Culligan ESTATE 2M User manual

Use and Care Guide
ESTATE®
2 AND 2M
Water Conditioners
®

Thank you . . .
AND WELCOME TO YOUR NEW WORLD
OF BETTER LIVING WITH SOFTENED WATER.
If this is your first experience having soft, conditioned water in your home,
you’ll be amazed at the marvelous difference it makes. We promise that you’ll
never want to be without it again.
We hope you will become familiar with this Guide so that you will better
understand how your new appliance works, and how you can help it give you
the many benefits of softened, filtered, conditioned water.
SODIUM INFORMATION: Water softeners using sodium chloride for regen-
eration add sodium to the water. Persons who are on sodium restricted diets
should consider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium intake.
Some localities have corrosive water. A softener cannot correct this problem
and so its printed warranty disclaims liability for corrosion of plumbing lines,
fixtures or appliances. If you suspect corrosion, your Culligan Dealer has
equipment to control the problem.
NOTE: Operational, maintenance and replacement requirements are
essential for this product to perform as advertised.

INDEX
How Your Water Conditioner Works.............................................1
When and How to Make Adjustments........................................ 2-4
Salt Supply, Usage and Service...................................................... 5
Care and Cleaning of Your Water Conditioner ........................... 5-6
Things to Check Before You Call for Service............................... 7-8
When & How to By-Pass Your Water Conditioner .................... 9-10
Important Records and Warranty Information .............................11

1
How your water conditioner works
WHY WATER GETS HARD AND HOW IT’S SOFTENED
All of the fresh water in the world originally falls as rain, snow, or sleet. Surface
water is drawn upward by the sun, forming clouds. Then nearly pure and soft
as it starts to fall, it begins to collect impurities as it passes through smog and
dust-laden atmosphere. And as it seeps through soil and rocks it gathers
hardness, rust, acid, unpleasant tastes and odors.
Water hardness is caused primarily by limestone dissolved from the earth by
rainwater. Because of this, in earlier times people who wanted soft water
collected rainwater from roofs in rain barrels and cisterns before it picked up
hardness from the earth.
THE CULLIGAN PROCESS
Today, research and technology have combined to produce an appliance that
removes hardness (dissolved rock) using ion exchange resins which have su-
perior ability to attract and capture the dissolved hardness impurities in water.
Culligan’s Cullex®water conditioning resin is the happy result of such research.
Here’s how it works in your water conditioner. . . .
1 Your water conditioner directs the flow of your household water through a
column of Cullex resin. The beads of resin remove the hardness impurities
from the water and hold them. When they can hold no more, they must be
recharged. First, the automatic recharge system supplies hard water to your
household, bypassing your water conditioner.
2 Next, the filtered sediment is flushed to the drain. Then, the Cullex resin is
automatically bathed by a salt solution (brine), removing hardness
impurities. Then it is rinsed free of excess brine.
3 The water conditioner is again ready to soften more water for you. Under
normal conditions, this cycle can be repeated indefinitely as the resin lasts
for years and years.

2
When and how to make adjustments to
the electro-timer . . .
AN ADJUSTMENT IS NEEDED WHEN:
1 you must reset the clocks around your home due to a power failure, time
change, or other reason. Remember also to reset the time-of-day on your
water conditioner.
2 you want recharge to occur at a different time than was set at installation.
Note: recharge should be set for a time when water use is at a minimum.
Usually this is in the wee hours of the morning, such as 2:00 a.m.
3 more softening capacity is needed on a continuous basis than was
originally set, either because of increased use or change in water charac-
teristics. (If a temporary increase in water use is anticipated or has
occurred, an immediate recharge can be initiated without interfering with
the automatic settings. Use the “Manual Recharge”.)
ACCESS TO TIMER ADJUSTMENTS
Grasp the front cover by the slots and carefully pull forward. Lay the cover
aside in a safe place.
SERVICE (SOFT WATER) POSITION
The timer is in the “service” position supplying conditioned water to the house
lines when the toothless section of the cam gear is over the idled gear.
TIME-OF-DAY
The stationery pointer Ptells the time of day on the moving 24-hour dial J. If
the pointer is not pointing to the correct time-of-day, according to your watch,
you can reset this by pulling out the black gear, behind the time dial, and
rotating it until the correct time-of-day is opposite the pointer. After releasing
the black gear, be certain it meshes properly with the gear beneath it. Note:
the dark half of the time dial represents nighttime hours.
TIME OF RECHARGE
During recharge, hard water is automatically by-passed into the house lines.
Recharge time is factory set to start at about 2:00 a.m. when water is not
being used by most families. However, if you desire to have your unit charge
at a time other than 2:00 a.m., this can be accomplished with a single
adjustment:
The position of the tiny round dot or pin on the tab His opposite the time on
the 24-hour dial when the unit will begin to recharge. To change the time of

