reducing

valve Inav reduce tile flow.)

::Ji::Tile softener works on 24 volt-60 Hz

electrical power only: Be sure to use tile

included transfl)rmer. Be sure tile electric

outlet and transfl)rmer are in an inside

location to protect ]VI'OlI/ ii/oisttlre.

N See Where to Install the Softonorsection fi)r

more derails.

A WARNING:Do.at.sewitl,water

that is microbiologically unsafe or at

tmknown quality without adequate

disinfection before or atter the system.
The water should be tested periodically

to verif_' that tile system is performing
satistactorilv.

::Ji::Small parts remaining after tile installation

could be a choke hazard. Discard saflqv.

Installation instructions.

Plan How You Will Install the Softener

You must first decide how to mm in and out
pipes to the softener. I,ook at the house

main water pipe at the point where you will
connect the soiiener. Is the pipe soldered

coppe_; glued plastic or threaded galwmized?
What is the pipe size?

.4,WARNING:Use..l, le,,d.,ee

solder and flux to prevent lead poisoning.

Where to Install the Softener

::Ji::Place the sottener as close as possible to a

sewer drain, or other acceptable drain point

or standpipe.

::Ji::It is recommended to kee I) outside thucets

on hard water to save sott water and salt.

_: Do not install the softener in a place \_here it

could fi'eeze. Freeze damage is not covered by

the warranty.

_: Do not install the softener where it would

block access to the water heater or access to

the main water shutott.

Put the softener in a place where water
damage is least likely to occur if a leak

develops. The manufacturer will not repair
or pay for water damage.

See Yypical Installation Illustration, Fig. 1. Use
this as a guide when planning yore" particular
installation. Be sure to direct the incoming hard

water supply to the softener valve inlet fitting.

The valve is marked IN and OUT See illustration
on page 5 to help you prepare.

_: A 120 volt electric outlet is needed to plug

in the included transtormer. The sottener

has a 10 toot power cable. If the outlet is
remote (up to 100 filet), use 18 gauge wire

to connect. Be sure the electric outlet and

transformer are in an inside location, toprotect
from wet weather. Be sure the outlet is

unswit('hed to prevent accidental shutolt.

_: If installing in an outside location, you must

take the steps necessary to assure the sotiene_;

installation plumbing, wiring, etc., are as
well protected ti'om the elements (stmlight,

rain, wind, heat, cold), contamination,

wmdalism, etc., as when installed indoors.

Outdoor installation is not recommended and
voids the warranty.

_: Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.

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

Toolsand Materials Required for Installation

_: In and out fittings included with the softener

are 3/4" (nominal) Col)per sweat tubes.
You should maintain the same, or larger,

pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the
sottener inlet and outlet.

Use the included bypass valve to install the

sottener. The bypass wflve allows you to turn

off water to the soltener fin" servicing, but

still have water in the house pipes. The in
and out fittings referred to above connect to

the bypass valve with the included nuts and

wash ers.

::Ji::Use coI)pet; brass or galwmized pipe and

fittings. Some codes may also allow CPVC
plastic pipes.

4

If additi(mal drain hose is needed tot wove

and salt tank drains, it can be ordered from

GE Parts at 800.626.2002.

::Ji::If a rigid wdve drain is needed to comply

with plmnbing codes, you can buy the parts

needed to connect a 1/2" coI)per tubing or

plastic pipe drain.

::Ji::Clean nugget or pellet water sottener salt is

needed to fill the brine tank, see Step 8 in

the Step-by-Step Installation Instructions.

Typical Installation Illustration

GEAppliances.com

24V transf(

Salthole

Softwater

120-voltoutlet

/VAT_i_P/RE

" _ .... _ Hardwater

:__-_-_ Hardwaterto

outsidefaucets

J

_-_ Union(notsupplied)(2)

._-_ Installationnut(2)

-._-._ Coppertube,3/4" (2)
Washer(2)

_assValve

• Pullout for softwater service

INLET

Drain

NOTE:SeeDrainHose Connections section.

• Pushinfor bypass

NOTE:Fittingssuppliedare for
3/4" copperplumbing.Ifyouhave

1" plumbing,do notusethecoppertubes
andnutsincluded.Buy1" NPTfemale
adaptersandconnectdirectlytothe

1" NPTmalethreadsof thebypassvalve.

Fig. 1 CROSSOVER

Useifwater supplyflows fromthe left.

Includesingleor3-valvebypass.

Hard water

From softener,

)utlet

,_ To softener

inlet

Softwater

Optional 3-Valve Bypass Installation Illustration

Adapters for this installation are notsupplied with the softener.Toordertheseadapters,call GEParts800.626.2000.(Askfor Part#WS6OX10006.)

Softwater _,..4-_ MAI

-_ _ • N !/!/A_-_ Hardwaterto

.... _:L _tfPIPE outsidefaucets

Fig. 2 CROSSOVER

Useifwater supplyflows fromthe left.

Includesingleor3-valvebypass.

r

24V
transf

Salthole

120-voltoutlet

Bypassvalve

Drain

Washer(2)

Installation adapter (2)(see above)

NOTE:Fittingssuppliedarefor
3/4" copperplumbing.Ifyouhave
1" plumbing,donot usethecoppertubes
andnutsincluded.Buy1" NPTfemale
adaptersandconnectdirectlytothe
1" NPTmalethreadsof the adapters.

