GE GXSS20H Owner’s Manual & Installation Instructions

Water Softening

system

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

Installation Instructions . . . .3–12

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

Operating Instructions

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

Cleaning the nozzle and

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

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

Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 16–18

Water softener system . . . . . . . . .16–18

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

Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . .20–22

Consumer Support

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

Parts list/catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23–26

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

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Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model # ________________ Serial # ________________

To find these numbers, look on the rim under the salt hole cover.

Model GXSS20H

Owner’s Manual &

Installation Instructions

Water Softening

System

Modelo GXSS20H

Manual del Propietario e

Instrucciones de Instalación

La sección en español empieza en la página 29

Sistema Suavizante

de Agua

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

Sistema probado y certificado por NSF International contra norma 44 de NSF/ANSI para las afirmaciones de reducción de los productos químicos especificadas en la hoja de datos de funcionamiento.

System Tested and Certified by the Water Quality Association against CSA B483.1. Sistema probado y certificado por Water Quality Association en cumplimiento con CSA B483.1.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

■ Check and comply with your state and local codes.

You must follow these guidelines.

■ Use care when handling the water softening

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

■ Water softening systems using sodium chloride

(salt) for recharge add sodium to the water.

Persons on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall intake. Potassium chloride can be used as an alternative to sodium chloride in your softener.

■

The water softening system works on 24 volt-60 Hz electrical power only. Be sure to use only the

included transformer.

■ Transformer must be plugged into an indoor

120 volt, grounded outlet only.

■ Use clean water softening salts only, at least 99.5%

pure. NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR salts are recommended. Do not use rock, block, granulated or ice cream making salts. They contain dirt and sediments, or mush and cake, and will create maintenance problems.

■ Keep the salt hole cover in place on the softener

unless servicing the unit or refilling with salt.

WARNING: Do not use with water that

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

READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

PROPER INSTALLATION

■ Install or store where it will not be exposed to

temperatures below freezing or exposed to any type of weather. Water freezing in the system will break it. Do not attempt to treat water over 100°F.

■ Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessive sun or

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

■ Properly ground to conform with all governing

codes and ordinances.

■ Use only lead-free solder and flux for all

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

■

The water softening system requires a minimum water flow of three gallons per minute at the inlet. Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure may exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve to reduce the flow if necessary.

■

Softener resins may degrade in the presence of chlorine above 2 ppm. If you have chlorine in excess of this amount, you may experience reduced life of the resin. In these conditions, you may wish to consider purchasing a GE point-of-entry household filtration system with a chlorine reducing filter.

WARNING: Discard all unused parts

and packaging material after installation. Small parts remaining after the installation could be a choke hazard.

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

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

WARNING!

Installation Water Softening System Instructions

Model GXSS20H

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

BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

Read these instructions completely and carefully.

•

IMPORTANT — Save these instructions

for local inspector’s use.

•

IMPORTANT — Observe all governing

codes and ordinances.

• Note to Installer – Be sure to leave these

instructions with the Consumer.

• Note to Consumer – Keep these instructions

for future reference.

• Proper installation is the responsibility of the installer.

• Product failure due to improper installation is not covered under the Warranty.

• A shutoff valve must be available or added near the installation point.

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

injury or property damage.

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

NOTE: Failure to comply with these installation instructions will void the product warranty, and the installer will be responsible for any service, repair or damages caused thereby.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

(CONT.)

• Use care when handling the softener. Do not turn upside down, drop, drag or set on sharp protrusions.

• Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure may exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve if necessary. (Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the flow.)

• The softener works on 24 volt-60 Hz electrical power only. Be sure to use the included transformer. Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location to protect from moisture.

• See Where to Install the Softener section for more details.

WARNING:Do not use with water

that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system. The water should be tested periodically to verify that the system is performing satisfactorily.

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

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

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

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

• Connect the softener to the main water supply pipe before or ahead of the water heater.

DO NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE SOFTENER. Temperature of water passing

through the softener must be less than 120°F.

Installation Instructions

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

Be sure to check the entire softener for any shipping damage or parts loss. Also note damage to the shipping cartons. Contact the transportation company for all damage and loss claims. The manufacturer is not responsible for damages in transit.

