GE GNSM48F Original instructions

GNSM48F
www.GEAppliances.com
7261827 215C1173P006 49-50137 06-04 JR
Safety Instructions
Proper Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Installation Instructions
Drain Connections . . . . . . . . . . .6, 7
Important Recommendations . . . .3
Installation Instructions . . . . . . . .3–5
Planning and Location . . . . . . . . . .4
Programming the Control . . . . . . .9
Sanitizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Specifications and Dimensions . . .11
Step-by-Step Instructions . . . . . .6–11
Tools and Materials Required . . . . .4
Unpacking and Inspection . . . . . . .3
Operating Instructions, Tips
Breaking a Salt Bridge . . . . . . . . . .13
Cleaning Nozzle and
Venturi Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Electronic Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . .18
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15–17
Regenerating the System . . . . .19, 20
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Water Softener System . . . . . . .12–21
Care and Cleaning
Salt Storage Level and Refilling . . .22
Cleaning Out Iron . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . .23–25
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . .Back Cover
Parts List/Catalog . . . . . . . . . .26–29
Product Registration . . . . . . . .33, 34
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Water Softening
system
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Instructions
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # __________________
Serial # __________________
You can find them on the back of
the control head.

2
WARNING! For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the
risk of electric shock, property damage or personal injury.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
■ Check and comply with your state and local codes.
You must follow these guidelines.
■Use care when handling the water softening system.
Do not turn upside down, drop, drag, or set on
sharp protrusions.
■Water softening systems using sodium chloride (salt)
for regeneration add sodium to the water. Persons
on sodium restricted diets should consider the added
sodium as part of their overall intake. Potassium chloride
can be used as an alternative to sodium chloride.
■ The water softening system works on 24 volt-60 Hz
electrical power only. Be sure to use only the included
transformer.
■Keep the salt hole cover in place on the softener
unless servicing the unit or refilling with salt.
WARNING: Do not use with water that is
microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality
without adequate disinfection before or after
the system.
READ AND FOLLOW THIS SAFETY INFORMATION CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PROPER INSTALLATION
■Install or store where it will not be exposed to
temperatures below freezing or exposed to any type
of weather. Water freezing in the system will break it.
Do not attempt to treat water over 100°F.
■Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessive sun heat
may cause distortion or other damage to non-
metallic parts.
■Properly ground to conform with all governing
codes and ordinances.
■Use only lead-free solder and flux for all sweat-solder
connections, as required by state and federal codes.
■ The water softening system requires a minimum
water flow of three gallons per minute at the inlet.
Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi.
If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure
may exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing
valve to reduce the flow if necessary.
■ Softener resins may degrade in the presence of
chlorine above 1 ppm. If you have chlorine in excess
of this amount, you may experience reduced resin
life. In these conditions, you may wish to consider
purchasing a GE point-of-entry household filtration
system with a chlorine reducing filter. Contact the
GE Answer Center at 1.800.626.2000 for more
information.
WARNING: Discard all unused parts and
packaging material after installation. Small parts
remaining after the installation could be a choke
hazard.
This water softening system must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation
Instructions before it is used.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

Read entire manual. Failure to follow all guidelines and rules could cause personal injury or property
damage.
•Before you begin installation, read these Installation Instructions completely. Then, obtain all the materials
and tools you will need to make the installation. Failure to properly install the softener voids the warranty.
•Check local codes. The installation must conform to them.
•In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Plumbing Code 248 CMR shall be adhered to.
Consult with your licensed plumber.
•Use only lead-free solder and flux for all sweat-solder connections, as required by state and federal codes.
•Connect the softener to the main water supply pipe before or ahead of the water heater. DO NOT RUN HOT
WATER THROUGH THE SOFTENER. Temperature of water passing through the softener must be less than 120°F.
•Use care when handling the softener. Do not turn upside down, drop, drag, or set on sharp protrusions.
•Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure
may exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve if necessary. (Adding a pressure reducing valve
may reduce the flow.)
•The softener works on 24 volt-60 Hz electrical power only. Be sure to use the included transformer.
Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location to protect from wet weather.
•See Where to Install the Softener section for more details.
WARNING: Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without
adequate disinfection before or after the system. The water should be tested periodically to verify that the
system is performing satisfactorily.
Small parts remaining after the installation could be a choke hazard. Discard safely.
3
Installation instructions.
CAUTION: Certain plumbing skills are needed for installation. If you are unsure about any part
of the installation of this product, consult a professional plumber.
Unpacking and Inspection
Be sure to check the entire softener for any shipping damage or parts loss. Also note damage to the shipping
cartons. Contact the transportation company for all damage and loss claims. The manufacturer is not
responsible for damages in transit.
Small parts, needed to install the softener, are on a skin-packed cardboard piece. To avoid loss of the small
parts, keep them on the skin-pack until you are ready to use them.
Important Installation Recommendations

