East Midlands Water Company EMS Eco Premier User manual

BOX CONTENTS:
Your EMS Eco Premier
water softener
1/2” flexible hose for
waste and overflow
(approx. 1.5m
length) You cut this
into two, to create
the two hoses
Water hardness
test kit
Installation
instructions
Electrical
transformer
Your 10 year warranty details are stored digitally
1
Please check your package and ensure you have everything
you need for your installation BEFORE you start
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EMS Eco Premier Water Softener
User Guide
IF YOU PURCHASED A 15mm OR 22mm FITTING KIT,
THIS IS PACKED INSIDE YOUR SOFTENER
PLEASE READ THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET BEFORE COMMENCING
INSTALLATION, AS IT CONTAINS USEFUL INFORMATION TO ASSUSTYOU.

Thank you for purchasing your East Midlands Water Company EMS Eco Premier water
softener. Soft water will benefit your household in many ways and if you haven't previously
enjoyed soft water, you will soon be delighted with the difference it will make to your life.
Your water softener has been packed with care and comes complete with all the
components you ordered. If you have ordered a fitting kit for your softener, this will also be
included and packed inside the softener. Please make sure you thoroughly check the
packaging for all components, before disposal.
This booklet contains your fitting instructions and your programming guide. In addition, you
can also find a comprehensive fitting video, featuring this product, on our website. Simply go
to
and select ‘fitting videos’ from the tab at the top of the page.
Your softener will need to be filled and topped up with water softener salt, to maintain the
best efficiency. We recommend that you put our specially selected water softener tablet salt
in your machine; it comes in easy to manage 10kg bags and we can arrange delivery to your
door, making life simple. You will find it competitively priced on our website.
You have chosen the best water softener on the market that will give you many years of
excellent service. Welcome to the world of soft water!
East Midlands Water Company
FREE SOFTENER SALT
We are confident you will enjoy many years of soft water with your new
EMS water softener. If you are happy to give us a positive online review
(Google, Trustpilot, Yell) we will send you a complimentary bag of
softener salt. Simply send us an email with your name and address to:
[email protected]
We will send you a link for the review. Once your review has been
verified, we will send out your complimentary salt, with our thanks!
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www.eastmidlandswater.com
EMS Eco Premier Water Softener
PLEASE READ THIS INSTRUCTION BOOKLET BEFORE COMMENCING
INSTALLATION, AS IT CONTAINS LOTS OF USEFUL INFORMATION TO HELP YOU.

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Quick reference guide
Brine tank page 4
Bypass valve page 6, 7 ,8
Cam shaft page 9, 11
Check list page 5
Connecting the softener page 7
Contents of box page 2
Control panel page 9, 11,12
Fitting kit components page 1,2,5,6,7
Help page 4
Installation - planning page 5, 6
Installation - valves page 6
Non return valve page 5, 6
Overflow page 2, 4, 5, 7, 8
Power connection page 5, 7, 8
Quick set up guide page 9
Regeneration page 4, 8, 9, 11
Salt for your softener page 8
Servicing your softener page 4, 8
Setting day of week page 9
Setting the time page 9
Setting days to regenerate page 10
Setting the hardness page 10
Siting the softener page 5
Troubleshooting pages 12 - 15
Err 3 message page 12
Optical sensor page 13,14
Waste hose/drain page 7, 8
Water pressure test page 4, 5
What to expect from your
water softener page 4
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General information about water softeners Page 4
Plumbing requirements Pages 5, 6
Connecting the softener Pages 7, 8
Quick set up guide (programming the softener) Pages 9, 10
Regeneration process codes Page 11
Help pages for error code 3 Pages 12 - 15
Further help www.eastmidlandswater.com/fittingvideos
[e-mail]
Alphabetical reference list

