EcoTAC Salt-Free Hard Water Conditioner User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL &
INSTALLATION GUIDE
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY
BEFORE ATTEMPTING INSTALLATION.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
MAY VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

2
Congrat lations on the p rchase of yo r EcoTAC™ Salt-Free Hard Water Conditioner. You
have purchased one of the finest hard water treatment systems on the market today. EcoTAC™
treatment systems use the latest in salt-free hard water conditioning media technology to reduce or
eliminate hard water mineral scale. EcoTAC™ is an environmentally-friendly alternative to
conventional water softeners to prevent the formation of hard water scale in your plum ing system,
water treatment equipment, water heater, dishwasher, and more.
This manual is designed to provide owners, installers, and service technicians with detailed
information a out the installation, start-up, and operation of your new water treatment system.
The heart of your EcoTAC™ system is its highly-specialized Template Assisted Crystalization
(TAC) media. To ensure optimal performance and life of your TAC media, it is important that
these instructions e followed and that the system is operated within the technical specifications
provided. Your warranty may e voided if you fail to follow these instructions and/or fail to
operate your treatment device within the guidelines noted.
Your EcoTAC™ water treatment system is designed to offer low maintenance operation. No
ackwash is required. The media will need to e replaced every 3 to 5 years. As the TAC media is
the most critical component to the success of your EcoTAC™ system, we strongly recommend that
only authentic EcoTAC™ media e used to replace your media when the time comes.
Where is it made?
Treatment Tank, Jacket and Internal Parts: USA
Control Valve, Bypass Assem ly and Fittings: USA
TAC media: Germany
Assem ly: Canada
All components are tested and certified against NSF/ANSI 61 for material requirements.
Table of Contents:
OPERATING CONDITIONS …………………………………………………... 3
INSTALLATION …………………………………………………………..……. 4
Step 1 – Pre-Installation Inspection ………………………………….…… 4
Step 2 – Select an Installation Site …………………………………..…... 5
Step 3 – Prepare the Treatment Tank ……………………………….…… 5
Step 4 – Turn off the Water & Electric Water Heaters ………………..… 5
Step 5 – Install Pre-Filters (if applica le) …………………………..……. 6
Step 6 – Connect Installation Fittings to Bypass ……………………..….. 6
Step 7 – Complete Plum ing Connections ………………………………. 7
Step 8 – Initial Start-up and Leak Testing ……………………………….. 8
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS …………………………… 8
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION ……………………….……………………. 10
WARRANTY ……………………………………………………………………. 10

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OPERATING CONDITIONS
The following chart provides guidance on the conditions required for successful operation of your
EcoTAC™ system. Use of this equipment outside of these operating conditions may adversely
affect the performance of your system, damage the TAC media, result in system damage including
water leaks and resulting property damage, and may void your warranty.
It is very important to note that the presence of elevated levels of chlorine, iron, manganese,
hydrogen sulfide, copper, and certain other contaminants can damage the TAC media, reducing its
effectiveness and shortening its life. Chlorinated city water should e filtered through activated
car on to reduce free chlorine prior to TAC treatment. Water exceeding any of the following
levels sho ld be pre-treated to red ce contaminant levels below the stated level:
pH Range: 6.5 to 8.5
Chlorine: max. 3 ppm
Hydrogen peroxide: max. 0.5 ppm
Iron: max. 0.3 ppm
Manganese: max. 0.05 ppm
Copper: max. 1.3 ppm
Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Polyphosphates, and Oils: must e removed
Maximum Water Temperature: 43C (110F)
Do not allow TAC media or water to freeze*
Pressure Recommended: 15 to 80 psi**
EcoTAC™ 10 EcoTAC™ 15 EcoTAC™ 20
Media Volume 4 Litres 6 Litres 8 Litres
Maxim m recommended water flow rate
based on hardness level of:
up to 15 grains/gallon (255ppm or mg/l):
16-20 grains/gallon (256-345ppm or mg/l):
21-25 grains/gallon (346-425ppm or mg/l):
10 GPM
7.5 GPM
6 GPM
15 GPM
11 GPM
9 GPM
20 GPM
14.5 GPM
12 GPM
If yo r water hardness is greater than 25 grains per gallon or 425 ppm (mg/l), please call for
sizing recommendation.
* the unit cannot e su jected to freezing conditions or water leaks and severe damage to the system and/or your
property could occur.
** if your home water pressure is greater than 80 PSI, you should have a pressure reduction valve installed y a
certified plum er prior to installing this product.

