Watts PWFGAC1, PWFGAC2, PWFGAC15, PWFGAC4, PWFMZ15 Installation, Operation And Maintanance Manual

IOM-WQ-PWFGAC-PWFMZ-PWFCAL

Series PWFGAC, PWFMZ, PWFCAL

Installation, Operation
and Maintenance Manual

!

WARNING

Read this Manual BEFORE using this equipment.
Failure to read and follow all safety and use information can

result in death, serious personal injury, property damage, or
damage to the equipment.

Keep this Manual for future reference.

!

WARNING

You are required to consult the local building and plumbing
codes prior to installation. If the information in this manual
is not consistent with local building or plumbing codes,
the local codes should be followed. Inquire with governing
authorities for additional local requirements.

!

WARNING

Need for Periodic Inspection/Maintenance: This product must
be tested periodically in compliance with local codes, but at least
once per year or more as service conditions warrant. All prod­ucts must be retested once maintenance has been performed.
Corrosive water conditions, and/or unauthorized adjustments or
repair could render the product ineffective for the service intended.
Regular checking and cleaning of the product’s internal compo­nents helps assure maximum life and proper product function.

!

WARNING

Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of un­known quality adequate disinfection before and after the system.

NOTICE

Hydrocarbons such as Kerosene, Benzene, Gasoline,
etc., may damage products that contain O-rings or plastic
components. Exposure to such hydrocarbons may cause the
products to leak. Do not use the product(s) contained in this
document on water supplies that contain Hydrocarbons such
as Kerosene, Benzene, Gasoline, etc.

PWFGAC PWFMZ PWFC Series

Table of Contents

System Specification Table ................................2

Safety Information .......................................3

General Warnings ..................................... 3-4

How to Use this Manual ...................................... 4

Control Valve Function and Cycles of Operation .................... 4

Installation Preview .......................................... 4

Pre-Installation Considerations ...................................5

General Installation Instructions ...................................6

Bypass Valve Installation ...................................... 7

Move Filter System Into Place .................................. 8

Connect the Drain Line ...................................8

Start Up...............................................9

PWF System Programming ...............................10

PWF Quick Programming Guide ...........................11

PWF OEM System Setup Programming................... 12-13

PWF Installer Display and Settings....................... 14-15

PWF User Displays .................................. 15-16

NOTES ..............................................17

Specifications

Feed Water Parameters

Minimum inlet pressure: 30 psig
Maximum operating pressure: 125 psig
Minimum water temperature: 40°F (5°C)
Maximum water temperature: 110°F (43°C)

Power

Voltage: 120VAC
Frequency: 60Hz
Power consumption: 7 Watts Maximum

Installation

Location: Indoors (Protect from direct sunlight)
Minimum ambient temperature: 40°F (5°C)
Maximum ambient temperature: 110°F (50°C)

Drain Flow Rates

The drain system these filters are plumbed to must be able to accept
the listed drain volumes for a period of 27 minutes.

Micro Z™ Filters

9" X 48", 1 cubic ft. 5.3 gpm
10" X 54", 1.5 cubic ft. 7.5 gpm
12" X 52", 2 cubic ft. 11 gpm
13" X 65", 3 cubic ft. 15 gpm

Carbon Filters:

9" X 48", 1 cubic ft. 4.2 gpm
10" X 54", 1.5 cubic ft. 5.3 gpm
12" X 52", 2 cubic ft. 7.5 gpm
13" X 65", 3 cubic ft. 10 gpm
16" X 65", 4 cubic ft. 11 gpm

Calcite Filters:

10" X 54", 1.5 cubic ft. 7.5 gpm
12" X 52", 2 cubic ft. 11 gpm
13" X 65", 3 cubic ft. 15 gpm

PWFMZ Series

MODEL NO. VALVE MINERAL TANK

SIZE

MEDIA CUBIC

FOOT

GRAVEL

(LBS)

PEAK SERVICE FLOW

(GPM)

PWFMZ1 Time Clock 9" X 48" 1 10 5 - 9 15 5.3 16" X 10" X 55"
PWFMZ15 Time Clock 10" X 54" 1.5 10 7 - 10 15 7.5 16" X 11" X 62"
PWFMZ2 Time Clock 12" X 52" 2 30 9 - 15 15 11 17" X 13" X 60"
PWFMZ3 Time Clock 14" X 65" 3 40 13 - 21 15 15 18" X 14" X 74"