Small parts needed to install the softener are packaged either in a bag or on a cardboard sheet. To avoid loss of the small parts, keep them packaged until you are ready to use them. Be sure not to discard components hidden in packaging.

TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR INSTALLATION

• Pliers

• Screwdriver

• Teflon tape

• Razor knife

• Two adjustable wrenches

• Additional tools may be required if modification

to home plumbing is necessary.

• In and out fittings included with the softener

are 1″ NPT male adapters. You should maintain the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the softener inlet and outlet. Then, use the necessary adapters to connect the water supply to the 1″ NPT male adapters.

• Use the included bypass valve to install the

softener. The bypass valve allows you to turn off water to the softener for servicing, but still have water in the house pipes. The NPT male adapters referred to above connect to the bypass valve with the included plastic clips.

• Use appropriate fitting/pipe material (i.e., copper,

brass, galvanized or CPVC) to connect the 1″ NTP plastic adapters to the house plumbing.

• If additional drain hose is needed for valve and

salt tank drains, it can be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002, part number WS07X10004.

• If a rigid valve drain is needed to comply with

plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed to connect a 1/2″ copper tubing or plastic pipe drain. See Step 4.

• Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is

needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 8.

WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER

• Place the softener as close as possible to a sewer drain, or other acceptable drain point or standpipe.

• It is recommended to keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft water and salt.

• Do not install the softener in a place where it could freeze. Freeze damage is not covered by

the warranty.

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

• Put the softener in a place where water damage is least likely to occur if a leak develops. The manufacturer will not repair or pay for water damage.

• A 120-volt electric outlet is needed to plug in the included transformer. The softener has a 10-foot power cable. If the outlet is remote (up to 100 feet), use 18 gauge wire to connect. Be sure the

electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location, to protect from wet weather. Be sure

the outlet is unswitched to prevent accidental shutoff.

• If installing in an outside location, you must take the steps necessary to assure the softener, installation plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well protected from the elements (sunlight, rain, wind, heat, cold), contamination, vandalism, etc., as when installed indoors. Outdoor installation is

not recommended, and voids the warranty.

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

Installation Instructions

PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE SOFTENER

You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to the softener. Look at the house main water pipe at the point where you will connect the softener. Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic or threaded galvanized? What is the pipe size?

WARNING: Use only lead-free solder and

flux to prevent lead poisoning.

See Typical Installation Illustration. Use this as a guide when planning your particular installation. Be sure

to direct the incoming hard water supply to the softener valve inlet fitting. The valve is marked IN and OUT.

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Soft water

MAIN WATER PIPE

Hard water

NOTE: See Drain Hose Connections section.

24V transformer

120-volt outlet

SALT GOES HERE

Brinewell

O-rings (2)

1″ NPT male adapter (2)

Clips (2)

1″ female adapter (2) (not supplied)

Clips

O-rings (2)

INLET

Hard water to outside faucets

Fig. 1

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

from the left. Include single

or 3-valve bypass.

Hard water

From softener outlet

Soft water

To softener inlet

OPTIONAL 3-VALVE BYPASS INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Bypass valve

Hard water to outside faucets

Inlet valve

Outlet valve

3-Valve Bypass System

For soft water service:

• Open the inlet and outlet valves

• Close the bypass valve

For bypass hard water:

• Close the inlet and outlet valves

• Open the bypass valve

O-rings (2)

1″ NPT male adapter (2)

Clips (2)

INLET

MAIN WATER PIPE

Hard water

Soft water

120-volt outlet

24V transformer

Brinewell

SALT GOES HERE

1″ female adapter (2) (not supplied)

Fig. 2

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

from the left. Include single

or 3-valve bypass.

Hard water

From softener outlet

Soft water

To softener inlet

Salt hole cover removed

INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

• Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease) into both ports of the valve as shown.

• Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the top down, as shown.

• Push the NPT adapters (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease) into both ports of the valve as shown.

• Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the side, as shown.

Valve body inlet or outlet

Bypass valve (push all the way in)

Clip

END VIEW

SIDE VIEW

Installation Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

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

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

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

Clip

Outlet

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

the inner groove (see below).

NPT adapter

MOVE 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 may puncture it. If needed, place the tank on a section of 3/4″ thick (minimum) plywood. Then, place shims under the plywood as needed to level the softener. Slide softener into position.

