3M CWS Series User manual

INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
CWS SERIES RESIDENTIAL
WATER SOFTENERS
TWO TANK MODELS:
CWS100ME CWS100MEJ CWS100MECJ
CWS150ME CWS150MEJ CWS150MECJ
CWS200ME CWS200MEJ CWS200MECJ
CWS300ME CWS300MEJ CWS300MECJ
INSTR2191 0110
Installer, please leave with homeowner.
Homeowner, retain for future reference.

SAFETY INFORMATION
Read, understand, and follow all safety information contained in these instructions prior to installation and use of the CWS Series Water Softener. Retain these
instructions for future reference. Failure to follow installation, operation and maintenance instructions may result in property damage and will void warranty.
Intended use:
The CWS Series 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
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 minor or moderate 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 skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation from gravel and filter media during installation:
• Gravel and several types of filter media may be used in this product, depending upon the application. During installation, dust may cause irritation to skin, eyes, and
respiratory tract.
• Utilize a NIOSH-approved dust filter mask, protective gloves, and appropriate eye protection when handling and pouring gravel and filter media.
• To request an MSDS relating to this product call 203-238-8965 or visit the web at http://solutions.3M.com/WPS/Portal/3M/EN_US/MSDS (click MSDS search). For
emergencies, call 800-364-3577 or 651-737-6501 (24 hours).
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 (0.6°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 plumbing
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 profes-
sional 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.
• 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
• Failure to follow instructions will void warranty.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION DESCRIPTION
1 BEFORE INSTALLATION
2 INSTALLATION
3 CONTROL VALVE PROGRAMMING & REGENERATION
4 MAINTENANCE
5 CONTROL VALVE SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS & TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
6 SYSTEM TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
7 SPECIFICATIONS & OPERATING DATA
8 PERFORMANCE DATA SHEETS
9 PARTS
10 LIMITED WARRANTY
IMPORTANT: SECTION 1: BEFORE INSTALLATION
Congratulations! We believe your purchase of this water softener will prove to be a very wise choice. When properly installed, operated, and maintained, your
new softener will provide years of dependable service. Before starting the installation please read this manual all the way through for an overview, and then
follow the installation in proper sequence. Failure to follow instructions will void warranty.
Inspecting And Handling Your Softener:
Inspect the equipment for shipping damage. If damaged, notify the transportation company and request a damage inspection.
Handle the equipment with care. Damage can result if dropped or if the brine tank is set on sharp, uneven projections on the floor. When handling, do not
turn the water softener unit upside down.
Make Sure Your Water Has Been Thoroughly Tested:
An analysis of your water should be made prior to the selection of your water conditioning equipment. Your dealer will generally perform this service for you,
and may send a sample to the factory for analysis and recommendations. Enter your analysis below for your permanent record.
Analysis of Your Water:
Hardness gpg Tannins (Humic Acid) ppm
Iron (Fe) ppm Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) ppm
Manganese (Mn) ppm Other ppm
pH ppm Other ppm
IMPORTANT NOTES
IMPORTANT NOTES
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) must be tested for at the well site. For accuracy, the sample must be drawn with the pump RUNNING, and the test be completed
within ONE minute after the sample is drawn.
Softeners are designed to reduce hardness but can handle reasonable amounts of soluble iron if consideration is given to content when selecting
model and regeneration settings. To treat sulfur (hydrogen sulfide), bacterial iron, precipitated iron or very high levels of soluble iron requires special
equipment in addition to a water softener. For best results, 3MAPPM System is recommended for use on waters containing more than 2 ppm of iron.
1-1
• Professional Installation Required: Installation requires shutting water off to home, cutting home water supply pipe and
using a welding torch to add piping and fittings. Specialized tools and skills are required. Not a do-it-yourself type of project.
Professional installation required!

