A.O. Smith AO-WH-PREL User manual

AO-WH-PREL
WHOLE HOUSE FILTER
System with timer / Sistema con temporizador
A. O. Smith Corporation P.O. Box 1597 | Johnson City, TN 37605-1597 | 877.333.7108 Owner’s Manual / El manual del propietario

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AO-WH-PREL
WHOLE HOUSE FILTER
System with timer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Box Contents ............................................................................................................1
Precautions ...............................................................................................................2
Installation Guide.....................................................................................................3
Care and Maintenance.............................................................................................6
Warranty...................................................................................................................7
Spanish/Español........................................................................................................8
A. O. Smith has obsessively engineered this filtration system for you. This
product, combined with an A. O. Smith filter, creates an effective filtration
method that reduces rust, soil and silt for improved, better tasting water
throughout your entire home.
Keep this owner’s manual to reference installation, troubleshooting and filter
replacement information. If you need help or have a question, we’ve got you
covered. Give us a call at 877.333.7108.

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BOX CONTENTS 1
Tools recommended for installation:
• A.O. Smith Filter
• Teflon®
• Pipe
• Two (2) shut-off valves
• Adjustable wrench
• Two (2) 1" male x 1" male NPT
adaptors for household piping
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 877.333.7108.
Do not attempt to install the filter.
Note: We recommend using an approved or certified professional if drilling is required.
When installing on metallic plumbing: two (2) grounding clamps and #4 copper wire.
Full warranty is contingent on installation by a licensed plumber.
FILTER HEAD
CLEAR HOUSING
HOUSING WRENCH
MOUNTING BRACKETTIMER

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INSTALLATION GUIDE
2
2PRECAUTIONS
When installing:
• Properly tighten all fittings to ensure a
leak-free assembly.
• Be sure to sweat any fittings away
from filter housing.
• Allow a minimum of 2-1/2" clear space
below unit to facilitate filter change.
• Pipe and filter need to be properly
supported with pipe hangers.
• If installing on metallic plumbing with
two grounding clamps and #4 copper
wire are essential for safety.
Before installing:
• Do not install this filtration system
where the line pressure may exceed
100 psi. The operating pressure range
for this filtration system is between
25 psi – 100 psi.
• Install on cold water lines only
(40° – 100°F).
• Protect unit from freezing.
• It is recommended your system be
installed indoors and out of direct
sunlight. Prolonged exposure to light
can weaken plastic components,
resulting in filter housing failure. If
this is not possible and the system is
outdoors or in a sunny area, the unit
must be protected from both direct
sunlight and freezing temperatures.
• Do not install the unit on its side. It
must be installed upright to maximize
contact with media bed.
• Installation of the filtration system
must comply with existing state and
local plumbing codes. A. O. Smith
and its manufacturer is not liable for
consequential or incidental damages
due to improper installation.
• Some local codes may require the
use of a licensed plumber or certified
installer when disrupting a potable
water line.
• Due to the varieties of home design,
not all installation configurations can
be addressed in this guide.
• Improper sequence of equipment will
affect performance and could damage
your system.
READ ALL PRECAUTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY.
Do not use with water that is microbiologically
unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate
disinfection before or after the system.
Ensure operating pressures are within filter
housing specifications. Some installations may
require a pressure reducer installed before filter
system to reduce operating pressures.
For use with cold water only.

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3
1 2
3
FIGURE 1
ENSURE PROPER SPACING
FIGURE 2
Do not use pipe solvent (dope), as solvents in some types of pipe dope may cause
damage to plastic fittings. Do not over-tighten to prevent damage to filter head.
Wrap Teflon®tape (2-1⁄2 wraps) to the right around the 1" male x 1" street
adaptor. Screw firmly to filter head.
(See Figure 1)
Loosely fit shut-off valves on both sides to calculate proper spacing of
components. Measure distance and mark pipe accordingly.
(See Figure 2)
4
Turn off main water supply.
Drain water from water lines.
Remove clear housing from filter
head and set aside.

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INSTALLATION GUIDE
INSTALLATION GUIDE
4
Fit filter head and gate shut-off valves onto pipe. Ensure the “IN”port with red air
release button is connected to incoming water supply line. Tighten compression
nuts on both sides of each valve four (4) locations).
(See Figure 4)
FIGURE 4
RED AIR RELEASE BUTTON
INCOMING
WATER SUPPLY
OUTGOING
WATER SUPPLY
TIGHTEN
COMPRESSION
NUTS
TIGHTEN
COMPRESSION
NUTS
Cut tubing as straight
as possible with a
utility knife, or tube
cutter for copper piping.
CORRECT
INCORRECT
Cut pipe to length with pipe cutter.
Ensure there are no burrs, sharp
edges or deep scratches.
Cut should be as straight as possible.
6
7
ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
Prior to installation on metallic plumbing,
securely install two grounding clamps and a
#4 copper wire as per installation instructions.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in
death or electric shock.
When installing on metallic plumbing, ensure you take the following precautions:
Securely install two (2) grounding clamps and a #4 copper wire across the location
where the system will be installed. Tightly clamp at both ends, as shown below.
(See Figure 3)
5
COPPER WIRE
GROUND
CLAMP
GROUND
CLAMP
In Out
FIGURE 3