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CONFIRM THAT YOUR WATER CONDITIONS MEET THE OPERATING
CONDITIONS ON PAGE 3 BEFORE COMMENCING THE INSTALLATION
PROCESS. IF IN DOUBT, CALL YOUR DEALER FOR ADVICE.
INSTALLED UNITS CANNOT BE RETURNED.
INSTALLATION
We recommend that yo read the entire installation instr ctions before commencing the
act al installation. While we strongly recommend that a licensed pl mber perform all
installation work, a mechanically-inclined homeowner can install an EcoTAC™ system. In all
cases, it is critical that the installation be done in accordance with these instr ctions and all
applicable pl mbing codes. Be s re to obtain all req ired permits. If these instr ctions and
the applicable codes are in conflict, the relevant pl mbing/electrical code shall be followed.
Eq ipment fail re, personal inj ry, or property damage can res lt if this eq ipment is not
installed properly.
Step 1. – Pre-Installation Inspection
Inspect all of the components that you received with
your unit. You should have received the following:
1. Pre-Assem led Treatment Unit Consisting of:
1. Valve
2. Bypass Assem ly
3. Treatment Tank
4. Lower Distri utor / Riser Tu e Assem ly
5. Upper Locking Stack Screen
6. EcoTAC™ media (pre-loaded in the tank)*
7. Tank Jacket Kit
2. Connection Fittings – the standard
fittings provided are 1” MNPT thread. If selected
at time of purchase, you may have received the
optional 1” SharkBite® quick-connect fittings with
your unit.
*Please note: There is only a small amo nt of
EcoTAC™ media in the treatment tank. This is
completely normal and is necessary to allow the req ired freeboard to permit the media bed
to completely fl idize d ring operation. See Operating Conditions section on Page 3 for the

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media q antity applicable to yo r model. When water egins to flow into the ottom of the
treatment tank, the EcoTAC™ media is lifted and dis ursed throughout the treatment tank in a
fluidized ed which enhances contact with the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. A contact
time of only a few seconds is required for the treatment of up to 25 grains per gallon (approx. 425
ppm or mg/l) of hardness. Since the system is operated in a fluidized upflow configuration, the
system will not clog with sediment and no ackwashing is required.
Step 2. – Select an Installation Location
We strongly recommend an interior installation. If an exterior installation location is selected, the
unit should e protected y a suita le enclosure which prevents exposure to sunlight, extreme heat,
and cold. The system cannot e allowed to freeze or severe system damage could occur. The
system should not e installed in direct sunlight as long-term exposure to UV light could damage
components of the system.
In most cases, the EcoTAC™ unit should e located AFTER the expansion tank and all other water
treatment devices EXCEPT an ultraviolet (UV) sterilizer (if applica le), and BEFORE the hot water
heater. If possi le, it is also generally desira le to place the EcoTAC™ unit AFTER the plum ing
ranch off to your outdoor irrigation water so as to increase the life of your media y not processing
water used only for irrigation purposes.
Select a location for installation of your EcoTAC™ unit that is in close proximity to the main
incoming water lines of the uilding. The location should have a firm, level surface with sufficient
space for the treatment tank and valve. Ensure that there will e adequate space surrounding the
unit to facilitate maintenance.
Step 3. – Prepare the Treatment Tank
For your convenience, we have pre-assem led the main treatment system for you. Inspect the tank
jacket cover to make sure it has not een misaligned during shipping. If it has, adjust accordingly.
Ensure that the tank itself is vertical and plum . If it appears that the tank is leaning and not
perfectly perpendicular to the ground, adjust the lack ase on the tank until the tank is plum . The
easiest way to do this is to lift the tank and tap the ase on a firm surface. The lack ase fits
tightly on the ottom of the tank ut it is not glued – it is only a friction fit.
Please note that the tank must e installed in a vertical position, it cannot e placed on its side!
Step 4. – T rn off the Water & Electric Water Heaters
If you have a conventional electric water heater or an on-demand (tankless) electric water heater,
we highly recommend that you turn off the electricity to the heater while installing any water
treatment equipment. Following completion of the entire installation, restore the water flow y
turning on the household main water valve and allow all air to e purged from the plum ing system
efore turning the power ack on to your water heater. Failure to follow this procedure could result
in serious, permanent damage to the heating elements in your water heater.