Drain fitting

Inlet

Bypass valve

Clips

O-rings

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

CAUTION: Observe all of the following

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

• BE SURE INCOMING HARD WATER SUPPLY IS DIRECTED TO THE SOFTENER VALVE INLET PORT. If house water flow is from the left, use a plumbing crossover as shown in Typical Installation Illustration. If house water flows up from the floor level, turn the bypass valve upside down as shown.

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

• Remove softener from installation space.

• If making a soldered copper installation, do all

sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the NPT adapters and bypass valve. Torch heat will

damage plastic parts.

• When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic fittings, use care not to cross-thread.

• Use Teflon Tape on all external pipe threads.

• Support inlet and outlet plumbing in some manner (use pipe hangers) to keep the weight off of the

valve fittings.

• Slide softener back into position.

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

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

Installation Instructions

OUT

Turn bypass valve upside down to connect to floor level plumbing

CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE

• Use the provided drain hose (20′ length included) to attach to the valve drain fitting. To keep water pressure from blowing the hose off, use supplied spring clamp to secure in place. Cut the necessary length and use the remainder in Step 5.

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

with local codes.

IMPORTANT: If more drain hose is needed, it

should be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002, part number WS07X10004. The water softener

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

• Tie or wire the hose in place at the drain point. High water pressure will cause it to whip during the back-wash and fast rinse cycles of recharge.

Also provide an air gap of at least 1-1/2″ between the end of the hose and the drain point. An air gap prevents possible siphoning of

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

Installation Instructions

CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE

(CONT.)

• Elevating the drain hose may cause back pressure that could reduce the brine draw during recharge. If raising the drain line overhead is required to get to the drain point, measure the inlet water pressure to the softener first. For inlet pressures between 20 and 50 psi, do not raise higher than 8′ above the floor. For inlet pressure above 50 psi, the drain line may be raised to a maximum height of 14′.

CONNECTING A RIGID VALVE DRAIN TUBE

To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, 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

. Buy a compression fitting (1/4″

female pipe thread x 1/2″ O.D. tube) and needed tubing from your local hardware store.

Drain fitting on valve

Valve drain hose

FLOOR DRAIN

Tie o r wire hose in place

11⁄2″ air gap



LAUNDRY TUB

SUMP

Clamp

STANDPIPE

Clip

1/4″ NPT threads

1/2″ O.D. copper tube (not provided)

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

Cut barbs from drain fitting

Barbs

INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW FITTINGS AND HOSE

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

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

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

• Locate the other end of the hose at the drain point. DO NOT ELEVATE this hose higher than the elbow on the brine tank.

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

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

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

To acceptable drain

Overflow drain hose

Hose clamp

Grommet

Do not connect to valve drain hose.

Hose adapter

INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

DANGER: Failure to properly attach

ground clamp could result in electrical shock.

If plumbing is metal, to maintain electrical ground continuity in the house cold water piping, install the included ground clamp as shown.

• Clean pipe with emery paper in the area where the clamp is to be installed.

• Install grounding clamps as shown, making sure clamps fit freely around pipe.

• Make sure lock washer is in place.

• Handtighten screw, then one more full turn with screwdriver.

NOTE: When replacing an existing softener, also replace grounding clamps. If removing softener completely, hard-plumb the water line with same type of pipes as the original to assure plumbing integrity and ground continuity over the life of the home.

Ground clamp

From valve outlet

To valve inlet

Installation Instructions

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

(CONT.)

• Place bypass valve in the “service” position EXACTLY as follows. KEEP SOFT WATER FAUCETS OPEN.

SLOWLY pull or slide the valve stem (out) toward the service position, pausing several times to allow the softener to pressurize slowly.

• After about 3 minutes, open a HOT water faucet for 1 minute, or until all air is expelled, then close. NOTE: If water appears cloudy or has salty

taste, allow to run for several more minutes, or until clear.

• Close all water faucets.

• Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix

right away if any are found. Be sure to observe previous caution notes.

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

ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE BRINE TANK

• Lift the salt hole cover. Add about 3 gallons of water into the tank. Do not add into the brinewell.

• Fill tank with NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR water softener salt with a purity of 99.5% or higher. Do not use rock, block, granulated and ice cream-making salts, or salt with iron-removing additives (except for Diamond Crystal

Red•Out

brand salt). Maximum salt storage capacity is approximately 200 lbs. Keep the salt hole cover closed unless servicing the unit or refilling with salt.

