GE GXSS20H02, GXSS20H01 Owner’s Manual

Safetg information ............. 2

installation Instructions ...3-12

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

Operating Instructions

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

Cleaning the nozzle and

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

Features ......................... !5

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

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

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

ge.com

Water Softening

Sgstem

Model GXSS20H

Sistema Suavizante

Troubleshooting Tips ...... 20-22

Consumer Support

Consumer Support ....... Back Cover

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

Warrantg ........................ 27

de Agua

Modelo GXSS20H

La seccibn en espahol empieza en la pbgina 29

Write the model and serial numbers here:

Model # Serial #

To find these numbers, look

on the rim under the salt hole coveE

7283853 215Cl173P023 49-50178 07-06 JR

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION. READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

A 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

::J_::Check and comply with your state and local codes.

You must follow these guidelines.

::J_::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 _lour softener.

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

electrical power only. Be sure to use onl_l the

included transformer.

ij_::Transformer must be plugged into an indoor

120 volt, grounded outlet only.

::J_::Use clean water softening salts only, at least 99.5%

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

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

maintenance problems.

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

unless servicing the unit or refilling with salt.

A WARN ING: Do not usewith water that

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

system.

PROPERINSTALLATION

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

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

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

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

::J_::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.

!i_:Use only lead-free solder and flux for all

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

?_:Softener resins may degrade in the presence of

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

of the resin. In these conditions, you may wish to consider purchasing a GEpoint-of-entry household

filtration system with a chlorine reducing filter.

A WARNING: Discard all unused parts

and packaging material after installation. Small

parts remaining after the installation could be

a choke hazard.

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

Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure

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

READAND FOLLOWTHISSAFETYINFORMATIONCAREFULLY.

SAVETHESEINSTRUCTIONS

nstructlons Model GXSS20H

iJns'a"a:ionIwaterso'tenin0systemI

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

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

injurg or propertg damage.

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

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

BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION

Read these instructions completelg and carefullg.

• IMPORTANT - savetheseinstructions

for local inspector's use.

• IN PORTANT - Observeallgoverning

codes and ordinances.

• Note to Installer- Besure to leave these instructions with the Consumer.

• Note to Consumer- Keep these instructions for future reference.

• Proper installation is the 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.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS

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

• Useonlg lead-free solder and flux for all sweat-

solder connections, as required bg state and federal codes.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT.)

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

Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If 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 onlg. Be sure to use the included

transformer. Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location to protect

from moisture.

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

AWARNI NG:Do not use with water

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

periodicallg to verify that the system is performing satisfactorily.

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

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

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

through the softener must be less than 120°F.

Installation Instructions

UNPACKING AND INSPECTION

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

in transiL

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

TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED

FOR INSTALLATION

• Pliers

Screwdriver

• Teflon tape

• Razor knife

Two adjustable wrenches

Additional tools may be required if modification to home plumbing is necessarg.

In and out fittings included with the softener are !" NPT male adapters. You should maintain the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supplg

pipe, up to the softener inlet and outlet. Then,

use the necessarg adapters to connect the water supplg to the !" NPT male adapters.

Use the included bgpass valve to install the softener. The bgpass valve allows gou to turn off water to the softener for servicing, but still have water in the house pipes. The NPT male adapters

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

WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER

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

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

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

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

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

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

power cable. If the outlet is remote (up to !00 feet), use 18 gauge wire to connect. Be sure the

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

the outlet is unswitched to prevent accidental shutoff.

If installing in an outside location, gou must take the steps necessarg to assure the softener, installation plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well protected from the elements (sunlight, rain, wind,

heat, cold), contamination, vandalism, etc., as when installed indoors. Outdoor installation is

not recommended, and voids the warrantg. Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.

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

Use appropriate fitting/pipe material (i.e., copper, brass, galvanized or CPVC) to connect the !" NTP plastic adapters to the house plumbing.

If additional drain hose is needed for valve and salt tank drains, it can be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002, part number WS07X!0004.

If a rigid valve drain is needed to complg with

plumbing codes, gou can bug the parts needed to connect a 1/2" copper tubing or plastic pipe drain. See Step 4.

Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is

needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 8.