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INSTALLATION GUIDE 5
Place a filter (purchased separately) into clear housing. Ensure filter is centered
and seated. Screw housing with filter into head. Hand tighten until snug.
If necessary, tighten with supplied filter wrench to seal properly.
DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
9
8
TIMER BATTERY INSTALLATION AND CHANGE
Insert coin or screwdriver in the slot between timer cap and base. Gently pry them open
and separate timer base from cap. Install or change two (2) new AAA 1.5-volt batteries.
Line up the base and cap and snap them together. It is recommended to change the
batteries at least every two (2) filter changes. Do not mix old and new batteries.
INSTALLATION OF TIMER
Hold the timer body in the center and
gently push timer to its seat at the top
of the filter head. You may also attach
it in a remote location for easy viewing.
TIMER RESET AND APPLICATION
After new batteries are installed or filter
is changed, push and hold the blue reset
button for approximately five (5) seconds.
Release the reset button after the light
flashes five (5) times. The light will flash
again in 90 days as a reminder to change
the filter. (See Figure 5)
FIGURE 5
Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or
rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc.) batteries.
Slowly turn on main water supply while
depressing red air release button
(on filter head). Check for leaks.
Allow water to run for five (5)
minutes to flush out air.

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6INSTALLATION GUIDE
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
TROUBLESHOOTING
Water leaks at fittings:
Slowly tighten until leak stops.
Water leaks persist:
Turn off water at the main water supply
shut-off valve. Remove threaded fittings.
Reapply Teflon®tape to the right and
screw fittings back onto head assembly.
CLEANING
The exterior of your filtration system
can be cleaned with warm, soapy water.
Rinse well with fresh, clean water.
Never use chemical cleaning products on
the system’s exterior surface as they may
damage the housing.
FILTER REPLACEMENT
We recommend you change the filter in the AO-WH-PREL system every three (3) or six
(6) months depending on your choice of filter. It should be replaced earlier if there is a
significant drop in water pressure.
TIPS
Before changing filter, turn off water supply. Place a bucket under filtration system to catch the small amount
of water that will run out after housing removal. If non-A. O. Smith brand filter is used, installer must ensure
the replacement filter is appropriate.
6
AO-WH-PREL
The following range of A. O. Smith
filters can be used with this housing
AO-WH-PREL-R
AO-WH-PREL-RP
AO-WH-PREL-RC
AO-WH-PREL-RCP
AO-WH-PREL-RPP
A. O. Smith Corporation P.O. Box 1597 | Johnson City, TN 37605-1597 | 877.333.7108
1. Turn off the shut-off valves.
2. Relieve pressure in housing by pushing
the red pressure relief button.
3. Unscrew housing and remove old filter.
Wash housing thoroughly with mild
soap and water. Rinse thoroughly.
4. Insert new filter and re-install housing.
Ensure filter is centered and seated in the
housing before tightening onto head.
5. Hand-tighten housing onto cap until
snug. If necessary, use filter head
wrench to fully tighten the housing,
ensuring a watertight seal.
DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
6. Turn on shut-off valves. If any leaks
appear, tighten housing as needed.
7. Flush system for five (5) minutes.

Full warranty is contingent on system installation by a licensed plumber.
What is covered:
This Warranty covers defects in materials
or workmanship in manufacturing of your
A. O. Smith Whole House Sediment Filter,
except as provided below.
For how long:
This warranty runs for 12 months from
the date of purchase by a consumer
(“Warranty Period”).
What is not covered:
This warranty does not cover filter
cartridges and any systems that were
not installed in compliance with the
instructions by a licensed plumber or that
have been abused or operated incorrectly.
It also does not cover the following:
• Incidental or consequential damages
caused by a failure of the product.
• Clogging, as replacement of the
pre-filter cartridge is the purchaser’s
responsibility.
• Damage from use of non-potable
water supplies.
• Labor costs to install or replace the
system or filters.
• Damage caused by fire, flood or acts
of God. This warranty is voided if he
product is used with parts that are
not genuine A. O. Smith parts. This
includes, but is not limited to:
replacement filters, faucets, and
diverter valves.
What A. O. Smith will do:
We will replace the defective part of
the covered product, or if necessary, the
product and send it to you with installation
instructions for a licensed plumber.
How to get service:
To receive service under this
Warranty, you must contact
A. O. Smith at 1-877-333-7108 or
[email protected]
within the Warranty Period to describe
the problem to a customer service
representative who will verify that the
product is under warranty and determine
whether a part or the system will be
replaced and whether you must send back
the defective part at our cost. If you are
to send back the part or system, we will
send you a return shipping label. You will
be required to provide a proof of purchase
(unless you purchased direct from us or
have sent us a Warranty Card) and proof
of a licensed plumber’s installation. We will
send you the replacement part or system at
no cost to you.
How state law applies:
This warranty gives you specific rights and
you may have other rights which vary from
state to state.
Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential
damages, so the above limitation or
exclusion may not apply to you.
Warranty card:
Warranty registration is not required for
coverage under the A. O. Smith Limited
Warranty. If you purchased from a retailer
or dealer, please complete the online
warranty registration form at
www.AOSmithatLowes.com/register.
Once registered online, we will have a
record of your purchase and you will
not be required to produce a proof of
purchase for a warranty claim.
LIMITED WARRANTY
1
YEAR
A. O. Smith Corporation P.O. Box 1597 | Johnson City, TN 37605-1597 | 877.333.7108
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