Sterling IFS10 Installation Instructions And Owner's Manual

Installation Instructions and Owner’s Manual

IFS Series

Iron Filter / Softener System

Sterling Water Treatment

12630 US Highway 33 N

Churubusco, IN 46723

Phone [phone] Fax [phone]

www.sterlingwatertreatment.com

IFS Instruction Manual 140326.docx

Pre-installation Instructions

Page 2

Bypass Valve

Page 5

General Installation

Page 6

Installation Instructions

Page 7

Control Valve Programming – Set Time-of-Day

Page 9

Control Valve Programming – Initial Settings

Page 9

Control Valve Operating Displays

Page 11

Troubleshooting Guide

Page 12

Specifications

Page 15

Component Parts Breakdown & List

Pages 16-17

Control Valve Breakdown

Page 18

Control Valve Parts List

Page 19

Installation Fitting Assemblies

Pages 20-22

Quick Reference Guide

Page 23

Ten Year Limited Warranty

Page 24

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1

Pre-Installation

Description of the iron filter / softener system

The IFS system includes a filtration tank, softener tank, brine tank, and a backwashing control valve.
Incoming water flows into the control valve and is directed into the filtration tank. Exposure to the air in this tank
will start oxidizing the iron and the filtration media will trap this iron. The water then flows through the back
connector tube and into the softener tank where the water is then softened. The iron-free softened water then
returns to the control valve where it is directed into the service lines.

Periodically the control valve will go through a backwash cycle. This cycle will typically begin at 2:00
A.M. flushing the accumulated iron and hard elements to the drain. Part of this backwashing process includes
an air draw cycle which will replenish the pocket of air in the filtration tank and a brining cycle which recharges
the softening resin in the softener tank. After the backwashing process the unit is now prepared for the next
period of service.

Water Quality
While the IFS filter/softener will perform under a variety of water qualities there are a few things that

need to be considered to ensure satisfactory performance. The water should be tested to determine the
concentration, or levels of the items listed below.

pH - A measurement of the acidity of the water. pH is reported on a scale from 0 to 14. Neutral water
has a pH of 7.0, lower values indicate acidic water. The IFS performs best when the pH is 7.0, or higher. The
IFS10 uses Iron Pro media blend in the filter in order to elevate low pH for proper iron oxidation.

Iron - A naturally occurring metallic element. Iron concentrations in excess of 0.3 milligrams/liter (mg/l)
combine with oxygen causing orange or red (rust) stains on plumbing fixtures. Iron naturally exists in some
water sources in either clear water (ferrous) state, red water (ferric) state or bacterial form. The IFS iron filter
portion can reduce any of these forms of iron.

Manganese - A naturally occurring metallic element. Manganese concentrations as low as 0.05
milligrams/liter (mg/l) can combine with oxygen to cause dark brown or black staining on fixtures. Additionally,
manganese can cause an odor in the water similar to a “rotten egg” smell. The IFS reduces manganese as well
as iron, however, manganese oxidation requires the pH of the water to be elevated to 8.2 or higher. Iron Pro M­bed media is recommended to elevate the pH of manganese bearing waters (model IFS10M).

Tannin - A naturally occurring humic acid. Tannin is an acid caused by water passing through decaying
vegetation. Coffee and Tea are prime examples of tannin in water. As hot water passes over the coffee beans,
or tea leaves, the tannin is extracted causing color and flavor in the water. Tannin concentrations as low as 0.3
milligrams per liter can cause a yellow discoloration in the water and may interfere with the IFS’s long-term
ability to remove the iron as the media becomes coated with the tannic acid.

Hydrogen Sulfide - A naturally occurring gas. Hydrogen sulfide, more commonly referred to as sulfur
gas, causes a distinct odor similar to “rotten eggs.” Due to its gaseous nature, hydrogen sulfide must be tested
at the well site within 1 minute of drawing the sample. If a water sample has been sitting for a while the sulfur
gas will dissipate and cause the hydrogen sulfide test to be lower than the actual concentration. If sulfur is
present, the filter should be set to backwash daily to prevent the gas from building up. The IFS can typically
treat up to 1 to 2 milligrams per liter of sulfur gas.

