This article provides an overview of the steps to installing a residential softener or refiner.
*Check and comply with all plumbing codes in your area*
Click each section below to expand directions.
Choosing an Install Location
1. Choose a location that allows for an acceptable drain route, into a drain that can handle the water flow and has an air gap. You also want to make sure the location is easily accessible for salt loading and servicing.
2. Install the softener between the water supply and the water heater:
Note: If customer has a Central Water Filtration Unit - the water softener should be placed before the filtration unit on well water, and after the filtration unit on city water.
Plumbing the Unit
1. Confirm the water is coming IN on the back-right side and OUT on the back-left. Ports are labeled. Turn off the main water supply and shut off the electric or fuel supplying the water heater. Open high and low faucets to drain the house pipes.
2. A bypass valve is not included, but always install one for homeowner convenience. The bypass can be flipped upside down if the home plumbing comes from below. Make sure to lubricate the bypass O-rings generously with a silicone based lubricant.
3. Confirm the black C-clips are fully engaged by giving the bypass assembly a small tug away from the valve.
4. If home has copper plumbing or other metal, be sure to include a grounding wire:
Hose Installation
1. Install the overflow hose to the salt storage tank.
2. Install the main drain hose to the valve head. Confirm the drain route is capable of handling the flow rate, and there is a 1 1/2" air gap at the draining point:
3. Do not tee the overflow and main drain hose together - they need their own separate routes to the drain.
4. If applicable, also connect the brine hose to the venturi (on the valve head) with ferrule nut. Some units have this connection pre-assembled.
Check for Leaks
1. Bypass the softener and open two or more cold-water faucets downstream of the unit.
2. Slowly open the main water supply and run water until you receive a steady flow. Repeat with hot water.
3. Check for leaks, and use care if removing any clips.
Resin Tank Filling
- Put the softener into the Rinse cycle.
- Slowly open up the bypass valve and allow the tank to fill until the drain line flow is steady and clear.
- Once that's clear, then put it back into service and run a cold water faucet until the flow is steady and clear. Now you can move on to the next step.
Programming
Visit our Programming instructions for assistance setting up the electronics.
Cycle Check
A cycle check reduces air and discoloration in the water, and allows us to check that the drain can handle flow.
1. Refiners - water needs to be added to the resin tank before a cycle check.
2. Remove the top cover and observe the cam/switch. Start a Regeneration cycle on the unit, and advance through each cycle, confirming the following:
Fill - Look into brinewell and confirm water is coming in. The flow is 0.3 gpm.
Brine Draw - Remove ferrule nut at venturi and check for a vacuum.
Brine Rinse - Check for flow of water to drain.
Backwash - Confirm drain is able to handle large flow
Rinse - Confirm drain is able to handle large flow
3. Navigate to the Diagnostics screen. Open a softened faucet in the home and check the turbine count. Check the switch position here also.
4. Test a cold-water faucet for softness. Inform the customer that hot water may take several days to recycle out the holding tank.
5. Turn electric water heater back on if applicable and run hot water for 10-15 minutes to help start recycling the hard water out.
Sanitize and Add Salt
1. Sanitize the unit and clean up the installation area.
2. Add 2-3 bags of salt, and a company sticker.
3. Inform the customer on the proper salt type to use, and explain that this unit may be more efficient that past units (will use less salt). They should reduce their laundry/dishwasher soap use by about half.
4. Show the customer how to use the bypass assembly.
5. If applicable (Units 100, 200, 300 Compact, Refiner Boost, ECR/ERR/ERRC 3700 Series), visit our WiFi Connection article to connect the unit via Hydrolink®.