Installation instructions.
4
•Place the softener as close as possible to a sewer drain, or other acceptable drain point or standpipe.
•It is recommended to keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft water and salt.
•Do not install the softener in a place where it could freeze. Freeze damage is not covered by the warranty.
•Do not install the softener where it would block access to the water heater or access to the main water shutoff.
•Do not locate the brine tank more than 10 feet away from the resin tank.
•Put the softener in a place where water damage is least likely to occur if a leak develops. The manufacturer
will not repair or pay for water damage.
•A 120 volt electric outlet is needed to plug in the included transformer. The softener has a 10 foot power
cable. If the outlet is remote (up to 100 feet), use 18 gauge wire to connect. Be sure the electric outlet and
transformer are in an inside location, to protect from wet weather. Be sure the outlet is unswitched to prevent
accidental shutoff.
•If installing in an outside location, you must take the steps necessary to assure the softener, installation
plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well protected from the elements (sunlight, rain, wind, heat, cold),
contamination, vandalism, etc., as when installed indoors.
•Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. The sun’s heat may distort non-metallic parts and may damage
the electronics.
Where to Install the Softener
•In and out fittings included with the softener are 1″(nominal) copper sweat tubes. To maintain full valve
flow, 1″pipes to and from the softener fittings are recommended. You should maintain the same, or larger,
pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the softener inlet and outlet.
•Use the included bypass valve to install the softener. The bypass valve allows you to turn off water to the
softener for servicing, but still have water in the house pipes. The in and out fittings referred to above
connect to the bypass valve with the included nuts and washers.
•Use copper, brass or galvanized pipe and fittings. Some codes may also allow CPVC plastic pipes.
•If additional drain hose is needed for salt tank drains, it can be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002.
•Garden hose with female fitting is needed for valve drain (sufficiently long to reach suitable drain).
•If a rigid valve drain is needed to comply with plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed to connect a
1/2″copper tubing or plastic drain.
•Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to fill the brine tank, see Step 10 in the Step-by-Step
Installation Instructions.
Tools and Materials Required for Installation
You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to the softener. Look at the house main water pipe at the
point where you will connect the softener. Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic or threaded galvanized?
What is the pipe size?
WARNING: Use only lead-free solder and flux to prevent lead poisoning.
See Typical Installation Illustration, Fig. 1. Use this as a guide when planning your particular installation.
Be sure to direct the incoming hard water supply to the softener valve inlet fitting. The valve is marked IN and OUT.
See below to help you prepare.
Plan How You Will Install the Softener

Typical Installation Illustration
Fig. 1
Optional 3-Valve Bypass Installation Illustration
Fig. 2
5
Soft water
Hard water to
outside faucets
MAINWATERPIPE
Hard water
NOTE: See Drain Hose
Connections section.
24V transformer
120-volt outlet
Hard water
Soft water
From softener outlet To softener inlet
CROSS-OVER
Use if water supply flows from the left. Include single
or 3-valve bypass.
Hard water
Soft water
From softener outlet
To softener inlet
CROSS-OVER
Use if water supply flows from the left.
Include single or 3-valve bypass.
MAIN WATERPIPE
Soft water
Hard water
24V transformer
120-volt outlet
Bypass valve
Hard water to outside faucets
Inlet valve
Outlet valve
3-valve bypass system
For soft water service:
• Open the inlet and outlet
valves
• Close the bypass valve
For bypass hard water:
• Close the inlet and outlet
valves
• Open the bypass valve
Union (2)
(not supplied)
Clips (2)
Copper tube, 1” (2)
O-rings (2)
INLET
Union (2)
(not supplied)
Clips (2)
Copper tube, 1” (2)
O-rings (2)
INLET
Retainer (2)
Brine tank
Venturi
nozzle
Brine tank
Venturi
nozzle