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Turn off the household main water shutoff valve. Open several plum ing fixtures inside the home
to drain as much water out of the plum ing system as possi le.
Step 5. – Install Pre-Filters (if applicable)
If you purchased pre-filters for your system to remove sediment and/or chlorine or any other
contaminants prior to your EcoTAC™ system, you should install them now. Follow the
instructions that came with your pre-filters. Teflon
®
tape should e the only sealant used on the
threaded plum ing connections of the pre-filters.
Step 6. – Connect Installation Fittings to Bypass
A ypass assem ly is included with your system and was pre-attached to the tank valve for you at
our factory. If you ever need to disconnect your system from your plum ing system for
maintenance, the ypass assem ly can e placed in the ypass position and the valve and tank can
e disconnected from the plum ing system using the threaded fittings without turning off the water
supply.
Also included with your system will e a set of connection fittings. There are 2 different types of
connection fittings:
The SharkBite® fittings can only e used with pipe/tu ing certified to the following specifications:
PEX (ASTM F876, CSA B137.5)
Copper (ASTM B88)
CPVC (ASTM D2846, CSA B137.6)
The SharkBite® fittings have an integral Tu e Support Liner that is effective in supporting PEX
tu ing to ensure the o-ring seals correctly on the outside of the PEX tu ing. The Tu e Support
Liner is not required with copper and CPVC tu ing, however, these 2 types of tu ing fit over the
Tu e Support Liner easily and hold it against the tu e stop so it does not need to e removed.
If you are unfamiliar with the use of SharkBite™ fittings, you can read full connection instructions
online at:
www.cashacme.com/prod_literature.php
The standard connection type is a
1” MNPT threaded fitting,
and is pictured here:
The second is an optional
1” SharkBite® quick-connect style fitting,
and is pictured here:

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The optional SharkBite® fitting has not een tested for compliance with California Proposition 65,
so this fitting should not e installed in California.
SharkBite® is a registered trademark of Reliance Worldwide Corporation, Cash Acme Division
Slide your connection fitting into the ypass with the lack o-ring end facing inward until it stops.
Screw the fitting nut onto the threaded portion of the ypass assem ly. Hand tighten only.
Step 7. – Complete Pl mbing Connections
Plum your main incoming and outgoing water lines using suita le pipe, fittings, el ows, etc. as
necessary to create a tidy, secure connection to the fittings. Be sure to follow all local plum ing
codes. Regardless of the fittings included with your system, they are designed to accommodate
minor plum ing misalignments, ut they are not designed to support the weight of the system or the
plum ing. Teflon
®
tape is the only sealant to e used on the threaded plum ing connections of the
standard fitting.
NOTE: the inlet MUST be connected to the side of the valve marked “UPFLOW INLET” as
shown in the diagram below. The o tlet sho ld be connected to the side of the valve marked
“DOWNFLOW INLET.” The red arrows on the bypass controls indicate the water flow
direction for a DOWNFLOW system and sho ld be ignored. The EcoTAC™ is an UPFLOW
system.