NOTE: If the softener is installed in a humid basement or other damp area, it is better to fill the tank with less salt, more frequently. Eighty to 100 lbs. of salt will last for several months, depending on water hardness, family size and water softening system model.

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

CAUTION:To avoid water or air

pressure damage to softener inner parts, be sure to do the following steps in exact order.

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

• Place bypass valve in “bypass” position by pushing the stem inward.

• Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff valve. Observe a steady flow from both faucets opened above.

Installation Instructions

CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER

To gain access to the transformer/power cord assembly, remove the salt hole cover from the softener. Unclip the tabs on the rear of the top cover and rotate the cover upward to remove. DO NOT PULL OR DISCONNECT WIRING.

• The softener works on 24 volt-60Hz electric power. The included transformer changes standard 120-volt AC house power to 24 volts.

Plug the transformer into a 120-volt outlet only.

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

• Replace the top cover.

• Replace the salt hole cover.

PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL

CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED upon installation

and after an extended power outage.

NOTES:

• WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PLUGGED INTO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET, 12:00 PM (flashing), and PRESENT TIME is displayed. Program the control as instructed below.

If - - - or - - - - is flashing, use the UP button to set the correct model code as follows: FT20 for GXSS20H. If you pass by the correct code number, use the DOWN button. Then press the SELECT 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 you should select another button.

• To program the control, you will use the UP , DOWN and SELECT buttons.

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

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

1. Press the SELECT button until PRESENT TIME appears in the

display.

2. Press UP or DOWN button to set. The UP button advances the time; the DOWN button moves the time in reverse.

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

NOTE: Each press of an UP or DOWN button changes the time by one minute. Holding the button changes the time at a rapid rate.

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

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

1. Press the SELECT button until HARDNESS appears in the

display.

2. Press UP or DOWN button to set your water hardness number in the display. DOWN decreases the hardness value. UP increases the hardness value.

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 numbers at a rapid rate.

Display

TOUCH or HOLD button

SELECT button

DOWN (-) button

UP (+) button

Installation Instructions

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER (CONT.)

3. When the display shows your water hardness (in grains per gallon), press SELECT 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 (mg/l), simply divide by 17.1 to get the equivalent number of grains per gallon.

SET RECHARGE (STARTING) TIME

1. Press the SELECT 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 SELECT button to accept.

SET NUMBER OF PEOPLE

1. Press the SELECT button until PEOPLE appears in

the display.

2. Press the UP or DOWN

buttons to set the number of people living in your home.

The number of people determines how often the water softener will regenerate. The softener assumes that each person will use 70 gallons of water per day. If you set the number of people to 4, then the softener assumes you will use 280 gallons per day. If you need more or less than this, adjust the number of people accordingly.

SET DAYS BETWEEN RECHARGE

This feature is not used on this model. If you see this screen, your hardness level has been turned off. Go back to Set Water Hardness Number section to set your water hardness level to the hardness of your water supply.

SPECIFICATIONS/DIMENSIONS

Installation Instructions

This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific capacity claims as verified and substantiated by test data. * Testing was performed using pellet grade sodium chloride as the regenerant salt. ** Extent of iron removal may vary with conditions. The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated

by independent laboratory 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/cm

SANITIZING PROCEDURES

To complete the installation, do the following sanitizing procedures.

Care is taken at the factory to keep your water softener clean and sanitary. Materials used to make the softener will not infect or contaminate your water supply and will not cause bacteria to form or grow. However, during shipping, storage, installation and operation, bacteria could get into the softener. For this reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested when installing.

NOTE: Sanitizing is recommended by the Water Quality Association for disinfecting.

1. Be sure to complete all installation steps, including

programming the control.

2. Pour about 3/4 oz. (1

⁄2 tablespoons) of common

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

3. IMPORTANT: Press and hold for 3 seconds the faceplate TOUCH or HOLD button to start an immediate recharge. 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:If you do drain the water

heater, use extreme care as the hot water could cause burns. Turn the water heater off prior to draining.

