GE GXWH04F, GXWH20F User Manual

REQUIRED TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES
FOR INSTALLATION

■

2 wrenches: 1

1

⁄8″ and 11⁄4″

■

Pipe cutter

■ Ruler or tape measure

■ Cordless drill and a 3/16″ drill bit

(optional)

■

File

■

Emery paper

■

Screwdriver

■

For GXWH04F model, additional
installation parts may be required:

• (2) 3⁄4″compression adapters with

brass ferrule and nut for installation
on copper plumbing—Installation Kit
available:

— Retail Part (WHKIT)
— GE Parts (WS35X10023)

• UL-approved grounding clamps and

6-gauge copper grounding wire—
Installation Kit available:

— Retail Part (WHKIT)
— GE Parts (WS35X10023)

• Teflon Tape

Optional accessories are available (Visa,
MasterCard or Discover cards accepted) by
visiting our Website at ge.com or from Parts and
Accessories 800.626.2002 (U.S.) or 800.663.6060
(Canada).

■

If unit is to be installed on plastic,
PVC or galvanized plumbing, separate
hardware must be purchased.

CONTENTS INCLUDED WITH PRODUCT

■

Filter housing and head

■

Product literature

■

Sediment filter FXUSC (Rev. 2)
(for GXWH20F only)

■

(2)

3

⁄4″

brass compression fittings with

nut and ferrule (for GXWH20F only)

■

Teflon tape (for GXWH20F only)

■

Canister wrench

■

Grounding clamps and wire (for
GXWH20F only)

■

Mounting bracket with (2) screws

■

Timer and batteries

1

GE SmartWater

™

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Household Water Filtration Housing* — GXWH04F and GXWH20F

184D1060P002 01-08 JR 49-50202-1

ge.com

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY 40225

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

■

Check with your state and local public works department
for plumbing and sanitation codes. You must follow these
guidelines as you install the Household Water Filtration
Housing. Using a qualified installer is recommended.

■

Be sure the water supply conforms with the

Specifications

Guidelines

. If the water supply conditions are unknown,

contact your municipal water company

.

WARNING:

Do not use with water that is microbiologically
unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection
before or after the system.

■

I

t is highly recommended that a water shut-off valve be placed

directly upstream of your household filter.

PROPER INSTALLATION

■

Check with your local public works department for plumbing codes.
You must follow their guides as you install the Household Water
Filtration Housing.

■

Use the Household Water Filtration Housing on a potable, safe-to­drink, home COLD water supply only. The filter cartridge will not
purify water or make unsafe water safe to drink. DO NOT use on
HOT water (100˚F max).

■

Protect the Household Water Filtration Housing and piping from
freezing. Water freezing in the housing will damage it.

■

Your Household Water Filtration Housing will withstand up to 125 psi
water pressure. If your house water supply pressure is higher than
100 psi during the day (it may reach higher levels at night), install
a pressure-reducing valve before the housing is installed.

■

Do not install on

HOT WATER

. The temperature of the water
supply to the Household Filtration Housing must be between the
minimum of 40

°F and the maximum of 100°F

. See the

Specification Guidelines

.

■

Do not

install the Household Water Filtration

Housing

using
copper solder fittings. The heat from the soldering process
will damage the unit. If making a soldered copper installation,
do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the housing.
Torch heat will damage plastic parts.

WARNING:

Discard all unused parts and packaging material
after installation. Small parts remaining after installation could
be a choke hazard.

■

Do not

install filter in an outside location or anywhere it will be

exposed to sunlight.

This Household Water Filtration Housing must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

The GXWH20F system using FXUSC (Rev. 2)
filter is tested and certified by NSF
International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42
for reduction of particulate Class V.

This GXWH04F is tested and certified by
NSF International against NSF/ANSI
Standard 42 for materials and structural
integrity requirements only.

COMPONENT

The FXUSC (Rev. 2) filter is tested and
certified by NSF International against
NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for materials
requirement only.

COMPONENT

ABOUT THE FILTER CARTRIDGE

Filter Cartridge Replacement

You should change your filter when the water flow is noticeably reduced or at least every 3 months.

Replacement Filter Cartridges

Several variables determine how long the cartridge will
last in your Household Water Filtration Housing. These
include:

■ levels of sediment or other undesirable substances in

your water.

■ the amount of water you use.

■ the filter location (filtering all or part of your

household water).

GE MODEL FUNCTION LIFE CONSTRUCTION

FXUSC (Rev. 2) Sediment* 3 month/16,000 gallons* Polypropylene Fiber
FXWPC Sediment* 3 month/16,000 gallons* Pleated

FXWSC Sediment* 3 month/16,000 gallons* String Wound

10 Micron

FXWTC (Rev. 2) Sediment* 3 month/15,000 gallons* Carbon Paper

5 Micron
Chlorine

*Above data are based on manufacturer’s internal testing.

Turn off water to filter. For model GXWH04F, water
must be shut off from an upstream valve. For model
GXWH20F, rotate control handle to the BYPASS or
OFF position. (See

Control Handle

.)

Press the red pressure release button to release
pressure.