PRESSURE DROP

(PSI)

BACK WASH

(GPM)

FLOOR SPACE

LXWXH

PWFGAC Series

MODEL NO. VALVE MINERAL TANK

SIZE

PWFGAC1 Time Clock 9" X 48" 1 10 4 <15 4.2 16" X 10" X 55"
PWFGAC15 Time Clock 10" X 54" 1.5 10 6 <15 5.3 16" X 11" X 62"
PWFGAC2 Time Clock 12" X 52" 2 30 8 <15 7.5 17" X 13" X 60"
PWFGAC3 Time Clock 14" X 65" 3 40 11 <15 10 18" X 14" X 74"
PWFGAC4 Time Clock 16" X 65" 4 60 14 <15 11 20" X 17" X 74"

MEDIA CUBIC

FOOT

GRAVEL (LBS) PEAK SERVICE FLOW

(GPM)

PRESSURE DROP

(PSI)

BACK WASH

(GPM)

FLOOR SPACE

LXWXH

PWFCAL Series

MODEL NO. VALVE MINERAL TANK

SIZE

MEDIA CUBIC

FOOT

GRAVEL

(LBS)

PEAK SERVICE FLOW

(GPM)*

PWFCAL15 Time Clock 10" X 54" 1.5 10 7 - 10 <15 7.5 16" X 11" X 62"
PWFCAL2 Time Clock 12" X 52" 2 30 9 - 15 <15 11 17" X 13" X 60"
PWFCAL3 Time Clock 13" X 65" 3 40 13 - 21 <15 15 18" X 14" X 74"

*Note: Peak service flow rate is for intermittent use only and is not to be interpreted as continuous service flow rate capability. These systems are designed to treat the domestic water used in a
single family dwelling. For irrigation water treatment or higher volume applications please contact your Watts representative. Peak service flow rates are based on a 15 psi drop.

Optimum service flow rate is specific to water chemistry and will vary.

PRESSURE DROP BACK WASH

(GPM)

FLOOR SPACE

L X W X H

2 PWF Filter Systems

!

WARNING

General Installation Guidelines

This water conditioner’s control valve conforms to UL/
CE Standards. Generic valves were tested and certified for
compliance as verified by the agency listing. This water
conditioning system is to be used only for potable water.
Inspect the water conditioning system for carrier shortage or
shipping damage before beginning installation.

Operating Perameters:

• Operating ambient temperature: 40° to 110°F (5° to 43°C).

• Operating water temperature: 40° to 110°F (5° to 43°C).

• Operating water pressure range : 25 to 120 psi (1.7 to

8.27bar).

Installation Perameters: All plumbing should be done in

accordance with local plumbing codes.

• Do not use pipe dope or other sealants on threads. Use Teflon
tape on the threaded inlet, outlet and drain fittings. Teflon tape
is not necessary on the nut connection or caps because of
o-ring seals.

• All plastic connections should be hand tightened. Teflon® tape
may be used on connections that do not use an O-ring seal.
Do not use pipe dope type sealants on the valve body. Do not

use pliers or pipe wrenches.

• Observe drain line requirements.

• Keep the media tank in the upright position. Do not turn upside
down or drop. Turning the tank upside down or laying the tank
on its side can cause media to enter the valve.

• The pipe size for the drain line should be a minimum of ½”.
Backwash flow rates in excess of 7 gpm (26.5 lpm) or length in
excess of 20’ (6.1m) require ¾” drain line.

• Do not support the weight of the system on the control valve
fittings, plumbing, or the bypass.

Environmental:

• Use only regenerants designed for water conditioning. Do not
use ice melting salt, block salt or rock salt.
During cold weather it is recommended that the installer warm
the valve to room temperature before operating.

®

is a trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours.

Teflon

• Do not use petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline, oils
or hydrocarbon-based lubricants. Use only 100% silicone
lubricants.

• Do not allow this water conditioning system to freeze. Damage
from freezing will void this water conditioning system’s
warranty.