Check Your Pumping Rate and Water Pressure:
Two water system conditions must be checked carefully to avoid unsatisfactory operation or equipment damage:
1) MINIMUM water pressure required at the water softener inlet is 20 psi (138 kPa). IF WATER PRESSURE IS OVER 80 psi (552 kPa), A PRESSURE RE-
DUCING VALVE MUST BE INSTALLED IN THE WATER SUPPLY LINE AHEAD OF THE WATER SOFTENER.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• 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.
NOTE: If you have a municipal or a community water supply and daytime water pressure is 85 psi or more, nighttime pressure may exceed 100
psi. Call your local water department or plant operator to obtain pressure readings. If you have a private well, the gauge on the pressure tank will
indicate the high and low system pressure. Record your water pressure data below:
Water Pressure:
Low psi High psi
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Do not install system where water lines could be subjected to vacuum conditions without appropriate measures for vacuum prevention.
The installer should take appropriate measures if there is the possibility a vacuum may occur. This would include the installation of an appropriate
device in the supply line to the system, i.e., a vacuum breaker or backflow prevention device. Vacuum damage voids the factory warranty.
2) The pumping rate of your well must be sufficient for satisfactory operation and BACKWASHING of the water softener. (See SPECIFICATIONS AND
OPERATING DATA, Section 6)
Locate Water Conditioning Equipment Correctly:
Select the location of your water softener with care. Various conditions which contribute to proper location are as follows:
1) Locate as close as possible to water supply source.
2) Locate as close as possible to a drain.
3) Locate in correct relationship to other water conditioning equipment (Figure 1, page 2-1).
4) Locate the softener in the supply line BEFORE the water heater. Temperatures above 110°F (43.3°C) will damage the softener and void the factory
warranty.
5) DO NOT install the softener in a location where freezing temperatures occur. Freezing may cause permanent damage and will also void the factory
warranty.
6) Allow sufficient space around the installation for easy servicing.
7) Provide a non-switched 110V, 60Hz (220V, 50Hz for specified systems) power source for the control valve.
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.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• Protect from freezing, relieve pressure and drain system when temperatures are expected to drop below 33°F (0.6°C).
• Do not install on hot water supply lines. The maximum operating water temperature of this filter system is 110°F (43.3°C).
1-2

1-3
Facts to Remember While Planning Your Installation:
1) All installation procedures MUST conform to local and state plumbing codes.
2) If lawn sprinkling, a swimming pool, or geothermal heating/cooling or water for other devices/activities are to be treated by the water softener, a larger
model MUST be selected to accommodate the higher flow rate plus the backwashing requirements of the water softener. Consult our Customer Service
Department at 1-866-990-9785 for alternative instructions if the pumping rate is insufficient.
3) Remember that the water softener INLET is attached to the pipe that supplies water (i.e. runs to the pump) and the OUTLET is the line that runs
toward the water heater.
CAUTION
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.
4) Before commencing the installation it is advisable to study the existing piping system and to determine the size, number and type of fittings
required.
WARNING
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.
5) Sweep the floor to eliminate objects that could pierce the brine tank.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Sodium Information: Water softeners utilizing sodium chloride for regeneration add sodium to the water softened water. Persons who are on sodium re-
stricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium intake. As a reference as to how much sodium is added to softened water
consider the following. For each grain per gallon of water hardness that is exchanged from the water supply, 7.5 milligrams per liter of sodium will be added
to the softened water. e.g. 10 grains per gallon (gpg) exchanged will add 75 milligrams of sodium to the softened water.

2-1
SECTION 2: 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.
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.
BRINE
TANK
SOFTENER FILTER
(OPTIONAL)
SOFT WATER
TANK
SWITCH
PRESSURE
PRESSURE
WATER
RAW
METER
HIGH DEMAND
OR OTHER
LAWN SPRINKLERS
WATER FOR
WELL
WATER
RAW
CHECK VALVE
BRINE
TANK
SOFTENER FILTER
(OPTIONAL)
FILTERED WATER
FILTERED
SOFT WATER
FILTERED WATER
FILTERED
STANDARD WELL INSTALLATION
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY INSTALLATION
Figure 1. Typical Installation

