3M Aqua-Pure AWS250M User manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
METERED WATER SOFTENERS
MODELS:
AWS100M
AWS150M
AWS200M
AWS250M
AWS300M
INSTR2198 0709
Installer, please leave with homeowner.
Homeowner, retain for future reference.
a 3M company
CUNO Incorporated
400 Research Parkway
Meriden, CT 06450 U.S.A.

SAFETY INFORMATION
Read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these instructions prior to installation and use of the Aqua-Pure AWS
Series Residential Water Softener. Retain these instructions for future reference. Failure to follow installation, operation and mainte-
nance instructions may result in property damage and will void warranty.
Intended use:
The Aqua-Pure AWS Series Residential Water Softener is intended for use in softening water in homes and has not been evaluated for
other uses. The system must be installed indoors near the point of entry of a home water line, and be installed by qualified professional
installers according to these installation instructions.
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORD CONSEQUENCES
W
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury
and/or property damage.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may result in property damage.
WARNING
To reduce the risk associated with choking:
• Do not allow children under 3 years of age to have access to small parts during the installation of this product.
To reduce the risk associated with ingestion of contaminants:
• Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
To reduce the risk of physical injury:
• Shut off inlet water supply and depressurize system as shown in manual prior to service.
To reduce the risk associated with a hazardous voltage:
• If the home electrical system requires use of the cold water system as an electrical safety ground, a jumper must be used to ensure a sufficient ground connection
across the filter installation piping — refer installation to qualified personnel.
• Do not use the system if the power cord is damaged — contact qualified service personnel for repair.
To reduce the risk associated with back strain due to the heavy weight of the various system components:
• Follow safe lifting procedures.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Read and follow Use instructions before installation and use of this water treatment system.
• Installation and use MUST comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.
• Protect from freezing. Relieve pressure and drain system when temperatures are expected to drop below 33° F (1° C).
• Do not install systems in areas where ambient temperatures may go above 110° F (43.3° C).
• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this filter system is 110°F (43.3°C).
• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 100 psi. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), you must install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumb-
ing professional if you are uncertain how to check your water pressure.
• Do not install where water hammer conditions may occur. If water hammer conditions exist you must install a water hammer arrester. Contact a plumbing
professional if you are uncertain how to check for this condition.
• Where a backflow prevention device is installed on a water system, a device for controlling pressure due to thermal expansion must be installed.
• Do not use a torch or other high temperature sources near filter system, cartridges, plastic fittings or plastic plumbing.
• On plastic fittings, never use pipe sealant or pipe dope. Use PTFE thread tape only, pipe dope properties may deteriorate plastic.
• Take care when using pliers or pipe wrenches to tighten plastic fittings, as damage may occur if over tightening occurs.
• Do not install in direct sunlight or outdoors without adequate protection from the elements.
• Mount system in such a position as to prevent it from being struck by other items used in the area of installation.
• Ensure all tubing and fittings are secure and free of leaks.
• SHUT OFF FUEL OR ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY TO WATER HEATER after water is shut off.
• Do not install system where water lines could be subjected to vacuum conditions without appropriate measures for vacuum prevention.
• Do not apply heat to any fitting connected to Bypass or Control Valve as damage may result to internal parts or connecting adapters.
• Install on a flat/level surface. It is also advisable to sweep the floor to eliminate objects that could pierce the brine tank.
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to plugged water lines:
• Pay particular attention to correct orientation of control valve. Water flow should match arrow on control valve. The Inlet and Outlet of other water treatment
equipment products will vary depending on the control valve brand used.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• The system should be installed on cold water lines only.
• Failure to follow installation, operation and maintenance instructions will void warranty.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
1 BEFORE INSTALLATION
2 INSTALLATION
3 PROGRAMMING
4 SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS & MAINTENANCE
5 PERFORMANCE DATA SHEET
6 TROUBLESHOOTING
7 PARTS
8 WARRANTY
SECTION 1: BEFORE INSTALLATION
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Read and follow Use instructions before installation and use of this water treatment system.
• Installation and use MUST comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.
