WaterCare UCS-844, UCS-1044, UCS-948, UCS-1054, UCS-1248 Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual

CareSoft Series

Metered Water Softeners

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For Models:

• UCS-844

• UCS-948

• UCS-1044

• UCS-1054

• UCS-1248

• UCS-1354

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preinstallation Instructions for Dealers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Bypass Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6

Programming Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7-8

Operating Displays and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9-10

Start-up Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-12

Troubleshooting Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-16

Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-25

Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Quick Reference Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

YOUR WATER TEST

Hardness _____________________ gpg
Iron __________________________ ppm
pH ___________________________ number
*Nitrates ______________________ ppm
Manganese ___________________ ppm
Sulphur _______________________ yes/no
Total Dissolved Solids ___________

*Over 10 ppm may be harmful for human consumption.
Water conditioners do not remove nitrates or coliform bacteria,
this requires specialized equipment.

Your CareSoft Pro Series water conditioners 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 WaterCare at the following:

1900 Prospect Court • Appleton, WI 54914

Phone: [phone] • Fax: [phone]

PREINSTALLATION 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, time of regeneration,
service alarm and buzzer alarm settings before installation.

For the installer, the following must be used:

• Program Installer Settings ... Hardness, Day Override (preset to 6 days), Time of Regeneration (preset to 2
a.m., with brine tank refill to occur four hours prior; see Operating Displays and Instructions for more details),
Service Alarms (preset to “OFF”) and Buzzer Alarm (preset to start at 6 a.m. and end at 10 p.m.)

• Read Normal Operating Displays

• Set Time of Day

• Read Power Loss & Error Display

• Be sure system and installation are in compliance with all state and local laws and regulations.

For the homeowner, please read Programming Procedures and Operating Displays and Instructions.

During operation, the normal user display is time of day and gallons per minute.

Flow Rate, Vacation Mode, Capacity Remaining and Days to a Regeneration are optional displays but are not normally
used. (Vacation Mode is used only when there will be no water usage for an extended period of time. Once 50 gallons
of water is used, the unit will automatically regenerate that night and resume normal operation.) Each of these can be
viewed by pressing
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, etc., press SET CLOCK. Any changes made prior to the
exit are incorporated.

NEXT to scroll through them. When stepping through any programming, if no buttons are pressed

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

1. Press the

2. Press and hold the

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

REGEN button once. “REGEN TODAY” will flash on the display.

REGEN button for three seconds until a regeneration begins.

3

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
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. During
the regeneration cycle this position provides regeneration water to the unit, while also providing untreated water to the
distribution system (Fig. 1).

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. 2).

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. 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-lubricating

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. 4) (i.e. a plumbing cross-connection somewhere in the building).

NORMAL

OPERATION

POSITION

BYPASS POSITION

DIAGNOSTIC

POSITION

SHUT OFF

POSITION

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 3FIGURE 2 FIGURE 4

4

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 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
brine line connection at the control valve, 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, #CV3193-02. 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 • current draw is 0.5 amperes

• water temperature – 33-100°F (0.5-37.7°C) • the plug-in transformer is for dry locations only

• electrical – 115/120V, 60Hz uninterrupted outlet • the tank should be on a firm level surface

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tape must be used on the threads of the 1” NPT inlet and outlet, the

WELL WATER INSTALLATION MUNICIPAL INSTALLATION

1. The distance between the drain and the water conditioner should be as short as possible.

2. Since 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 33°F.

5. Do not subject the tank to any vacuum, as this may cause an “implosion” and could result in leaking. If there is a possibility
a vacuum could occur, please make provision for a vacuum breaker in the installation.

6. 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 under Installation Fitting Assemblies, page 26-27. 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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7. INSTALLING GROUND: To maintain an electrical ground in metal plumbing

of a home’s cold water piping (such as a copper plumbing system), install a
ground clamp or jumper wiring.

NOTE: If replacing an existing softener, also replace the ground clamps/wire.

If removing a softener, replace the piping with the same type of piping as the
original to assure plumbing integrity and grounding.

8. DRAIN LINE: First, be sure that the drain can handle 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” rigid 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.