2-2
SECTION 2: INSTALLATION
Step 1) Remove the unit from the shipping box and remove all packaging. Ensure no freight damage has occurred since shipment from our manufacturing
facility. Locate the parts package and install the bypass and adapter fittings on the control valve to facilitate the connection to the customer’s
water supply.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• 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.
Step 2) NOTE: Extension legs should be installed only whenever a salt dosage on any model softener is more than 15 lbs. Models utilizing 15” x 15” x
34” brine tanks require salt grid extension legs when salting the softener above 15 lbs. of salt or more. Grid legs extension kits are provided
for CWS200 units. All other models requiring extension leg kits can be ordered through our Customer Service Department at 1-866-990-
9785.
Verify all packaging materials have been removed from the brine tank. On all units, legs rest on bottom of the brine tank.
Step 3) Shut off all water at main supply valve. On a private well system, turn off power to the pump and drain pressure tank. Make certain pressure is relieved
from complete system by opening nearest faucet to drain system.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• SHUT OFF FUEL OR ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY TO WATER HEATER after water is shut off.
Step 4) Cut main supply line as required to fit plumbing to INLET and OUTLET of unit.
Step 5) Attach plumbing. DO NOT apply heat to any fitting connected to BYPASS or CONTROL VALVE as damage may result to internal parts or connecting
adapters. MAKE CERTAIN WATER FLOW ENTERS THROUGH INLET AND DISCHARGES THROUGH OUTLET.
WARNING
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.
Step 6) The controls allow for either a 3/4” NPT connection or 5/8” poly tubing for use as a drain line connection.
CAUTION
To reduce the risk associated with property damage due to water leakage:
• 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.
Fi
g
ure 2. SOFTENER AND BRINE TANK ASSEMBLY, TOP VIEW
OVERFLOW
FITTING
OVERFLOW
LINE
BYPASS VALVE
INLETOUTLET
CONTROL VALVE BODY
DRAIN LINE FLOW
CONTROLASSEMBLY
BRINE TANK
BRINE WELL
SAFETY BRINE
VALVE ASSEMBLY BRINE LINE
ELBOW
INJECTOR COVER
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF

Step 7) Attach DRAIN LINE to DRAIN LINE FITTING. To prevent back pressure from reducing flow
rate below minimum required for backwash, DRAIN LINE MUST be sized according to run
length and relative height. Be careful not to bend flexible drain tubing sharply enough to
cause “kinking” (if kinking occurs DRAIN LINE MUST BE REPLACED). Typical examples of
proper DRAIN LINE diameters are:
1) 1/2” ID up to 15 ft. when discharge is lower than INLET.
2) 5/8” ID up to 15 ft. when discharge is slightly higher than the INLET.
3) 3/4” ID when drain is 25 ft. away and/or drain is installed overhead.
Some areas prohibit the use of flexible drain lines. Check with local code officials prior to
installation.
Step 8) Position DRAIN LINE over drain and secure firmly. To prevent backsiphoning of sewer
water, provide an air-gap of at least 2” or 2 pipe diameters between end of drain hose and
drain (Figure 3). DO NOT raise DRAIN LINE more than 10 ft. above floor.
Step 9) Connect one end of the included 3/8” black Polyethylene tub-
ing to the brine fitting located on the left side of the CONTROL
VALVE. Connect the other end to the SAFETY BRINE VALVE EL-
BOW inside of the brine well in the brine tank. To do so remove
the retaining clip from the brine line fitting on the control valve.
The retaining clip is holding a plastic insert sleeve and needs
to be inserted into the polyethylene tubing before installing the
tubing into the fitting elbow and hand tighten only. CAUTION:
Do not use pliers or wrenches to tighten as damage may oc-
cur and will void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Step 10) Install OVERFLOW LINE to brine tank OVERFLOW FITTING (Figure
2). Discharge of line must be lower than OVERFLOW FITTING. DO
NOT INTERCONNECT OVERFLOW LINE WITH VALVE DRAIN LINE.
Step 11) Make certain BYPASS VALVE INLET and OUTLET KNOBS ARE IN
“BYPASS” position. After all plumbing connections have been
completed, open main water shut-off valve and restore power
to well pump. Check for leaks and correct as necessary.
Step 12) Plug CONTROL VALVE POWER CORD into 120v/60Hz, non-switched
power source. Program the control valve (refer to page 3-1).
NOTE: Regeneration settings for the control valve are factory
preset. The control valve design permits adjustment of the salt
setting. This adjustment may be necessary when unusual op-
erating conditions exist, such as high concentrations of iron,
manganese or hardness and/or high flow rates or daily water
consumption.
Step 13) Manually stage control to BACKWASH POSITION. Press and hold
REGEN button for 3 seconds. The valve will advance to BACKWASH POSITION. Unplug power cord to prevent the
unit from advancing automatically.
Step 14) Partially open INLET knob on bypass valve (Figure 4). This will allow the unit to fill slowly from the bottom up,
reducing air entrapment. Allow unit to fill slowly, failure to do so could result in loss of resin to the drain. Once
a steady stream of water, no air, is flowing to drain the inlet and outlet knobs on the bypass can be fully opened
(refer to Figure 4).
Step 15) Plug the power cord back into the power source. Press the REGEN button and wait for the valve to advance to
the next regeneration position. Repeat the process until the valve is in Service Position (Time will be on the
display).
Step 16) Refer to Section 3: Control Valve Programming and Regeneration Instructions, on how to set control valve
for proper set up and regeneration settings.
SPECIAL SERVICE INSTRUCTIONS:
Under normal circumstances removal of valve should not be required. However, if it must be removed, it can be done
by disassembling the quick release clamp, and latch. Pressure should be relieved before attempting any disassem-
bly. Upon reassembly, all o-rings should be lubricated with silicone grease. Reassemble clamp as shown in Figure
5. MAKE SURE ARROWS ON LATCH SIDE OF CLAMP ARE ALIGNED.
2-3
Figure 3
Figure 5.
Clamp Assembly
Fi
g
ure 4. BYPASS VALVE
BYPASS VALVE
INLET
O
UTLET
CONTROL VALVE BOD
Y
DRAIN LINE FLOW
CONTROL ASSEMBLY
BRINE LINE
ELBOW
INJECTOR COVER
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
OFF
Supply Water
Enters
Supply (Untreated)
Water Exits
Supply Water
Enters
Treated Water
Exits
NORMAL OPERATION BYPASS OPERATION