ELECTRICAL
There are no user-serviceable parts in the AC adapter, motor, or controller. In the event of a failure, these should be replaced.
1) All electrical connections must be completed according to local codes.
2) Use only the power AC adapter that is supplied.
3) The power outlet must be grounded.
4) To disconnect power, unplug the AC adapter from its power source.
MECHANICAL
1) Do not use petroleum based lubricants such as Vaseline, oils, or hydrocarbon based lubricants. Use only 100% silicone lubricants.
2) All plastic connections should be hand tightened. Thread tape may be used on connections that do not use an o-ring seal. Do not use pliers or pipe wrenches.
3) All plumbing must be completed according to local codes.
4) Soldering near the drain line should be done before connecting the drain line to the valve. Excessive heat will cause interior damage to the valve.
5) Observe drain line requirements.
6) Do not use lead-based solder for sweat solder connections.
7) The drain line must be a minimum of 1/2 inch diameter. Use 3/4 inch pipe if the backwash flow rate is greater than 7 gpm (26.5 lpm) or the pipe length is
greater than 20 ft (6 m).
8) Do not support the weight of the system on the control valve fittings, plumbing or the bypass.
9) It is not recommended to use sealants on the threads. Use thread tap on the threads of the 1 inch NPT elbow, the drain line connections, and other NPT
threads.
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GENERAL
1) Observe all warning and caution statements that appear in this manual.
2) Keep the media tank in the upright position. Do not turn upside down or drop. Turning the tank upside down will cause media to enter the valve.
3) Operating temperature is between 34°F (1°C) and 110°F (43.3°C).
4) Rated water pressure range is 20 - 100 psi.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Installation and use MUST comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.
• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this filter system is 110°F (43.3°C).
• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 100 psi. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), you must install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumb-
ing professional if you are uncertain how to check your water pressure.
5) Use only regenerant salts designed for water softening.
IMPORTANT NOTE
SODIUM INFORMATION: Water softeners using sodium chloride for regeneration add sodium to the water. Persons who are on sodium restricted diets
should consider the added as part of their overall sodium intake.
6) Follow state and local codes for water testing.
WARNING
To reduce the risk associated with ingestion of contaminants:
• Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
7) When installing the water connections (bypass or manifold) connect to the plumbing system first. Allow heated parts to cool and cemented parts to be set
before installing any plastic parts. Do not get primer or solvent on o-rings, nuts or the valve.
IMPORTANT NOTE
If sediment is present, the installation of a sediment pre-filter is recommended. Even if sediment is not currently present or at a level high enough to be objection-
able, a pre-filter can increase the efficiency of the softener and reduce the amount of maintenance required.
LOCATION SELECTION
Location of a water treatment system is important. The following conditions are required:
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this filter system is 110°F (43.3°C).
• Do not install if water pressure exceeds 100 psi. If your water pressure exceeds 80 psi (552 kPa), you must install a pressure limiting valve. Contact a plumb-
ing professional if you are uncertain how to check your water pressure.
• Do not install where water hammer conditions may occur. If water hammer conditions exist you must install a water hammer arrester. Contact a plumbing
professional if you are uncertain how to check for this condition.
• Mount system in such a position as to prevent it from being struck by other items used in the area of installation.
• Do not install system where water lines could be subjected to vacuum conditions without appropriate measures for vacuum prevention.
• Install on a flat/level surface. It is also advisable to sweep the floor to eliminate objects that could pierce the brine tank.
1) Level platform or floor.
2) Room to access equipment for maintenance and adding regenerant (salt) to tank.
3) Temperatures over 34°F (1°C) and below 110°F (43.3°C).
4) Water pressure below 100 psi and above 20 psi.
5) Constant electrical supply to operate the controller.
6) Total minimum pipe run to water heater of 10 ft (3 m) to prevent backup of hot water into system.
7) Local drain for discharge as close as possible.
8) Water line connections with shut-off or bypass valves.
9) Must meet any local and state codes for site of installation.
10) Valve is designed for minor plumbing misalignments. Do not support weight of systems on the plumbing.
