A.O. Smith AO-WH-SOFT-350 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
Use this owner’s manual to reference
installation, troubleshooting and
lter replacement information.
If you need help or have a
question, we’ve got you covered.
Give us a call at
855.424.9892

Owner’s Manual
El manual del proprietario
#100238078
WHOLE HOUSE
WATER SOFTENERS
AO-WH-SOFT-350 / AO-WH-SOFT-400T
ABLANDADOR DE AGUA PARA TODA LA CASA

Keep this owner’s manual to reference installation, troubleshooting
and replacement information.
If you need help or have a question, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call at 855.424.9892.
Hard water is determined by how much calcium and magnesium your water contains.
The white residue left behind from hard water can build up in pipes, shorten the
lifespan of appliances, increase utility bills and repair costs, and more.
Designed, engineered, and built to last while providing you with soft water.
A. O. Smith water softeners are packed with ne mesh resin beads, that your hard
water ows through, and—in a process called ion exchange—trades places with sodium
ions, removing the hardness. When you have hard water, we’ve got you covered.
Save time and money with the self-cleaning pre-lter. As your water softener runs, the
pre-lter is cleaned through a process called regeneration. This process is necessary in order
to clean the resin beads so that the water softener can provide your home with soft water.
Regeneration consists of four cycles:
First Backwash
The valve reverses water ow into the tank in order to ush out the sediment
pre-lter of excess dirt and debris.
The Brine Rinse
A slow process where a concentrated brine solution (a mixture of salt and water) is
pumped into the mineral media tank, forcing the minerals off the media, cleaning it
of hardness. Then it transitions to a rinse cycle to remove traces of sodium.
Second Backwash
The valve reverses increases water ow again for an additional rinse to remove
any leftover brine solution.
The Brine Rell
The valve reverses water ow again. The brine tank is relled with treated,
soft water ready for the next regeneration cycle to begin.
Water Softening by A. O. Smith
How It Works
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AO-WH-SOFT-350 / AO-WH-SOFT-400T
WATER SOFTENER
Box Contents ............................................................................................................................ 4
System Conguration .............................................................................................................. 5
Before You Begin ..................................................................................................................... 6
Ferrous Iron and Compensated Hardness............................................................................... 7
Getting Maximum Efciency from the Appliance ................................................................. 8
Precautions ............................................................................................................................... 9
Getting to Know Your New Softener.................................................................................... 10
Bypass Valve Overview........................................................................................................... 11
Installation.........................................................................................................................12-16
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................................17-18
Efciency Statements............................................................................................................. 19
Specications.....................................................................................................................20-21
Warranty................................................................................................................................. 22
Spanish/Español...................................................................................................................... 24
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Note: We recommend using an approved or certied professional to connect into
existing plumbing and/or if drilling is required.
Note: We recommend using an approved or certied professional to connect into existing
plumbing and/or if drilling is required.
Please read entire manual to ensure all parts listed are present before installation.
If any part is missing or damaged let us know by calling 855.424.9892.
Do not attempt to install the softener.
OVERFLOW ELBOW
12V TRANSFORMER
V-185 NOZZLE
DRAIN LINE
CONTROLLER
WARNING
WARNING: indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or injury.
Tools recommended for most basic installation:
• Crescent wrench
• Fittings 3/4” to 1”
• Pliers
• Hose clamp
• Screwdriver
Additional items, if needed, are
available at Lowe’s and Lowes.com.
Looking for a replacement part and
need the part number? Please visit
asomithatlowes.com
BOX CONTENTS
4

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SYSTEM CONFIGURATION 5
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Prior to installation on metallic plumbing, securely install two grounding clamps and
a #4 copper wire per installation instructions. Failure to follow these instructions can
result in death or electric shock.
Ground Wire and Clamps
(Copper Pipe Only)
Hard Water To
Outside Faucets
Shut Off
Valve Inlet Outlet Hot Soft
Water
Water
Heater
Cold Soft
Water
Electrical
Outlet
Drain and
Overow Lines
NOTICE: Failure to comply with these specications may decrease the effectiveness of the backwash and
cause control valve malfunction.The water softener, like any other appliance, requires correct installation
and setting for optimum performance.
WARNING