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VERY IMPORTANT
If possible, we recommend that PEX or CPVC pipe be sed for all new pl mbing pipe sed in
connection with the installation. This is beca se new copper water lines may release some
copper ions into the water for several weeks after installation and these ions can have a
negative impact on the EcoTAC™ media. To f rther minimize any problems with copper,
avoid applying excess fl x on the inner s rfaces of the pipe and se a low-corrosivity water
sol ble fl x listed nder the ASTM B813 standard. For homes with significant newly
installed copper pipes prior to the EcoTAC™ nit, it is recommended that installation of the
system be postponed for 3-4 weeks to allow a protective coating to form on the new copper
pipes.
If yo wish to se copper piping and will be soldering the joints, DO NOT apply heat near
yo r valve, bypass assembly, or connection fittings or serio s internal damage to these parts
co ld occ r. Always solder joints with these components detached.
Note: If yo r water pipes are metal (galvanized or copper), they may be sed to gro nd
electrical systems, appliances, or yo r phone line. If this is the case, be s re to install
reg lation gro nd clamps to the metal pipe on each side of the EcoTAC™ nit and connect a
j mper wire between the 2 clamps (#4 ga ge solid copper wire recommended). Cons lt a
certified electrician or pl mber if yo are ns re.
Step 8 – Initial Start- p and Leak Testing
Ensure that the ypass is in the ypass position (see picture on Page 7). Turn on the main water
supply. Open a cold water tap near y and let the water run for a few minutes or until the system is
free of foreign material (usually solder) and air that may have resulted from the installation. If you
used copper pipes for the installation, flush for at least 10 minutes. After flushing, close the water
tap. Inspect your plum ing connections for leaks and repair any leaks found efore proceeding.
Open the ypass valve to the service position (see picture on Page 7). Slowly open a cold water
faucet near y and let the water run at a low flow rate for a out 30 seconds allowing some water to
enter the treatment tank. Close the faucet and allow the water to sit for 15 minutes to pre-soak the
media. After allowing the media to soak, slowly open the faucet once gain and run the water for a
few minutes until the system is purged of all air that may have resulted from the installation.
Repeat for other faucets in the home starting at the highest elevation and working down to the
lowest point until all air is purged. The initial flow of water may e slightly discolored. This is
normal and will go away quickly.

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Inspect your plum ing connections for leaks and repair any leaks found efore proceeding.
It is now safe to turn the electricity ack on to your water heater.
Congrat lations! Yo r system is now ready to provide treated water to yo r home!
If you have a tank-style water heater, it will still contain untreated water for a few days, ut your
cold water lines will egin dispensing treated water right away.
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE FIRST FEW WEEKS
During the first 1-6 weeks after the installation of the EcoTAC™ conditioner, a de-scaling effect
where y existing hard water scale previously uilt-up in the plum ing system is released, will often
occur. Over time, this will enhance performance of water heating equipment and restore flow
performance of plum ing fixtures. However, it may e necessary to clean out your faucet aerators
and showerhead periodically during this period to remove pieces of scale that have dislodged from
your pipes. This effect will stop once the pipes have een de-scaled.
After installation of EcoTAC™, low or phosphate-free cleaning products (for clothes and
dishwashing) are recommended to achieve optimum results. Modern surfactant or detergent ased,
liquid soaps are preferred over old-fashioned caustic solid soaps.
Water heaters
Existing mineral accumulations in your water heater may also de-scale after the installation of
EcoTAC™. We recommend that you clean out this material y opening the ottom drain valve on
the hot water heater 30 to 60 days after installation of EcoTAC™. Be sure to turn off the electricity
to your water heater efore draining your tank. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for draining
and flushing the tank. The good news is that a clean water heater uses much less electricity or gas
to keep the water hot!
Using yo r dishwasher after installing EcoTAC™
To accelerate de-scaling in your dishwasher, you may wish to put a cup of white vinegar in the
upper asket during the washing cycle for the first few weeks. You can also use citric acid or a
commercial product like CLR or Lime Away instead of the white vinegar. This will help dissolve
the existing scale in the washer arms and inside surface of the dishwasher. You may need to do this
until all of the scale in the plum ing is dissolved. If you are using harsh dishwashing detergents that
have low ph, high chlorine, and phosphates, some of the nano-crystals formed y the EcoTAC™
system may reak down and cause spotting on the dishes. We recommend that you reduce your
soap usage as much as 50%, and that you use eco-friendly phosphate-free dishwashing detergents.
Using an anti-spotting agent such as Jet-Dry® may also e useful.

