Water Right Impression Plus Series, IMAN, IMAF-MGS, IMS, IMB Installation Instructions & Owner's Manual

Impression Series® and

Impression Plus Series

Water Filters

For Models:

• IMBF

• IMBF-MAN

• IMAN

• IMAF-MGS

• IMS

• IMB

• IAG

• IACG-AN

®

• IMPBF

• IMPBF-MAN

• IMPAF-MGS

• IMPS

• IMPB

• IPAG

• IPACG-AN

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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

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

Installation ........................................................5-7

Programming Procedures .............................................8

Startup Instructions ..................................................9

Operating Displays and Instructions .................................10-11

Replacement Mineral Instructions for Acid Neutralizers ...................12

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

Replacement Parts ................................................17-24

Specifications ....................................................25-26

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 Impression Series water filters are precision built, high quality products. These units will deliver filtered 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 the manufacturer 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 and cycle times.

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: Day Override (preset to 3 days) and Time of Regeneration (preset to 12 a.m.)

• Read Normal Operating Displays

• Set Time of Day

• Read Power Loss & Error Display

For the homeowner, please read sections on Bypass Valve and Operating Displays and Maintenance.

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

Flow Rate, Capacity Remaining and Days to a Regeneration are optional displays but are not normally used. Each of
these can be viewed by pressing next to scroll through them. When stepping through any 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. To quickly exit any Programming, Installer Settings, etc., 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.

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

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® 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. 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.

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

WELL WATER INSTALLATION MUNICIPAL INSTALLATION

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

2. It is not recommended to install any water conditioner with less than 10 feet of piping between its outlet and the inlet of
a water heater.

CAUTION: To protect the unit in the event of a hot water heater backup, the

manufacturer recommends the use of an expansion tank on the
outlet side of the unit.

3. 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.

4. 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.

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 under Installation Fitting Assemblies, page 23-24. 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.

5

When installing an air regenerating filter the customer may experience, under

certain conditions, small amounts of air (cloudy water) at the taps. This is
normal. On rare occasions, this may result in “shots of air” at a particular
fixture. By installing a loop or “U” on the outlet side of the unit, this will act as
an air trap and improve this situation.

Located inside the inlet is an internal check valve (see diagram at right).

This check valve holds the air in the system, preventing its escape from the
tank. Plumbing codes may require the installation of a thermal expansion tank
on the outlet side of the system to prevent a water heater backup condition.
(See Installation Diagrams on page 5.)

Provisions should be made to bypass outside hydrants that are not to have filtered water. It is also advisable to install

hose bibs on the inlet and outside of the filter for future testing and service of the equipment. Where heavy sediment from
the well is observed, it is advisable to install a cartridge or bag-style filter immediately upstream from the filter. A nominal
micron rating of 50 to 100 is recommended. The purpose of this is to protect the control valve of any debris from the well.
If desired, a cartridge filter may be used after the system as a polishing filter.

6. 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. If
replacing an existing filter, also replace the ground clamps/wire. If removing a filter, replace the
piping with the same type of piping as the original to assure plumbing integrity and grounding.

7. DRAIN LINE: First, be sure that the drain can handle the backwash rate of the system. Solder

joints near the valve 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.

Backwash of an automatic filter can be directed into a septic tank in most cases, but because of the higher volume of

water discharged, care should be taken. The backwash discharge can be directed to a subsurface drainage system or
other safe location. Remember to follow all local codes.

When installing the drain line on any backwashing filter, especially Impression filters that utilize air as the regenerant,

hard piping such as PVC, Schedule 80 Plastic or copper is recommended. Remove the drain line nut (if included) and
discard. A 3/4” NPT connection on the elbow is provided. During backwash, high volumes of water (more than a

softener) and air can be expelled. This release of air can cause a thrashing or movement of the drain line causing it to
dislodge from the drain, resulting in water damage. In order to prevent this, it is recommended to use other means of
securing the drain line to the floor, wall or ceiling to avoid this thrashing of piping. Our patent pending Backwash Air

cycle greatly reduces the chance of this occurring but should not be the only means of protection.

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 to its discharge point in accordance with plumbing codes. Pay special attention to codes for air
gaps and anti-siphon devices.

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.

TYPICAL DRAIN LINE INSTALLATIONS

6

8. CHECK VALVE: All air systems include an internal check valve and
screen assembly as part of the air draw system (see diagram at
right). This check valve, screen, and elbow are exclusive to the air
system and are not to be confused or interchanged with a brine elbow
used on a softener. The gray color of the elbow indicates use with an air
system vs. a black elbow which indicates use with a water softeners.

NOTE: Under certain conditions (finished basements, utility room, etc.)

it may be advisable to disconnect the screen and run a 3/8” line close to
a drain, in case of check valve failure and water leakage.

9. DISINFECTION OF SYSTEM: In situations where additional disinfection is
needed, due to high levels of iron or sulfur bacteria, this may be accomplished
with a small chlorine feeder (see diagram at right). It can be used in
conjunction with air systems and is used to control bacterial growth within the
filter vessel itself. It is not used to control bacteria downstream of the filter nor for
disinfection of the water itself. Chlorine disinfection is not used with some medias
such as Birm. Please consult distributor or factory for more details.

This tank operates much the same way a brine tank does with a water softener.

A small amount of water is added to the tank just prior to regeneration, which
comes into contact with the chlorine pellets, dissolves them and is then drawn
into the filter to disinfect the system periodically and then safely rinsed away. We
recommend the use of pellets manufactured by Better Water Industries, available
through the manufacturer or your local distributor.