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The rst step in setting up your appliance is determining what elements are contained in
your water supply. Use one of the options below to determine characteristics of your water.
• Call Your Water Provider - For municipal
water, call your water department to
determine the hardness and pH of your
water supply.
• Test Strips - Follow the instructions on
the provided test strips. If the color on
your test strip is between two readings,
use the higher number. Compare the
colors as soon as you remove them
from your water.
• Hardness Test - The resulting number
gives the hardness in grains per gallon
(gpg) and/or parts per million
(ppm or mg/L).
• Water Pressure - If water is municipally
supplied, the water pressure must be
greater than 20 psi (1.4 bar) and less
than 120 psi (7 bar). If water is from
a well, the water pressure must be
greater than 40 psi (2.8 bar) and less
than 120 psi (7 bar).
• Water Temperature - Not less than 40°
F (4° C) or greater than 120° F (49° C).
• Water Supply Flow Rate - A minimum
of 2.0 gallons (7.6 liters) per minute
is recommended. For the purposes of
plumbing sizing, only the rated service
ow rate and corresponding water
pressure loss may be used. Prolonged
operation of a water softener at ow
rates exceeding the tested service ow
rate may compromise performance.
• pH Test - The pH number is used to rate
the level of acidity or alkalinity of water
soluble substances. Water should have
a pH of 7.
• Testing Laboratory - To ensure
proper settings, have a sample of your
untreated water tested for hardness,
iron and pH. Contact the company of
your choice, or the company below
to conduct a test for you.
National Testing Laboratories, Ltd.
1-800-458-3330
www.watercheck.com.
• Drain - Connect water softener to an
appropriate drain, such as a oor drain
or washer drain that will comply with
all local and state plumbing codes. To
prevent back-siphoning, provide an
adequate air gap or a siphon break. (see
Installation Steps)
• Power Supply - The transformer supplied
is for a standard 110 volt, 60-cycle AC
outlet or 220 volt, 50-cycle AC outlet for
locations outside North America.
• Iron - A common problem found in many
water supplies is iron. It is important to
know what type of and how much iron
is in the water supply.
NOTICE: If the water supply contains sand, sulfur, bacteria, iron bacteria, tannins, algae, oil, acid, or other
unusual substances, consider pretreating the water to remove these contaminants before the water supply
enters the water softener, unless the water softener is certied to treat these contaminants.
NOTICE: If ferrous iron is not present in your
water, please skip the next page.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
6
Test Your Water
Checklist Before Installation

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Compensated Hardness is the amount of
ferrous iron present in the water as well
as hardness content.
To determine compensated hardness
in standard measurements you should
increase your water hardness setting
by 5 grains per gallon (86 mg/L) for
every 1 ppm (1mg/L) of ferrous iron.
Use the section below for guidance and
ll in the blank chart below to determine
your Compensated Hardness.
NOTICE: If the water supply contains ferrous iron, a commercially available resin bed cleaner should be used
every six months. Follow the instructions on the container.You should increase your water hardness setting by
5 grains per gallon (86 mg/L) for every 1 ppm (1mg/L) of ferrous iron.
IRON DESCRIPTION
Ferrous Iron
(a/k/a clear water or dissolved iron)
Only type of iron that can
be treated with a water softener.
Ferric Iron
Insoluble and the particles can eventually
foul a resin bed. It should be ltered out
before the water reaches the softener.
Organic Iron or Bacterial Iron
Attached to other organic compounds in
the water. Additional treatment is needed
to remove this type of iron.
Colloidal Iron
Not dissolved, yet stays in suspension.
A softener cannot remove this type of iron.
DESCRIPTION RESULTS
Actual Hardness 20 gpg
*Ferrous Iron
times ve (x5) 15
Compensated Hardness
(20+15) 35
*Add ve times (x5) the iron content in ppm
or mg/L to the actual hardness
DESCRIPTION RESULTS
Actual Hardness 342 mg/L
*Ferrous Iron
times eighty-six (x86) 258
Compensated Hardness
(342+258) 600
*Add eighty-six times (x86) the iron content
in ppm or mg/L to the actual hardness
Standard Example
This example uses 3 (ppm or mg/L)
of ferrous iron present in the water.
Metric Example
This example uses 3 (ppm or mg/L)
of ferrous iron present in the water.
DESCRIPTION RESULTS
Actual Hardness
(use your test results
for hardness)
Ferrous Iron
(x5 for standard)
or (x86 for metric)
+
Compensated Hardness
(add rst two results for
nal result)
=
FERROUS IRON AND COMPENSATED HARDNESS 7
Ferrous Iron
Determine Your Compensated Hardness