3
recharge, grasp the white outer 24-
hourdialJand rotateuntilthedesired
recharge time on the dial is opposite
the dot. Note: Whenever the time of
recharge is changed, the time-of-day
setting must also be changed follow-
ing above instructions. (When you
resettime-of-day,doublechecktobe
sure that the time of recharge is not
accidently changed in the process.)
FREQUENCY OF RECHARGE
The frequency of recharge was
presetfor yourexpectedfamilyneeds
when the water conditioner was
installed.
There are six stainless steel tabs on a
numbered wheel Fwhich program
recharge. When all six tabs are
pushed in, the unit will recharge
every day; if every other tab is in,
recharge will occur every other day;
if two opposite tabs are in, recharge
will be every third day; and if only
one tab is in, recharge occurs every
sixth day.
REMEMBER
PushINto recharge,pullOUT toskip.
SALT ECONOMIZER
Has a dial Ewhich controls the
poundsof saltusedperrecharge.This
was set at the time of installation.
Before making any changes, consult
your independently operated Culli-
gan dealer for advice on proper
setting, thenmakethese adjustments:
Loosen screw Ain the center of dial.
While holding cam gear stationery,
rotate the dial until desired salt
dosage in pounds is aligned with
mark D. Then tighten screw.
Used on SOFT-MINDER®initiated
waterconditioners.Forinformation
regarding resetting of the number
of gallons between recharges,
contact your Culligan dealer.

4
If salt dosage is changed, the float on the brine valve in the salt storage con-
tainer must also be repositioned. See Installation Manual or call your dealer.
MANUAL RECHARGE FOR MORE SOFTENING CAPACITY
When you expect guests or feel that your use of soft water will temporarily
increase, you can get more softening capacity with a manual recharge. This
can be initiated by moving the lever Min the direction of the arrow. After the
level is released, the unit will resume its automatic, programmed cycle. To
initiateanimmediate regenerationonsofteners equippedwiththe Soft-Minder®
press the red switch button first. Then push the manual regeneration lever. M.
*NOTE: A manual recharge should not be initiated during the two hour period
before a regularly scheduled recharge.

5
Salt supply, usage and service . . .
WHAT KIND OF SALT IS BEST
All Culligan Water Conditioners are designed to use any water conditioner
salt of good quality, including “rock,” “pellet,” “solar,” or “evaporated” types.
All rock salt, regardless of source, contains insoluble material which collects at
the bottom of the salt storage tank and requires periodic clean-out.
If purified salt products are used, the salt storage compartment will require
less frequent clean-out, but you must check more frequently for “bridging”
(see pg. 11).
Regardless of what type of salt is used, we recommend Culligan Brand Salt as
suggested by your Culligan Dealer. He is the expert and can provide you with
the best product for your Culligan Water Conditioner.
AUTOMATIC SALT DELIVERY SERVICE
Ask your Culligan Man for details about his salt delivery service. You can have
your salt supply replenished on a regular basis. Whether you have automatic
delivery service or pick up salt from your Culligan Man, you will be getting
quality salt packaged according to rigid Culligan specifications. Using Culligan
Brand Salt will help assure continued efficiency and trouble-free operation of
yourwater conditioner.
Care and cleaning of your water
conditioner
Following these simple precautions will help assure continued trouble free
service, and keep your Culligan Water Conditioner looking like new for years.
1 Do not place heavy objects on top of the salt storage tank or timer case.
2 Use only mild soap and warm water when cleaning the exterior of the
conditioner. Never use harsh, abrasive cleaning compounds or those which
contain acid, such as vinegar, bleach and similar products.
3WARNING: Protect your water conditioner and the entire
drainlinefromfreezingtemperatures.DANGER:Ifyourunitshouldfreeze,
do not attempt to disassemble it. Call your Culligan Dealer.
4 The timer is very accurate. Keep time-of-day setting correct to assure
recharging at the proper time.