All water softeners work on the same basic principal. Hard water flows through a bed of resin and
the calcium and magnesium, the minerals that are responsible for hard water, are removed.
Salt/Brine Tank
This softener’s cabinet is also the brine tank. You lift the lid and add the tablet salt to the main
cavity. When filling with salt make sure you don’t overfill it. The tank is fitted with an external
overflow - never fill above this level. You will need to check the salt level on a regular basis and
top up when required. You will find that you develop a routine and automatically top up after a set
period of time, either weekly or monthly. All households are different. If you notice the tank is
completely empty of salt, just perform a manual regeneration a few hours after refilling.
Regeneration Process
The resin in your softener needs a regular clean. This is the regeneration process. The resin is
literally washed with a brine solution .You can think of it like a washing machine cycle in that it will
perform several different processes to clean the softener. Most units will have a fast rinse, slow
rinse and pause cycle. Water is drawn from the brine tank and flushed through the system. At the
end of the cycle, water is put back into the brine tank in order for the salt to dissolve ready for the
next time the machine needs to regenerate. On some units this is delayed until a few hours before
regeneration. The level of water in the tank will depend on the type, size and water pressure
feeding the softener. Dependent on the amount of salt in the softener you may not even see the
water level. Once the regeneration is complete the resin will be able to supply soft water to your
property.
How quickly will my softener start to work?
Your softener will produce soft water as soon as water passes through it. However, the size of
your property, water usage and the type of water system will determine how quickly you will notice
results. For example, if one person lives in a very large property with water fed from a storage tank
system (gravity feed) they may not see the benefit for several months until all the hard water that
was present in the storage tanks has been replaced with soft water. A large family in a smaller
property with a direct feed system will notice the results much quicker.
What happens in my softener?
Your softener doesn't show any visible signs or make any noise during the water softening
process. Water will only enter or leave the brine tank during regeneration. Salt is NOT used in the
water softening process - only during regeneration. The only time you will see or hear your
softener working is during the regeneration process. Its important that you have yours softener
regularly serviced. We recommend a period of between 24-36 months for each service.
Help?
If you require any additional information regarding your particular water softener, please contact
our technical support team via email. They can be reached at [email protected]
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What to expect from your EMS Eco water softener?
4

Installation Guide for the
EMS 10 and EMS 15 Premier Water Softeners
Planning your installation
Always observe the water bylaws. Make sure there is only one rising main and that you are allowing space for
access to the unit, for filling with salt and possible maintenance in the future.
 Check the water pressure - see below
 Locate the rising main (stop cock),
 You will need a drain facility
 a power supply (for the 12v transformer)
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Siting the softener
 This should be as close to the rising main as possible. Allow hard water take off points for a
drinking water facility and /or an outside tap if required.
 For easy DIY installation we recommend the fitting of a hard or filter water kit. If the stopcock is
located in a difficult position to create a hard water supply, you can fit a Reverse Osmosis
system.
 The distance between the drain and the softener should be as short as possible.
 Ensure that both the drain and overflow are not subject to excessive temperatures (freezing or
over 120°F).
 If you are siting the softener in a cupboard, ensure that the base of the cupboard is adequately
supported.
 If the softener is being installed in a loft, it is recommended that you house the softener within a
well insulated 25-gallon tank. The overflow on the tank should be below the softener overflow
and be a minimum of ¾” in size.
Non Return Valve
In single dwellings, a single check valve should be fitted. This is supplied with our 15mm installation
kits and can be ordered separately.
Check list
If you purchased an EMWC fitting kit with your softener, all valves required for installation will be
included.
 Combi boilers require a Combi Kit.
 Pressurised systems require a 22mm Fitting Kit.
Check you have ordered the correct fitting kit for your installation, before you start.
Water Pressure Test
It is important that you carry out a pressure test. High and low water pressure can result in damage to/
failure of the softener. Although the softener is tested to a pressure of 8 bar we recommend the fitting
of a pressure limiter should your pressure exceed 5 bar (70 psi). We also recommend that any
household appliance using water should be fitted with a leak controller.
5

Typical Softener
Installation Valve
Configuration when
using a 15mm fitting
kit
Installation Guide - continued
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Before starting the installation of the valves, ensure
THE STOP COCK (INCOMING MAIN) IS IN A CLOSED position.
DO NOT ADJUST THE RED BAR ON THE SOFTENER—THIS IS ONLY TO BE USED BY
OUR ENGINEERS
Typical softener installation valve
configuration when using a 22mm fitting kit
(pipework position indicated). Note: 22mm
t-pieces and non return valves are not
included in the fitting kit.
Drinking
(hard) water
diverter kit
(available separately)
22mm pipework
position
Outlet valve
Bypass valve
Inlet valve
22mm pipework
position
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Connecting to the softener
Once you have completed the installation of the valves, put the valves into the positions
as shown (image 1);
If you have also installed a hard water supply kit and have so far only installed the valve,
make sure this is in the closed position.
You can now safely return the stop cock to the open position. Using the hoses provided
(if you purchased a fitting kit) connect the straight end of the hoses to the valves.
 Make sure you put the washers provided into the inlet and outlet valves.
 The softener tails are usually in a configuration of three with the centre position
being the waste outlet (image 2)
Waste Hose Installation.
For this part of the installation you will need the 1/2” flexible hose provided with the softener. This hose needs
to be cut into two pieces - one part for the waste pipe and one part for the overflow hose.
The waste/drain connection should be pre-installed in the central position (image 2 above) so all you need to
do is run the hose to either an up stand or an outside drain. A minimum air gap of 20mm must exist at the end
of this waste/drain line.
If you need to extend this drain hose, it can be done by connecting to a 15mm copper tube for a maximum run
of 8 meters with a minimum daytime pressure of 40psi. Ensure that the drain hose is not kinked in any
way as this could lead to an overflow of the machine. The drain hose can run up hill to a maximum of 3 feet
with a minimum pressure of 40psi. Softened water from the EMS Eco water softener will have no adverse
effect on a septic tank.
Overflow Connection
The hose for the overflow should be cut to the required length from the drain hose provided. The
overflow connection is the white ½” hose spigot on the rear or side of the cabinet. No clip is
required for this connection. The overflow must be run downhill through an outside wall without
kinks or restriction. It is recommend the overflow hose be visible when it exits the outside wall.
Electrical connection
Connect the transformer provided to a continuous electric supply with the power off.
Plug the flying lead from the transformer into the electrical connection on the controller (see programming
instructions (page 11) for the location of the connection.
Ensure the flying lead cannot get caught on the camshaft or any moving parts on the softener.
Image 1
Image 2
softener inlet and outlet = closed bypass valve = open
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Installation Guide - continued
Connect the angled end to the softener.
The softener inlets and outlets are indicated with
the word “inlet” or “outlet” or with an embossed
directional arrow on the softener tails.