11) Be sure all soldered pipes are fully cooled before attaching plastic valve to the plumbing.
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2-1
SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
WATER LINE CONNECTION
A bypass valve system should be installed on all water conditioning systems. Bypass valves isolate the conditioner from the water system and allow unconditioned
water to be used. Service or routine maintenance procedures may also require that the system is bypassed.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Installation and use MUST comply with existing state or local plumbing codes.
• Do not use a torch or other high temperature sources near filter system, cartridges, plastic fittings or plastic plumbing.
• On plastic fittings, never use pipe sealant or pipe dope. Use PTFE thread tape only, pipe dope properties may deteriorate plastic.
• Take care when using pliers or pipe wrenches to tighten plastic fittings, as damage may occur if over tightening occurs.
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to plugged water lines:
• Pay particular attention to correct orientation of control valve. Water flow should match arrow on control valve. The Inlet and Outlet of other water treatment
equipment products will vary depending on the control valve brand used.
DRAIN LINE CONNECTION
NOTE: Standard commercial practices are expressed here. Local codes may require changes to the following suggestions. Check with local authorities before
installing a system.
1) The unit should be above and not more than 20 ft (6.1 m) from the drain. Use an appropriate adapter fitting to connect
1/2 inch (1.3 cm) plastic tubing to the drain line connection of the control valve.
2) If the backwash flow rate exceeds 5 gpm (22.7 lpm) or if the unit is located 20 - 40 ft (6.1 - 12.2 m) from drain, use
3/4 inch (1.9 cm) tubing. Use appropriate fittings to connect the 3/4 inch tubing to the 3/4 inch NPT drain connection
on valve.
3) The drain line may be elevated up to 6 ft (1.8 m) providing the run does not exceed 15 ft (4.6 m) and water pressure
at the conditioner is not less than 40 psi. Elevation can increase by 2 ft (61 cm) for each additional 10 psi of water
pressure at the drain connector.
4) Where the drain line is elevated but empties into a drain below the level of the control valve, form a 7 inch (18 cm)
loop at the far end of the line so that the bottom of the loop is level with the drain line connection. This will provide
an adequate siphon trap. Where the drain empties into an overhead sewer, a sink-type trap must be used. Secure
the end of the drain line to prevent it from moving.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Never insert drain line directly 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.
In the event of a malfunction, the BRINE TANK OVERFLOW will direct “overflow” to the drain instead of spilling on the floor. This fitting is located on the side of the
brine tank.
Do not elevate overflow line higher than overflow fitting.
Do not tie into drain line of control unit. Overflow line must be a direct, separate line from overflow fitting to drain, sewer or tub. Allow an air gap as per drain line
instructions.
Drain Line Connection

BRINE LINE CONNECTION
The brine line to the brine tank connects to the valve. Make the connections and tighten. Be sure that the brine line is secure
and free from air leak. Even a small leak may cause the brine line to drain out, and the conditioner will not draw brine from
the tank. This may also introduce air into the valve causing problems with valve operation.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
All AWS controllers operate on 12-volt alternating current power supply. This requires use of the supplied AC adapter.
AC ADAPTERS
Make sure power source matches the rating printed on the AC adapter.
IMPORTANT NOTE
The power source should be constant. Be certain the AC adapter is not on a switched outlet. Power interruptions longer than 8 hours may cause the controller
to lose the time and day settings. When power is restored, the day and time settings must then be reentered.
CAMSHAFT
The front end of the camshaft has an indicator cup. The cup has slots in the outer periphery and numbers on the inside face.
The numbers can be seen with the cover off, from the front over the top of the controller. The number at the top indicates
which regeneration cycle is currently in progress.
CAMSHAFT FRONT END
The corresponding slot for the number is positioned at the optical sensor which is approximately 90 degrees out of phase.