TYPICAL DRAIN LINE INSTALLATIONS

9. BRINE TANK CONNECTION: Install the 3/8” O.D. polyethylene tube from the Refill Elbow to the Brine Valve in the

brine tank.

10. 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.

CAUTION: 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.

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PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES:

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.

STEP 1 – Press

CLOCK.

STEP 2 – CURRENT TIME (HOUR): Set the hour of the day using + or — buttons. AM/PM toggles after 12.

Press

NEXT to go to step 3.

STEP 3 – 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 CLOCK and return to the general operating

display (page 9).

1 2 3

2. Programming:

NOTE: The manufacturer has preset the unit so that the gallons between regenerations will be automatically calculated
after the hardness is entered.

STEP 1 – Press

NEXT and + simultaneously for 3 seconds.

1

STEP 2 – HARDNESS: 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: If a resin media is used in the softener, 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
Press

NEXT to go to step 3.
REGEN if you want to exit.

STEP 3 – DAY OVERRIDE: 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.

Set Day Override using + or — buttons (12 is recommended):

• set number of days between regeneration (1 to 28); or

• set to “OFF”.
Press

NEXT to go to step 4.

Press REGEN if you need to return to the previous step.

STEP 4 – REGENERATION HOUR: 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).

Press

NEXT to go to step 5.

Press REGEN if you need to return to the previous step.

2

3

4

7

STEP 5 – REGENERATION MINUTES: Set the minutes using + or — buttons.

Press

NEXT to exit installer programming. Press REGEN if you need to

return to the 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 regeneration cycles by pressing

REGEN.

STEP 6 – BACKLIGHT DISPLAY CONTROL: Set the display backlight on or off

using + or — buttons. In the OFF position, the backlight will turn off after
5 minutes of inactivity.

5

6

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OPERATING DISPLAYS AND INSTRUCTIONS:

1. GENERAL OPERATION: When the system is operating, one of three displays

may be shown. Pressing NEXT will alternate between the displays. One of
the displays is always the current time of day. The second display shows the
current treated water flow rate through the system in Gallons Per Minute. The
third display is one of the following: days remaining or volume remaining.
Days remaining is the number of days left before the system goes through a
regeneration cycle. Capacity remaining is the gallons that will be treated before
the system goes through a regeneration cycle. The user can scroll between the
displays as desired.

If a water meter is installed, the word “Softening” or “Filtering” flashes on the

display when water is being treated (i.e. water is flowing through the system).

2. REGENERATION MODE: Typically a system is set to regenerate

at a time of no water use. 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. MANUAL REGENERATION: 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.

• To initiate a manual regeneration at the next preset regeneration time, press
and release
to indicate that the system will regenerate at the next regeneration time (set
in Programming, steps 4 and 5). If you pressed the REGEN button in error,

pressing the button again will cancel the command.

• To initiate a manual regeneration immediately, press and hold

REGEN button for three seconds. The system will begin to regenerate

the
immediately. This command cannot be cancelled.

Once a manual regeneration is initiated, the unit will go into the FILL position. This

position allows water to enter the brine tank until it reaches the proper level. Once
this position is complete, you will notice a 240 Minute (4 hours) SOFTENING
position. This 4-hour window allows the salt to dissolve and achieve proper brine
strength. During these FILL and SOFTENING positions, you will have softened
water available for use. Once the unit advances to the BACKWASH position
and subsequent positions thereafter (see Start Up Instructions for regeneration
sequence), the water softener will deliver water, but it will be untreated.

IMPORTANT: With the Dry Salt Storage Feature, the brine tank will refill 4 hours

before the actual regeneration occurs. You may experience a small amount of
noise for a short period of time at 10:00 p.m. (with typical setting) on the night
that regeneration is to occur. This noise is only the brine tank filling and at no time
during this process will you be without treated water.

REGEN. The words “REGEN TODAY” will flash on the display

GENERAL OPERATION DISPLAYS

REGENERATION MODE

MANUAL REGENERATION

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 that is less than 24 hours, the control valve will

remember all settings and time of day. After 24 hours, 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 that is less than 24 hours 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 (see diagram on page 14 for battery location).

BATTERY REPLACEMENT

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