Complete the programme sections before setting into service mode (see pages 8 and 9 of
this guide).
Alter the position of the inlet and outlet valve and turn the bypass valve to the off position.
We recommend that you do this in the following order;
1. Turn the softener inlet valve to the on position
2. Turn the bypass valve to the off position. Allow approximately five minutes to let
the incoming water to build a level of pressure before completing step 3
3. Turn the softener outlet valve to the on position.
4. Perform a manual regeneration.
A manual regeneration is performed at this stage to allow you to confirm that the unit has no leaks
from the installed valves and the waste runs free. This regeneration will also assist in clearing any
potential air locks that may be present within the system. The regeneration will also reset any
internal meter or timer devices that dictate the frequency of the regeneration cycle.
Your machine should now be supplying your property with soft water. If you find that the water feels
too soft for you it is possible to dilute the softness by slightly opening the bypass valve and allow
some hard water to blend with the softened water.
It is important that you have your softener regularly serviced; we recommend a period of 24 - 36
months between each service, depending on your usage. Incorrect maintenance or usage may
invalidate your warranty.
Preparing the softener to go into service
Now that all of the connections have been completed, ensure that
you are happy with the connections and new plumbing work that
you have undertaken.
Next steps
Put approximately 5 litres of water into the brine tank
Put a quantity of salt into the brine tank. Do not allow the height
of the salt to exceed the height of the overflow. Your salt usage
will be dependent on the hardness of your water and the quantity
of water that is used. You should never let the brine tank become
completely empty of salt and its advisable to check salt levels on
a weekly basis until you understand your usage pattern.
East Midlands Water Company are able to supply your salt and
deliver to your door, for convenience. Please check our website
for details www.eastmidlandswater.com
8
Installation Guide - continued

QUICK SET UP GUIDE
Initial programming of your water softener
Control Panel
1 ↓Down arrow. Used to scroll down or increment
through a group of choices
2 ■Set. Used to accept a setting to store in the memory
3 ↑Up arrow. Used to scroll up or increment through a
group of choices
4
Regenerate. Used to command the softener to
regenerate
Ensure that the softener is connected correctly to the water and power supplies.
Fill the brine tank with tablet salt (maximum level ¾ full). The softener will operate at levels below this. If you
purchased a hardness test kit, follow the instructions in order to obtain information about the hardness of your
water. Make a note of this figure as you will need it later in the set up.
Initial power up.
Plug the jack plug from the transformer into the rear of the control panel. This is located
to the left hand top corner of the panel if viewing from the front.
Once the power to the machine has been switched on, the display will show 3 lines (as
shown). You may also get a flashing between ‘time’ and ‘regeneration’.
With the regeneration symbol flashing, press ‘set’ button. Due to time outs (approx. 25
seconds) that might occur during your set up process, the display may revert to service
mode. By repeatedly pressing the set button you can scroll to the part of the set up
programme you require.
If you receive ‘ERR 3’ message allow the cam shaft to turn for a few moments and this
code should disappear. If the cam does not move, check that the cam shaft is fitted
correctly and the optical sensor is in position.
Set time.
Press set the ‘TIME’ should now be blinking. Use the up/down arrows to set the
correct time of day. Once the correct time has been selected, press the ‘set’ button
(time format is 24 hours).
Set day of the week.
Press the set button. The display will now flash. Use the up/down arrows to advance
the arrow to underneath the correct day.
Once under the correct day, press the ‘set’ button.
The following is now displayed.
Press the set button again to advance to the next setting.
9