Unscrew the filter canister and discard used filter.
Wash the filter canister with mild soap and water.

Do

not

use harsh cleaners or hot water.

Inspect the filter canister O-ring. Make sure it is
lightly lubricated with clean food grade silicone
grease (silicone grease is available through GE Parts
and Service: 1.800.626.2002, part number
WS60S10005). Be sure the O-ring is seated in the
groove. It is recommended that you replace the
O-ring if it is damaged.

Place a new filter cartridge into the canister, making
sure it is centered and completely seated on the
bottom seal.

Reinstall the filter canister to the unit. Tighten filter
canister to seal. Use canister wrench if necessary.

Slowly rotate control handle to the FILTER position
(model GXWH20F) or slowly turn on the upstream
shut-off valve (model GXWH04F).

Press the red pressure release button to remove
trapped air.

Open any downstream faucet and allow filter system
to flush for 5 minutes.

9

8

7

6

5

4

3

2

1

Turn canister wrench
clockwise to remove

Filter canister

Control

handle

Filter
cartridge

O-ring seal

Tim er

Head

Tim er

Filter
cartridge

O-ring seal

Filter canister

Head

GXWH04F

GXWH20F

Red pressure
release button

Red pressure
release button

Filter canister

Control Handle (GXWH20F Model Only)

OFF

■ Shuts off water.

FILTER

■ For filtered water. Directs water

flow through filter.

BYPASS

■ Permits flow of water to the house without flowing

through the filter. Use this position for filter
changes or if filtered water is not desired.

2

Rated Service Flow: 8 gpm

Minimum–Maximum Supply Water Pressure: 20–125 psi
Minimum–Maximum Supply Water Temperature: 40–100°F

INFLUENT CHALLENGE REDUCTION

SUBSTANCE CONCENTRATION REQUIREMENT

Particulate, Class V particles 30 to < 50 At least 1,000 particles/mL > + 85%

Rated Service Flow: 4 gpm

Performance Data Sheet

GXWH20F system using FXUSC (Rev. 2) filter has been tested according
to NSF/ANSI 42 for reduction of the substances listed below. The
concentration of the indicated substances in water entering the system

was reduced to a concentration less than or equal to the permissible limit
for water leaving the system, as specified in NSF/ANSI 42. While testing
was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual performance
may vary.

3

Installation Overview
NOTE: Be sure to allow a minimum space of 11⁄

2

″

under the filter for removing the sump, to change
the cartridge.

GXWH04F

GXWH20F

Recommended
shut-off valve

Recommended
shut-off valve

Select Location

Select a location for the filter that is:

■

protected from freezing.

■

not exposed to direct sunlight.

It is recommended that a shut-off valve be placed on both sides
of the filter.

It is recommended that a mounting bracket be used.

Install Fittings and Mounting Bracket

Instructions are for installing fittings supplied with the filter
(on some models) or the WHKIT onto 3/4″ copper plumbing.
If the unit is to be installed on any other type of tubing (plastic,
PVC, galvanized), different hardware must be purchased. See
instructions with additional hardware purchased, or consult
a qualified plumber.

Apply about 12″ of Teflon tape, in a clockwise
direction, to the pipe threads of each fitting.

DO NOT

use joint compound on any parts.

Use the bracket as a template to find the
two screw locations. Wood screws are provided. If mounted
onto other surface, use appropriate hardware.

Drill a 3/16″ hole on each marked screw location (optional),
then drive the two wood screws until about 1/4″ of thread
is left. Ensure at least one screw is anchored into wall stud.

Assemble a fitting through the mounting bracket hole to
the inlet and outlet of the head. Start each fitting by hand
to make sure they don’t cross thread. Use a 1

1

⁄8″wrench to

tighten fittings firmly.

DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

4

3

2

1

Cut Water Line

WARNING:

A copper or galvanized cold water pipe may be used to ground
electrical outlets in the home. Failure to maintain this ground
path may result in an electric shock hazard. If the cold water pipe
is used to ground electric outlets, please refer to

Installing the

Ground Wire

section before cutting the pipe.

Turn off the water supply and open a nearby faucet to drain
the water out of the pipes.

Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the distance “D”
as shown.

■

NOTE:

I

t is recommended that the shut-off valve be placed

before and after the filter as shown in the

Installation Overview

illustration.

■ Select a secure location to install the filter and mounting

bracket. The location should align the filter housing with the
inlet and outlet pipes and should not cause the pipes to bend.
Mark the distance “D” on the pipe. D is about 5

1

⁄4″for

GXWH04F model and 5

3

⁄4″for GXWH20F model.

Using a pipe cutter, cut pipe. Sand (file) the cut ends of the
pipe to assure that they are square and smooth.

■

NOTE:

Have a bucket and towel available to collect excess water.

3

2

1

Measure to shoulder

of fittings. Copper
pipe butts against

this shoulder.

