Viqua WS series Owner's Manual
Model:
Owner’s Manual
WS Series
425 Clair Rd. W, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1L 1R1
t. (+1) 519.763.1032 • tf. 1.800.265.7246 (US and Canada only)
t. +31 73 747 0144 (Europe only) • f. (+1) 519.763.5069
e-mail: info@viqua.com
www.viqua.com
520086_RevJ
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
General Information 3
Installation 5
Operation 7
Troubleshooting 13
Replacement Parts 14
Specifications 24
Quick Reference Guide 27
Manufacturer’s Warranty 28
Water Test
Hardness __________ gpg
Iron __________ ppm
pH __________ number
Nitrates* __________ ppm
Manganese __________ ppm
Sulphur __________ yes/no
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) __________
* Over 10 ppm (expressed as Nitrogen) may be harmful for human consumption. AWP water conditioners do not remove
nitrates or
Your VIQUA WS series water conditioners and backwashing filters are precision built high quality products. These units will
deliver conditioned water for many years to come, when installed and operated properly. Please study this manual carefully
and understand the cautions and notes before installing. This manual should be kept for future reference. If you have any
questions regarding your water conditioner, contact your local dealer or VIQUA.
coliform bacteria, this requires specialized equipment.
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Section 1 General Information
1.1 Pre-installation Instructions for Dealers
The manufacturer has preset the water treatment unit’s sequence of cycles, cycle times, salt dose, exchange capacity and
salt dose refill time.
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 must be used:
• Program Installer Settings, Hardness, Day Override (preset to 12 days), and Time of Regeneration (preset to 2 a.m.,
refer to Section 3.2)
• Read Normal Operating Displays
• Set Time of Day
• Read Power Loss and Error Display
For the homeowner, refer to Section 3.2.
1.1.1 WS Series Water Softeners
During operation, the normal user display is time of day and gallons per minute.
Days Remaining is an optional display but is not normally used. Each of these can be viewed by pressing NEXT to scroll
through them. When stepping through any programming, if there aren’t any buttons pressed within 5 minutes, the display
returns to a normal user display. Any changes made prior to the 5 minute time out are incorporated.
To quickly exit any Programming, Installer Settings, and so on, press SET CLOCK. Any changes made prior to the exit 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 three seconds until a regeneration begins.
General Information
Once the valve has completed the immediate regeneration, the valve will regenerate one more time at the preset.
1.2 Bypass Valve
The bypass valve is typically 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
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.
a. 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. Refer to Figure 1.
b. 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. Refer to Figure 2.
c. 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. Refer to Figure 3. 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 rinsed before returning the bypass valve to the normal position.
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and the nuts and caps are glass filled polypropylene. All seals are self-
3
General Information
Treated water
exits
Supply water
enters
Supply water
exits
Supply water
enters
d. 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 or filter it is an indication of water
bypassing the system. Refer to Figure 4. (i.e. a plumbing cross-connection somewhere in the building)
Supply water
exits
Figure 1 Normal Operation Position Figure 2 Bypass Position
No water
exits
Supply water
enters
Supply water is shut off
from the house and
the valve
4
Figure 3 Diagnostic Position Figure 4 Shut Off Position
Installation
Section 2 Installation
WARNING
• Changes or modifications made to this system without the consent of the manufacturer could render the system unsafe for operation and may void the
manufacturer's warranty.
• 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 the plumbing.
• DO NOT use vaseline, oils, other hydrocarbon lubricants or spray silicone anywhere. A silicone lubricant may be used on black O-rings, but is not necessary.
Avoid any type of lubricants, including silicone, on red or clear lip seals.
• DO NOT use pipe dope or other sealants on threads. Teflon
control valve, and on the threads for the drain line connection. Teflon
nuts and caps are designed to be unscrewed or tightened by hand or with the special plastic Service Wrench, #CV3193-01. 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 - 0.5-37.7º C (33-100º F)
• Electrical - 115/120V, 60Hz uninterrupted outlet locations only
• The tank should be on a firm level surface
• Current draw is 0.5 amperes
• The plug-in transformer is for dry
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tape must be used on the threads of the 1” NPT inlet and outlet, the brine line connection at the
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tape is not used on the nut connections or caps because O-ring seals are used. The
TIME OF DAY
PM
2:00
TIME OF DAY
PM
2:00
00
00
Figure 5 Well Water Installation Figure 6 Municipal Water Installation
1. The distance between the drain and the water conditioner should be as short as possible.
2. As salt must be periodically added to the brine tank, it should be located where it is easily accessible.
3. Do not install any water conditioner with less than 10 feet of piping between its outlet and the inlet of a water heater.