Inlet valve

_.._/ 3-Valve BypassSystemForsoft waterservice:

• Openthe inlet and
outletvalves

• Closethe bypassvalve

Forbypasshardwater:

• Closethe inletand
outletvalves

(2) • Openthebypassvalve

Coppertube, 3/4" (2)

Hardwater (_

Fromsoftenert
outlet

C

Softwater

_, Tosoftener

inlet

5

Step-by-step installation instructions.

::Ji::Turn off the gas or electric supply to the water heatei, in the possibility

that the water heater may be drained while draining pipes.

::Ji::Turn off the water supply to pipes to be cut and drain the house

water pipes.

_: Open both hot and cold hucets at the lowest location possible.

Release 2 clips at rear of cover. Rotate cover tin'ward and lilt up.

NOTE: For easier installation, remove the top cover.

1.INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

* Remove plastic shii)ping plug and wire from valve outlet.

NOTE: Be sure the turbine and '_ _U:bv::

supportare firmly in placeinthe I utlet

port and observe the turbine

for free rotation, t
valveoutlet. Blowinto the valve _Ta_b_:p;_ /

e Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease)

into both ports of the wove as shown in Fig. 3A.

" Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, fl'om the top, down as shown

in Figures 3A and 3B. Be sure they snap into place. Pull on the
bypass valve to make sure it is held securely in place.

Z MOVE THE SOFTENERASSEMBLY INTO INSTALLATION POSITION

Be sure the installation surtace is level and smooth. Shaq) objects
under the tank may puncture it. If needed, place the tank on a section

of 3/4" thick (minim urn) plywood. Then, place shims under the
plywood as needed to level the sottener.

3. PLUMB "IN" AND "OUT" PIPES TOAND FROM SOFTENER

Fig3A

0ut,et

0rain

O-ringseal goesinto Bypass

the outer grooveonly,

Tireclip snapsintotire
innergroove(seebelow).

Fi#. 3B

SIDE
VIEW

Valvebody

inletor outlet

Fig. 3C

valve

Clip

END

Bypassvalve

(pushall the way in)

a,CAUTION:Obser\e all ot the following cautions as xou

connect inlet and outlet i)lumbing. See illustrations on page 5.

" BE SURE INCOMING HARD WATER SUPPLY IS DIRECTED TO THE

SOFTENER VAI,VE INLET PORT. If house water flow is fl'om the left,
use a i)lumbing crossover as shown in Fig. 1, page 5. If the house water
flows tlI) fl'om the floor level, turn the bypass valve upside down as shown
in Fig. 3(;.

" If making a soldered copper installation, do all sweat soldering before

cmmecting pipes to the bypass valve. Torch heat will damage plastic
parts.

" When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic fittings, use care not

to cross-thread.

" Use pipe joint compound on all external pipe threads.

" Support inlet and outlet I)lumbing in some manner (use pipe hangers)

to keep the weight off of the valve fittings,

Turnbypassvalve

O_U connectto floor

T

IN

upsidedownto

levelplumbing

GEAppliances.com

4. CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVEDRAIN HOSE

• Use the provided drain hose (20' length included) to attach to the
valve drain fitting, To kee I) water pressure fl'om blowing the hose off,

use a hose clamp to secure in place. Cut the necessary length and use
the remainder in Step 5.

• i,ocate the other end of the hose at a suitable drain point (floor drain,
sump, laundry tub, etc.) that terminates at the sewer. Check and comply

with local codes.

IMPORTANT" If more drain hose is needed, it should be ordered fl'om
GE Parts at 800,62(;,2002, The water softener will not work if water

cmmot 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 last rinse cycles of recharge.

Also provide ma air gap of at least P½" 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-ui)."

• Elew_ting 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. Fox" inlet pressures between 20 and 50 psi, do not raise

higher than 8' above the floor. Fox" inlet pressure above 50 psi, the drain
line may be raised to a maximum height of 14'.

4,4. CONNECTING A RIGID VALVEDRAIN TUBE

To adapt a copper drain tube to the soflenel, use a hacksaw to cut the
barbed end li'om the drain fitting as shown in Fig. 4A. Rotate the drain

fitting so the cutting blade clears the valve housing to prevent damage to

valve. Buy a compression fitting (1/4" female pipe thread x l/2" O.D. tube)

and needed tubing fl'om your local hardwm'e store.

5. INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOWFITTINGS AND HOSE

• Insert the robber grommet into the 3/4" diameter hole in the brine
tank sidewall as shown in Fig. 5.

• Push the end of the hose adapter elbow into the grommet as shown
in Fig. 5.

• Attach a length of hose (use remaining hose fl'om Step 4) to the hose
adapter elbow. Use a hose clamp to hold it in place.

• I,ocate 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 TEEOVERFLOWHOSETOVALVEDRAINHOSE.

NOTE: This drain is flxr safe U only, If the cabinet (brine tank) should
ore>fill with water, the excess is carried to the drain,

Fig. 4

Fig. 4A

_,#/: _F _ Barbs

Bli_q i

Cutbarbs
fromdrain

fitting

Fig. 5

J

_rlight

Valvedrainhose

gap

FLOORDRAIN

1/4" NPTthreads

1/U O.D.

coppertuhe
(notfurnished)

Compressionfitting,
1/4" NPTX 1/2" O.D.tube

(notfurnished)

,¢,v,-4e---- Hose adapter

•__i Hose clamp

7

Step-by-step installation instructions.

6. INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

A DANGER:F ,il,uet,,i,t,,petl, ,tt .h t.,u,d

clamp could result in electrical shock.

If phunbing is metal, to maintain electrical ground
continuity in the house cold water piping, install the

included ground clamps as shown in Eg. 6.