2

Water Supply

Draw Down (gallons)

X

60 = Pumping Rate (gallons per minute)

Cycle Time (seconds)

8 gallons

X

60

=

7.4 gpm (gallons per minute)

65 seconds

Unlike other iron filters that do not use chemicals to oxidize the iron, the IFS iron filter portion does not require
additional plumbing such as solenoid valves, pressure switches or pressure tanks. This filter will function
properly when the water supply is furnished by a jet pump, submersible pump, variable speed (constant
pressure) pump or community water supply. As with all other filter systems, however, it is imperative that the
well pump provides enough flow rate (7.5 gpm minimum) for the filter to adequately backwash. In order to
ensure sufficient backwash flow rate the following pumping rate test should be performed prior to installing the
IFS.

1. Make certain no water is being drawn in the house.

2. Open spigot nearest pressure tank.

3. When well pump starts, close spigot and measure time (in seconds) to refill pressure tank (well pump
turns back off). This is Cycle Time.

4. Using a container of known volume, draw water from pressure tank and measure how many gallons
until the pump turns back on again. This is Draw Down.

5. Calculate pumping rate by dividing draw down by cycle time and multiplying by 60.

Example: Draw down is 8 gallons

Cycle time is 65 seconds

Location Considerations

The proper location to install the IFS will ensure optimum filter performance and satisfactory water
quality. The following factors should be considered in selecting the location of this system.

1. The system should be installed after the pressure tank (private well system only).

2. The system should be installed as close as possible (preferably within 15’) to an adequate floor or

laundry drain capable of handling the backwash cycle volume and flow rate (refer to unit
specifications).

3. All water conditioning equipment should be installed prior to the water heater with a minimum of 10’

of piping or an expansion between the IFS and the water heater. Water temperatures exceeding
100°F can damage the internal components of the control valve and filter tank.

4. The system should not be subject to freezing temperatures.

5. Never install a cartridge type filter prior to the IFS. Any cartridge or in-line filter (if desired) should

be installed after the IFS system. This will prevent restricting the water flow and pressure available
for backwash.

6. Appliances requiring extended periods of continuous or high flow water use (i.e. geothermal heat

pumps, swimming pools, lawn irrigation, outside hose bibs, etc.) should bypass the filter and a
spring check valve should be installed on the IFS inlet to prevent backflow from the filter (see
installation diagram Fig. 1).

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The manufacturer has set the water treatment unit’s sequence of cycles, cycle times, salt dose, exchange
capacity and gallon capacity. The salt dose refill time has been preset.

The dealer should read this page and guide the installer regarding hardness, day override, and time of
regeneration, before installation:

For the installer, the following sections should be read:

 Set Installer Settings… Hardness (preset to 20 gpg), Day Override (preset to 3 days),

and Time of Regeneration (preset to 2 am).

 Normal Operating Displays
 Set Time of Day
 Power Loss & Error Display

Water Softeners:

During operation, the normal user displays are time of day, gallons per minute or gallons remaining before
regeneration will occur. Each of these can be viewed by pressing NEXT to scroll through them. When stepping
through any displays or programming, if no buttons are pressed within 5 minutes, the display returns to a normal
user display. Any changes made prior to the 5 minute time out are incorporated.

If desired, two regenerations within 24 hours are possible with a return to the preset program. To do a double
regeneration:

1. Press the REGEN button once, REGEN TODAY will flash on the display.

2. Press and hold the REGEN button for five seconds or until a regeneration begins.

Once the valve has completed the immediate regeneration, the valve will regenerate one more time at the pre­set time.

4

Figure 2 - Service

Figure 3 - Bypass

Figure 4 - Diagnostic

Figure 5 – Shut Off

Bypass Valve

The bypass valve is used to isolate the control valve from the plumbing system's water pressure in order to
perform control valve repairs or maintenance. The 1" full flow bypass valve incorporates four positions including
a diagnostic position that allows a service technician to have pressure to test a system while providing untreated
bypass water to the building. Be sure to install bypass valve onto main control valve, before beginning plumbing
or make provisions in the plumbing system for a bypass. The bypass body and rotors are glass filled Noryl®
and the nuts and caps are glass filled polypropylene. All seals are self-lubricating EPDM to help prevent valve
seizing after long periods of non-use. Internal "O" Rings can easily be replaced if service is required. The
bypass consists of two interchangeable plug valves that are operated independently by red arrow shaped
handles. The handles identify the direction of flow. The plug valves enable the bypass valve to operate in four
positions.