• HYDROCARBONS SUCH AS KEROSENE, BENZENE,
GASOLINE, ETC., MAY DAMAGE PRODUCTS THAT
CONTAIN O-RINGS OR PLASTIC COMPONENTS.
EXPOSURE TO SUCH HYDROCARBONS MAY
CAUSE THE PRODUCTS TO LEAK. DO NOT USE THE
PRODUCT(S) CONTAINED IN THIS DOCUMENT ON
WATER SUPPLIES THAT CONTAIN HYDROCARBONS
SUCH AS KEROSENE, BENZENE, GASOLINE, ETC.

• THIS WATER METER SHOULD NOT BE USED AS THE
PRIMARY MONITORING DEVICE FOR CRITICAL OR
HEALTH EFFECT APPLICATIONS.

• 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.

PWF Filter Systems 3

Electrical:

• Use only the power transformer supplied with this water
conditioning system.

• All electrical connections must be completed according to local
codes.

• The power outlet must be grounded.

• All electrical connections must be connected according to local
codes. (Be certain the outlet is uninterrupted.)

• Install grounding strap on metal pipes.

• The power adapter comes with a 15 foot power cord and is
designed for use with the control valve. The power adapter is for
dry location use only. The control valve remembers all settings
until the battery power is depleted if the power goes out.

• After the battery power is depleted, the only item that needs to
be reset is the time of day; other values are permanently stored
in the nonvolatile memory. The control valve battery is not
rechargeable but is replaceable.

• No user serviceable parts are on the PC board, the motor or
the power adapter. The means of disconnection from the main
power supply is by unplugging the power adapter from the
wall.

• Install an appropriate grounding strap across the inlet and
outlet piping of the water conditioning system to ensure that a
proper ground is maintained.

• To disconnect power, unplug the AC adapter from its power
source.

Soldering:

• Use only lead-free solder and flux, as required by federal and
state codes, when installing soldered copper plumbing.

• Use caution when installing soldered metal piping near the
water conditioning system. Heat can adversely affect the
plastic control valve and bypass valve.

• 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 control fitting and solder joints when soldering pipes
that are connected on the drain line control fitting. Failure to do
this could cause interior damage to the drain line flow control
fitting.

• 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
primer and solvent cement on any part of the o-rings, split
rings, bypass valve or control valve.

Control Valve:

• This glass filled Noryl1 (or equivalent) fully automatic control
valve is designed as the primary control center to direct and
regulate all cycles of a water softener or filter.

• The control valve, fittings and/or bypass are designed to
accommodate minor plumbing misalignments but are not
designed to support the weight of a system or the plumbing.

• The nuts and caps are designed to be unscrewed or tightened
by hand or with the special plastic wrench. If necessary a
pliers can be used to unscrew the nut or cap. Do not use a
pipe wrench to tighten or loosen nuts or caps. Do not place a
screwdriver in the slots on caps and/or tap with a hammer.

• After completing any valve maintenance involving the drive
assembly or the drive cap assembly and pistons unplug power
source jack from the printed circuit board (black wire) and plug
back in or press and hold NEXT and REGEN buttons for 3

General Warnings (continued)

!

WARNING

Installation Guidelines:

seconds. This resets the electronics and establishes the
service piston position. The display should flash all word­ing, then flash the software version and then reset the
valve to the service position.

• The control valve is compatible with a variety of
regenerants and resin cleaners. The control valve is
capable of routing the flow of water in the necessary paths
to regenerate or backwash water treatment systems. The
injector regulates the flow of brine or other regenerants.
The control valve regulates the flow rates for backwashing,
rinsing, and the replenishing of treated water into a
regenerant tank, when applicable.

• Control valve installation is made easy because the
distributor tube can be cut ½” above to ½” below the top
of tank thread. The distributor tube is held in place by an
o-ring seal and the control valve also has a bayonet lock
feature for upper distributor baskets.

How To Use This Manual

This installation manual is designed to guide the installer through
the process of installing and starting up water conditioning systems
featuring the PWF controller.
This manual is a reference and will not include every system
installation situation. The person installing this equipment should
have:

• Training on the control valve.

• Knowledge of water conditioning and how to determine proper
control settings.

• Adequate plumbing skills.

Installation Preview

Conduct a visual check of all equipment for any damage that may
have occurred during shipment.

