Apec Water WFS-1000 Service manual

3-STAGE WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION
& OWNER’S MANUAL Ver 3.0
All Rights Reserved © APEC Water Systems
www.FreeDrinkingWater
.com

Please keep this Owner’s Manual for future reference.
It contains useful information on how to maintain and care for your
APEC quick flow water filter system.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Installation:
Preparation ................................................................... page 1
Filter housings assembly ................................................. page 6
Feed water connection .................................................... page 7
Faucet mounting ............................................................ page 12
Connecting the whole system ......................................... page 13
2. Maintenance:
Filter change schedule & instructions ............................. page 16
3. Warranty ........................................................................... page 17

1
Thank you for choosing APEC drinking water systems.
You now own the finest water filter in America.
Please read and become familiar with instructions and parts needed before proceeding with
the installation.
BEFORE INSTALLATION:
Inspect the system:
Please take the system and all the components out of the box. Inspect the system and all the
connection fittings carefully, make sure nothing is damaged during shipping. If any part is cracked
or broken, please do not proceed with the installation and contact APEC or your distributor for an
exchange or diagnosis.
Recommended tools list:
•Variable speed drill
•Drill bit: 1/2” (for standard faucet hole, air-gap faucet requires 1”d hole)
•5/8”, 9/16” open-end wrench, or adjustable wrench, pliers
•Utility knife, or scissors
•Teflon tape
Operating Parameter
•Operating pressure: 20 psi minimum to 85 psi maximum
•Feed water temperature: 40 – 100 degree F (4-37 degree C)
•Do not connect this unit to hot water source
•Install the unit in a sheltered environment, avoid exposure to hot and cold weather or under
direct sun light.
General Installation/Operation/Maintenance Requirements
•Installation needs to comply with state and local laws and regulations.
•Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without ad-
equate disinfection before or after system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used
on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.
Copyright:
This manual is copyrighted by APEC Inc. Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be reproduced in any form, in
whole or part, without the prior written consent of APEC Inc. Manual print ver.3.0, 2019 Dec.
Important! Please TURN OFF the main cold water supply to the system when the unit is not in use
during a vacation or extended leave. During very cold or freezing weather conditions, please also
TURN OFF the main cold water supply and completely drain all of the water from the system.

2
1 Faucet with tubing,
washers and nuts
(Faucet color may vary,
depends on the color selected)
Components included with the system:
Make sure you have all these parts before starting installation.
3 filters in 3 Housings
Installation kit includes:
1 Color tubing 1/4” 1 Wrench
for opening housing
1 system head
1 Feed water adapter
3/8”- 1/2”
with needle valve kit
Recommended: Please keep wrench near or
on the system unit for future maintenance.
1 system head case

3
WFS-1000 System Setup Options
Under Cabinet:
Option 2: Without caseOption 1: With case
Mounting:
Note: WFS-1000 System can only
be mounted without case

4
Case Installation:
Case Removal:
Note: Supply water is strongly recommended to be turned off during case installation
and removal.
Push down until you hear click.
Please use your thumb to push in on
the elbow fitting, while pushing in, use
both fingers to pull the case outwards a
little to pop open the case.

5
Fig.1A Fig.1B
H
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION NOTICE!
The Quick Connect fittings come with end
plugs that need to be removed before
the tubing can be connected. Please
disconnect the end plugs at Points A and
H from the Quick Connect fittings before
connecting tubing. See Fig.1A and Fig.1B.
A
Fig.1C
Fig.1D
To Disconnect the End Plugs:
Push in and hold down on the collet ring square against the
fitting. While holding down the collet ring, pull out the end
plug with your other hand. Only the plug will slide out from the
connection. See Fig.1C.
Depending on your system model, there will be 2 types of protective end
plugs. Both types of end plugs are disconnected the same way. After
disconnecting the end plugs, please discard them as they are not needed for
installation.
Soft Plug Hard Plug
2 Types of End Plugs
To Connect the Tubing:
Push the tubing all the way into the Quick-
Connect fitting, then gently pull back on the tubing to make sure
the connection is completely secure. See Fig.1D.
- No inserts, sleeve, or nuts are needed to secure the connection.
- No Teflon tape!
Fig.1E
To Disconnect the Tubing:
Push in and hold down on the collet ring square against the fitting.
With the collet held in this position the tube can be removed. See
Fig.1E.