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A word abo t glass shower doors…
Over a few weeks you may see the existing scale slowly dissolve in your shower heads there y
increasing water flow. You may need to clean the inlet screen of your shower head during the first
few weeks as mentioned a ove to remove some of the scale that is eing removed from your pipes.
We recommend that you first clean the shower from existing scale with a cleaning product that
dissolves old scale that has uilt up efore installation of the EcoTAC™ conditioner system. CLR
or Lime Away are good cleaner choices for this purpose. We then recommend that you coat the
walls in the shower, and your glass shower doors with Rainx, a commercial product used for
automo ile windshields. The Rainx allows the majority of the nano particles to e easily washed to
drain. The few nano particles that are left can e easily wiped down ecause they can no longer
adhere to the sides of the shower.
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
The EcoTAC™ media in your system will need to e replaced every 3 to 5 years. Use only genuine
EcoTAC™ media for replacement. Use of an alternative media may adversely affect the
performance of the system.
For replacement media, visit: www.hpwater.com/ecotac.php or phone toll free 1-866-376-2690.
Complete media replacement instructions are provided with the replacement media.
WARRANTY
Your EcoTAC™ system components are warranted y HomePlus Products Inc. to e free of defects
in material and workmanship for the periods stated elow from the date of purchase provided that
your system was purchased from an Authorized dealer; operated in accordance with operating
conditions stated herein; and provided that it was installed in accordance with these instructions.
Valve and Bypass Assem ly: 3 years
Treatment Tank: 10 years
TAC Media: 2 years
All other components: 1 year
This warranty applies only in Canada and the United States of America.
In the event that a part is deemed defective, the user must immediately inform HomePlus Products
Inc. who will at its option furnish a new or factory re-manufactured part at no cost to the user.
The warranty does not cover shipping costs or any la our costs related to trou leshooting,
installation or maintenance.
The warranty does not apply to the following situations: misuse; normal wear and tear; neglect;
unauthorized repair or damage caused through installation, adaptation, modification; use in an

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improper manner or inconsistent with these operating and maintenance instructions; wear or
deterioration due to environmental conditions; damage occurring during transit; mishandling;
improper storage; incorrect supply of water; tampering or alteration; act of god; or any cause
eyond the control of HomePlus Products Inc.
The original warranty period does not change in the event of part replacement y HomePlus
Products Inc.
The warranty is issued exclusively to the original consumer purchaser of record and is not
transfera le.
The provisions of the foregoing warranty are in lieu of any other warranty, whether express or
implied, written or oral (including any warranty of merchanta ility or fitness for a particular
purpose). HomePlus Product Inc.’s lia ility arising out of the manufacture, sale, or supplying of the
products or their use or disposition, whether ased upon warranty, contract, tort, or otherwise, shall
not exceed the actual purchase price paid y the authorized distri utor or consumer for the product.
In no event shall HomePlus Products Inc. e lia le to the distri utor or any other person or entity
for special, incidental, consequential or punitive damages (including, ut not limited to, property
loss, loss of incomes, or loss of use damages) arising out of the manufacture, sale, or supplying of
the products, even if HomePlus Products Inc. has een advised of the possi ility of such damages or
losses.
HomePlus will not e lia le under this warranty for any fault or damage arising from defective
workmanship, if the product has een modified y any person other than HomePlus Products Inc.
Proof of purchase is required for warranty service.
To report a warranty problem with yo r system, please call HomePl s Prod cts Inc.
Toll free: 1-866-376-2690