" Clean pipe with emery paper in the area where the

clamp is to be installed.

" Install grounding clamps as shown, making sl.tt'e

ground clamps fit fl'eelv around pipe.

• Make sure lock washer is in place.

• Handtighten scrm_, then one more fitll tm'n with
screwdriver.

NOTE: When replacing an existing softener; also replace
grounding clamps.

If removing softener completel 5 hard-i)lumb the water
line with same type of pipes as the original to assure

phmg)ing integrity and ground continuity over the life
of the h om e.

7.RUSH PIPES, EXPELAIR FROM SOFTENERAND

TEST YOURINSTALLATION FORWATERLEAKS

_ CAUTlON: To avoid water or aJr pressure

dmnage 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 in

the step above.

• Place bypass valve in the "service" position EXACTLY
as follows. I_:l):P SOl)q" WATER FAUCETS OPEN.

Hg6

Groundclam

From valve outlet

Tovalveinlet

8.ADD WATERAND SALT TOTHE BRINE TANK

" I,ifl the salt hole cover. Add about :4 galhms of water

into the tank. Do not add into the bfinewell.

• Fill tank with NUGGET, PEI,I,ET 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 ti)r Diamond Crystal '_]_ed"Out _'_brand salt).

Maximum salt storage capacity is ai)proximately 200 lbs.
Kee I) the salt hole covet" closed tmless setwicing the unit

or refilling with salt.

NOTE: If the softener is installed in a lmmid basement or
other damp area, it is better to fill the tmlk with less salt,

more frequently. Eighty to 100 lbs. of salt will last tor
several months, depending on water hardness, tamily size

and water softening system model.

9. CONNECT TOELECTRICALPOWER

To gain access to the transformer/power cord assembly,
remove the salt hole cover fl'om the softener. Unclip the

tabs on the rear of the top cover and rotate the cover
ui)wards to relnove. DO NOT PUI,I, OR DISCONNECT

WIRING.

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 chmdv or has salty taste,

allow to I/lI, lot" several iUOl'e minutes, or tmtil clear.

• Close all water faucets.

• Check your plumbing work for leaks m_d fix fight
away if may axe found. Be sure to observe previous

caution notes.

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

8

• The softener works on 24 volt-60Hz electric power. The
included transfl)rmer changes standard 120-volt AC

house power to 24 volts. Plug the trmlsformer into a

120wolt outlet only. Be sure the outlet is always live so

it can not be switched off bv mistake.

" Replace the top cover.

• Replace the salt hole covet'.

Programming the Control

Q_ SALT {_w_'_ I_ SALTLEVEL

(_ tl I i'_ HARDNESS

LEVEl i U'U iJ

PM PRESENTTIME

DAYS TO EMPTY

_ t _ 0 RECHARGE

TIME

® ®

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

NOTES:

::A::WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PI,UGGED INTO

THE EI,ECTRICAI, OUTI,ET, 12:00 PM (flashing),
and an arrow 1_ is displayed next to PRESENT TIME

on the taceplate decal. The bhm indicator light will
also flash. Program the control as instructed beh)w.

If LO0 - - - is flashing, use the UP • button to set
the correct F or H code as ti)llows: F35 {i)r GXSF35E

or F39 tot GXSF39E. If you pass bv the correct code
nmnbe_; use the DOWN • button. Then press the

MODE button to accept the correct model.

;.'_:A "beep" sounds while pressing buttons ti)r 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 you should select another button.

iA::To program the control you will use the UP • ,

DOWN • and MODEbuttons.

_: Use the MODE button to scroll arrow I_ to desired

Coiltrol _'iliictioil.

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

I. Press the MODEbumm until

arrow I_ points to PRESENT

TIME.

2. Press UP • or DO_4N • button to set. The UP button

advances the time; the DOWN button moves the time

iIl reverse.

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

is between midnight and noon, be sure AM shows in
the display.

NOTE:Each press of an UP • or DO_._N • button cham,es_,

the time by one minute. Holding the button changes the
time at a rapid rate.

GEAppliances.com

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER L_'_ _

I. Press the MODE button tmtil _ HARDNESS

arrow I_" points to HARDNESS.

2. Press UP • or DOX'_N • button

to set votlr water hardness nmnber in the displa> DOWN
decreases the hardness wdue. UP increases the hardness

wllue.

NOTE:Each press of a button changes the display by 1,
between 1 and 25. Above 25, the display changes 5 at a time

(25, 30, 35, etc.). Holding a button in changes the nmnbe_

at a rapid rate.

3. When the display shows yore" water hardness (in grains
per galhm), press MODE to accept.

NOTE:Ifthere 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 cml 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 hm'dness test kit at

1.800.826.8553, extension 47. If your report shows

hardness in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter

(mg/1), simply divide by 17.1 to get the equivalent number
of grains per gallon.

SET RECHARGE(STARTING) TIME

I. Press the MODE button tmtil

arrow I_ points to RECHARGE

TIME.

NOTE:A flashing 2:00 AM (factory defimlt) should show in

the display. This is a good time tot recharge to start (takes
about 2 hours) in most households because water is not

in use. HARD _._;__TER is bypassed to house finlcets during
recharge.

If no chm_ge is needed, go to step 3. To change the
recharge starting time, ti)llow step 2.

2. Press UP • or DOX,_N • 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 bv 1 hour.

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

3. Press the MODE button to accept.

AM

.... -i.nn

..... C'U U

I_ RECHARGE

TIME

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

Step-by-step installation instructions.

