GE GXWH20S User Manual

GE SmartWater ™

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Household Water Filtration Housing* — GXWH04F and GXWH20S

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.

■It is highly recommended that a water shut-off valve be placed directly upstream of your household filter.

PROPER INSTALLATION

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

	■ Check with your local public works department for plumbing codes.	■ Do not install on HOT WATER. The temperature of the water
	You must follow their guides as you install the Household Water	supply to the Household Filtration Housing must be between the
	Filtration Housing.	minimum of 40°F and the maximum of 100°F. See the
	■ Use the Household Water Filtration Housing on a potable, safe-to-	Specification Guidelines.
	drink, home COLD water supply only. The filter cartridge will not	■ Do not install the Household Water Filtration Housing using
	purify water or make unsafe water safe to drink. DO NOT use on	copper solder fittings. The heat from the soldering process
	HOT water (100˚F max).	will damage the unit. If making a soldered copper installation,
	■ Protect the Household Water Filtration Housing and piping from	do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the housing.
		Torch heat will damage plastic parts.
	freezing. Water freezing in the housing will damage it.
		WARNING: Discard all unused parts and packaging
	■ Your Household Water Filtration Housing will withstand up to 125 psi
	water pressure. If your house water supply pressure is higher than	material after installation. Small parts remaining after installation
	100 psi during the day (it may reach higher levels at night), install
		could be a choke hazard.
	a pressure-reducing valve before the housing is installed.
		■ Do not install filter in an outside location or anywhere it will be
		exposed to sunlight.

REQUIRED TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES FOR INSTALLATION

■2 wrenches: 11⁄8″ and 11⁄4″

■Pipe cutter

■Ruler or tape measure

■Cordless drill and a 3/16″ drill bit (optional)

■File

■Emery paper

■Screwdriver

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

COMPONENT

■(2) 3⁄4″ compression adapters with ferrule and nut (compatible to home plumbing)

■UL-approved grounding clamps and 6-gauge grounding wire

■Teflon tape

■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 GXWH20S only)

■Canister wrench

■Mounting bracket with (2) screws

■Timer and batteries

This GXWH04F is tested and certified by		The GXWH20S system using FXUSC (Rev. 2)
NSF International against NSF/ANSI		filter is tested and certified by NSF
Standard 42 for materials and structural		International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42
integrity requirements only.		for reduction of particulate Class V.

COMPONENT

The GXWH20S has been tested and

Certified by WQA according to CSA B483.1.

184D1060P002 04-09 JR 49-50202-2

GEAppliances.com

GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, Appliance Park, Louisville, KY 40225

ABOUT THE FILTER CARTRIDGE

Performance Data Sheet

GXWH20S 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.

	INFLUENT CHALLENGE			REDUCTION
SUBSTANCE	CONCENTRATION			REQUIREMENT		Rated Service Flow: 4 gpm
Particulate, Class V particles 30 to < 50	At least 1,000 particles/mL			> + 85%		Minimum–Maximum Supply Water Pressure: 20–125 psi
						Minimum–Maximum Supply Water Temperature: 40–100°F
Replacement Filter Cartridges							Rated Service Flow: 4 gpm
			GE MODEL		FUNCTION	LIFE	CONSTRUCTION
Several variables determine how long the cartridge will
			FXUSC (Rev. 2)		Sediment*	3 month/16,000 gallons*	Polypropylene Fiber
last in your Household Water Filtration Housing. These
			FXWPC		Sediment*	3 month/16,000 gallons*	Pleated
include:
■ levels of sediment or other undesirable substances in
your water.			FXWTC (Rev. 2)		Sediment*	3 month/15,000 gallons*	Carbon Paper
■ the amount of water you use.					5 Micron
■ the filter location (filtering all or part of your					Chlorine
household water).			*Above data are based on manufacturer’s internal testing.

Filter Cartridge Replacement

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

	1	Turn off water to filter. For model GXWH04F, water
		must be shut off from an upstream valve. For model
		GXWH20S, rotate control handle to the BYPASS or
		OFF position. (See Control Handle.)
		Press the red pressure-release button to release
	2
		pressure.
		Unscrew the filter canister and discard used filter.
	3
		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
	4
		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
	5
		sure it is centered and completely seated on the

bottom seal.