NOTICE

If there is obvious damage to any equipment, it should be noted
on the carrier’s Bill Of Lading. Open and inspect the contents of all
closed crates, cartons, etc. and inspect for concealed damage. The
manufacturer is not liable for any dam-age during transit.

Position the equipment in its proper location, setting on a flat
surface. Level equipment as required. Equipment out of plumb can
exhibit poor flow characteristics, which will affect the performance of
the system.

NOTICE

Units are shipped with media (resin & gravel), distributions tube, and
control valve installed. Double-check the valve installation on the
tank. Tighten if necessary.

Unit should be positioned with the valve control facing forward.

Check the main line water pressure. The softener is designed for a
minimum of 20 psi and a maximum of 125 psi working pressure. If
the line pressure exceeds this limit, a pressure-reducing valve should
be installed.

Maximum allowable water temperature is 40°F (4°C) – 110°F (38°C).
A 120vac 60 cycle electrical source must be available for operation
of the controller.

Connect raw water supply line to the inlet valve connection. Connect
treated water outlet to service line. It is suggested that the pipe size
be equal or one size larger than the valve connection.

Control Valve Function and
Cycles of Operation

The time clock control valve has two calendar options for
regeneration frequency: 1. an option where the user can choose the
number of days (1-99) between each backwash; and 2. a seven­day option where the user can choose which day(s) of the week a
backwash should occur.

The control valve uses no traditional fasteners (e.g. screws); instead
clips, threaded caps and nuts and snap type latches are used.
Caps and nuts only need to be firmly hand tightened because radial
seals are used. Tools required to service the valve include one small
blade screw driver, one large blade screw driver, pliers and a pair of
hands. A plastic wrench is available which eliminates the need for
screwdrivers and pliers. Disassembly for servicing takes much less
time than comparable products currently on the market. Control
valve installation is made easy because the distributor tube can be
cut ½" above to ½" below the top of tank thread. The distributor
tube is held in place by an o-ring seal and the control valve also has
a bayonet lock feature for upper distributor baskets.

The AC adapter power pack comes with a 15 foot power cord and is
designed for use with the control valve. The AC adapter power pack
is for dry location use only. If the power goes out, only the time of
day needs to be reset. All other values are permanently stored in the
nonvolatile memory.

1

Noryl is a trademark of Sabic.

4 PWF Filter Systems

Safety Information

This water conditioner’s control valve conforms to UL/CE Standards.
Generic valves were tested and certified for compliance as verified by
the agency listing.

• Please review the entire Installation and Operation Manual
before installing the water conditioning system.

• As with all plumbing projects, it is recommended that a
trained professional water treatment dealer install the water
conditioning system. Please follow all local plumbing codes for
installing this water conditioning system.

• This system will not make microbiologically unsafe water safe.
Water that is unsafe must be treated separately from this
conditioner.

• This water conditioning system is to be used only for potable
water.

• Inspect the water conditioning system for carrier shortage or
shipping damage before beginning installation.

• Use only lead-free solder and flux, as required by federal and
state codes, when installing soldered copper plumbing.

• Use caution when installing soldered metal piping near the
water conditioning system. Heat can adversely affect the plastic
control valve and bypass valve.

• All plastic connections should be hand tightened. Teflon® tape
may be used on connections that do not use an O-ring seal.
Do not use pipe dope type sealants on the valve body. Do not

use pliers or pipe wrenches.

• Use only the power transformer supplied with this water
conditioning system.

• All electrical connections must be completed according to local
codes.

• The power outlet must be grounded.

• Install an appropriate grounding strap across the inlet and
outlet piping of the water conditioning system to ensure that a
proper ground is maintained.

• To disconnect power, unplug the AC adapter from its power
source.

• Observe drain line requirements.

• Operating water temperature: 40° to 110°F (4° to 43°C).

• Keep the media tank in the upright position. Do not turn upside
down or drop. Turning the tank upside down or laying the tank
on its side can cause media to enter the valve.

• Use only regenerants designed for water conditioning. Do not
use ice melting salt, block salt or rock salt.
During cold weather it is recommended that the installer warm
the valve to room temperature before operating.

®

is a trademark of E.I. duPont de Nemours.

Teflon

• Do not use petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline, oils
or hydrocarbon-based lubricants. Use only 100% silicone
lubricants.