Connect and run the valve drain hose:
IMPORTANT: If you want to attach the drain fitting
to a rigid tube, see Step 4A and Fig. 4C.
* Assemble drain fitting as shown in Fig. 4B.
•Use the provided drain hose (20′length included) to attach
to the valve drain fitting. To keep water pressure from
blowing the hose off, use a hose clamp to secure in place.
•Locate the other end of the hose at a suitable drain point
(floor drain, sump, laundry tub, etc.) that terminates at the
sewer. Check and comply with local codes.
IMPORTANT: If more drain hose is needed, it should
be ordered from GE Parts at 800.626.2002. The water
softener will not work if water cannot exit this hose during
regenerations.
4
Step-by-step installation instructions.
• Turn off the gas or electric supply to the water heater, in
the possibility that the water heater may be drained while
draining pipes.
• Turn off the water supply to pipes to be cut and drain the
house water pipes.
•Open both hot and cold faucets.
Install bypass valve:
•Remove plastic shipping plug and retainer from valve outlet.
NOTE: Be sure the turbine and support are firmly in place,
in the valve outlet. Blow into the valve port and
observe the turbine for free rotation.
•Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone
grease) into both ports of the valve as shown in Fig. 3.
IMPORTANT:
•Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, as shown in Fig. 3.
Be sure they snap into place. Pull on the bypass valve to
make sure it is held securely in place.
Move the softener assembly into installation position:
CAUTION:
•Secure the resin tank to a stable structure to prevent it
from falling over.
•Locate the brine tank directly next to the resin tank.
•Be sure the installation surface is level and smooth. Sharp
objects under the brine tank may puncture it. If needed,
place the brine tank on a section of 3/4″thick (minimum)
plywood. Then, place shims under the plywood as needed
to level the softener.
•Connect the black brine valve tube from the brinewell to
the venturi assembly on the valve, using the plastic nut
provided as shown in Fig. 5.
Plumb IN and OUT pipes to and from softener:
CAUTION: Observe all of the following cautions as you
connect inlet and outlet plumbing.
•Be sure incoming hard water supply is directed to the
softener valve inlet port. If house water flow is from the
left, use a plumbing cross-over as shown in Fig. 1.
•Do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the bypass
valve. Torch heat will damage plastic parts.
• When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic fittings,
use care not to cross-thread.
•Use pipe joint compound on all external pipe threads.
•Support inlet and outlet plumbing in some manner (use
pipe hangers) to keep the weight off of the valve fittings.
3
2
1
Fig. 3 Clips
Turbine
Valve outlet
Turbine support and shaft
O-rings
Fig. 4A
Drain
fitting
on
valve
Valve
drain
hose
FLOOR DRAIN
Tie or wire hose
in place
STANDPIPE
LAUNDRY TUB
SUMP
Clamp
11⁄2″air gap
Fig. 4B
6

•Tie or wire the hose in place at the drain point. High water
pressure will cause it to whip during the back-wash and fast rinse
cycles of regeneration. Also provide an air gap of at least 1–1/2 ″
between the end of the hose and the drain point. An air gap prevents
possible siphoning of sewer water into the softener, if the sewer
should back-up.
•Elevating the drain hose may cause back pressure that could
reduce the brine draw during recharge. If raising the drain line
overhead is required to get to the drain point, measure the inlet
water pressure to the softener first. For inlet pressures between 20
and 50 psi, do not raise higher than 8′ above the floor. For inlet
pressure above 50 psi, the drain line may be raised to a maximum
height of 14′.
Connecting a rigid valve drain tube:
•To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, buy a compression
fitting (garden hose thread x 1/2″O.D. tube) and needed tubing
from your local hardware store.
Install timer and covers and make harness connection.
See separate instruction included in box with parts.
Brine tubing connection:
•Route the brine tubing out of the largest hole in the brine tank
sidewall. Use the compression nut (in parts bag) to connect
tubing to the nozzle assembly at the main valve.
Install the brine tank overflow fittings and hose:
•Insert the rubber grommet into the 3/4″diameter hole
in the brine tank sidewall as shown in Fig. 5.
•Push the end of the hose adapter elbow into the grommet as
shown in Fig. 5.
•Attach a length of hose to the hose adapter elbow.
Use a hose clamp to hold it in place.
7
6
5
4a
•Locate the other end of the hose at the drain point.
DO NOT ELEVATE this hose higher than the elbow on the brine
tank.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT TEE OVERFLOW HOSE TO VALVE DRAIN
HOSE.
NOTE: This drain is for safety only. If the cabinet (brine tank)
should over-fill with water, the excess is carried to
the drain.
Install grounding clamp:
DANGER: Failure to properly attach ground clamp
could result in electrical shock. If plumbing is metal, to
maintain electrical ground continuity in the house cold water
piping, install the included ground clamp as shown in Fig. 6.
•Clean pipe with emery paper in the area where the clamp is to be
installed.
•Install grounding clamps as shown, making sure clamps fit freely
around pipe.
•Make sure lock washer is in place.
•Hand tighten screw, then one more full turn with screwdriver.
NOTE: When replacing an existing softener, also replace grounding
clamps. If removing softener completely, hard-plumb the
water line with same type of pipes as the original to assure
plumbing integrity and ground continuity over the life of the
home.
8
7
Fig. 4C
Clip
Drain fitting
1/2″minimum
copper tube
(not furnished)
Compression fitting
(not furnished)
Adaptor
garden hose
thread x
compression
fitting–1/2″
minimum
(not furnished)
Fig. 5
To sewer
drain
Hose clamp
Hose adapter
Grommet
Overflow
drain hose
Brine tank
Venturi nozzle
Brine
well
Brine tubing
Compression nut Nozzle assembly
Valve
assembly
Brine tank
To valve inlet
From valve outlet
Ground clamp
Fig. 6