To Dealer:

CAUTION: On certain Impression air models, the

Backwash Air cycle is not available when using
the chlorine feeder tank. Drain line must be of rigid materials and
affixed securely to floor, wall or ceiling. See Drain Line instructions.

This tank has many intended uses. If chlorine is being used, add only two or
three pellets (two or three grams) of chlorine at a time. We recommend Better
Water Industries chlorine pellets. Do not overfill container. Use rubber gloves
when handling pellets. Always read safety precautions of chemical container
before adding to tank.

If chlorine is being used, never add or mix any chemical in chlorine tank other
than chlorine. Always read safety precautions on container before adding any
chemical to this tank. Only use in well ventilated area. Chlorine fumes can
be corrosive and harmful. Inhalation of chlorine gas can be deadly. Use drip
pan underneath tank in case of corrosion or leaking of tank. Always install
an overflow line to the chlorine tank and run to an appropriate drain. Do not
connect drain from filter to this tank. Drains should remain separate.

Screen

Air flow

Elbow

AIR DRAW

CHECK VALVE

ASSEMBLY

Air Check

CHLORINE FEEDER TANK

7

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 set 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 set clock and return to the general
operating display (page 10).

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.

STEP 2 – HARDNESS: This display will show “–nA– (not available)” if “FILTER”

is selected.

Press next to go to step 3. Press regen to exit.

STEP 3 – DAY OVERRIDE: The manufacturer has factory set 3 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 (3 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.

1

2

3

4

STEP 4 – REGENERATION HOUR: The manufacturer has factory set 12:00 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
12:00 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.

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 (Not available on all models):

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

8

STARTUP INSTRUCTIONS:

FLUSHING OF SYSTEM:

To flush the system of any debris and air after installation is complete, please perform the following steps:

1. Rotate bypass handles to the bypass mode (see Fig. 2 of page 4).

2. Turn on inlet water and check for leaks in the newly installed plumbing.

3. Fully open a cold water faucet, preferable at a laundry sink or bathtub without an aerator.

4. Wait two to three minutes or until water runs clear, then turn water off and follow start-up instructions.

System regeneration sequence is in the following order. Some sequence differences may be noticed depending upon local
conditions. (If it is desired to change this sequence, please refer to the Dealer Manual or contact the manufacturer.)

Sequencing for Various Filters:

Air Filters Backwashing Filters Acid Neutralizers

1. Backwash Air 1. Backwash 4. Rinse 1. Backwash 5. Filtering

2. Backwash 2. Rinse 5. Return to service 2. Filtering 6. Rapid Rinse

3. Regenerant Draw Down (Air draw) 3. Backwash 3. Rapid Rinse 7. Return to service

4. Return to service 4. Backwash

Inch Worm Feature: Impression air units are programmed with the backwash air cycle feature (nicknamed “inch
worm”). This unique feature allows for small movements or “inching” of the piston towards the backwash cycle. As the
piston approaches this cycle, the backwash port opens slightly with each advancement, allowing air to escape to drain.
This cycle is ten very small mini steps of the piston which take place thirty seconds apart. Usually midway between the
ten positions, the air begins to be released very slowly to the drain in normal operating conditions.

When first starting up an air sulfur or air iron, it is advised to step through these positions and go to the normal backwash
cycle in order to fill the unit.

To advance in Backwash Air cycle:

1. Pushing the next button will advance to each of the ten mini steps within the backwash air cycle. While there are
usually ten steps to this cycle, the valve may make two or three movements for each step. Wait for these movements to
complete before pressing next again.

2. Pushing and holding the regen button for three seconds while in the Backwash Air cycle will skip the remaining mini
steps and proceed to the next cycle of regeneration which is usually Backwash.

The system is now ready for filling with water and for testing.

1. Place the bypass valve into the bypass mode (Fig. 2 on page 4).

2. Press and hold the regen button until the motor starts. Release button. Put the valve into “BACKWASH” position. (Please
see note above.) Unplug the transformer so that the valve will not cycle to the next position. Open the inlet handle of the
bypass valve very slightly allowing water to fill the tank slowly in order to expel air.

CAUTION: If water flows too rapidly, there will be a loss of media to the drain. Certain

medias such as carbon, or other dry media, should not be backwashed
immediately for extended periods of time. These medias need to “soak”
in the water for a 24-hour period prior to full backwash conditions.

Media is dry and filling with water too quickly in backwash will result in

media plugging the drain and valve assembly.

3. After the water is flowing steadily to the drain, clear and without the presence of air, slowly open the inlet valve. Restore

power and momentarily press the regen button to advance the control to the “REGENERANT DRAW DOWN” position.

4. With the bypass still in the diagnostic mode (Fig. 3 on page 4), there should be a slow flow to the drain.

5. Press regen button in sequence until display returns to “TIME.” Place bypass valve in the normal operating mode

(Fig. 1 on page 4) by opening the outlet bypass handle.

6. Go to laundry tub or bathtub faucet, preferable a faucet without an aerator, and turn on cold water. Let the water run.

Note the color of water coming from faucet. If discolored, let water run until clear. If severely discolored, place unit into
“BACKWASH” position (step 2) and run water to the system’s drain until clear.

Note: At no time should there by large particles of media noticed at faucet or laundry tub. If this is seen, immediately shut off

water and bypass system, as this could be an indication of a distributor failure. Contact manufacturer or distributor for assistance.

7. Place unit into regeneration again and allow to complete cycle. Upon completion, unit will be regenerated and will deliver

treated water.

9