6
3rd
Stage
2nd
Stage
1st
Stage
Use
Wrench
3rd
Stage
2nd
Stage
1st
Stage
THERE ARE TWO PARTS TO INSTALL THE SYSTEM:
Part I. Assemble the filters and housings onto the main system
Part II. Installing the system
PART I. ASSEMBLE THE FILTERS AND HOUSINGS ONTO THE MAIN SYSTEM
Remove plastic/paper wrappings on the 3 filters, put them into the 3 housings, and assemble the
housings onto the main system as follow:
1. See Fig. 2 Stand the 3 housings upright. Make sure each housing has a rubber O-ring in its
groove.
Put the APEC Sediment filter into the “1st stage” housing on the right.
Put the APEC Carbon filter into the “2nd stage” housing in the middle.
Put the APEC Carbon filter into the “3rd stage” housing on the left.
2. See Fig. 3 Starting from the 3rd stage housing on the left, hand twist the housing onto the main
system turning counterclockwise, one by one, for all 3 housings.
3. See Fig. 4 Use the wrench provided to completely tighten the housing starting from 1st-stage.
Repeat this step for the 2nd stage housing in the middle, and for the 3rd stage housing
on right.
Note: For some people it is easier to use the wrench with the system laid down
(face up).
Fig. 2 Fig. 3 Fig. 4
3rd
Stage
turn counter-clock
wise
to tighten

7
PART II. INSTALLING THE SYSTEM
Space: Make sure there is sufficient space under the counter for installation (an area of about
15”L x 6”W x 12”H for the system).
The system is best installed under the kitchen sink. But if that is not feasible you can
install the system anywhere where there is a cold water supply with sufficient water
pressure.
Mounting: No need to mount the system on the wall. The system can stand in the sink cabinet
without mounting, this makes future filter change easy and convenient. If you prefer
to mount the system to the wall, please make sure it can be taken down easily for
filter replacement.
Step 1: Feed Water Connection
The system must be connected to the COLD water supply only!
1. Locate the Cold water supply valve under the kitchen sink (the round or oblong handle on
the right side). Turn off the incoming cold water completely by turning the shut off handle
clockwise.
Note: If the cold water shut off valve can not turn off the water, the main water supply
to the house must be shut off for the installation. Another option is to use a “self
piercing saddle valve” from APEC or from a local hardware store.
2. Feed Water Adapter (1/2” to 3/8”): See Fig. 5. The Feed Water Adapter comes with a sepa-
rate Needle Valve. The Adapter goes inline onto your 1/2” or 3/8” cold water pipe. The Needle
Valve portion screws onto the Adapter as shown in Fig. 5A.
Fig. 5
A. 1/2” x 3/8” Male-Female Water Supply Adapter
with O-ring.
B. 1/2” x 3/8” Female-Male Converter with O-ring.
C. 1/4” x 1/8” Male Needle Valve.

8
Fig. 5A - Needle Valve Installation.
Attach the needle valve (C) to water supply adapter (A). Please apply 5-6 wraps of
teflon tape to needle valve prior to connecting it to the water supply adapter (A).
Fig. 5B - If your pipe has a 1/2” Connection.
By attaching the 1/2” x 3/8” converter (B) to the Male end of the water supply adapter
(A), you now have a 1/2” Male and Female water supply adapter.
Fig. 5C - If your pipe has a 3/8” Connection.
By attaching the 1/2” x 3/8” converter (B) to the Female end of the water supply
adapter (A), you now have a 3/8” Male and Female water supply adapter.
Fig. 5A
Fig. 5B Fig. 5C

9
Riser
Tube
For Flexible Line
Faucet
Shank
Main Water
Supply
Shut-off
Valve
Riser
Tube
For Solid Line
Faucet
Shank
Needle
Valve
Needle
Valve
Main Wate
r
Supply
Shut-off
Valve
Sink Sink
3. Recommend Connection For Flex Line Riser: See Fig. 6A. & Fig. 6E. Loosen nut and separate cold
water riser tube from shut off valve. Gently bend riser tube so that the Feed Water Adapter (Fig. 5) fits
onto the shut off valve. If your riser tube has no built-in washer, then fit the cone-shaped washer provided
onto the riser tube. Connect the riser tube, feed water adapter, and shut off valve together and tighten.
For Solid Copper Riser: See Fig. 6B. Follow the same procedure as for flex line. If the copper riser
cannot bend, this it’s best to replace it with a flex line riser. Fit the Feed Water Adapter to the shut off
valve the same way as described above.
Option Connection Point: See Fig. 6F. The feed water adapter can also be installed between the rise
tube and faucet shank. Loosen nut and separate cold water riser tube from faucet shank. Gently bend
riser tube so that the Feed Water Adapter fits onto the faucet shank. Connect the riser tube, feed water
adapter, and faucet shank together and tighten.
Fig. 6A Fig. 6B