Installation Instructions

PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE

SOFTENER

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

Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic or

threaded galvanized2 What is the pipe size2

TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Soft water

24V 120-volt

transformer outlet

SALT GOES HERE

Brinewell --_

._ MAll

WA__ Hard

water

Hard

water to

_,_ 1" female outside

adapter (2) faucets

[_@ (not supplied)

{_'" 1" NPT male

_ adapter (2)

gs (2)

_s (2)

INLET

O-rings (2)

Salt hole cover

removed

NOTE:See Drain Hose Connections

section.

Fig. 1

from the left. Include single

water

From

softener t

outlet

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

Soft

water

To softener inlet

-&WARNING: Use onlg lead-free solder and

flux to prevent lead poisoning.

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

IN and OUT.

OPTIONAL 3-VALVE BYPASS

INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION

Hard water

Soft water

24V Hard

transformer Inlet water

120-volt valve outlet

O-rings (2)

INLET

ISalt hole

SALT _ _:.z:>y_ cover GOES ,_- --, removed

HERE ' :

Fig. 2

from the left. Include single

Hard--.................::I-_T.

water

From

softener t outlet

: _-- Brinewell

CROSSOVER

Use if water supply flows

or 3-valve bypass.

?Tn_e_°ft ener

Clips (2)

Soft

water

to outside

Pip E faucets

1" NPT male

pter (2)

3-Valve Bgpass Sgstem For soft water

service:

• Open the inlet and outlet

valves Close the

bypass valve

For bypass hard

water:

• Close the inlet and outlet valves

• Open the

bypass valve

Installation Instructions

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

• Turn off the gas or electric 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.

IT] INSTALL BYPASS VALVE

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

shown.

Clips _,_,_,_

__ _/ ,_S adapter

-_i Outlet . NPT

[_ 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_ _.#_/_ _ _Clip

"lnlet_ ;J_ Bypass

O-ring seal goes into the outer

groove only. The clip snaps into

the inner groove (see below).

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

SIDE Clip VIEW

Valve bod, inlet or outlet

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

shown.

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

Bypass valve

(push all the way in)

END

VIEW

Installation Instructions

131 PLUMB "IN" AND "OUT" PIPES

TO AND FROM SOFTENER

,CAUTION: Observe all of the following

cautions as gou connect inlet and outlet

plumbing. See Typical Installation Illustration.

• BE SUREINCOMING HARD WATER SUPPLY IS

DIRECTEDTO THE SOFTENER VALVE INLET PORT. If house water flow is from the left, use a

plumbing crossover as shown in Tgpical

Installation Illustration. If house water flows up

from the floor level, turn the bgpass valve upside down as shown.

Turn bypass valve upside

down to connect to

floor level plumbing

tOUT

• With the softener in place, determine the

correct length of piping required to connect the household plumbing to the NPT male adapter.

141 CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE

DRAIN HOSE

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

Locate the other end of the hose at a suitable drain point (floor drain, sump, laundrg tub, etc.)

that terminates at the sewer. Check and complg with local codes.

IMPORTANT: If more drain hose is needed, it should be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626,2002,

part number WS07X10004, The water softener will not work if water cannot exit this hose

during recharge.

• Tie or wire the hose in place at the drain point, High water pressure will cause it to whip during

the back-wash and fast rinse cgcles of recharge. Also provide an air gap of at least 1-112"

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

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

• Remove softener from installation space.

• If making a soldered copper installation, do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the NPT adapters and 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 bgpass valve and snap clips into place.

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

Installation Instructions

F_ CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE

DRAIN HOSE ICONTJ

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

Valve drain hose _ ["]

STANDPIPE

g __

on valve t

/ LAUNDRY TUB '

//Tie or

[_ 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 ELEVATEthis hose higher than the

elbow on the brine tank.

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

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

Hose

adapter

11/_" air gap

FLOOR DRAIN

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

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

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

1/4" NPT

threads

_'t_i,,,_ / Barbs 1/2" O.D. copper

Cli_:-_€'p / tube (not provided)

Cut barbs from drain fitting

Compression fitting

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

tube (not provided)

Grommet

Overflow ---_ drain hose

,.___i Hose

clamp

Do not connect

to valve drain

hose.