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• The salt level should always be at least
1/3 full. Rell salt when the level drops
below the water level in the brine
cabinet. A resin cleaner can be used
on a monthly basis. Clean white pellet,
cube-style, or solar salt is recommended.
Do not use rock salt.
• You may use a salt substitute
(such as potassium chloride) in place
of water conditioner salt. If potassium
chloride is used in place of salt, multiply
compensated hardness by 1.12.
• Should your electricity be off for
any reason, check your controller for
correct time and reset as necessary.
(See Step 10 - Setting the Controller)
• Program the water softener to
regenerate at a time when water is not
being used. Regeneration runs salt and
water through the tank so that it’s ready
to soften your water. If there is more
than one water appliance, allow two
hours between each regeneration.
• If dirt, sand, or large particles
are present in water supply, the
self-contained water softener lter
will remove some dirt and sediment.
To achieve the maximum benet and performance from your water softener, familiarize
yourself with this manual. If this device is not maintained and operated as specied in the
owner’s manual, there is a risk of exposure to contaminants.
• The water softener may be
disinfected with 5.25% sodium
hypochlorite, which is the active
ingredient in household chlorine
bleach. To disinfect appliance, add
4.0 uid ounces (120 mL) of chlorine
bleach solution to brine well of the
brine tank. Brine tank should have
water in it. You may also add it
directly into brine cabinet if there
is no salt and only water in cabinet.
Start a manual regeneration.
• Protect the water softener, including
the drain line, from freezing.
• Bypass Valve (attached to the main
control valve) enables you to bypass
the water softener if any work is
being performed on it, the well pump,
or plumbing. Use Bypass Mode also
for watering plants or lawns with
untreated water. To bypass, turn black
knob to the left until it hits the stop;
turn it to the right to restore service.
(see Bypass Valve Overview)
• Before putting the water softener
back in service after work has been
performed, turn on nearest cold water
tap until water runs clear.
• Adhere to all operational, maintenance,
and placement requirements.
• Inspect and clean the brine cabinet
and air check/draw tube assembly
annually or when sediment is
present in brine tank.
8GETTING MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY FROM THE APPLIANCE
NOTICE: Do not mix different types of salt.
NOTICE: Do not use potassium chloride if there
is iron and/or manganese in the water.
WARNING
TOXIC CHEMICAL REACTION
Do not mix bleach with commercial resin
cleaner or iron-reducing salt since a
dangerous chemical reaction may occur.
Inhalation of a toxic chemical reaction can
cause loss of consciousness and severe
burning with physical contact.

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9
PRECAUTIONS
Softener Do’s
• DO Comply with all state,
local, building, plumbing,
and electrical codes.
• DO Test your water quality with
strips provided. Optionally, obtain
a report on your water’s quality.
• DO Install water softener
before water heater.
• DO Install water softener after
the pressure tank on well water
installations.
• DO Install a pressure-reducing
valve if inlet pressure exceeds
70 psi (4.8 bar).
• DO Examine inlet line to ensure
water will ow through it freely
and conrm inlet pipe is sized
correctly. For well water with iron,
the recommended minimum inlet
pipe size is 3/4" (1.9 cm) I.D.
and for municipal water the
recommended minimum inlet
pipe size is 1/2" (1.27 cm) I.D.
• DO Install a gravity drain on cabinet.
• DO Secure drain line on water
softener and at drain outlet.
Due to high pressure, clamps are
recommended on drain line.
• DO Allow a minimum of 8 to 10'
(2.4 to 3.0 m) of 3/4" (1.9 cm) pipe
from the outlet of water softener
to the inlet of water heater.
Softener Don’ts
• DON’T Install if checklist items
are not compliant. (see Checklist
Before Installation)
• DON’T Install if incoming or outlet
piping water temperature exceeds
120°F (49°C). (see Specications)
• DON’T Allow soldering torch
heat to be transferred to valve
components or plastic parts when
using optional copper adapters.
• DON’T Over-tighten plastic ttings.
Fittings can be obtained at Lowe’s.
• DON’T Position water softener
against a wall that would prohibit
access to plumbing.
• DON’T Install water softener
backwards. Refer to the arrows
on inlet and outlet for correct
installation.
• DON’T Plug transformer into
an outlet that is activated by
an On/Off switch.
• DON’T Connect drain and the
overow (gravity drain) lines
together.
• DON’T Use to treat water that
is microbiologically unsafe or
of unknown quality without
adequate disinfection before
or after the water softener.
• DON’T Allow your water
softener or drain line to freeze.