Regeneration Cycle Indicators
C0 = Treated Water - normal operation mode
C1 = Backwash Cycle
C2 = Brine Draw Cycle
C3 = Slow Rinse Cycle
C4 = System Pause
C5 = Fast Rinse Cycle 1
C6 = Backwash Cycle 2
C7 = Fast Rinse Cycle 2
C8 = Brine Refill
POWER LOSS MEMORY RETENTION
The AWS series controllers feature battery-free time and date retention during the loss of power. This is designed to last a minimum of 8 hours depending on the
installation. The controller will continue to keep time and day in dynamic memory while there is no AC power.
The controller will not track water usage on volumetric demand controls in the event of a power failure.
All programmed parameters are stored in the static memory and will not be lost in the event of a power failure. These settings are maintained separately from the
time and day settings.
MOTOR
The controller uses a standard 12-volt AC motor that works with either 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The same motor is used worldwide and does not need to be changed for
different power conditions.
Information entered or calculated by the controller is stored in two different ways:
A static memory will store:
Media volume
Regenerant setting
Time of regeneration
Days between regeneration
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2-3
A dynamic memory with 8 hour retention will store:
Current day of week
Running clock
IMPORTANT NOTE
Water flow to the valve can be turned on or bypassed when the controller is powered up for the first time.
VARIABLE RESERVE FUNCTION
The AWS metered-demand volumetric controllers are designed to have a variable reserve feature. This feature automatically adjusts the reserve to the end-user’s
water usage schedule.
A variable reserve saves salt and water by only regenerating when absolutely necessary, and ensures enough soft water for typical high-water usage days.
Each day of regeneration the controller reviews the last four weeks of water usage for the same day of the week to determine if the remaining capacity is adequate
for the next day of the week. If not, it will initiate an automatic regeneration.
DISPLAY ICONS
IMPORTANT NOTE
In normal operation and during programming, only a few of the icons will actually be displayed.
1) Days of the week. The flag immediately below the day will appear when that day has been programmed as a day the system should regenerated (used with
7-day timer programming).
2) See #3
3) This cursor is displayed when the days between regeneration are being programmed (used with .5 to 99 day regeneration programming).
4) One of these cursors will be displayed to indicate which day will be programmed into the controller
5) “PM” indicates that the time displayed is between 12:00 noon and 12:00 midnight (there is no AM indicator). PM indicator is not used if clock mode is set to
24-hour.
6) When “MIN” is displayed, the value entered is in minutes increments.
7) When “LBS” is displayed, the value entered is in pounds.
8) When “Kg” is displayed, the value entered is in kilograms or kilograins.
9) Four digits used to display the time or program value. Also used for error codes.
10) Colon flashes as part of the time display. Indicates normal operation.
11) Locked/unlocked indicator. In Level I programming this is displayed when the current parameter is locked-out. It is also used in Level II programming to
indicate if the displayed parameter will be locked (icon will flash) when controller is in Level I.
12) When “x2” is displayed, a second regeneration has been called for.
13) The recycle sign is displayed (flashing) when a regeneration at the next time of regeneration has been called for. Also displayed (continuous) when in regenera-
tion.
14) The display cursor is next to “SALT” when programming the amount of regenerant.
15) The display cursor is next to “REGEN TIME & DAY” when programming the time of regeneration and the days of regeneration.
16) The display cursor is next to “TIME & DAY” when programming the current time and day.
17) The hourglass is displayed when the motor is running. The camshaft should be turning.
18) These cursors will appear next to the item that is currently displayed.
19) X100 multiplier for large values.
20) Not used.
21) Shows when water is flowing through the valve.

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22) Used with #23, #24, #25. Displays a sequence number or a value.
23) History Values. The number displayed by #22 identifies which history value is currently displayed.
24) Parameter. Displayed only in Level II Programming. The number displayed by #22 identifies which parameter is currently displayed.
25) Cycle. The number displayed by #22 is the current cycle in the regeneration sequence.
26) Hardness setting.
27) Capacity display — shows estimated system capacity.
KEYPAD - BUTTONS
1) DOWN arrow. Generally used to scroll down or increment through a group of choices.
2) SET. Used to accept a setting that normally becomes stored in memory. Also used together with the arrow buttons.
3) UP arrow. Generally used to scroll up or increment through a group of choices.