Set Days to Regenerate
This setting is a default or holiday setting on meter softeners. If you have not
used enough water and the machine has not regenerated on the meter setting, it will
automatically regenerate after a set number of days have elapsed. If the default is
set at 10 and you are away on holiday, for example, 10 days after the last
regeneration the machine will clean itself automatically. This will ensure you have full
capacity on your return.
To set, press the set button and with the number flashing, use the up arrow until the
desired number of days is displayed.
The following is now displayed;
Press the set button again to advance to the next setting.
A number with kg will appear on the display.
Press the set button again to advance to the next setting.
Setting the hardness
Press the set button. The display will now start to flash. Use the up or down arrows to
advance the incoming hardness. Once the display reads the required number, press the
set button.
The display will revert to capacity left in cubic meters (m3) and capacity left
before the next regeneration in litres per minute (lpm)
Once you are satisfied that the machine is both plumbed in and set up correctly, the machine will
need to be commissioned.
Commissioning the unit.
Press and hold the regenerate button (4). You should hear the cam rotate and the
following display will appear. The machine will now perform a regeneration. This initial
process will take up to 72 minutes to complete. Once this operation is complete, the
unit will supply your property with soft water.
Manual Regeneration.
The unit can perform two different types of manual regeneration, either immediately or delayed.
Delayed Regeneration.
Press the regeneration button once. The symbol will appear and flash on the display. A single
regeneration will start at 2am (preset regeneration time). If you wish to cancel this delayed
regen, simply press the regeneration button again and the symbol will disappear from the
display.
Immediate Regeneration.
To perform an immediate regeneration, follow the procedure for commissioning the unit (as
above).
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Regeneration button
10
Initial programming of your water softener (continued)

Regeneration Process
C2 = Regenerant draw cycle
C4 = System pause
C6 = Backwash cycle 2
C8 = Regenerant refill
C1 = Backwash cycle
C3 = Slow rinse cycle
C5 = Fast rinse
C7 = Fast rinse cycle 2
View of rear of control panel
Control panel with cam shaft exposed to show locations
AC Adapter
low voltage input
Main motor and optical sensor
connection
Meter cable connection
Sensor connection
(unused)
motor
camshaft
meter cable
(grey cable)
11
Initial programming of your water softener (continued)

Troubleshooting Guide (ERR3 CODE)
Occasionally during transit the cam arm and optical sensor may become unseated. If your
softener does not advance from ERR3 during the initial set up, please follow these instructions.
1. Check the connections on the back of the control panel.
You will need to follow the cable
from the connection to the meter
controller at the back right hand
side of the softener, the optical
sensor at the front right of the
machine and the motor to the rear
left of the machine.
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12

2. Checking that the optical sensor is located correctly and how to re-insert if the
sensor is out of its location.
Remove the pin by pushing back. Next twist
the motor to the right in a clockwise direction
(if you are looking at the front of the
machine).
The motor unit should then slide straight out.
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Removing the cam arm.
Apply gentle pressure to the rear of the housing
and pull the arm in an upward direction. This will
release the back of the cam arm which can then
be pulled up from the rear and removed
This is a view from the rear to the front of where
the optical sensor should be located. From the
front of the machine, this housing is just to the
right of the cam arm locator.
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13
Troubleshooting Guide (continued)

This is a view of the sensor. It has a
white electrical connection with two
large black sensors and five locator
lugs.
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Close up of the sensor.
The lugs to the left of the white
connector fit in the large hole to the
left with the two lugs slotting into the
two smaller locators.
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This is the view of the sensor when
looking through the control housing
from front to back.
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14
Troubleshooting Guide (continued)

To re-insert the cam, first position the front of the
cam in the front locator.
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The rear cam housing has a slotted guide. Gently
push the cam down on this guide; you may also
need to slowly turn the cam arm anti clockwise until
it clicks into position and is completely horizontal.
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Re-site the motor unit with the black electrical
connection to the right (when viewing from front to
back).
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This is how the motor should look.
If it is difficult to turn when in position, try to put the
motor in the correct position before inserting.
Once fully pushed in, turn the motor to the left
when viewing from left to right.
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Replace the white plastic pin into the hole on the
housing (next to the two holes on the lug of the
motor unit).
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Troubleshooting Guide (continued)

East Midlands Water Company
Softener salt in tablet
or block form
Water softeners
Compact softeners
Water filters for pure
drinking water
Reverse Osmosis systems
removes micro plastics
3 year long life water
filters – fits under the
kitchen sink
Don’t forget to place your positive on line review in order to get your
complimentary softener salt, simply email
[email protected]
For all your water treatment requirements
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