6

7

8

9

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 GXWH20S) 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 30 minutes (model GXWH20S) or

15 minutes (model GXWH04F).

Turn canister wrench clockwise to remove

Filter canister

GXWH04F	Red pressure-	GXWH20S	Timer
Timer	release button
		Head
	Head Red pressure-		Control
Filter	release button		handle
cartridge	O-ring seal	Filter	O-ring seal
		cartridge

Filter canister

Filter canister

Control Handle (GXWH20S Model Only)

OFF	FILTER
■ Shuts off water.	■ For filtered water. Directs water
	flow through filter.
	2

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.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

	Installation Overview	GXWH04F	GXWH20S
	NOTE: Be sure to allow a minimum space of 11⁄2 ″
	under the filter for removing the sump, to change	Recommended	Recommended
	the cartridge.
		shut-off valve	shut-off valve
			Recommended
		Recommended	shut-off valve
		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.

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
	1
		the water out of the pipes.
		Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the distance “D”
	2
		as shown.

■NOTE: It 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 51⁄4″ for GXWH04F model and 53⁄4″ for GXWH20S model.

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

■ NOTE: Have a bucket and towel available to collect excess water.

GXWH04F

GXWH20S

D

D

Measure to shoulder of fittings. Copper pipe butts against this shoulder.

Install Fittings and Mounting Bracket

Instructions are for installing fittings 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.

1	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.
2	Use the bracket as a template to find the	Teflon tape
	two screw locations. Wood screws are
	provided. If mounted onto other surface, use appropriate
	hardware.

3 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.

4 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 11⁄8″ wrench to tighten fittings firmly. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

GXWH04F

GXWH20S

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STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

Attach Fittings to Water Line

	Slip a compression nut onto each pipe.
1
	Next, slip the brass ferrule onto each pipe.
2

	D
Brass ferrule	Brass ferrule
Hex nut	Hex nut

Installing the Unit

	1	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 11⁄8″ wrench to hold the fitting in place; use a 11⁄4″
	2
		wrench to tighten the nut. Repeat process for other fittings.

3

4

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).

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. Wire and clamps may be purchased separately from your local hardware store.

	1	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.
	2
		Attach wire to clamps as shown. Tighten screws.
	3

Ground wire

Clamp

Final Check

1

2

3

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

Slowly turn on water supply.

Check entire system for leaks.

4

5

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 30 minutes (model GXWH20S) or 15 minutes (model GXWH04F).

Timer Installation and Application Instructions

Blue reset button

Timer battery installation and change

Installation of timer

Timer cap

2 AAA batteries

Timer base

Timer seat

Head

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.

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.

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PARTS LIST

002

002

003

003

006

005

999

			G	G
			X	X
			W	W
			H	H
			0	2
			4	0
Ref. No.	Part No.	Part Description	F	S
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	—	—
	FXWTC (Rev. 2) Filter Element—Carbon Paper		—	—
999	49-50202-2	Installation Instructions	1	1

To obtain replacement parts, call toll-free 800.626.2002 (U.S.), 800.663.6060 (Canada—English), 800.361.3869 (Canada—French).

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

	• What does this warranty cover?	• How do I make a warranty claim?
	— Any defect in materials or workmanship in the manufactured product.		— Return to the retailer from which it was purchased, along with a copy
	• What does this warranty not cover?		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.
	— Filter Cartridges.
	— Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product.
	— Improper installation, delivery or maintenance.		EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES—Your sole and
	— Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, altered, used		exclusive remedy is product exchange as provided in this
	commercially or used for other than the intended purpose.		Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied
	— Use of this product where water is microbiologically unsafe or		warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose,
	of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before or after		are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.
	the housing*. Housings certified for cyst reduction may be used
	on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.
		This warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding
	*The term “housing” means the combination of the head and filter
		owner for products purchased for home or office use within the USA.
	canister which together form a filter pressure vessel.
		In Alaska, the warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service to your
	— Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God.
		home or office.
	— Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with	Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or
	this appliance, its installation or repair.
		consequential damages. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you
	• For how long after the original purchase?	may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. To know what your
	— One (1) year.	legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state’s
		Attorney General.
		Contact us at GEAppliances.com, or call toll-free at 800.952.5039 in the U.S.,
		or 866.777.7627 in Canada.

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