10
Insert Sleeve Compression Nut
Apply Teflon Tape Here
Push the tubing all the way into the needle valve
while tightening compression nut.
Test for leaks at this point: Close the Needle Valve (turn needle handle clockwise all the way in
to close). Turn ON the cold water supply to the sink faucet. If the Needle Valve or the Adapter
leaks, check the connection and try applying more Teflon tape or tighten the brass nut some
more to stop the leak.
Fig. 6C
Fig. 6E Fig. 6F
4. Needle Valve: See Fig. 6C. Screw the Needle Valve onto the Adapter tightly. Apply 6-8 rounds
of Teflon tape onto Needle Valve before attaching it to the Adapter.
To open needle valve: Turn needle handle counter-clockwise.
To close needle valve: Turn needle handle clockwise.
Fig. 6D

11
Step 2: Drill A Hole For The Faucet
Drill 1/2” diameter hole for standard faucet. (Air-Gap faucet: drill 1”d hole.)
For best results use a 1/2” carbide-tipped masonry drill bit.
Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes while drilling the faucet hole.
Note: No need to drill a hole if an existing hole is available:
a) Spare hole: If there is a spare hole in the sink covered by a chrome cover, simply remove the
chrome cover and install the faucet there.
b) Spray hose: If the spray hose is not in use, remove the hose, and mount the faucet there. Re-
member to plug up the outlet under the main faucet. If the spray hose uses a diverter at the base of
the spout, be sure to remove it to avoid trouble later on.
c) Hanging faucet: If drilling a hole is not feasible (i.e. rental home, drill tool not available etc.),
the faucet can just hang on the cabinet door or wherever that is convenient. Be creative!
When drilling a hole for the faucet, choose a location that looks good, works well, and is most
convenient for dispensing pure water. An ample flat area is required for the faucet base so that
the faucet can be drawn down tightly.
1. Faucet location: Make sure the faucet stud will be accessible from below when the hole
is drilled. If space is not available on the upper sink area, the faucet can be located on the
counter top by the edge of the sink. If the counter top is ceramic tile, the method for drilling
the hole will be the same as for porcelain sinks.
2. For Stainless Steel Sink: Before using a 1/2” carbide drill bit, an indent should be made
with a center punch to keep the drill bit from walking. A small pilot hole will also aid the drill
bit.
3. For Porcelain Sink: Porcelain enameled sinks can readily be chipped if care is not exercised
when drilling the hole. Before starting the drill motor, apply firm downward pressure on the bit
until a crunching occurs. This will help keep the drill bit from walking when starting the hole.
A small pilot hole will also aid the drill bit.
Note: Immediately after the hole drilling is done, clean up all metal chips, as metal chips
will stain the porcelain!!

12
Faucet Base
Black Locating
Washer
Lock Washer Lock Nut
Insert Sleeve
Compression Nut
Counter Top
Counter Top
Opening
Tube insert
Sleeve
Compression nut
Tubing
Faucet stem
Sleeve
&
Tube insert
Compression nut
If your faucet comes without tubing attached:
Option: Mounting The Faucet with Metal
Compression Fitting & Separate Faucet Tubing
1. Mount the faucet as shown in Fig. 7B.
2. Make sure the tube insert is pushed all the way
into the tubing. Fig. 7C.
3. Make sure the tubing is inserted inside the faucet
stem at least 1/4” deep while screwing the nut.
Fig. 7D.
Fig. 7A
Fig. 7B
If your faucet comes with tubing attached:
Step 3: Mounting The Faucet
1. Mount the faucet as shown in Fig. 7A
2. Connect the Clear faucet tubing directly to system
output.
3. The faucet handle controls the flow of purified water
exiting the faucet. Turn the handle to horizontal
position to release the water and vertically to shut off.
Fig. 7C Fig. 7D
Note: For stainless steel sinks, we recommend reversing
the black locating washer so the flat end is facing
upwards for proper installation.