Connect to electrical power:
•Remove packing material from the outside of the
transformer. DO NOT PULL ON OR DISCONNECT WIRING.
•The softener works on 24 volt-60 Hz electric power. The
included transformer changes standard 120 volt AC house
power to 24 volts. Plug the transformer into a 120 volt outlet
only. Be sure the outlet is always live so it cannot be switched
off by mistake.
Program the control:
•See Programming the Control section.
12
11
Step-by-step installation instructions.
Flush pipes, expel air from softener and test your
installation for water leaks:
CAUTION: To avoid water or air pressure damage to softener
inner parts, be sure to do the following steps in exact order.
A. Fully open 2 cold soft water faucets nearby the softener.
B. Place bypass valve in “bypass” position by pushing the
stem inward.
C. Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff valve.
Observe a steady flow from both faucets opened in
Step A above.
D. Place bypass valve in the “service” position EXACTLY as
follows. KEEP SOFT WATER FAUCETS OPEN.
SLOWLY pull or slide the valve stem (OUT) toward
“service”, pausing several times to allow the softener
to pressurize slowly.
E. After about 3 minutes, open a HOT water faucet
for 1 minute, or until all air is expelled, then close.
NOTE: If water appears cloudy or has salty taste,
allow to run for several more minutes or until clear.
F. Close all water faucets.
G. Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix right away if
any are found. BE SURE TO OBSERVE PREVIOUS CAUTIONS.
Add water and salt to the brine tank:
•Lift the cabinet (brine tank) cover. Add about 3 gallons
of water into the tank. Do not add into the brinewell.
•Fill tank 1⁄3to 1⁄2full with NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR
water softener salt with a purity of 99.5% or higher. Do not
use rock, block, granulated or ice cream-making salts or
salt with iron removing additives (except for Diamond
Crystal®Red•Out®brand salt.)
NOTE: If the softener is installed in a humid basement or
other damp area, it is better to fill the tank with less salt,
more frequently. Eighty to 100 lbs. of salt will last for several
months, depending on water hardness and family size.
10
9
8

SET TIME
HARDNESS
Excel
DATA
RECHARGE TONIGHT
RECHARGE NOW
TOUCH
HOLD
or
REMAINING CAPACITY
FLOW RATE GPM
GALLONS TODAY
AVG. DAILY GALLONS
Programming the Control
Timer settings required—upon installation and after an
extended power outage.
NOTE:
•When the transformer is plugged into the electrical outlet,
12:00 AM is flashing and the words PRESENT TIME show in
the upper display area. Program the timer as instructed
below. If, A--- is flashing, see the Setting Model Code section.
•A beep sounds while pressing buttons for timer
programming. One beep signals a change in the timer
display. Repeated beeps means the timer will not accept
a change from the button or arrow you have pressed and
you should use another.
•To program the timer, you will use the SET, UP (+) and
DOWN (-) buttons.
Set present time of day
NOTE: If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the display,
press the SET button until they do.
Press the UP (+) or DOWN (-) b utton to set. The UP b utton
moves the display ahead; the DOWN b utton moves the
time backward.
NOTE: Each press of an UP or DOWN b utton changes the time
by 1 minute. Holding the buttons in changes the time
32 minutes each second.
If the present time is between noon and midnight, be sure
PM shows.
If the present time is between midnight and noon, be sure
AM shows.
When the present time shows, press SET to apply.
2
1
9
Down (–) button
Data button
Up (+) button
Display
Touch or Hold button
Set water hardness number
NOTE: If 15 (factory default) and HARDNESS do not show in
the display, press the SET button until they do.
Press the UP (+) or DOWN (-) b utton to set your water
hardness number in the display. The DOWN b utton
moves the display down to 1. The UP b utton moves the
display up to 110.
NOTE: Each press of an UP (+) or DOWN (-) b utton changes
the display by 1 between 1 and 25. Above 25, the
display changes 5 at a time (25, 30, 35, etc.). Holding
a button in changes the numbers twice each second.
When your water hardness number shows, press SET
to apply.
NOTE: If there is clear water iron in your water supply, you will
need to increase the hardness setting by 5 for each 1 ppm
of clear water iron in your water supply.
You can get the grains per gallon (gpg) hardness of your water
supply from a water analysis laboratory. If you are on a
municipal supply, call your local water department. Or call
Legend Technical Services, an independent laboratory, to
request a water hardness test kit at 1.800.826.8553, extension 47.
If your report shows hardness in parts per million (ppm) simply
divide by 17.1 to get the equivalent number of grains per gallon.
2
1
PRESENT TIME
AM
HARDNESS
Set button