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Part
1 Brine Cabinet
2 Media Tank
3 Drain Line
4 Bypass Valve
5 Service Position
6 Bypass Knob
7 Bypass Position
8 Safety Shutoff
9 Controller
10 Brine Line
PART
1 Bypass Valve
2 Gravity Flow
Connection
3 Brine Cabinet
4 Cabinet Cover
5 Drain Line Fitting
6 Controller
Housing
10 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEW SOFTENER
10
9
4
4
6
6
7 5
5
8
3
3
2
2
1
1
Back View
Top View

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The Bypass Valve can isolate the appliance should appliance malfunction or leak. It can also
permit the use of untreated water for watering plants, shrubs, or lawns.
The Bypass Valve is attached to the main control valve. To engage Bypass Valve, remove
the cabinet cover and locate the knob. Turn knob to the left until it hits the stop. The
appliance will be bypassed and all water to the home is raw, untreated water. To prevent
untreated water from entering the home, water should not be used inside the home when
the appliance is in Bypass Mode. Ensure that the appliance is returned to Service Mode
when the appliance is repaired or the use of untreated water is complete by turning the
black knob to the right until it hits the stop.
Service Position
Bypass Position
11
BYPASS VALVE OVERVIEW
Bypass Valve

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1. Ensure the placement area is clean.
2. Turn off electricity and water supply to the water heater. For gas water heaters, turn the
gas cock to “Pilot”.
3. Examine inlet plumbing to ensure that the pipe is not plugged with lime, iron, or any
other substance. Clean or replace plugged plumbing.
Ensure inlet/outlet and drain connections meet the applicable state and local codes.
Check arrows on bypass valve to ensure the water ows in the proper direction.
(see Bypass Valve Overview)
12 INSTALLATION
Remove all packaging or installation materials from brine cabinet.
Connect water lines in compliance with all state, local, building, plumbing, and electrical
codes. Valve connection ttings on the back of the unit are 1” MNPT. They can be connected
to your home’s plumbing supply with a variety of connectors or ttings (sold separately). You
can plumb your softener to CPVC, PEX, or copper. If using copper ttings do not allow solder
torch to melt the plastic threads on valve.
1. Turn off the water supply.
2. Open the hot and cold water taps to depressurize the lines.
Place water softener in desired location using the system conguration diagram as a guide.
The diagram applies to a basement, slab, crawl space, and outside installations.
For most installations, install appliance after the pressure tank and any water lter appliance
or water meter; and before the water heater unless otherwise recommended. When
installing additional lters, such as a carbon lter for well water, place the lter after any
water conditioning appliance unless otherwise recommended.
Water Heaters: If less than 10’ (3 m) of pipe connects the water treatment appliance(s) to the
water heater, install a check valve between water treatment appliance and water heater as
close to the water heater as possible. An expansion tank may also be used. Ensure the water
heater has an adequately rated temperature and pressure safety relief valve.
STEP 1
STEP 4
STEP 2
STEP 3
Prepare the Appliance
Connect Water Lines
Prepare the Placement Area
Turn Off Water Supply
NOTICE (FOR WELL WATER ONLY): A minimum 3/4” pipe is required between the pressure tank and the
water softener for it to function properly. This note does not apply to city water, only to well water.
NOTICE: Do not install water softener backwards.
NOTICE: It is strongly recommended to cover the unit if installed outdoors.