18–1/4″

40–1/2″

41–1/4″

48–3/4″

INLET-OUTLET

11–1/2″

3–3/8″

OUT

INLET

GXSS20H

7,800 grains with

1.8 lbs. of salt

16,800 grains with

5.8 lbs. of salt

20,000 grains with

Rated Capacity* 9.7 lbs. of salt Amount of high capacity resin (lbs/cu. ft) 31.7/0.61 Resin tank nominal size (in., dia. x height) 8 x 40 Service flow rate (gpm) 6.5 Water supply maximum hardness (gpg) 50 Water supply maximum clear water iron (ppm)** 6 Water pressure limits (min.-max. psi)*** 20–125 Pressure drop at rated service flow (psig) 9 Water temperature limits (min–max °F) 40–120 Water supply minimum flow rate (gpm) 3 Maximum flow rate to drain (gpm) 2.0

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 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 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.

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

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

Automatic Hard Water Bypass During Recharge

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.

Brining

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

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.

Fast Rinse

Backwash is followed 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.

Breaking a Salt Bridge

Sometimes, a hard crust 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 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 you have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is under it. The following is the best way to check for a salt bridge.

Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the tank. Take a broom handle or like tool, and carefully 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. Carefully break the bridge with the tool. Do not pound on the walls of the tank.

If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out. Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only. In humid areas, it is best to fill with less salt, more often to prevent a salt bridge from forming.

A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the water softening system to work properly. This

small unit makes the suction to move brine from the salt storage area to the resin tank during recharge. If it becomes plugged with sand, dirt, etc., the water softening system will not work and you will get hard water.

To get to the nozzle and venturi, remove the water softening 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. 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 your model is so equipped.

Carefully replace all parts in the correct order. Lightly lubricate the o-ring seal with clean silicone grease or petroleum jelly and place in position. Install and tighten the cap, by hand

only. Do not overtighten the cap.

Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly

Push tool into salt bridge to break

Pencil mark

Broom handle

Salt

Salt bridge

Water level

1″–2″

IMPORTANT: Be sure small holes in the gasket are centered directly over the small holes in the nozzle and venturi housing.

* Install with numbered side up, concave side down.

Cap

O-ring seal

Screen

support

Screen

Nozzle &

Venturi

Nozzle & Venturi housing

Gasket

*Flow

plug

*Flow plug

About the water softener system.

About the face plate timer features. ge.com

If electrical power to the timer goes off, the memory built into the timer circuitry keeps all settings for six hours (minimum) or more. The display is blank and softener will not regenerate.

When electrical power comes on, one of two things will happen.

The present time of day will show, meaning the timer memory has kept all settings.

NOTE: If the softener was in a regeneration when the power was lost, it will now finish the cycle.

The display will show a flashing time. The timer memory did not keep the time settings and they must be reset. See the Programming the Control section.

You have to reset the present time only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS, NUMBER OF PEOPLE and RECHARGE TIME never require resetting unless a change is desired. Even if the clock is incorrect after a long power outage, the softener works as it should to keep your water soft. However, regenerations may occur at the wrong time of the day until you reset the clock to the correct time of day.

If the softener was in a regeneration when the power went off, the valve will return to service position without finishing the regeneration cycle.

If your water tastes salty:

– use RECHARGE NOW to start another

regeneration. See the Recharging section.

– open one or more soft water faucets and

allow to run until the salt taste is gone.

Recharging

If you have guests visiting, or other times when you use more water than usual, you could begin to run out of soft water. If the softener is not scheduled to regenerate for another day or two, you would get hard water until then. If this happens, or you think it might happen, press and hold in the TOUCH

or HOLD button for three seconds until RECHARGE NOW shows. RECHARGE NOW

will flash in the display during the regeneration, which lasts under 2 hours.

NOTE: Avoid using HOT water while the softener regenerates, because bypass hard water will refill the water heater. See the Automatic Bypass section.

Going on Vacation?

The day you leave on vacation, or for a long absence, press (do not hold) the TOUCH or HOLD button. VAC begins to flash in the display. The timer will keep time, but the softener will not regenerate.

NOTE: While on vacation, the softener will go through a regeneration if the RECHARGE NOW feature is used.

To shut off the water supply to the softener, use the plumbing bypass valve.

When you return, press the TOUCH or HOLD button again to return the softener to service and also return the softener to the correct time of day in the display.

WARNING: Remember to do

this or the softener will not regenerate and you will soon have hard water.