6
5 Shouldservice,adjustmentortrouble-shootinginformationbe neededwhich
is not covered in this Use and Care Guide, refer to the appropriate
Installation Manual for your model. If you do not have this material, it may
be obtained from your independently operated Culligan dealer.
To clean out the salt storage tank
A periodic clean-out of the Salt Storage Tank is necessary to keep your
Culligan Water Conditioner at peak operating efficiency. Do it at least every 2
years when the salt supply is low. Follow these step-by-step procedures:
Tools needed:
Scoop
Clean, bucket-size container
Phillips-head screwdriver
Garden hose
Household scrub brush or sponge
1 Remove the salt storage tank cover and the cap from the brine valve
chamber.
2 Lift the brine valve out of the brine valve chamber and set aside in an
upright position.
3 If you’d like to save any clean, dry salt remaining in the tank, remove it and
place it in a clean container.
4 Using the scoop, dig out and discard as much remaining salt, water and
debris as possible.
5 Remove the brine valve chamber by removing the screws on either side of
the salt tank.
6 Lay the salt tank on its side and direct a brisk stream of water from your
garden hose to its inside to rinse out all residue.
7 Using a household scrub brush and a mild soapy solution, clean the salt
plate. This will complete the tank cleaning.
8 Stand salt tank upright. Place brine valve chamber in position and affix with
screws.
9 Insert the brine valve into the chamber and replace brine valve chamber
cap.
10 Fill the salt storage tank with 4 to 6 inches of water.
11 Fill the tank with salt to within a few inches from the top.
12 Replace salt storage tank cover.

7
Before you call for service . . .
If you unexpectedly experience hard water, make these simple checks before
calling your Culligan Man. One of the following conditions may be the reason
for your interruption of service.
IMPORTANT:
If any of the following conditions are found, the water conditioner should be
manually recharged according to instructions on page 7 after you have
corrected the condition.
POWER SUPPLY
Check your power supply cord. Is it plugged fully
into the electric outlet? Be certain that the outlet
doesnot have awall switch whichhas beenturned
off. Reset conditioner to proper time of day and
then plug in.
BLOWN FUSE
Check the house fuse or circuit breaker panel.
Replace a blown-out fuse or reset an open circuit
breaker.
POWER FAILURE
Any interruption in your power supply, or time
changes — such as daylight savings — will disrupt
your conditioner’s recharge schedule by causing
thetimer torun offschedule.Resettimertoproper
time of day.
SALT SUPPLY
Check it. Refill if necessary and wait approximately
four hours for the salt to dissolve before initiating a
recharge cycle.
BY-PASS VALVES
Check to see if they are in the proper position.
Cul-Flo-Valv®by-pass,ifused,shouldbeinthe“Push
for Soft Water” position. If hand valves are used,
see that inlet and outlet valves are opened and
that the bypass valve is closed.

8
INCREASED USAGE
Guests,family additions,newwater-usingappliances, etc.allwill resultin more
water usage and will require more capacity from your conditioner. You can re-
program your recharging schedule by following the directions on adjustments
on pages 6 and 7. Call your Culligan Man for advice and save a service call.
NO WATER
If you aren’t getting any water flow at all, make sure your water supply is
working. Open a tap ahead of the conditioner (outside tap) to see if you have
any water pressure. Check the by-pass valve. If it is the Service (soft water)
position, put it into by-pass and call your Culligan dealer for service.
CONTINUOUS FLOW TO DRAIN
If water runs to drain continuously, check to make sure unit is not in recharge.
If it is recharging, allow unit to finish cycle, then reset time of day if necessary.
If the unit is not in recharge, unplug electrical cord, place the valve in bypass,
and contact your Culligan dealer for service.
SALT BRIDGING
Salt “bridging” occurs when a space is formed between the salt and the water
preventing the salt from dissolving in the water to make brine. No brine — no
soft conditioned water!
High humidity and/or use of some brands of purified salt products may cause
a salt bridge to form.
The best way to check and eliminate a salt bridging problem is to take a broom
handle or similar instrument and make a mark 32 inches from the end. Then
carefully begin to probe down through the salt with the instrument. Should an
obstruction be found before the mark on your instrument reaches the rim of
the salt storage tank, a salt bridge is likely to have formed. Continue to probe
and break up the bridge.
CAUTION! Do not force the implement past the mark as damage to
the horizontal salt plate may occur.