To acceptable

_, drain

Installation Instructions

16] INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP

-ADANGER: Failure to properly attach

ground clamp could result in electrical shock.

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

• Clean pipe with emery paper in the area where

the clamp is to be installed.

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

Make sure lock washer is in place. Handtighten screw, then one more full turn with

screwdriver.

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

the home.

To valve inlet

_1 FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER

LEAKS ICONT.)

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

OPEN. SLOWLY pull or slide the valve stem (out) toward

the service position, pausing several times to allow the softener to pressurize slowly.

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

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

• Close all water faucets. Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix

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

Turn on the gas or electric supply to the water

heater. Light the pilot, if applicable.

Ground clamp

From valve

outlet

_1 FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM

SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER LEAKS

-ACAUTION: Toavoidwateror air

pressure damage to softener inner parts, be

sure to do the following steps in exact order.

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

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

I_ ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE

BRINE TANK

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

Fill tank with NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR

water softener salt with a purity of 99.5% or higher. Do not use rock, block, granulated and ice cream-making salts, or salt with iron-removing additives (except for Diamond Crystal ®Red•Out ® brand salt). Maximum salt storage capacity is approximately 200 Ibs. Keep the salt hole cover closed unless servicing the unit or refilling

with salt.

NOTE: If the softener is installed in a humid basement or other damp area, it is better to fill the

tank with less salt, more frequently. Eighty to 100 Ibs. of salt will last for several months, depending on water hardness, family size and water softening system model.

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

Installation Instructions

[9] CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER

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

PULL OR DISCONNECT WIRING.

• The softener works on 2/4 volt-60Hz electric power. The included transformer changes

standard !20-volt AC house power to 2/4 volts. Plug the transformer into a 120-volt outlet onlg.

Be sure the outlet is alwags live so it can not be

switched off bg mistake.

+ Replace the top coven + Replace the salt hole cover.

PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL

/f_ smor+w__ bUuPtt(_n)

Display__ ([:_ DOWN (-)

.[:i:,] - .SELECT

L f _______ button

TOUCH or HOLD button

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

NOTES:

• WHEN THE TRANSFORHER IS PLUGGED INTO THE ELECTRICALOUTLET, 12:00 PH (flashing), and

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

If FT- - - 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 PRESENTTIME 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.

I U.CO _

.......................................................

I I ,._,,_A+

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.

!.30

PRESENT TIME

Installation Instructions

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER (CONT.)

3. When the displag shows gour 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 gour 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/I), simply divide by 17.1 to get the equivalent number of grains per gallon.

SET NUMBER OF PEOPLE

1. Press the SELECT button until PEOPLE appears in the display.

SET RECHARGE (STARTING} TiME

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

display.

NOTE: A flashing 2:00 AM (factorg default) should show in the displag. 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 bgpassed 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 gou did when setting the time of dag.

NOTE: Each press of a button changes the time bg

! hour. Holding the buttons in changes the time at

a rapid rate.

3. Press the SELECT button to accept.

buttons to set the number of _7

2. PresstheUP, orDOWN" [ ...._1 ]

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 accordinglg.

SET DAYS BETWEEN RECHARGE

This feature is not used on this [ -( I _m ( ] model. If you see this screen, your _7.0 i-i _-J 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 supplg.

[ 1

Installation Instructions

SANITIZING PROCEDURES

To complete the installation, do the following

sanitizing procedures. Care is taken at the factorg to keep gour water

softener clean and sanitarg. Materials used to make the softener will not infect or contaminate gour water supplg and will not cause bacteria to form or grow.

However, during shipping, storage, installation and operation, bacteria could get into the softener. For this reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested when installing.

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

1. Be sure to complete all installation steps, including

programming the control.

2. Pour about 3/4 oz. (1V2tablespoons) 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 5 seconds

the faceplote 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 upproximatelg 2 hours.

4. If, after sanitization, water from the house faucet tastes sultg or has u 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 gour house COLD water supplg is fullg soft immediatelg. However, gour 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 onlg and mixed hot and cold water will be fullg soft. If gou want totallg soft water immediatelg, after the above recharge, drain the

water heater until the water runs cold.

WARN ING: ,fgoudodrainthewater

heater, use extreme care as the hot water could

cause burns. Turn the water heater off prior to draining.