Programming the Control (cont.)

DAYS TO EMPTY 3. _nl

I. Press the MODE button until

SET SALT LEVEL _ _j]

arrow I_ points to SALT LEVEL.

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

(see illustration on page 5).

3. Press UP • or DOX4N • .... I ] _" I_ SALTLEVEL

button to set the SALT LEVEL
to correspond to lexel on

yellow indicator in brine tank.

NOTE:Each press of a button changes the level by
increments of 0.5 up to 8.0. _s the number increases,

the salt level bars increase on each whole number.
I,owering the salt level below zero ttxx'xls the SALT LEVEL

indicator OFK

..... -C'I

_] SALT LEVEL

4. Press the MODEbutton to accept. The
display shows the present time of dav

and DAYSTOEMPTY.RECHARGE

TONIGHTmay appear if unit is new.

=-...... so,'2JJ

D -t_11 /

The words DAYS TOEMPTYand a number - -
are shown in the lower half of the display. /

This infi)rmation is shown in the normal
xun displa> This is to inform the user of the xluxnbex" of days

betore the salt level in the brine tank reaches I,evel 0.
There will be salt lett in the salt tank, but it mav not be

sulticient to flflly recharge the system. Salt should be added
at this time to avoid hard water. The wflue is updated daily

and whenever the SALT LEVELwflue is changed.
NOTE: Fox" the first several weeks of operation, the DAYS TO

EMPTY may provide erratic operation. Fox" 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 I,evel O. In some cases, the DAYS TO EMPTYmav even

increase over a several week period.
It takes a couple of months for the water softener to learn

your water usage pattern. Once it does this, it will accuratelv
determine actual salt usage pattern. During this period,

check salt level when blue indicator light flashes. If the salt
level in the tank is at I.evel 1 or above, allow system to xun.

Be sure to reset w)ur salt level indicator each time you add
salt to the system.

u [

[

/

10

Optional Control Settings

The controller display has sexeral options and teatm'es.

LOW SALT ALARM I?__&_

The LOW SALTALARM, when enabled, _ nwill somM the beeper when the DAYS _ 4_)1 LIm

TO EMPTYxalue is 15 da_s or less, To

chanoe,_ this setting,, press and hold the MODEbutton for
3 seconds. ON (e_ctorv default) or OFF will flash in the

display., Press the UP _ or DOX4N • buttons to togole,
this feature ON or OFF. Press the MODE button to accept,

aim the displa)will n/oxe to SALT EFFICIENCY.

SALTEFFICIENCY SALT
_4hen the SALTEFFICIENCYfeamre n

is ON, the refit will operate at a salt __ LII-I_ _
efficiency of at least 4000 grains of
hardness remoxed per p(mnd of salt. This mode of
operation is the most efficient setting for salt usa ,e

because the sxsteln will tend to recharge, more often,
with less salt usa. _,e Turning, the feature OFF will tend

to lengthen the time between recharge cycles which will
proxide the most etticient usage of water, but max use

more salt. The degree of difference between these
two c_cles is highly dependent on the water usage and

hardness at a particular installation.

If you haxe xer_ hard water and you find your sxstem
is reoenerating exerv 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 Califl)rnia.

To chan,,e_ the setting,, press the UP • or DO_N •
buttons to toggle the feature ON or OFF. Press the

MODE button to accept. The displa)will moxe to

SYSTEM/ELECTRONICDIAGNOSTICS.

SYSTEM/ELECTRONICDIAGNOSTICS

This display contains s):stem
diagnostics inflmnation to assist in
troul)leshooting problems with the

system. See pages 15-18 tot details.
Press the MODEbutton to return to

the normal mn display.

.EVEL

SALT

.EVaL

nnn

UUU

n n
u u

GEAppliances.com

LOST TIME SIGNAL

If time is lost on the displa) due to power interruption, the
blue indicator light will flash 4 times exerx second, tmtil the

present time of day is entered.

LOW SALT SIGNAL

When the DAYS TO EMPTY drops to 15, the blue indicator

light and DAYS TO EMPTYin the display will flash every
second and the alarm will beep every 30 seconds (fl'om

8:00 AM to 8:00 PM), to notitV the user that the unit is
_tmning low on salt. As soon as any button is pressed,

the alam/will stop beeping. The bhm indicator light and

DAYS TOEMPTYwill continue to flash. Once salt is added

to the brine tank and the SALTLEVEL is reset, the DAYS TO
EMPTYwill be reset.

ERRORSIGNALS

If there is an error code detected, the I
blue indicator light will flash 4 times I
every second, the display will flash Err

and the alarm will beep every 30 seconds (fl'om 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 16 for inflmnation to assist in tr(mbleshooting
error codes. Once the problem is corrected, disconnect the

transfl)rmer fl'om the wall outlet momentarily, and I)lug it
back in. The normal display will appear. The motor may

um tOT several minutes, as the trait resets. If the problem is
not corrected, the error code will real)pear in 6 minutes.

BLUE INDICATOR LIGHT

Steady blue light indicates that the trait is working
correctly. The light flashes when the trait needs attention

from the user.

• i,ight flashes and DAYS TOEMPTYflashes--check salt lexel

and add salt as required.

• I,ight flashes and Err is in the displa)--electrical problem

with system--see page 16.

• I,ight will also flash when power to the trait has been

interrupted. Check the PRESENT TlME setting.

11

Step-by-step installation instructions.

Sanitizing Procedures

Tocomplete the installation, do the following

sanitizing procedures.