1. Normal Operation Position: The inlet and outlet handles point in the direction of flow

indicated by the engraved arrows on the control valve. Water flows through the control
valve for normal operation of a water softener or filter. During the regeneration cycle this
position provides regeneration water to the unit, while also providing untreated water to
the distribution system (Fig. 2).

2. Bypass Position: The inlet and outlet handles point to the center of the bypass. The

system is isolated from the water pressure in the plumbing system. Untreated water is
supplied to the building (Fig. 3).

3. Diagnostic Position: The inlet handle points toward the control valve and the outlet

handle points to the center of bypass valve. Untreated supply water is allowed to flow to
the system and to the building, while not allowing water to exit from the system to the
building (Fig. 4) . This allows the service technician to draw brine and perform other tests
without the test water going to the building.

NOTE: The system must be run through a rinse cycle before returning the bypass valve
to the normal position.

4. Shut Off Position: The inlet handle points to the center of the bypass valve and the outlet

handle points away from the control valve. The water is shut off to the building. The water
treatment system will depressurize upon opening a tap in the building. A negative pressure
in the building combined with the softener being in regeneration could cause a siphoning
of brine into the building. If water is available on the outlet side of the softener it is an
indication of water bypassing the system (Fig. 5)

5

Water

Heater

IFS System

Untreated Water

Untreated Water for
geothermal heat pumps,
swimming pools, lawn
irrigation, hose bibs etc.

Cold softened/filtered water

Hot softened/filtered water

FIGURE 1: Typical Installation

Spring Check

Valve

General Installation

GENERAL INSTALLATION & SERVICE WARNINGS

The control valve, fittings and/or bypass are designed to accommodate minor plumbing misalignments. There

is a small amount of “give” to properly connect the piping but the water softener is not designed to support the

weight of plumbing.
Do not use Vaseline, oils, other hydrocarbon lubricants or spray silicone anywhere. A silicone lubricant may be

used on black “O” Rings. This will allow ease of installation and decrease chance of rolling from the bypass and
tank connections. Avoid any type of lubricants, including silicone, on red or clear lip seals.

Do not use pipe dope or other sealants on threads. Teflon® tape must be used on the threads of the 1” NPT
inlet and outlet and on the threads for the drain line connection. Teflon® tape is not used on the nut connections
or caps because “O” Ring seals are used. The nuts and caps are designed to be unscrewed or tightened by
hand or with the special plastic Service Wrench, part # CV3193. If necessary, pliers can be used to unscrew
the nut or cap. Do not use a pipe wrench to tighten nuts or caps. Do not place screwdriver in slots on caps

and/or tap with a hammer.

SITE REQUIREMENTS

 Water pressure – 25-100 psi
 Water temperature – 33-100oF (0.5-37.7oC)
 Electrical – 115/120 V, 60 Hz uninterrupted outlet
 The tank should be on a firm level surface
 Current draw is 0.5 amps
 The plug-in transformer is for dry locations only

6

Installation Instructions

Filter Tank

Softener Tank

Inlet from water supply

Outlet to service

Fillport Cap

FIGURE 2: Tank Positioning and Fillport Location

FIGURE 3: Top View of IFS10

DLFC Retainer Clip

BLFC Retainer Clip

Drain Line Flow Control Assembly

(DLFC Elbow Fitting not shown)

Brine Refill Elbow and

Brine Line Flow Control

Assembly

STEP 1: If media is already loaded in filter tank proceed to Step 4. Otherwise, use the fillport wrench

provided to remove the fillport cap (Refer to Figure 2) by turning it counter-clockwise.

STEP 2: DO NOT REMOVE THE WHITE FILLPORT SCREEN! Use the fill funnel provided to add the

required amount of media (see unit specifications) to the filter tank. Do not overfill the tank. At
least 14” of freeboard (empty space) is required at the top of the media tank to allow for proper
bed expansion during backwash. Any excess media may be saved for future replenishment.

STEP 3: Clean any media out of the fillport cap threads. Do not reinstall the fillport cap until Step 9.
STEP 4: Place softener tank on right side with inlet/outlet facing left. Place filter tank on left with

inlet/outlet facing right.

STEP 5: Attach the control valve assembly to the front inlet opening of the filter tank and outlet opening

of the softener tank. Attach the straight pipe adapter to the back outlet of the filter tank and
inlet of the softener tank. HAND TIGHTEN UNION NUTS ONLY. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

7