3-1
SECTION 3: CONTROL VALVE PROGRAMMING AND REGENERATION
Installer Display Settings
(Step 1) Press SET CLOCK. Push or to change hour (AM/PM). Press NEXT then or to change
minutes. Press NEXT to lock time in.
(Step 2) Press NEXT and simultaneously for 3 seconds.
(Step 3) Hardness: Set the amount of hardness in grains of hardness as calcium carbonate per gallon
using the or buttons. The default is 20 with value ranging from 1 to 150 in 1 grain increments.
Note: The grains per gallon can be increased if soluble iron needs to be reduced. Press NEXT to go
to Step 3. Press REGEN to exit Installer Display Settings.
(Step 4) Day Override: Day Override sets the number of days between regenerations and sets the
maximum number of days between regenerations. If value is set as a number (allowable range from
1 to 28) a regeneration initiation will be called for on that day even if sufficient number of gallons
were not used to call for a regeneration. Set Day Override using or buttons.
• number of days between regeneration (1 to 28); or “OFF”.
Press NEXT to go to Step 4. Press REGEN to return to previous step.
(Step 5) Next Regeneration Time (hour): Set the hour of day for regeneration using or buttons.
AM/PM toggles after 12. The default time is 2:00 a.m. Press NEXT to go to Step 5. Press REGEN to
return to previous step.
(Step 6) Next Regeneration Time (minutes): Set the minutes of day for regeneration using or
buttons. Press NEXT to exit Installer Display Settings. Press REGEN to return to previous step.
To initiate a manual regeneration immediately, press and hold the “REGEN” button for three seconds.
The system will begin to regeneration immediately. The control valve may be stepped through the
various regeneration cycles by pressing the “REGEN” button.
Power Lost
If power goes out for less than two hours, the system will automatically reset itself. If an extended
power outage occurs, the time of day will flash on and off which indicated the time of day should be
reset. The system will remember the rest.
Error Message
If the word “error” and a number are alternately flashing on the display contact our Customer
Service Department at 1-866-990-9785 for help. This indicates that the valve was not able to func-
tion properly.
RETURN TO
NORMAL MODE
Step 3
Step 4
Step 5
Step 6
Step 2
Step 1