9
When and how to bypass your Culligan
water conditioner . . .
Normally, all water except to outside lines passes through the water condi-
tioner. There are times when the water conditioner should be by-passed, using
the push-button Cul-Flo-Valv®by-pass, or a 3-way by-pass valve. You should
by-pass:
1 If lines to outside faucets do not by-pass the water conditioner, and you do
not want to waste soft water on lawn sprinkling or other outside uses.
2 If you are going away on vacation and want to save salt by not having the
unit recharge while you’re away.
3 If you wish to inspect and clean the valves or salt storage container.
4 If a water leak from the conditioner is evident.
PUSH-BUTTON BY-PASS
To by-pass unit, simply push the Red knob (marked “Push to By-Pass”) all the
way to your left. To return to soft water service, reverse the procedure — push
the Blue knob (marked “Soft Water”) all the way to your right.

10
HAND VALVE BY-PASS
If hand valves are closed, close the inlet and outlet valves and open the center
by-pass valve. To get soft water, reverse the process by closing the center
by-pass valve and opening the inlet and outlet valves. NOTE: If the media tank
is to remain connected while the conditioner is in by-pass, close the inlet valve
ONLY, and open the by-pass valve. This will prevent a possible pressure
build-up in the media tank.
NOTE:
When the conditioner is by-passed, all water is hard. For example, your water
heater may fill with hard water, and the conditioner cannot recharge. Remem-
ber to place the push-button Cul-Flo-Valv®or hand valves back to the “Soft
Water” position as soon as possible.

Records and warranty
IMPORTANT DATA ON YOUR WATER CONDITIONER
It is advisable to have the salesman or installer fill in the information below for
your future reference. If this has not been done, please ask for it, as it is
necessary if you contact the factory.
IDENTIFICATION
Model Name Catalog No.
Control Model No. Control Serial No.
Date of Installation Tank Serial No.
SETTINGS
Frequency of recharge
Every Day Every other Day Salt Setting lbs.
Every 3rd Day Every 6th Day Time of Recharge:
Gallons Capacity a.m. p.m.
Number of people in household
WATER ANALYSIS
Total hardness (gpg) Total Iron (ppm) pH (acidity)
Other
ABOUT YOUR WARRANTY
(Be sure you receive and read your Warranty Policy)
SHOULD YOU NOTICE ANY NEW PROBLEMS WITH YOUR WATER,
CULLIGAN HAS THE CAPABILITIES TO SOLVE THEM.
Today we have the technology to substantially reduce many of the contami-
nants listed as undesirable by the U.S. EPA in its Drinking Water Standards.
Culligan products and systems reduce both natural and man-made water
pollutants — provide the best water for each specific use and application.
Your new Culligan Water Conditioner can be adjusted to handle to wide range
of water problems, but it does have limitations. It has been specified ont the
basis of your water conditions at the time of sale. It is possible for the chemical
makeup of your water to change in time, and such changes cannot be
predicted. Your needs and uses may also change. Your Culligan Man is ready
to help you if any problem should arise. 11

With Culligan, you get more than a quality
product . . .
YOU GET LOCAL CULLIGAN CARE AND SERVICE
Ourreputation isbasedonprompt,courteous, efficientattention toyour needs.
Selling and servicing water conditioners is our full-time business, and satisfied
customers are our guests assets.
AND YOU GET THE SECURITY OF DEALING WITH AN ORGANIZA-
TION THAT’S TRUSTED IN 91 COUNTRIES
The Culligan System sells and services more water conditioners than does any
otherbrand intheworld.Thisposition ofleadership isnot awarded,itisearned.
It means that a Culligan product will never be an “orphan” because we will
always stand behind our warranties. It means that we will always strive to
deserve your confidence.
Simply call and say . . . . .
Cat. No. 01-8819-98 Printed in USA (8-96)©1996 Culligan International Company