4. Do not locate unit where it or its connections (including the drain and overflow lines) will ever be subjected to room
temperatures under 0.5º C (33º F).
5. Inlet/Outlet Plumbing: Be sure to install Bypass Valve onto main control valve before beginning plumbing. Make
provisions to bypass outside hydrant and cold hard water lines at this time. Install an inlet shutoff valve and plumb to the
unit’s bypass valve inlet located at the right rear as you face the unit. There are a variety of installation fittings available.
They are listed in Section 5.12. When assembling the installation fitting package (inlet and outlet), connect the fitting to
the plumbing system first and then attach the nut, split ring, and O-ring. Heat from soldering or solvent cements may
damage the nut, split ring or O-ring. Solder joints should be cool and solvent cements should be set before installing the
nut, split ring, and O-ring. Avoid getting solder flux, primer, and solvent cement on any part of the O-rings, split rings,
bypass valve or control valve. If the building’s electrical system is grounded to the plumbing, install a copper grounding
strap from the inlet to the outlet pipe. Plumbing must be done in accordance with all applicable local codes.
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Installation
6. Drain Line: Make sure that the drain handles the backwash rate of the system. Solder joints near the drain must be
done prior to connecting the drain line flow control fitting. Leave at least 6” between the drain line flow control fitting and
solder joints. Failure to do this could cause interior damage to the flow control. Install a 1/2” I.D. flexible plastic tube to
the Drain Line Assembly or discard the tubing nut and use the 3/4” NPT fitting for rigid pipe (recommended). If the
backwash rate is greater than 7 gpm, use a 3/4” drain line. Where the drain line is elevated but empties into a drain
below the level of the control valve, form a 7” loop at the discharge end of the line so that the bottom of the loop is level
with the drain connection on the control valve. This will provide an adequate anti-siphon trap. Piping the drain line
overhead <10 ft is normally not a problem. Be sure adequate pressure is available (40-60 psi is recommended). Where
the drain empties into an overhead sewer line, a sink-type trap must be used. Run drain tube to its discharge point in
accordance with plumbing codes. Pay special attention to codes for air gaps and anti-siphon devices.
Note: Drain line nut will not be supplied for units having a backwash rate greater than 7 gpm.
7. Brine Tank Connection: Install the 3/8” O.D. polyethylene tube from the Refill Elbow to the Brine Valve in the brine
tank.
8. Overflow Line Connection: An overflow drain line is recommended where a brine overflow could damage furnishings
or the building structure. Your softener is equipped with a brine tank safety float which greatly reduces the chance of an
accidental brine overflow. In the event of a malfunction, however, an overflow line connection will direct the “overflow” to
the drain instead of spilling on the floor where it could cause considerable damage. This fitting is an elbow on the side
of the brine tank. Attach a length of 1/2” I.D. tubing to fitting and run to drain. Do not elevate overflow line higher than 3”
below bottom of overflow fitting. Do not “tie” this tube into the drain line of the control valve. Overflow line must be a
direct, separate line from overflow fitting to drain, sewer, or tub. Allow an air gap as per the drain line instructions.
• Never insert a drain line into a drain, sewer line, or trap.
• Always allow an air gap between the drain line and the wastewater to prevent the possibility of sewage being back-siphoned into the conditioner.
CAUTION
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Section 3 Operation
1
• Press SET CLOCK.
2
• For Current Time (hour), set the
hour of the day using + or –
buttons. “AM/PM” toggles after 12.
Press NEXT.
3
• For Current Time (minutes), set the minutes using + or – buttons. If it is desired
to back up to the previous step press REGEN button once.
• Pressing NEXT will exit SET CLOCK and return to the general operating
display.Insert the sleeve removal tool at the bottom of the sleeve.
1
• Press NEXT and + simultaneously
for 3 seconds.
2
• Set the amount of hardness in grains per gallon (default
20) using the + or – buttons.
• The allowable range is from 1 to 150 in 1 grain
increments.
Note: Increase the grains per gallon if soluble iron is
present (1 ppm = 4 gpg). This display will show “–nA–”
(not available) if “FILTER” is selected or if “AUTO” is not
factory set. Press NEXT or press REGEN to exit.
3
• Set Day Override using + or – buttons (12 is recommended):
• Set number of days between regeneration (1 to 28) or
• Set to “OFF”
• Press NEXT or press REGEN to return to the previous step.
Note: The manufacturer has factory set 12 days as the
default. This is the maximum number of days between
regenerations. If this is set to “OFF”, regeneration initiation
is based solely on gallons used. If any number is set
(allowable range from 1 to 28), a regeneration initiation will
be called for on that day even if a sufficient number of
gallons were not used to call for a regeneration.