• Do not support the weight of the system on the control valve
fittings, plumbing, or the bypass.

• Do not allow this water conditioning system to freeze. Damage
from freezing will void this water conditioning system’s warranty.

• Observe all warnings and notes that appear in this
manual

Pre-Installation Considerations
(continued)

G. Pre Installation and Loading of Media

Systems that are 13” in diameter and larger are not loaded with
media. These systems must be loaded with media before placing
into service. To load a system follow the below steps.

1. Cap the top open end of the distributor tube with tape and
plastic sheeting to keep foreign debris from entering the
distributor tube. This cap must be secure and not come off
during media loading.

2. Place the distributor tube, screen end down, into the mineral
tank and center it in the bottom. The top of the distributor tube
should be flush with the top of the tank.

3. Make sure the plastic and tape cap is secure to the top of the
distributor tube, place a funnel on the top of the tank and load
first the gravel (if different sizes of gravel are used load the largest
gravel first, then the smaller gravel) then the resin media into the
tank. The cap must not come off of the distributor tube during
the loading of the media.

4. Remove the plastic cap from the distributor tube. DO NOT PULL
UP ON THE DISTRIBUTOR TUBE when removing the cap. The
distributor tube top must remain flush with the top of the tank.

5. Clean any media from the threads and top of the mineral tank.

6. Lubricate the O-rings on the bottom of the control valve
(distributor pilot O-ring and top of tank O-ring). Use non­petroleum based silicone lubricant only.

7. Place the control valve on top of the tank. When doing this step,
seat the top of the distributor tube inside the centered O-ring
sealed port on the bottom of the valve first then press the valve
down until the tank threads come in contact with the valve
threads. This ensures that the distributor tube is properly seated
into the bottom of the control valve. Thread the valve on to the
tank clockwise. Be careful not to cross thread the valve or over
tighten it. A hand tight snug fit is appropriate for the control valve
torque. A wrench is not necessary. Do not use thread sealant or
PTFE tape on the valve base threads.

8. The system is now ready for installation. Follow the Installation
Section in the Installation, Operation and Maintenance Manual.

PWF Filter Systems 5

!

SYSTEM COMPONENTS DESCRIBED

WARNING

Do not exceed water pressure of 120 psi (8.2 bar). Do not

exceed 110°F (43.3°C). Do not subject unit to freezing
conditions.

General Installation Instructions

1. Turn off water heater(s).

2. Turn off the main water supply to the home and open an inside
faucet (cold and hot) to relieve any pressure within the plumbing
system.

Select Location

1. Place the system in the desired installation location. Make sure
that the location is level and sturdy enough to support the weight
of the system once it is in operation.

2. You will need to locate the filter system at least 10 feet away
from the hot water heater so that hot water does not backup
and damage the filter system.

3. You will need a drain close by for disposal of regenerated waste­water.

4. If installing the filter system in an outside locations, make sure to
protect softener from the elements, such as freezing tempera­tures, rain, sunlight and contamination

Install a By-Pass

NOTICE

Always install a bypass, either a 3-way valve system or the standard
bypass for the valve you have. This will allow you to shut off the
water supply to the softener, but still have water in the house if the
softener is in need of repair.

After a location has been determine install bypass onto the control
valve. (On page 7, Figures 1 and 3 show standard bypass on valve.)
(Figures 2 and 4 show 3-way by pass plumbing.)

NOTICE

If installing a 3-way bypass valve, do so now.

Close main water supply valve, at the well or at the water meter.

Shut off electrical or fuel supply to the water heater.

Open all faucets to drain pipes.

NOTICE

The bypass (provided) easily connects to the valve body using nuts
that only require hand tightening. The split ring retainer design holds
the nut on and allows load to be spread over the entire nut surface
area reducing the chance for leakage.

Make certain the nut is placed on first, then the split retainer ring, fol­lowed by the o-ring to make the seal. A silicon lubricant may be used
on the black o-ring seals. This design allows for an approximate
2-degree misalignment of the plumbing. This design will allow for
minor plumbing misalignments, but should never handle the weight
of the plumbing system.

Once by-pass installed, place the by-pass valve in the by-pass posi­tion

System Components Described

6 PWF Filter Systems