SPECIFICATIONS/DIMENSIONS

G×SS20H

7,800 grains with

1.8 Ibs. of salt

16,800 grains with

5.8 Ibs. of salt

20,000 grains with

Rated Capacitg*

Amount of high capacitg resin (Ibs/cu. ft)

Resin tank nominal size (in., dia. x height)

Service flow rate (gpm) Water supplg maximum hardness (gpg) Water supplg maximum clear water iron (ppm)**

Water pressure limits (min.-max. psi)***

Pressure drop at rated service flow (psig) Water temperature limits (min-max °F)

Water supplg minimum flow rate (gpm)

Maximum flow rate to drain (gpm)

This sgstem conforms to NSE/ANS144 for the specific copocitg claims as verified and substantiated bg test data * Testing was performed using pellet grade sodium chloride as the regeneront salt

** Extent of iron removal mog vorg with conditions The copocitg to reduce clear water iron is substantiated

bg independent Ioborotorg test data, State of Wisconsin requires additional treatment if water supplg contains greater than Sppm clear water iron Use of Diamond CrgstoP Red,Out _ or Super Iron Out ®

will improve iron removal Refer to Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening Sgstem section

*** Canada working pressure limits: 1.4-70 kg/cm 2

9.7 Ibs. of salt

31.7/0.61 8x40

6.5 50

20-125

40-120

2.0

_-11-1/2'4-

_- -- 3-3/8"

INLET-OUTLET

40-1/2"

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 theg have to be

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

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

BRINING, BRINE RINSE, BACKWASH and FAST RINSE.

Automatic Hard Water Bgpass During Recharge

For emergencg needs, hard water is available to the home during the recharge cgcles.

Fill

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

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

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

water.

Backwash

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

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

Brining

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

Fast Rinse

Backwash isfollowed by a fast flow of water dawn 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.

About the water softener system.

Breaking a Salt Bridge

Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt storage area. It is usuallu caused bu high

humiditu or the wrong kind of salt. When the salt bridges, an empt Uspace 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 Uou have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is under it. The following is the best

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

the tank. Take a broom handle or like tool, and carefullu 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 likelu a salt bridge. Carefullu 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.

Broom

handle

Pencil mark

Push tool into salt bridge to break

Water level

bridge

Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly

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

small unit makes the suction to move brine from the salt storage area to the resin tank during

recharge. If it becomes plugged with sand, dirt, etc., the water softening system will not work

and you will get hard water. Toget 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.

Cap

O-ring seal "_*0

Screen -_-_ @

support

Screen

*Flow plug _

Nozzle &

Venturi

Gasket -_{ _j_/i_-

*Flow -_ _,

plug

_.._ Screen

Venturi housing

Nozzle o

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

*Install with numbered side up, concave side down.

About the face plate timer features, gecom

Recharging

3.-i 3 .M

_4 i J- ]

RECHARGENOW

J-iL

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

RECHARGENOW shows. RECHARGENOW will flash in the display during the

regeneration, which lasts under 2 hours.

Going on Vacation?

The day you leave on vacation, or for a long absence, press (do not hold) the TOUCHor

HOLD button. VACbegins 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

NOWfeature is used.

NOTE:Avoid using HOTwater while the

softener regenerates, because bypass hard water will refill the water heater. Seethe

Automatic Bypass section.

When you return, press the TOUCHor HOLD

button again to return the softener to service

and also return the softener to the correct time of day in the display.

WARNING: nemen,bertodo

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

[

E-3

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

Error Code

An error code could appear in the face plate display if a problem occursin the softenerelectronics. If you seean error codeinstead ofthe present time of day, seethe TroubleshootingTipssectionor call

the GEAnswer Center 800.626.2000for service.

What to Do When a Power Outage Occurs

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.

m The present time of day will show, Le_

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,NUMBEROF

PEOPLEand RECHARGETIMEnever require resetting unless a change isdesired. Evenif the

clock isincorrect 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.

Ifyour 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.

About the water softener system.

Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service

ERRORCODE DISPLAYED ERR03 ERR04 ERR05

POSSIBLEDEFECT •Control

Toremove an error code: 1. Unplugtransformer.