13
Step 5: Connecting The System
Summary of Tubing Connections:
There are 2 connections: See Fig 8
Point Ato X: Connect system to COLD water supply — Red tubing.
Point Hto Z: Connect drinking faucet tubing to 3rd-stage output — Clear tubing.
Fig. 8
Step 4: Positioning The System
1. Main System: The main system can stand in the sink cabinet. No need to mount the system
to the wall.
Important! Insert and sleeve Must be installed to prevent water leaking. Metal compression nut must
be fully tightened! (See Page 10)

14
Details on Tubing Connections:
To ensure a smooth and correct installation, please connect the water lines following the
sequence and order outlined below. Refer to Fig.8 for proper point locations.
1. Point Z Faucet connection:
Tubing color: Clear tubing. The tubing already attached into drinking faucet, no installation need.
Option (Faucet comes without tubing attached):
Tubing color: Clear tubing. Connect the CLEAR tubing to the base of drinking faucet.
Fitting type: See Fig. 7B (Page 12). Metal compression nut fitting. Use plastic sleeve.
Add “insert” to tubing. No teflon tape here. Tighten nut with wrench.
2. Point X Feed water connection:
Tubing color: Red tubing. Connect the RED tubing to the Feed Water Needle Valve.
Fitting type: Metal compression nut fitting. See Fig.6D on page 10. Use plastic sleeve.
Add “insert” to tubing. No teflon tape here. Tighten nut with wrench.
Tips! If Point X leaks after you have tightened the brass nut, check to make sure you did put the
plastic “insert and sleeve” onto the tubing. If the insert is already in place, then try ap-
plying Teflon tape from the threaded metal stud all the way to the plastic tubing, wrap the
whole connection with 8-10 rounds of Teflon tape. Smooth out the tape on the threaded
part with your fingers. Tighten brass nut again. This should stop the leak.
If the plastic sleeve is damaged, you can use the metal sleeve, but you need to apply
Teflon tape as described above, this should stop the leak.
3. Point A System water inlet (to Stage 1 filter) connection:
Tubing color: Red tubing. Connect the RED tubing from the Feed Water Valve to stage -1 filter.
Fitting type: Quick Connect fitting See Fig.1D on page 5. Simply push the Red tubing into the
Quick Connect fitting. No Inserts, Sleeves or Nuts are needed to secure the connection.
No teflon tape needed here.
4. Point H Stage-3 filtered water to faucet connection:
Tubing color: Clear tubing. Connect the Clear tubing from the faucet base stud to the Stage-3 filter’s
outflow end at point H.
Fitting type: Quick Connect fitting See Fig.1D on page 5. Simply push the Clear tubing into
Quick Connect fitting. No Inserts, Sleeves or Nuts are needed to secure the
connection. No Teflon tape needed here.

15
Ball Valve
(Recommended)
Tee fitting for
icemaker
Water
Source
Z
H
H
Refrigerator
Fig. 9
Option: Ice-maker Connection
If you want to connect product water from the System to your ice-maker, you will need:
•One T-fitting, preferably the quick-connect type fitting
•Extra ¼ “ tubing long enough to go from the system to your ice-maker
•Optional: One shut-off valve, preferably the quick-connect type.
See Fig.9. Before connecting the product water line from Point Z to H, add a T-fitting near point
H to divert product water to both the ice-maker and the faucet.
Option: Multiple Outputs - Add Shut Off Valve:
If your system is feeding several output points (icemaker, fridge, bathroom), you should add a
Shut-Off valve to each output line (except the spigot line). This way, if you ever need to diag-
nose a problem in the system, you can easily shut off these lines to isolate the water flow for ac-
curate troubleshooting.
Step 7: System Start-Up
1. Turn on feed water: Slowly, turn on your Cold water supply. Turn on the Needle Valve (turn
counter-clockwise) to allow the raw water to enter the system. Check for leaks!
2. Clean up area: Allow the system to run while cleaning up tools and work area.
3. Check for leaks! Make sure no leaking at joints, fittings, valves, and tubing connections.
4. Flush the System and new filters for up to 5 minutes before use.
Congratulations! You have successfully installed the System!