Error Code

An error code could appear in the face plate display if a problem occurs in the softener electronics. If you see an error code instead of the present time of day, see the Troubleshooting Tips section or call the GE Answer Center 800.626.2000 for service.

What to Do When a Power Outage Occurs

About the water softener system.

To remove an error code: 1. Unplug transformer.

2. Correct defect.

3. Plug transformer in.

4. Wait for at least 6 minutes. The error code will return if the reason for

the error code was not corrected.

NO SOFT

WATER

CONTROL SHOWS WRONG TIME AND DAY, AND/OR IS FLASHING.

CONTROL DISPLAY BLANK.

CONTROL DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECT TIME AND DAY AND IS STEADY.

Check electrical power to control (outlet, transformer, power cable, all connections).

Do manual diagnostics.

NO POWER

POWER OK

REPAIR AS NEEDED

CONTROL DEFECTIVE

Do manual diagnostics to verify proper function.

Electrical power was off. Reset the correct time of day.

Investigate reason for power loss.

Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service

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 following visual checks.

VISUAL CHECKS:

1. Is there electrical power to the outlet the water

softening system transformer is plugged into?

2. Is there sufficient salt in the storage tank?

3. Is the 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.

Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure

ERROR CODE DISPLAYED ERR 01 ERR 02 ERR 03 ERR 04 ERR 05

POSSIBLE DEFECT • Motor •Position •Motor •Position •Control

inoperative switch inoperative switch or

or wiring wiring harness harness

• Wiring •Control •Control •Control harness or connection to switch

• Position switch

• Control

ge.com

1. To enter diagnostics, press and hold the SELECT button until (000 – –) shows in

the display.

A The letter (P) and dash(es) indicate

POSITION switch operation. The letter

appearing means the switch is closed; the dash means the switch is open. Use the TOUCH OR HOLD (RECHARGE TONIGHT–RECHARGE NOW) button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and check correct switch operation.

B While in this diagnostic screen, the following information is

available and may be beneficial for various reasons. This information is retained by the computer from the first time electrical power is applied to the control.

■ Press and hold the UP button to display the number

of days this control has had electrical power applied.

■ Press and hold the DOWN button to display the number

of regenerations initiated by this control since the SR code number was entered.

2. Press the SELECT button and hold in

three seconds until a Service Rating code appears in the display.

For correct water softening system operation, the model code must be FT20 for model GXSS20H.

To reset the code, press the UP or DOWN button until the

correct number shows.

3. Press the SELECT button to return to the present time display. If the code was changed, make ALL the timer settings.

NOTE: If the control is left in a diagnostic display or a

flashing display when setting times or hardness, present time automatically returns if a button is not pressed within four minutes.

CORRECT SWITCH

DISPLAYS VALVE CYCLE STATUS

— — Valve in service, fill, brining, backwash

or fast rinse position.

— P Valve rotating from one position to

another

Turbine Switches

Water Meter (not included in this model)

Switch

Service: Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics

About the water softener system.

This check verifies proper operation of the valve motor, brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow rates and other controller functions. First, make the initial checks and the Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics.

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

1. Press the TOUCH or HOLD button and hold in for three seconds. RECHARGE NOW begins to flash as the water softening system enters the fill cycle of regeneration. Remove the brinewell cover and, using a flashlight, observe fill water entering the brine tank. If water does not enter the tank, look for an obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug or brine tubing. See Care and cleaning of the water softening system section.

2. After observing fill, press the TOUCH or HOLD

button to move the water softening system into brining. A slow flow of water to the drain will begin. Verify brine draw from the brine tank by shining a flashlight into the brinewell and observing a noticeable drop in the liquid level over an extended period of time.

NOTE: Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing water from contacting salt. See Care and

cleaning of the water softening system section. If the water softening system does not draw

brine, check:

■ nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective.

■ nozzle and venturi not seated properly

on gasket.

■ restricted drain (check drain fitting and

hose).

■ defective nozzle and venturi seal.

■ other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor and

disc, wave washer, etc.).

NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated drain hose may cause back pressure, stopping brine draw.

3. Again, press the TOUCH or HOLD 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. Press the TOUCH or HOLD 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 TOUCH or HOLD button.

Service: Manually Advance Regeneration Check

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