Step-by-step installation instructions.
10
Sanitizing Procedures
To complete the installation, do the following sanitizing procedures.
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water softener clean and sanitary. Materials used to make the softener
will not infect or contaminate your water supply and will not cause bacteria to form or grow. However, during
shipping, storage, installing and operating, bacteria could get into the softener. For this reason, sanitizing as
follows is suggested when installing.
NOTE: Sanitizing is recommended by the Water Quality Association for disinfecting.
Be sure to complete all installation steps, including timer programming.
Pour about 3/4 oz. of common 5.25% household bleach (Clorox, Linco, Bo Peep, White Sail, Eagle, etc.)
into the brinewell. Refer to illustration on page 7.
IMPORTANT: Press and hold for 3 seconds the faceplate TOUCH/HOLD button to start an immediate
regeneration. Recharge Now begins to flash in the display. The bleach is drawn into and through
the water softener.
If after sanitization water from house faucet tastes salty or has a slight color, this is a preservative from the
resin tank. Turn on the cold soft water faucets and drain for a few minutes or until clear.
4
3
2
1
NOTE: When the above sanitizing regeneration is over, all remaining bleach is flushed from the conditioner
and your house COLD water supply is fully soft immediately. However, your water heater is filled with hard
water and as hot water is used, it will refill with soft water. When all the hard water is replaced in the water
heater, hot only and mixed hot and cold water will be fully soft. If you want totally soft water immediately,
after the above regeneration, drain the water heater until the water runs cold.
WARNING: If you do drain the water heater, use extreme care as the hot water could cause
burns. Turn the water heater off prior to draining.

11
14″
11″
3 7⁄8″
IN-OUT
38″
18″
59″
50 1⁄2″
This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific capacity claims as verified and substantiated by test data.
* Testing was performed using pellet grade sodium chloride as the regenerant salt.
** Efficiency rating is valid only at the lowest stated salt dosage. This softener was efficiency rated according to
NSF/ANSI 44.
*** Extent of iron removal may vary with conditions. The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by
WQA test data. Use of Diamond Crystal®Red•Out®or Super Iron Out®will improve iron removal. Refer to
Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System section.
Specifications/Dimensions
GNSM48F
Rated Capacity* (See rating label
on water softener)
Rated Efficiency** (See rating label
on water softener)
Amount of High Capacity Resin (lbs/cu. ft) 67.6/1.30
Resin Tank Nominal Size (in., dia. x height) 10 x 47
Service Flow Rate (gpm) 12
Water Supply Maximum Hardness (gpg) 75
Water Supply Maximum Clear Water Iron (ppm)*** 3
Water Pressure Limits (min.–max. psi) 20–125
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow (psig) 12
Water Temperature Limits (min.–max. °F) 40–120
Maximum Flow Rate to Drain (gpm) 2.0

Service
When the water softening system is providing soft water, it is called “Service.” During service, hard water flows
from the house main water pipe into the water softening system . Inside the water softening system resin tank is a
bed made up of thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads. As hard water passes through the bed, each bead attracts
and holds the hard minerals. This is called ion-exchanging. It is much like a magnet attracting and holding
metals. Water without hard minerals (soft water) flows from the water softening system and to the house pipes.
After a period of time, the resin beads become coated with hard minerals and they have to be cleaned. This
cleaning is called regeneration, or recharge. Regeneration is started at 2:00 AM (factory setting) by the water
softening system control, and consists of five stages or cycles. These are FILL, BRINING, BRINE RINSE, BACKWASH
and FAST RINSE.
About the water softener system.
12
Automatic Hard Water Bypass During Regeneration
For emergency needs, hard water is available to the
home during the regeneration cycles.
However, you should avoid using HOT water because
the water heater will fill with the hard water.
Fill
Salt dissolved in water is called brine. Brine is needed to clean the hard minerals from resin beads.
To make the brine, water flows into the salt storage area during the fill stage.
Brining
During brining, brine travels from the salt storage area into the resin tank. Brine is the cleaning agent needed
to remove hard minerals from the resin beads. The hard minerals and brine are discharged to the drain.
The nozzle and venturi create a suction to move the brine, maintaining a very slow rate to get the best resin
cleaning with the least salt.
Brine Rinse
After a pre-measured amount of brine is used, the brine valve closes. Water continues to flow in the same
path as during brining, except for the discontinued brine flow. Hard minerals and brine flush from the resin
tank to the drain.
Backwash
During backwash, water travels up through the resin tank at a fast flow rate, flushing accumulated iron, dirt,
and sediments from the resin bed and to drain.
Fast Rinse
Backwash is followed by a fast flow of water down through the resin tank. The fast flow flushes brine from the
bottom of tank, and packs the resin bed.
After fast rinse, the water softening system returns to soft water service.