4) Regenerate. Used to command the controller to regenerate. Also used to change the lock mode.
PROGRAMMING CONVENTIONS
The controller is programmed using the buttons on the keypad. The programming instructions will be described two ways whenever a section has keypad input.
First, a table shows simplified instructions. Second, text follows that describes the action. In each table:
“Action” lists the event or action desired.
“Keys” are listed as:
UP for up arrow
DOWN for down arrow
SET for set
REGEN for regeneration
“Duration” describes how long a button is held down:
P/R for press and release
HOLD for press and hold
X sec for a number of seconds to press the button and hold it down
“Display” calls out the display icons that are visible.

2-5
REGENERATION MODES
The AWS series controllers can be regenerated either automatically or manually. During a regeneration, the total time remaining of the regeneration, the total time
remaining of the regeneration will be displayed on the controller. The current cycle is shown in the lower left of the display.
Regeneration Cycle Indicators
C0 = Treated Water - normal operation mode (not displayed)
C1 = Backwash Cycle
C2 = Brine Draw Cycle
C3 = Slow Rinse Cycle
C4 = System Pause
C5 = Fast Rinse Cycle 1
C6 = Backwash Cycle 2
C7 = Fast Rinse Cycle 2
C8 = Brine Refill
Advancing the Regeneration Cycles
Action Key Duration Display
Show current cycle SET HOLD Cx
Show regen time remaining SET HOLD Time
Advance to next cycle SET and UP HOLD Cx
To advance cycles during a regeneration (manual or automatic):
• Press and hold the SET button. The current cycle number, (Ex. C1) will be displayed along with the time remaining for that
individual cycle.
• When holding the SET button, simultaneously press the UP button, and release to advance to the next cycle. While the motor
is running, an hourglass icon will be displayed.
• Repeat this process for each cycle until the system is back into the treated water mode.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• When the controller gets to cycle C4 (Pause cycle), there may be a slight delay before the controller can be advanced onto cycle C5.
• Not all regeneration cycles may be used. A cycle will be skipped if it is not required by the current program.
Cancelling a Regeneration
Action Key Duration Display
Cancel regen SET and UP 5 sec. Hourglass starts to flash
To cancel a regeneration (either manual or automatic):
• Press and hold the SET button and UP buttons simultaneously and hold until the hourglass icon starts flashing (approximately 5 seconds).
• The regeneration is cancelled.
• The camshaft rotates to the treated water position (may take up to 2 min.)
• Hourglass flashes while motor runs.
If a second regeneration was programmed (display shows a 2X by the regeneration icon) both regenerations must be cancelled separately.
IMPORTANT NOTES
• Cancelling a regeneration may cause undesirable or salty water to go into the plumbing. Only use this function when absolutely necessary.
• If the regeneration cycle is cancelled after the brine draw cycle (C2), check the water level in the brine tank. It must be refilled to the proper level.

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MANUAL REGENERATION
Action Key Duration Display
Regen at next time of regen REGEN P/R Recycle icon flashes
Cancel regen REGEN P/R when recycle icon is flashing Recycle icon disappears
Immediate regen REGEN 5 sec. Recycle icon appears
Immediate double regen REGEN 5 sec. when immediate manual regen has started X2 icon appears
The controller can be manually instructed to perform a regeneration. There are two (2) choices: The controller will perform a delayed regeneration at the next time
of regeneration (ex. 2:00 AM that night), or regenerate immediately.
For a delayed regeneration (at the next set time of regeneration):
• Push the REGEN button once. The recycle symbol will be flashing on the display. Push the REGEN button again to cancel.
For an immediate regeneration:
• Push and hold the REGEN button for five (5) seconds. The display will show the regeneration symbol. The camshaft will start rotating to cycle C1.
For an immediate, double regeneration:
• After an immediate manual regeneration has begun, and the camshaft has rotated to cycle C1, you can initiate a second immediate manual regeneration.
• Press and hold the REGEN button for 5 seconds once the camshaft has begun cycle C1.
• The display will show a x2 icon indication that a second manual regeneration will occur after the current regeneration is completed.