Care is taken at the tactorv to kee I) your
water softener clean and sanitary: Materials

used to make the softener will not infect or
contaminate wmr water suI)ply and will not

Catlse bacteria to t()i'ill oi" grow. However,
dm'ing shipI)ing, storage, installing and

operating, bacteria could get into the
sofiener. For this reason, sanitizing as

tollows is suggested when installing.
NOTE: Smfitizing is recommended by the

Water Quality Association for disinfecting.

I. Be sure to complete all installation steps,

including programming the control.

4 IL after sanitization, water fl'om the house

taucet tastes salty or has a slight calm; this is
a preservative from the resin tank. Turn on

the cold sott water fimcets and drain fi)r a
few ininutes or until clear.

NOTE:When the sanitizing recharge is ove_,
all remaining bleach is flushed from the

conditioner and your house COLDwater supply
is flfllv soft immediately: However, yam" water

heater is filled with hard water and as hot water
is used, it will refill with sott water. When all the

hard water is replaced in the water heater, hot
only and mixed hot and cold water will be fifllv

soil If wm want totally soft water immediately,
alter the above recharge, drain the water heater

tmtil the water runs cold.

2. Pour about 3/4 oz. (l ½ tablespoons) of

A WARNING:,,.. d.d,.++,i,tl,e

common 5.25% unscented household bleach

(Clorox, I,inco, go Peel), White Sail, Eagle,

etc.) into the brineweil. Refer to illustration
on page 5.

3. IMPORTANT."Press and hold tot 3 seconds

the taceplate RECHARGE@ button to start
an immediate recharge. RECHARGEbegins to

flash in the display. The bleach will be drawn
through the water softener and otlt the drain.

This process takes approximately 2 hem's.

Specifications/Dimensions

Rated Capadty*

Rated E/liciencv':*

Amotmt of t ]ig-h Capacity Resin (lbs!cu./1)

Resin Tank Nominal Size (in., dia. x height)

Service Flow Rate (gpm)

\rater Supply Maximmn Itardness (gpg)

Water Supply Maximmn Clear Water Iron (ppm)':*':

Water Pressure I _imits (min.-max. psi)****

Pressure Drop ai Rated Service Iqow (psig)

Water Temperature limits (min.-max. °F)

Maximmn Flow Rate to Drain (g_m_)

These s)btems c<mhnm to NSFiANSI 44 fi_r the specific capadty claims as _s, rified and suhstantiated b_ test data.
* _l_sting was perfimned using pellet grade sadiron chlolide as the regene_nt salt.

** E_ciency lining is valid only at the lowest sta_d salt dosage. These soflenel_ were e_cien(_ rated acco_/ing to

NSF/ANS144.

**'*: Extent of iro]l remo\;ll l]/_l_ _%1i with conditions. Fhe capa(ity to reduce deal water ii<)l/ is stlhxta]ltiated b}

_\Q\ test data. State of Wisconsin icquiles additfimal treatmem if water supply contains gwater than 5 ppm
dear watel iron. [se of Diamond (hystal _ Red-Out _o_ Super hen ()ut _will implmv iron lenlo_ah Reh,r to

CleaningIronOutoftheWaterSofteningSystemse(fion.

**< Canada _,o_4;ingp_essm'e limits: 1.4-7.0 kg/cm 2.

GXSF35E

14,000 gT;dns wid_

2.8 lbs. of s;dt

29,600 gT;dns with

8.8 lbs. of s;dt

35,200 gn'_dns wilh

14.7 lbs. of sali

5,000 gTains!lb.
@ 2.8 lb.s. ofsah

47.8/0.92
9 x 40

8.5

100

6

20-125

15

40-120

2.0

GXSF39E

15,300 gTains wilh

3.0 lbs. of sah

)_2,800 gT',tillS wilh

9.6 lbs. of sah

39,100 gTains wiih

16.1 lbs. of sali

5,100 gTains!lb.
@ 3.0 lbs. of sah

52.5/1.01

9 x 40

8.0

110

8

20-125

15

40-120

2.0

/2

water heater, rise extreme care as the hot
water could cause burns. Turn the water

heater off prior to draining.

33/8"

INLETOUTLET/ ° -_k

477/"

l _ 19"_,

411/4" .,,I.-- 16"--D,,-

I

About the water softener system. GEAppliances.com

Service

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

hard water flows fl'om the house main water
pipe into the water sottening system. Inside the

water sottening s):stem resin tank is a bed made
up of thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads. As

hard 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 ininerals (sott water) flows fl'Oln the water
sottening 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 (tactory setting)

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

FILL, BRINING, BRINE RINSE BACKWASH and
FAST RINSE.

Automatic Hard Water Bypass During Recharge

For emergency needs, hard water is awfilable
to the home din'inK the recharge cycles.

Fill

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

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

However,youshouldavoid usingHOTwater
becausethe water heater will fill with the

hardwater.

Backwash

During backwash, water travels up through
the resin tank at a tast flow rate, flushing
acctmmlated iron, dirt and sediments fl'om

the resin bed and to the drain.

Brining

Din'inK brining, brine travels fl'om the salt
storage area into the resin tank. Brine is the

cleaning agent needed to remove hard minerals
fl'om the resin beads. The hard minerals and

brine are discharged to the drain.
The nozzle and ventm'i create a suction to

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

Brine Rinse

Alter a pre-measured amount ol brine is used,
the brine wflve closes. _'_ter continues to flow

in the same path as din'inK brining, except fin.
the discontinued brine flow. Hard minerals and

brine flush fl'om the resin tank to the drain.