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13
INSTALLATION
Connect Drain Line
Gravity Overow Elbow
The overow line drains away excess
water should the cabinet overll or the
water softener malfunction. The overow
opening in the brine cabinet is not threaded.
Push and turn the overow elbow to tighten
into the brine cabinet. Ensure the overow
elbow is in the down position.
Connect 1/2” (1.27 cm) I.D. tubing (size cannot
be reduced) between the overow tting and
a oor drain, laundry tub, or other suitable
waste receptacle.
The drain line carries away backwash
water as part of the regeneration cycle.
1. Using PTFE tape or plumber’s putty,
screw threaded drain tting into
drain end cap.
2. Connect drain line to drain end cap
with a minimum 1/2” (1.27 cm) I.D.
tubing (supplied). This size cannot be
reduced.
3. Route drain line to a oor drain,
laundry tub, or other suitable waste
receptacle. Maintain a minimum 2”
(5 cm) air gap between drain line and
ood level rim of waste receptacle to
prevent back siphoning. This drain line
should be the shortest distance to the
suitable drain.
4. Drain line may be elevated up to
8’ (2.4 m) from the discharge on the
water softener if water pressure in
your system is 40 psi (2.8 bar) or more.
5. If drain line is 25 feet (7.6 m) or longer,
increase drain line to 3/4” I.D. The end
of drain line must be equal to or lower
in height than the control valve.
STEP 5
STEP 6
Connect Gravity Overow Connection
Connect Drain Line
NOTICE: Keep the drain line from being kinked,
crimped, or restricted in any way.
NOTICE: This tubing is not supplied with the
water softener. Ensure the overow line ends
at a drain that is at least 3” (8 cm) lower than
the bottom of the overow tting. Maintain
a minimum 2” (5 cm) air gap between the
overow line and the ood level rim of the
waste receptor to prevent back-siphoning.
The gravity line cannot be run overhead.
NOTICE: Drain line may require a hose clamp to
hold drain line in place.

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14 INSTALLATION
Connecting Power
Bypass Position
Service Position
1. Place water softener in Bypass position.
Turn on main water supply.
2. Turn on nearest cold water faucet to ush
plumbing of any excess soldering ux,
air, or any other foreign material. Return
water softener to Service position.
1. Ensure the sensor wire and motor wire
are connected, then plug the transformer
power cord to the back of the controller.
(see Connecting Power)
2. Plug the transformer into an appropriate
outlet. Ensure the outlet selected is not
operated by an On/Off switch.
3. Program the water softener controller
in the next step.
Turn off all faucets. Check all lines
and connections for leaks.
If leaks are found:
• Turn off the main water supply.
• Turn on cold water faucet to
depressurize the lines.
• Turn off the faucet to eliminate
any siphoning action.
• Repair all leaks.
• Turn on the water supply.
• Place bypass in Service position
to slowly ll media tank. (see image)
• Turn on cold water faucet to purge
air out of media tank.
• Turn off the faucet and recheck for leaks.
STEP 7
STEP 9
STEP 8
Flush Lines
Plug in the Transformer
Check for Leaks
NOTICE: To prevent untreated water from
entering your home, avoid using water inside
your home when water softener is in Bypass
position. Remember to return to Service position
when you have nished ushing the system or
using untreated water.

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15
INSTALLATION
DISPLAY SETTINGS
UNITS: Select English or Metric
TIME: Set the current time of day
REGEN TIME: Set the regeneration
time, if using the Delayed Mode.
REGENERATION SETTINGS
Choose the settings best for your household.
TYPE:
High Capacity - Softener will regenerate
less often, but will use more salt.
High Efciency - Softener will regenerate
more often using more water, but less salt.
This is the default. This setting meets or
exceeds the requirement some states
have for efciency.
Automatic - Uses the average daily
water usage to determine salt usage
and regeneration cycles. Recommended
for large households or those with high
levels of water hardness.
MODE:
Demand - Triggers a regeneration as soon
as softening capacity is exhausted. This is
the default.
Delayed - Allows regeneration at a
specic time (ex. 2 A.M. when less
water is typically being used).
Main Menu
ALARM SETTINGS
LOW SALT: Select On or Off.
MODEL 400T: Every time salt is added to
brine cabinet, press Salt Level button on
home screen. Make sure arrow on the level
indicator matches salt level present in brine
cabinet. Once controller calculates that
more salt is needed, it will begin beeping
and will display Low Salt Alert screen. Press
“OK” button to silence beeping and return
to home screen. Salt Level button will be
ashing “ADD”. After salt is added to brine
cabinet, remember to press Salt Level
button to reset salt level.”
MANUAL REGENERATION
User can press “REGEN” button to force an
immediate regeneration. The “NEXT” button
that appears on the screen allows the user to
advance the cycle to the next position.
FACTORY RESET
On Main Menu screen there is a button
labeled “RESET”. Pressing this button brings
up Restore Defaults screen. Pressing “Yes”
will return controller to factory default
settings.
OVERRIDE
Press [<] to turn on. If “96 Hour” is selected,
unit will work no more than 4 days without
a regeneration. Default is “96 Hour” to
be off. Leave this on if you have Iron
in your water.
1. On the home screen, press the “MENU” button.
2. On the Main Menu screen, press the button for “Hardness”.
3. On the Water Hardness screen, press the “+” button to increase hardness or “-“ button
to decrease hardness. Input the compensated hardness determined by your water test.
4. Press the “SAVE” button to save the value and return to the Main Menu screen.
5. Press the “BACK” button to return to the home screen.
The Main Menu screen has other options if you choose to change the factory default settings.
Depending on the model, not all options will apply. The controller should only display options
available to the model for which it is programmed.
STEP 10 Setting the Controller