ERR01

• Motor inoperative

• Wiring harness or

connection to switch

• Position switch

• Control

Z Correctdefect. & Plug transformer in.

4. Wait for at least 6 minutes. Theerror code will return if the reason for theerror 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 gou are not getting soft water, and an error code is not displaced, 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 sgstem transformer is plugged into?

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

Electricalpower was I Investigate reason for

off. Resetthe correct _ Ipower ass.

time of daM.

Checkelectrical power to control

CONTROL DISPLAY BLANK.

transformer,

.._ (outlet,

power cable,all connections).

"-_"C POWEROK--_- I CONTROL

Z Isthere sufficient salt in the storage tank?

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

4. Is the valve drain hose open to the drain,

not more than 8' above the softener, and unobstructed? If hose is above 8', see

page 8, step 4.

tf bloudo not find a problem with the visual

checks, continue below.

INO POWERI.__. REPAIRAS

NEEDED

DEFECTIVE

diagnostics

Domanual

to verifg function.

i proper

CONTROL DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECTTIME

AND DAYAND IS

STEADY.

Domanual diagnostics.

Service: Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics

1.To enter diagnostics, press and hold the SELECTbutton until (000- -) showsin

the displag.

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

POSITIONswitch operation. The letter appearing means the switch isclosed;

the dash means the switch isopen. Usethe TOUCHORHOLD (RECHARGE

TONIGHT-RECHARGENOW) button to manually advance the valve into eachcycle and checkcorrect switch

operation.

Turbine Sv_tches 1

Water Switch Meter (not included in

this model)

ge.com

2. Pressthe SELECTbutton and hold in

three seconds until a ServiceRating code _wjw wl! bw_ appearsin the displag. ! I C P_

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

GXSS2OH. Toreset the code, pressthe UPor DOWN button until the

correct number shows.

3. Pressthe SELECTbutton to return to the present time displag. If the code was changed, make ALL the timer settings.

CORRECTSWITCH

DISPLAYS VALVECYCLESTATUS

Valvein service,fill,brining, backwash or fast rinseposition.

Valverotating from one position to another

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

information is retained by the computer from the first time electrical power isapplied to the control.

?_:Pressand hold the UPbutton to displagthe number

of dags this control has had electrical power applied.

:;;;,Pressand hold the DOWN button to displag the number

of regenerations initiated bg this control sincethe SR code number was entered.

NOTE:Ifthe control is left in a diagnostic displag or a flashing display when setting times or hardness,presenttime

automatically returns if a button is not pressedwithin four minutes.

About the water softener system.

Service: lanuallg Advance Regeneration Check

This check verifies proper operation of the valve motor, brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow rotes and other controller functions. First,

make the initial checks and the Nlonuolly Initioted

Electronics Diognostics. NOTE;The control displag must show a steadg

time (not flashing).

1. Pressthe TOUCHor HOLD button and hold in for three seconds. RECHARGENOW begins to

flush us the water softening sgstem enters the 4. fill cgcle 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 on obstructed nozzle,venturi, fill flow plug or brine tubing. See Core ond

cleoning of the woter softening system section.

2. After observing fill, press the TOUCHor HOLD

button to move the water softening sustem into brining. A slow flow of wuter to the drain will begin. Verifg brine draw from the brine

tank bu shining u flashlight into the brinewell and observing u noticeuble drop in the liquid

level over an extended period of time.

NOTE:Be sure o salt bridge is not preventing water from contacting salt. SeeCore ond

cleoning of the woter softening sgstem section.

NOTE:If water sgstem pressure is low, an elevated drain hose mag cause back pressure,

stopping brine draw.

3. Again, press the TOUCHor HOLD button to move the water softening system into

backwash. Look for a fast flow of water from the drain hose. Aslow flow indicates a plugged

top distributor, backwash flow plug or drain hose.

Press the TOUCH or HOLD button to move the water softening sgstem into fast rinse. Again

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

to flush out ang brine that mag remain in the resin tank from the brining cgcle test.

To return the water softening sgstem to

service, press the TOUCHor HOLD button.

If the woter softening sgstem does not drow brine, check:

::Ji::nozzle and/or venturi dirtg or defective. ::Ji::nozzle and venturi not seated properlg

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.).

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