Fast Rinse

Backwash is fl)llowed by a last flow of water
down through the resin tank. The tast flow

flushes brine fl'om the bottom of the tank,
and packs the resin bed.

_Mter thst rinse, the water sottening system

I'ettlI'IIS to SOJ[t wateI" service.

13

About the water softener system.

Breaking a Salt Bridge

Sometimes, a hard c_ust or salt bridge forms in
the salt storage area. It is usually caused by high

humidity or the wrong kind of salt. When the
salt bridges, an empty space fin'ms between the

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

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

best way to check tor a salt bridge.
Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom

of the tank. Take a broom handle or like tool,
and careftflly 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 likely a salt bridge.
Carefifllv break the bridge with the tool.

Do notpound 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 only. In humid areas, it is best to fill with

less salt, more otten to prevent a salt bridge
fl'om torming.

Pushtool intosalt
bridgeto break

/

Pencil
mark

Broom
handle

bridge

Water level

14

Cleaning the Nozzle and VenturiAssembly

A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the

water softening system to work properly. This

small unit makes the suction to move brine
fl'om the salt storage area to the resin tank

during recharge. If it becomes i)lugged with
sand, dirt, etc., the water sottening system

will not work and w)u will get hard water.
To get to the nozzle and venturi, remove

the water sottening system top cover. Be sure
the water softening system is in service cycle

(no water pressure at nozzle and venturi).

Then, while holding the nozzle and venturi
housing with one hand, remove the cap. i,itt

out the screen sui)port and screen, then the
nozzle and venturi. X_'_sh and rinse the parts in

warm water until clean. If needed, use a small
bHIsh 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 wmr model is so equii)i)ed.

Careflflly replace all parts in the correct order.
I,ightly lubricate the o-ring seal with clean

silicone grease or petroleum ,jelly and place in
position. Install and tighten the cap, byhand only.

De net evertighten the cap.

Cap

O-ringseal-_D._ 0

Screensupport-_@

Screen._,-q_

*Flow plug-_,_ _'

Nozzle& Venturi._P.-_ _ _....t Screen

Gasket._,- _

*Flow plug-------------__

IMPORTANT"Besuresmallholesinthe gasketare
centereddirectlyoverthe smallholesinthe nozzleand
venturihousing.

*Install with numberedside up,concavesidedown.

i

Normal Operation, Control Displays

During normal operation, tile present time of
day and AM or PM and DAYS TO EMPTgshow

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

RECHARGE TONIGHTbegins to flash in tile
display along with tile present time. RECHARGE

TONIGHTflashes until tile next recharge start

time; then changes to RECHARGE which flashes
until tile recharge is over.

Feature: Optional Recharge Controls

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

_: You have used more water than usual

(house guests, extra washing, etc.) and

VO/l Ill}IV ItIn ()/It of SOJ[[ W}lteI" betore tile

next recharge.

_: Tile system ran out of salt.

Use one of tile fl)llowing teatures to start
a recharge immediately; or at tile next preset

recharge start time.

GEAppliances.com

RECHARGETONIGHT

Touch (do not hold) tile RECHARGE @ button.

RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes in tile control
display area. A recharge will occur at tile next

preset rechaige start time. If you decide to
cancel this recharge, touch tile same button

once II/ore.

RECHARGE

Press and hold tile RECHARGE @ button until
RECHARGEsrarts to flash in tile control display

area. Tile water sottening system begins an
immediate recharge and, when over in about
two hours, you will have a new supply of sott

water. Once started, you cannot cancel this
rechaige.

Feature: Memory

If electrical power to tile water sottening system
is interi upted, tile control display is blank, and

tile blue indicator light is otf, but tile control
keeps correct time fin" about 6 hours. When

power is restored, you have to reset tile present
time only if tile display and blue indicator light

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

is desired.

If tile time is flashing after a long power outage,
tile water sottening system continues to work
as it should to provide you with soft wateI:

HoweveI; rechaige may occur at tile wrong time
of day until wm reset tile control to tile correct

time of day.

Feature/Service: Automatic Electronic Diagnostics

Tile control computer has a sell=diagnostic
flmction fi)r tile electrical system (except

input power and water illeter). Tile computer

ii/onitoi's tile electronic COillponents and

circuits tot correct operation. If a malflmction

OCC/IIN_ an eITOI" code appeaI'S in tile

control display.

Tile chart on Error Codes shows tile error codes
that could appear and possible reasons for each

code. See Manually Initiated Electronic Diagnostics

to further isolate tile defect.

15

About the water softener system.

Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service

ERRORCODE
DISPLAYED ERR03 ERR04 ERR05

POSSIBLEDEFECT • Control

Toremovean errorcode: I. Unplugtransformer

ERR01

• Motor
inoperative

• Wiring
harnessor

connection

to switch

• Position
switch

• Control

Z Correctdefect.

3.Plugtransformerin.

4. Waitforat least 6minutes.Theerror code will returnif thereasonfor
the error code was not corrected.

ERR02

• Position
switch

• Control

• Motor
inoperative

or wiring
harness

• Control

• Position
switch or

wiring
harness

• Control

Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure

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

to find the problem. First make the ti)llowing
visual checks.

VISUALCHECKS:

I. Is there electrical power to the outlet the

water softening system transli_rmer is

plugged into?

CONTROLSHOWS I Electricalpowerwasoff.

WRONGTIMEANDDAY, _ Resetthecorrecttimeof

AND/ORSFLASHNG. day.