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16 INSTALLATION
Service Position
1. For AO-WH-SOFT-350
Add 2 gallons (8L)
of water to brine cabinet
For AO-WH-SOFT-400T
Add 5 gallons (19L)
of water to brine cabinet
After rst regeneration, appliance will
automatically rell the correct amount
of water into brine cabinet.
2. Ensure appliance is in Service position
and your water supply is turned on.
3. Press and hold regenerate button
until controller advances to the next
step. Continue this process until you
see Brine Rell.
Allow the tank to ll with the proper
amount of water. The controller will then
advance the valve to Home position.
Fill brine cabinet with salt. Use clean white pellet, cube-style, or solar salt.
Do not mix pellet with solar salt.
If salt level was below water level before salt was added, wait two (2) hours for
saturated brine before starting any regeneration.
1. Ensure bypass valve is left in the Service position. (see Service Position above)
2. Ensure water supply is on.
3. Open inlet valve and turn on electricity to water heater. For gas water heaters,
return the gas cock to “On.”
4. Turn on a cold water tap and allow water softener to ush for 20 minutes or until approx. 72
gallons (270 L) have passed through. It is normal to see dark colored water from faucets when
rst ushing the softener. This procedure is required to meet NSF compliance. Verify the
controller indicates water ow. (See Step 10 - Setting the Controller)
5. Place the cover on the cabinet.
STEP 11
STEP 12
STEP 13
Add Water to the Brine Cabinet
Fill Brine Cabinet With Salt
Complete the Installation
NOTICE: This initial startup is the only time you
will add water to the brine cabinet. Do not add
water at any other time.
NOTICE: Always keep the salt level above the water level. For convenience, ll the cabinet 3/4 when
relling with salt.
NOTICE: Use of potassium chloride when iron and/or manganese are present in the raw water
supply is not recommended.

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17
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
No Soft Water
after Regeneration
No salt in brine cabinet. Add salt.
Sediment in brine cabinet has plugged
the brine line and air check/draw tube.
Remove the brine line and ush clean.
Remove the air check/draw tube and
ush with clean water. Clean injector
assembly. Clean any sediment from
brine cabinet.
Flow control is plugged. Remove brine piston housing and
clear debris from the ow control.
Drain line is pinched, frozen, or
restricted.
Straighten, thaw, or unclog the
drain line.
Clogged injector assembly.
Remove injector cap and clean
nozzle and throat with a wooden
toothpick. Replace entire assembly
if throat removed.
Salt bridge has formed due to high
humidity or the wrong kind of salt.
Test with a blunt object like a broom
handle. Push the handle into the salt
to dislodge the salt bridge, or use hot
water around the inside perimeter to
loosen salt.
No Soft Water
The Bypass Valve is in the Bypass
Position.
Place the Bypass Valve in the
Service position.
Appliance is plumbed backwards. Check that appliance is plumbed
correctly.
Extended power outage. Reset the time of day and regenerate
the unit.
Water hardness has increased. Re-test the water and re-enter a new
setting number.
Not metering water. Flow should be indicated with water
usage. If no ow, see below.
No Flow Is
Indicated When
Water Is Flowing
The Bypass Valve is in the Bypass
position.
Place the Bypass Valve in the Service
position.
Appliance is plumbed backwards. Check that appliance is plumbed
correctly.
Sensor not receiving signal from
magnet on turbine.
Remove sensor from bypass housing.
Test with magnet on either at side
of sensor. If ow is indicated, check
turbine. If no ow, replace sensor.
Turbine is jammed. Remove Bypass Valve and clear
debris from turbine.
Flow Indicated
When Water is
Not Being Used
The household plumbing system
has a leak. Repair the leak.
No Read-Out
in Display
Electric cord is unplugged. Plug in the transformer.
No electric power at outlet. Check power source. Make sure outlet
is not controlled by a switch.
Defective transformer.
Test with voltmeter for 12 VAC at
control. If less than 10 VAC replace
the transformer.
Defective circuit board. With 12 VAC present at controller,
replace the controller.