www.GEAppliances.com
13
Breaking a Salt Bridge
Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt storage area. It is usually caused by high humidity or
the wrong kind of salt. When the salt bridges, an empty space forms between the water and salt. Then salt will
not dissolve in the water to make brine.
If the brine tank is full of salt, it is hard to tell if you have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is
under it. The following is the best way to check for a salt bridge.
Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the tank. Take a broom handle or like tool, and carefully
push it down into the salt, working it up and down. If the tool strikes a hard object (be sure it’s not the bottom
or sides of the tank), it’s most likely a salt bridge. Carefully break the bridge with the tool. Do not pound on
the walls of the tank.
If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out. Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only.
In humid areas, it is best to fill with less salt, more often.
Push tool into salt
bridge to break
Pencil mark
Broom handle Salt
Salt bridge
Water level
1″– 2″

About the water softener system.
14
Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly
A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the water softening system to work properly. This small unit makes the
suction to move brine from the salt storage area to the resin tank during regeneration. If it becomes plugged
with sand, dirt, etc., the water softening system will not work and you will get hard water.
To get to the nozzle and venturi, remove the water softening system top cover. Be sure the water softening
system is in service cycle (no water pressure at nozzle and venturi). Then, while holding the nozzle and
venturi housing with one hand, remove the cap. Lift out the screen support and screen, then the nozzle and
venturi. Wash and rinse the parts in warm water until clean. If needed, use a small brush to remove iron or
dirt. Also check and clean the gasket.
NOTE: Some models have a small flow plug located in the nozzle and venturi, and/or a small cone shaped
screen in the housing. Be sure to check and clean these parts, if your model is so equipped.
Carefully replace all parts in the correct order. Lightly lubricate the o-ring seal with clean silicone grease or
petroleum jelly and place in position. Install and tighten the cap, by hand only. Do not over-tighten the cap.
IMPORTANT: Be sure small holes in the gasket are centered
directly over the small holes in the nozzle and venturi housing.
*Install with numbered side up, concave side down.
Cap
O-ring seal
Screen support
Screen
Screen
Nozzle & Venturi
Nozzle & Venturi housing
Gasket
*Flow plug
*Flow plug

If electrical power to the water softening system is interrupted, the control display is blank, but
the control keeps correct time for about 72 hours. When power is restored, you have to reset the
present time only if the display is flashing. All other settings are maintained and never require
resetting unless a change is desired.
If the time is flashing after a long power outage, the water softening system continues to work as
it should to provide you with soft water. However, regenerations may occur at the wrong time of
day until you reset the control to the correct time of day.
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15
Normal Operation, Timer Display
During normal operation, the present time of day and AM or PM show in the control display
area. When the demand computer determines a regeneration is needed, RECHARGE TONIGHT
begins to flash in the display, along with the present time. RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes until
the next regeneration start time, then changes to RECHARGE NOW, which flashes until the
regeneration is over. The display also shows the current cycle in the regeneration process.
When the valve is in transition between cycles, both indicators flash.
Feature: Optional Recharge Controls
Sometimes, a manually started regeneration (recharge) may be desired or needed.
Two examples:
■You have used more water than usual (house guests, extra washing, etc.) and you may run
out of soft water before the next regeneration.
■You did not refill the storage tank with salt before it was all gone.
Use one of the following features to start a regeneration immediately, or at the next preset
regeneration start time.
RECHARGE NOW
Press and hold the TOUCH or HOLD button until RECHARGE NOW starts to flash in the control
display area. The water softening system begins an immediate regeneration and, when over in
about two hours, you will have a new supply of soft water. Once started, you cannot cancel this
regeneration.
RECHARGE TONIGHT
Touch (do not hold) the TOUCH or HOLD button. RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes in the control
display area. A regeneration will occur at the next preset regeneration start time. If you decide
to cancel this regeneration, touch the same button once more.
Feature: Program Memory
RECHARGE TONIGHT
RECHARGE NOW
TOUCH
HOLD
or