CONTROL powerto control [ NEEDED
DISPLAY (outlet,transformer, I POWEROKI___. I CONTROL

BLANK. powercable,all

f Checkelectrical _'C NOPOWER].-._. REPAIRAS

connections). I DEFECTIVE

2. Is there sufticient salt in the storage tank?

3. Is the sottener bypass wove directing water

fin" sott water service?

4. Is the wove drain hose open to the drain,
not more than 8' above the sottene_; and

unobst_ ucted? If hose is above 8', see page 7,
section 4.

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

Investigatereasonfor J
powerloss.

Domanual

diagnosticsto
verifyproper

functon.

I

I

16

CONTROLDISPLAYSHOWS
CORRECTTIMEANDDAY

AND SSTEADY

Domanual

diagnostics.

Service: Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics

GEAppliances.com

I. To enter diagnostics, press and hold ._%_

the MODEbutton for 3 seconds until
the LOWSALTALARMscreen shows. 4111 01-1

2. Press the MODEbutton 9 times to
adwmce through LOW SALT ALARM

and SALT EFFICIENCY options. See

Programming the Control for details

on these two options.

SALT
.EVEL

3. OPERATIONOFDIAGNOSTICS

Valve | . switch
position,_ _t

* Valve Position--Press the RECHARGE @ button to

initiate a recharge cycle. Press again to manuall} index
xalxe to next position. See Service." Manually Advance

Recharge Check for derails.

0 - Set'rice

1 - Fill

2 - Brine
3 - Backwash

4 - Fast Rinse

"Motor Operation--Two dashes will circulate aromM

when motor should be xtmning.

, Position Switch Operation--

v

L -- Closed--\alxe rotating to next position
n

U - Open--\ahe in position, set\ice, fill, brine, etc.

"Water Meter--Indicates whether water is flowing

throu,,h xalxe.

Motor Position

--"a_-_1_ V

IZ_L

Watermeter

M0t0r

P0siti0n--------_

switch

Valve
outlet

- 000 indicates no water is flowing through the valve

- Open nearby soft water taucet

- 000 to 199 (continual) shows water is flowing. Display
repeats for each galhm of water passing through the

meter. Control will beep at every gallon.

i .Sensor

housing

I

pport

andshaft

nnn

uuu

n n
u u

- If there is no reading in the display; with fimcet
open, check the sensor. Pull the sensor from tile

valve outlet port, and pass a small magnet in fl'ont

of the sensor. Cotmter should index in the display:
If cotmter does not index, check to make sure

harness is cmmected to board properly. If there is
a reading in the display; there may be a problem

associated with the turbine. Tm'n off water sui)i)ly,
close the by-pass wflve, and disconnect by-pass wflve

fl'om wflve body. Check tm'bine for binding or
restriction due to debris. If this does not correct

tile problem, the Timer, Sensor or Turbine mar
require replacement.

4. Historical data about the softener is available.

,i Press and hold the Lrp • button to display the nmnber

of days this control has had electrical power applied.

" Press and hold the DOWN • button to display the

nmnber of recharges initiated by this control since the

model code nmnber was entered.

5. Press the MODE button to retm'n to normal operation

and display.

Service: Set Model (For H) Code

I. To change or check model code, first press and hold the

MODE button fox 3 seconds until the LOW SALTAL4RM

screell shows.

Z Press and hold the MODE button again

for 3 seconds. A display with E OV[ at
the top will appear.

3. Press the UP • or DOWN • buttons

to select the correct model code,

SR22-GXSF27E, F31-GXSF31 E, F35-GXSF35E,
F33-(,XSI_33E, H33-(,XSH33E, H45-GNSH45E

4. Press the MODE button one time to return to nomml

operation and display. If the model code was changed:

" the display will go bla nk morn enta rily, then display the

model code entered.

• 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 Control

NOTE:If the control is left in am of the aboxe diagnostic

displms or a flashing disI)lav when setting, time hardness,
etc., it will rexert back to the normal displa) in 4 minutes.

C30 / /
v3_-I _j

17

About the water softener system.

Service: Manually Advance Recharge Check

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

I. Press the RECHARGE @ button and hold in

liar three seconds. RECHARGEbegins to flash
as the water snitching 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 liar an obstructed
nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug or brine tubing.

See Care and Cleaning of the Water Softener

System section.

2.After obserxing fill, press the RECHARGE @

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

will begin. Verif_' brine draw fl'om 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: Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing
water fl'om contacting salt. See Care and

cleaning of the water softening system section.

Ifthe water softening system does not draw brine,

check:

!);:::nozzle and/or venttlri dirty or deflective.

N deflective nozzle and venmri seal.
_: nozzle and ventm'i 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 lo_, an
elew_ted drain hose may catlse back pressm'e,

stopping brine draw.

3.Again, press the RECHARGE @ button to ino;e

the water soliening system into backwash.
I,ook fin" a last flow of water from the drain

hose. A slow flow indicates a i)lugged top
distribtmn; backwash flow plug or drain hose.

4. Press the RECHARGE@ button to move the

water softening system into thst rinse. Again

look fin" a tast drain flow. Allow the water
softening system to rinse for a few minutes

to flush out anv brine that mav remain in
the resin tank fl'om the brining cycle test.

5. To retm'n the water snitching system to

set\ice, press the RECHARGE @ button.

18

Care and cleaning of the water softening system. CEAppliancescem

Checking the Salt Storage Level and Refilfing

Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed fi>r
each and every recharge. Tile water For making

brine is metered into tile salt storage area by
tile water softening system wflve and control.