16
SYSTEM MAINTENANCE
The system requires very little maintenance. Just change the filter cartridges regularly as suggested
below. Keep the system indoors away from extreme heat or cold temperatures, and run the system
within its reasonable output capacity (i.e. allow the system to rest at least a few hours a day).
Stages 1, 2, 3 Filters: Replace every 12 months.
(Private well water source: may need to replace filters sooner than 12 months due to heavy
sediments and other particles.)
Filter Housing O-rings: We recommend that the filter housings O-ring be replaced every 3-5 years
Important!: It’s best to use APEC replacement filters. Using “non APEC” and lesser quality filters
may clog up the system.
We recommend that the stage 1-3 filter housings be replaced every 5 years.
Use
Wrench
3rd
Stage
2nd
Stage
1st
Stage
STEP 1
STEP 2
3) Discard 3 used filters, wash housings with mild soap, rinse off. Put 3 new filters into their respec-
tive housings: sediment filter in stage-1, carbon block filters in stages 2 & 3.
4) Close up the housings. Make sure each housing has a black O-ring in the thread groves. Use
wrench to tighten each housing, then use filter wrench to fully tighten each housing. Do not over-
tighten.
5) Remember: Turn ON the cold water supply after finished changing filters!
6) Check for leaks!
Fig. 10
FILTER CHANGE INSTRUCTIONS
How To Replace Stages 1, 2, 3 Filters:
1) Turn OFF cold water supply to system. Turn the faucet handle to horizontal position to release
the built-up pressure inside the system. This will make opening the housings easier.
2) Open housing: Have the System standing upright. Slip the plastic wrench onto the 1st housing.
Looking down from a top view, you should open the housing turning clockwise. If necessary, lay
system down on the floor to get a better leverage. If the housing is too tight, use a hammer and
tap on the wrench handle to help turn the wrench. See Fig.10.
STEP 2
After taking the housing off,
take out the dirty filters and put
the 3 new filters in. Remember,
Stage 2 and Stage 3 are the
same carbon filters.

17
LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY
Scope
APEC takes pride in selling a superb line of products, including this water filtration system (“Product”). As such, APEC expressly war-
rants to the original purchaser that, for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase, the Product will be reasonably free of
defects in materials and workmanship. Within that one (1) year period from the original purchase, APEC will, at its option, repair or
replace the Product without charge, or refund the cost of the Product, if the Product fails or does not perform as warranted solely due
to a manufacturing defect within the warranty period, subject to the limitations and exclusions set forth in this Limited Product War-
ranty. This Limited Product Warranty only applies when the Product is used, stored, handled, fabricated and/or installed in the manner
recommended by APEC in the Installation Instruction & Owner’s Manual (“Manual”).
Repair or Replacement
Repair or replacement during this one (1) year warranty shall include reasonable labor charges necessary to repair or replace the de-
fective Product, but shall not include freight charges or any other local labor charges from third parties other than APEC, unless APEC
expressly approves such charges in writing. During the entire one (1) year warranty, APEC’s obligation to repair or replace shall further
be limited to repair or replacement with the styles, models, products, colors, etc. of the Product that are available at the time of the
repair or replacement, and shall be limited to the repair or replacement of only the specific Product that fails due to a manufacturing
defect. Any repaired or replaced product shall also remain subject to the original one (1) year warranty from the date of the original
purchase, and any repair or replacement shall not extend the original warranty period in any manner or start a new warranty period.
Conditions of Validity of this Limited Product Warranty
Even though the Product has extremely high endurance for operating conditions such as pH, maximum TDS, temperature, and opti-
mum water pressure, THIS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY SHALL ONLY BE VALID IF:
1. The replaceable filters and membrane are changed and maintained on a regular basis as directed in the Manual. Moreover,
depending on local water input water quality, regular maintenance may need to be increased.
2. The Product is operated within the confines of the following standard operating conditions:
Water Pressure pH Range Water Temperature
Water Filtration System 20- 85 psi 2-11 40-100 F
Any information or suggestion by APEC with respect to the Product concerning applications, specifications or compliance with codes
and standards is provided solely for your convenient reference and is made without any representation as to accuracy or suitability. You
must verify and test the suitability of any information with respect to the Product for your specific application.
Non-Covered Defects
THIS LIMITED PRODUCT WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DEFECTS CAUSED BY:
1. Improper storage, installation, maintenance, handling, use and/or alterations of the Product, including, but not limited to, non-
compliance with the installation, maintenance and standard operation conditions stated in the Manual and this Limited Product
Warranty.
2. Unreasonable use, unintended use, or misuse of the Product for something other than its intended purpose as a reverse osmosis
system.
3. Use of replacement parts, filters, membranes or other accessories that are not sold or manufactured by APEC for use with this
particular Product.
4. Damage not resulting from manufacturing defects that occur while the Product is in the original purchaser’s possession.
5. Installation of the Product with known or visible manufacturing defects at the time of installation.
6. Damage caused by freezing, flood, fire or Act of God.