3.1 Programming Procedures
3.1.1 Set Time of Day
Time of day should only need to be set after extended power outages or when daylight saving time begins or ends. If an
extended power outage occurs, the time of day will flash on and off indicating that the time should be reset.
Procedure:
Operation
3.1.2 Programming
Note: The manufacturer has preset the unit so that the gallons between regenerations will be automatically calculated after
the hardness is entered.
Procedure:
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Operation
4
• Regeneration hours: Press NEXT or press REGEN to return to the previous step.
Note: The manufacturer has factory set 2/:00 A.M. as the default. This is the hour of day
for regeneration and can be reset by using + or – buttons. “AM/PM” toggles after 12.
The default time is 2:00 A.M. (recommended for a normal household).
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• Set the regeneration minutes using + or – buttons.
• Press NEXT to exit installer programming.
• Press REGEN to return to previous step.
• To initiate an immediate manual regeneration, press and hold the REGEN button for
three seconds. The system will begin to regenerate immediately. The control may be
manually stepped through the re generation cycles by pressing REGEN.
3.2 Displays and Instructions
3.2.1 General Operation
When the system is operating, one of four following displays may be shown. Pressing NEXT will toggle between the
displays. The user can scroll between the displays as desired:
1. Current “TIME OF DAY” and “GPM”.
2. FLOW RATE is the current treated water flow rate through the system measured in GPM.
3. CAPACITY REMAINING is the gallons that will be treated before the system signals a regeneration cycle.
4. DAYS TO A REGEN is the number of days left before the system goes through a regeneration cycle, based on the
days override value.
If the system has called for a regeneration that will occur at the preset time of regeneration, the words “REGEN TODAY”
will appear on the display.
If a water meter is installed, “GPM” flashes on the display when water is being treated, indicating gallons per minute going
through the system.
3.2.2 Regeneration Mode
Typically a system is set to regenerate at a time of no water usage. If there is a demand for water when the system is
regenerating, untreated water will be delivered. When the system begins to regenerate, the display will change to include
information about the step of the regeneration process and the time remaining for that step to be completed. The system
runs through the steps automatically and will reset itself to provide treated water when the regeneration has been
completed.
3.2.3 Manual Regeneration
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Sometimes there is a need to regenerate before the control valve calls for it. This may be needed if a period of heavy
water use is anticipated or when the system has been operated without salt.
1. To initiate a manual regeneration at the next preset regeneration time, press and release REGEN. “REGEN TODAY”
will flash on the display to indicate that the system will regenerate at the next regeneration time (set in Section 3.1.2,
steps 4 and 5). If REGEN button is pressed by mistake, press the same button again to cancel the command.
2. To initiate a manual regeneration immediately, press and hold the REGEN button for three seconds. The system will
begin to regenerate immediately. This command cannot be cancelled.
Note: “REGEN TODAY” and “TIME OF DAY” will flash alternately if a regeneration is expected tonight.
Once a manual regeneration is initiated, the unit will go into the “FILL” position, followed by the steps listed in Section 3.3.
During this initial sequence the water softener will deliver treated water.
3.2.4 Power Loss and Battery Replacement
The AC transformer comes with a 15 foot power cord and is designed for use with the control valve; the transformer should
only be used in a dry location.
In the event of a power outage, the control valve will remember all settings and time of day. If an extended power outage
occurs, the control valve will keep time of day until the battery is depleted. When the battery becomes depleted, the only
item that needs to be reset is the time of day and will be indicated by the time of day flashing. All other settings are
permanently stored in the nonvolatile memory.
If a power loss occurs and the time of day flashes, this indicates that the battery is depleted. The time of day should be
reset and the non rechargeable battery should be replaced. The battery is a 3 Volt lithium coin cell type 2032 and is readily
available at most stores. To access battery location, remove front cover, refer to Section 5.1.
Operation
Note: When replacing the battery, align positives and push down to fully seat.
3.2.5 Error Message
If the word “ERROR” and a number are alternately flashing on the display record the number and contact your dealer for
help. This indicates that the control valve was not able to function properly.
3.2.6 Brine Tank Maintenance and Salt
Refill the brine tank as necessary, making sure at least 1/3 of the brine tank is full at all times. Without proper salt levels, the
water softener may not operate properly.
The manufacturer recommends the use of solar salt for best results. The brine tank is manufactured for the use of solar,
pellets, rock salt or block salt. If pellet or rock salt is used, a cleaning of the brine tank every six months is recommended.
3.3 Start-up Instructions
• After installation is complete, rotate bypass handles to bypass mode, refer to Figure 2.
• Turn on water and check for leaks.
• Fully open a cold water faucet - preferably a laundry sink or bathtub with no aerator.
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• Allow water to run until clear to rid pipes of debris which may have occurred during installation.
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