However, you must keep the tank supplied

with salt.
When to refill with salt: If tile blue indicator

Use clean water softening salts only; at least

99.5% pure. NUGGET, PEI,I,ET or coarse
SOI,AR 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.

A CAUTION:W.terso,enings.,twith

light and DAYS TO EMPTY are flashing, there is
less than 15 days supply of salt. Refill with salt.

In humid areas it is best to refill with less salt
and more often, to avoid tile forming of a

salt bridge (see page 14). After adding salt,
remember to reset the SALTLEVEL in the

control (see page 10). Never allow the salt
level to drop below zero on the yellow indicator

beflwe wm refill it. Without enough salt, you
will soon have hard water.

Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System

Your water soltelfing systeln takes hardness
nlinerals (calciunl and inagnesiunl) out of

tile water. Also, it can control SOlne (see tile

Specification Guidelinessection) "clear water"

iron. X_]th clear water iron, water ti'oln a filtlcet
is clear when fii_t put into a glass. After 15 to

30 ilfinutes, tile water begins to cloud or turn
lUSt colored. A water soflelfing systeln will not

remove any iron that makes tile water cloudy
or lUSty as it comes ti'Oln tile fimcet (called red

water iron). To take red water iron out of water,
or over tile lIlaXilIltllIl of clear water ii'Oll_

an iron filter or other equii)lnent is needed.

IMPORTANT"It is imi)ortax_t to xnix tile resin bed

cleaner with water (fi)llowing tile malmfi_cturer's
instructions), pour it into tile brinewell tube

(see page 5) and recharge tile softener

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

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

extended period due to tile corrosive gases that
are fl)rlned.

ironremovingadditives:Some salts may have

an additive to hel I ) tile water softening
system handle iron in tile water SUl)ply.

Although this additive may hel I) to kee I) tile
water softening system resin clean, it may

also release corrosive flunes that weaken
and shorten tile lifi _ of solne water soflelfing

systeln parts. GE reconm_ends using only
Dianmnd Crystal ': Red'Out _':brand salt.

GE reconm_ends using only Dianmnd Crystal <')
Red*Out _ brand salts with Iron Fightei/')

additive to hel I) kee I) the resin bed clean of
clear iron. If wmr water supply has clear water

iron, periodic resin bed cleaning is needed.
GE reconlnlends using Super Iron Out <`:brand

resin bed cleaner to thoroughly clean your
resin bed if your iron content is high. Clean
tile bed at least every six n_onths, or more

often if iron appears ill tile soft water between

cleanings.

19

Before youcall for service...

Troubleshooting tips
Save time and money! Review the chart on following pages first

and you may not need to call for service.

NO SOFt WATER--Most Common Problems:

Check the following before calling for service.

*Not enough salt--should be at least 1/3 full.

• Bypass valve in "Bypass" position knob should be in the "OUT" (service) position.

• Hardness setting too low--check hardness setting and adjust. Verify, hardness of
supply water fiom local water conlpany, water test or call tile (;E Answer Center

• Salt Bridge--salt solidifies above water level so that brine water is not in contact
with salt. See tile Breaking a SaltBridge section.

Problem Possible Causes What To Do

No so#water Faucet or fixture where sample was •

taken not plumbed to soft water

NOTE."Be sure sampleis froma faucet
that doesnot mixsoftandhardwater.

Forexample,asinglelever kitchenfaucet,
if the coldside isplumbedtohard water.

No salt in the brine taxfl¢ or
salt bridged

Transformer unplugged at wall outlet or
power cable to softener not commcted.

Fuse blown or circuit breaker popped
on circuit to electrical outlet.

Electrical outlet on a circuit that can
be switched off

Mmmal bypass valve in

bypass position

Valve drain hose pinched, plugged,
elevated too high or otherwise

restricted

To consex_:e salt, tile installer ma) ha\re isolated some f/XttlFeS

(outside flmcets, toilets, etc.) fl'om soft watex; From the outlet

of the water softening s):steln, trace the water flow path,
in house I)hmd)ing. If soft v,:amris not direcmd to a fimcet

or fixtm'e where wanted, consult a plmnber

Check fl_i" a salt bridge oi; if the tank is erupt); refill with
recommended salt. Press (tar 3 seconds) the RECHARGE@

button to strut an immediate rechmge and restore
soft wamr sui)pl}:

" Check flw a loss of electrical power to the water soflelfing

s)'steul, due to auy at these conditions aud correct as ueeded.
With the power sui)ply restored, observe the fi_ceplate time

display and read Programmingthe Controlsection.

NOTE:Theelectricaloutletfor thesoftenershouldbe continuously
livesoit cannotbe accidentally switched off

" Be sm'e the b)])ass xalxe stem is positioned propefl}; with the

knob in the OUT position. Observe instructioi_s on the decal
at the end of the stem,

" An} restriction in this drain hose may prexent proper

operation of the uozzle aud xeutufi aud reduce or l)rexeut
blJue draw dulJug recharoe

2O

Nozzle mid venturi dirty, incorrectly
assembled or dmnaged

• Reti_r to Cleaning the Nozzle and l/enturiAssemblyiustructious.

With water pressure to the water softening system off, rake
the nozzle assembly apart. Inspect, clean and replace as

needed. Any tbreigi_ particle(s), scratches, nicks, etc., in the
passages can prevent operation. Be sure holes in fl_e g_lsket are

cenmred over holes in the housing.