The timer computer has a self-diagnostic function for the electrical system (except input power
and water meter). The computer monitors the electronic components and circuits for correct
operation. If a malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the timer display.
The chart on Error Codes shows the error codes that could appear and possible defects for each
code. While an error code is displayed, the TOUCH or HOLD and DATA buttons remain operable
so you can perform the Manually Initiated Electronic Diagnostics.
About the water softener system.
16
Feature/Service: Automatic Electronic Diagnostics
By continuing to press the DATA button, you can scan through four displays of operational
information. This data appears in the bottom portion of the display area.
REMAINING CAPACITY —This is the percentage of water softening capacity
remaining. Immediately after a regeneration, 100% shows. As water is used, the percentage
decreases until the next regeneration. During regenerations, the percentage increases.
NOTE: Zero (%) shows until after the first regeneration begins, after connecting to
electrical power.
FLOW RATE, GPM—When using soft water, this display shows the flow rate passing
through the softener (in gallons per minute). Zero shows if water is not passing through the
softener.
GALLONS TODAY—Each day, beginning at midnight, the timer keeps a running
count of the total gallons of water that have passed through the softener.
AVG. DAILY GALLONS—The figure displayed is the average gallons of water used by
the household each day over the past seven day period.
NOTE: If preferred, you can set the timer to show the reading in liters instead of gallons.
If GALLONS TODAY or AVG. DAILY GALLONS exceeds 1999, a (x10) indicator appears, this means
you must multiply the number shown by ten.
Feature: Other Data Displays
ERROR CODE DISPLAYED ERR 01 ERR 02 ERR 03 ERR 04 ERR 05
POSSIBLE DEFECT ➨ motor inoperative ➨wiring harness, or connection to switch ➨ timer (PWA)
➨ position switch ➨ valve defect causing high torque
To remove an error code: (1) Unplug transformer.
(2) Correct defect.
(3) Plug transformer in.
(4) Wait for at least 6 minutes. The error code will return if the reason
for the error code was not corrected.
DATA REMAINING CAPACITY
FLOW RATE GPM
GALLONS TODAY
AVG. DAILY GALLONS
WATER
MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
AVG DAILY GALLONS
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
GALLONS TODAY
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
GPM
FLOW RATE
CAPACITY
%
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

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Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure
If you are not getting soft water, and an error code is not displayed, use the procedures below
to find the problem. First make the following visual checks.
VISUAL CHECKS: Is there electrical power to the outlet the water softening system
transformer is plugged into?
Is there sufficient salt in the storage tank?
Is the plumbing bypass valve directing water for soft water service?
Is the valve drain hose open to the drain, not more than 8′above the
softener, and unobstructed? If hose is above 8′, see page 6, section 4.
If you do not find a problem with the visual checks, continue below.
4
3
2
1
17
NO SOFT
WATER
TIMER SHOWS WRONG
TIME AND DAY, AND/OR
IS FLASHING.
TIMER
DISPLAY
BLANK.
TIMER DISPLAY SHOWS
CORRECT TIME AND DAY
AND IS STEADY.
Check electrical
power to control
(outlet, transformer,
power cable, all
connections).
Do manual
diagnostics.
NO POWER
POWER OK
REPAIR AS
NEEDED
TIMER
DEFECTIVE
Do manual
diagnostics to
verify proper
function.
Electrical power was off.
Reset the correct time
of day.
Investigate reason for
power loss.

18
About the water softener system.
Service: Manually Initiated Electronic Diagnostics
To enter diagnostics, press and hold the DATA button until the display appears as shown.
NOTE: If the softener is in the middle of a regeneration, top part of the display shows the
cycle of regeneration and minutes of the cycle remaining. If two cycle names are flashing,
the valve is in transition between the cycles.
AThe three digits under WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM indicate water meter operation
as follows:
■000 (steady) = soft water not in use…no flow through the meter.
—OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET—
■000 to 140 (continual) = repeats display for each gallon of water passing through
the meter.
If you don’t get a reading in the display, with faucet open, pull the sensor from the valve
outlet port. Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the sensor. You should get a
reading in the display. If you get a reading, shut off water supply, unhook the in and out
plumbing and check the turbine for binding.
B This display segment ( ), in the following chart, indicates an open POSITION
switch. Use the TOUCH or HOLD button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and
check correct switch operation.
Press the DATA button again. This diagnostic display shows the total number of recharges
(top) since the timer was connected to electrical power.
The number of days since the timer was connected to electrical power is shown in the
bottom part of the display. If over 1999 days, a (x10) indicator shows, meaning you must
multiply the number shown by 10.
Press DATA once again to return the present time to the display.
3
2
1
CORRECT SWITCH
DISPLAYS VALVE CYCLE STATUS
Valve in service, fill, brining, backwash
or fast rinse position.
Valve rotating from one position to another.
RECHARGE
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
DAY
x 10
LAST RECHARGE
On
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Turbine
TIME
Fill
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Turbine
Switch Turbine
count
Valve Minutes of cycle
position remaining
Motor
Turbine
Turbine
support
& shaft
Position
switch
Valve
outlet
Sensor
housing