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18 TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE SOLUTION
Appliance Stays
in Regeneration
Controller not attached properly. Make sure the controller is pushed
all the way onto the cover plate.
Defective magnet disk. Replace magnet disk.
Foreign object in main control valve. Remove foreign object(s) from
the main control valve.
Broken valve assembly. Motor running. Repair the valve assembly.
Excess Water
in Brine Tank
Restricted, frozen, or pinched drain
line.
Remove restriction, thaw, or
straighten drain line.
Plugged brine line, brine line ow
control, or air check/draw tube.
Clean ow control, air check/draw
tube, and brine line. Clean any
sediment from the brine cabinet.
Plugged injector assembly. Clean or replace injector. Replace
entire assembly if throat removed.
Salty Water
Plugged injector. Replace injector screen, nozzle,
and throat.
Low water pressure. Maintain minimum pressure of
30 psi (2.1 bar).
Drain line or ow control is restricted. Remove restriction.
Brine line restricted or crimped. Remove restriction, replace if crimped.
Excessive amount of water
in brine cabinet.
Verify correct water level relative to
salt setting. Estimated amount of
water should be 2-12". Check brine
line and ttings for loose connections.
Intermittent pressure drop from
feed source.
Install check valve on the inlet water
line to the appliance (check local
plumbing codes rst).
Brine valve drips water back
to brine tank.
Clean brine valve housing, replace
piston assembly.
Controller Error
Messages
Home not found.
Cycle power by unplugging the
transformer and plugging it back in.
It will look for Home again. Ensure the
controller is pushed all the way onto
the cover plate.
Motor error.
All wires should be unplugged and
replugged, sequence is motor, sensor,
and power cord. Plug motor in and
cycle power. If it is already plugged in,
then motor wiring or the motor plug is
defective. This could also be a problem
with the computer.
Home offset.
Disk did not start in proper home
location. Cycle power controller will
automatically try to reset itself by
nding Home and continuing the
regeneration. Ensure the controller
is pushed all the way onto the drive
end cap.
Home latched.
Gear teeth are not engaged, gear is
stripped, or something is jammed in
the valve. Cycle the power to reset.
Memory error. Replace controller.

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19
EFFICIENCY STATEMENTS
NAME OF
SUBSTANCE
USEPA MAX.
CONTAMINANT
LEVEL
INFLUENT CHALLENGE LEVEL
Barium 2.0 mg / L 10 +/- 10% mg / L
Radium 226/228 5 pCi / L 226 / 228: 25 pCi / L
MODEL RATED EFFICIENCY SALT DOSAGE CAPACITY
AT THAT DOSAGE
AO-WH-SOFT-350
5,210 grains / lb
(742 grams / kg) 1 lb (0.45 kg) 5,210 grains (338 grams)
AO-WH-SOFT-400T
5,210 grains / lb
(742 grams / kg) 1.25 lbs (0.57 kg) 6,510 grains (422 grams)
MODEL MINIMUM
CAPACITY/SALT
MIDDLE
CAPACITY/SALT
MAXIMUM
CAPACITY/SALT
AO-WH-SOFT-350 5,210 grains / 1 lb 28,775 grains / 8 lbs 35,000 grains / 15 lbs
AO-WH-SOFT-400T 6,510 grains / 1.25 lbs 28,180 grains / 7 lbs 40,000 grains / 13 lbs
This product is efciency rated according to NSF/ANSI 44. The stated efciencies are valid
only at the specied salt dosage and 7.0 gpm (26.5 L/min):
An efciency-rated water softener is a demand-initiated regeneration softener that
also complies with specic performance specications intended to minimize the
amount of regenerant brine and water used in its operation.
Efciency-rated water softeners shall have a rated salt efciency of not less than
3,350 grains of total hardness exchange per pound of salt (based on NaCI equivalency)
(477 grams of total hardness exchange per kilogram of salt), and shall not deliver
more salt than its listed rating.
Efciency is measured by a laboratory test described in NSF/ANSI 44. The test represents
the maximum possible efciency that the system can achieve. Operational efciency is
the actual efciency achieved after the system has been installed. It is typically less than
the efciency due to individual application factors including water hardness, water
usage, and other contaminates that reduce the softeners’ capacity.
Reduction Capabilities for Specic Contaminants
Salt and Capacity Range