D

D

GXWH04F

GXWH20F

Recommended
shut-off valve

Recommended
shut-off valve

GXWH04F

GXWH20F

Teflon tape

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

4

Timer Installation and Application Instructions

Timer cap

Blue reset button

Timer base

Timer seat

Head

2 AAA

batteries

Timer battery installation and change

Insert coin or screwdriver into the slot between
timer cap and base. Gently pry them open and
separate timer base from cap. Install or change
2 new AAA 1.5 volt batteries. After you have
the batteries in place, line up the base and cap
and snap them back together.

It is recommended to change the batteries at
least every 2 filter changes, or when the blue
LED light seems dim.

Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix
alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable
(ni-cad, ni-mh, etc.) batteries.

Installation of timer

Hold the timer body in the center and gently
push the timer to its seat at the top of the head
or attach it in a remote location for easy viewing.

Timer reset and application

After new batteries are installed or filter is
changed, push and hold the blue timer reset
button (hold the reset button for approximately
5 seconds). Release the reset button after the
light stops flashing. The timer has been reset.
The light will flash again in 90 days to remind
you that it is time to change the filter.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

Installing the Ground Wire
NOTE:

If your house plumbing is plastic, it would not be used as

a grounding path, and this step should be skipped.

IMPORTANT:

A copper or galvanized cold water pipe is often used

to ground electrical outlets in the home.

Grounding protects you

from electrical shock.

The water filter housing may have broken

this ground path. To restore connection, install a 12″ long,
6-gauge copper wire across the filter, and tightly clamp using
UL-approved 1/2″–1″bronze grounding clamps at both ends as
shown. Zinc clamps should not be used on copper plumbing.
For GXWH04F, wire and clamps may be purchased separately
from your local hardware store, or are available by visiting our
Website at ge.com, or from Parts and Accessories by calling

800.626.2002 (U.S.)or 800.663.6060 (Canada)—order part
number WHKIT.

Clean copper pipe and ends of wire with emery paper. Bare
wire is recommended. If insulated wire is used, it should be
stripped 3/4″ at each end before cleaning with emery paper.

Attach bronze clamps to copper pipe. Tighten screws.
Attach wire to clamps as shown. Tighten screws.

3

2

1

Clamp

Final Check

Install filter, if not already done. (See Filter Cartridge
Replacement section.)

Slowly turn on water supply.
Check entire system for leaks.

If leaking from fittings, shut off water pressure and tighten or
reseal fittings. If leaking from the canister, tighten the canister
with a wrench.

Open any downstream faucet and allow filter and housing to
flush for 5 minutes.

5

4

3

2

1

Ground wire

Installing the Unit

Align filter assembly with pipe ends, making certain that the

incoming

water supply is going into the filter opening marked
“IN”. It may be necessary to spread the pipe ends apart to
install filter assembly.

Using a 1

1

⁄8″wrench to hold the fitting in place, use a 11⁄4″

wrench to tighten the nut. Repeat process for other fittings.

Hang mounting bracket with unit onto previously installed
screws. Drive two screws to secure unit tightly to the wall if
necessary.

Install a filter into the housing and tighten canister to seal
(see Filter Cartridge Replacement section).

4

3

2

1

Attach Fittings to Water Line

Slip a compression nut onto each pipe.
Next, slip the brass ferrule onto each pipe.

2

1

Hex nut

Brass ferrule

Hex nut

Brass ferrule

D

5

PARTS LIST

GG
XX
WW
HH

02
40

Ref. No. Part No. Part Description F F

001 WS35X10023 Installation Kit — 1

or WHKIT
002 WHTIMER Timer 1 1
003 WS03X10038 O-Ring 1 1
005 WX5X140 Canister Wrench 1 1
006 FXUSC (Rev. 2) Filter Element—Polypropylene Fiber — 1

FXWPC Filter Element—Pleated — —

FXWSC Filter Element—String — —

FXWTC (Rev. 2) Filter Element—Carbon Paper — —
999 49-50202-1 Installation Instructions 1 1

999

006

003

003

0

0

1

0

0

1

002

005

To obtain replacement parts, call toll-free 800.626.2002 (U.S.),

800.663.6060 (Canada—English), 800.361.3869 (Canada—French).

002

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

• What does this warranty cover?

— Any defect in materials or workmanship in the manufactured product.

• What does this warranty not cover?

— Filter Cartridges.
— Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
— Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.
— Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, altered, used

commercially or used for other than the intended purpose.

— Use of this product where water is microbiologically unsafe or

of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before or after
the housing*. Housings certified for cyst reduction may be used
on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.

*The term “housing” means the combination of the head and filter

canister which together form a filter pressure vessel.
— Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
— Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with

this appliance, its installation or repair.

• For how long after the original purchase?

— One (1) year.

• How do I make a warranty claim?

— Return to the retailer from which it was purchased, along with a copy

of the “Proof of Purchase.” A new or reconditioned unit will be provided.
This warranty excludes the cost of shipping the product to your home.

This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding
owner for products purchased for home or office use within the USA.
In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service to your
home or office.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. To know what your
legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s
Attorney General.

Contact us at ge.com, or call toll-free at 800.952.5039 in the U.S.,
or 866.777.7627 in Canada.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and
exclusive remedy is product exchange as provided in this
Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.