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19
Service: Manually Advance Regeneration Check
This check verifies proper operation of the valve motor, brine tank fill, brine draw,
regeneration flow rates and other controller functions. First, make the initial checks and the
manually initiated electronic diagnostics.
NOTE: The face plate display must show a steady time (not flashing).
Press the TOUCH or HOLD button and hold for three seconds. RECHARGE NOW begins
to flash as the water softening system enters the fill cycle of regeneration. Remove the
brinewell cover and, using a flashlight, observe fill water entering the brine tank.
If water does not enter the tank, look for an obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine
tubing or brine valve riser pipe.
After observing fill, press the TOUCH or HOLD button to move the water softening system into
brining. A slow flow of water to the drain will begin. Verify brine draw from the brine tank
by shining a flashlight into the brinewell and observing a noticeable drop in the liquid level.
NOTE: Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing salt contact with water.
If the water softening system does not draw brine, check:
■nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective.
■nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket.
■restricted drain (check drain fitting and hose).
■defective nozzle and venturi seal.
■other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor & disc, wave washer, etc.).
NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated drain hose may cause back pressure, stopping
brine draw.
Again, press the TOUCH or HOLD button to move the softener into backwash. Look for a fast
flow of water from the drain hose.
A slow flow indicates a plugged top distributor, backwash flow plug or drain hose.
Press TOUCH or HOLD to move the water softening system into fast rinse. Again look for a fast
drain flow. Allow the water softening system to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any brine
that may remain in the resin tank from the brining cycle test.
To return the water softening system to service, press TOUCH or HOLD.
5
4
3
2
1

20
About the water softener system.
Service: Regeneration and Heavy Duty Backwash
NOTE: Each of the following functions has a factory set default value. The defaults are:
Regeneration start time –2:00AM ; Maximum days between regenerations –0(display shows dY–);
Efficiency mode –ON; Heavy duty backwash –OFF. The defaults are suitable for most installations.
However, depending on water supply quality, household peak water use hours, etc., adjustment
is available to meet specific needs. To make a change, read and do the following.
Regeneration (Start) Time: At the 2:00 AM regeneration start time, the water softening system
begins regeneration at that time, ending at about 4:00 AM. This is a good time in most
households because water is not in use (see Automatic Hard Water Bypass During Regeneration
section). If a different time would be better for your needs, do steps 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 below
to change the starting hour.
Maximum Days Between Regeneration: The default setting (dY–) allows the timer to control
regeneration frequency based on water usage readings from the water meter. It provides the
most economical operation. You can set a maximum time (in days) between regenerations.
For example, no more than three days will pass without a regeneration occurring if you set
dY 3 in the display. A 1 to 7 day setting is available. To make a change from the default setting,
do steps 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 11 below.
Efficiency Mode: When this feature is ON, the unit will operate at salt efficiencies of 4000 grains
of harness per pound of salt or higher. (May recharge more often using smaller salt dosage and
less water). When this is ON, the efficiency icon will show in the lower right hand corner
of the display. To make a change for the default setting, do steps 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 11 below.
Heavy Duty Backwash: When set to ON, the backwash cycle of regeneration will be 10 minutes
long instead of the normal seven minute length. This is beneficial on some water supplies
high in iron or sediment content. To conserve water, on clean supplies, be sure the default
setting OFF shows. To change this setting, do steps 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 11 below.
Auto Regeneration When Capacity is Low: The softener will regenerate at the regeneration time
only. Although the control has a look-forward feature which anticipates normal demand, an
unusually high usage may result in a loss of softening capacity. Turning the feature ON will
cause the softener to go into a regeneration cycle when 97% of the softening capacity has been
used. To change settings do steps 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10 and 11 below.
Beginning from the present time display, press and hold in the SET button until
begins to flash.
Press the UP or DOWN button to display the desired start time. The UP button moves the
time ahead; the DOWN button moves the time backward.
Press the SET button again, and flashes.
To set a maximum time (in days) between regenerations, press the UP or DOWN button.
Press the SET button again and the ON flashes and the efficiency mode icon
shows in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
Use the UP or DOWN arrows to toggle the efficiency mode either ON or OFF.
Press the SET button to display .
Use the UP button to change the display to ON to increase the backwash time, if desired.
Press the SET button and alternately flashes.
Use the UP button to turn Auto Regeneration cycle to ON.
Press the SET button a final time to return to present time of day.
11
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
SET
RECHARGE
AM
TIME
RECHARGE
Heavy
Bkwash
Heavy
Bkwash
CAPACITY
%
WATER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
E
Heavy
Bkwash
E
Heavy
Bkwash