GE GXSS20H Original instructions

Water Softening
Model GXSS20H
ge.com
system
7278824 215C1173P018 49-50153 07-05 JR
Safety Instructions . . . . . . . . . . .2
Installation Instructions
Drain Connections . . . . . . . . . .7, 8
Important Recommendations . . .3
Installation Instructions . . . . . .3–5
Planning and Location . . . . . . . . .4
Programming the Control . . . .8, 9
Sanitizing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Specifications/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 . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Face Plate Timer Features . . . . .14
Regenerating the System . . . . . .15
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Water Softener System . . . . .12, 13
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . .17
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . .18–20
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . .Back Cover
Parts List/Catalog . . . . . . . . .21–24
Warranty (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Warranty (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . .26
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Instructions
Modèle GXSS20H
La section française commence à la page 27
Adoucisseur d’Eau
Système
Manuel du Propriétaire et
Directives D’Installation
Write the model and serial numbers here:
#
#
To find these numbers, lift the cover and
look on the rim below the control panel.
System tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for the chemical
reduction claims specified on the performance data sheet.
Système testé et homologué par NSF International, selon la norme No44 de NSF/ANSI pour les valeurs
de réduction chimique indiquées sur le feuillet de données relatives à la performance.
Sistema probado y certificado por NSF International contra norma 44 de NSF/ANSI para las
afirmaciones de reducción de los productos químicos especificadas en la hoja de datos de funcionamiento.

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 in your softener.
■ The water softening system works on 24 volt-60 Hz
electrical power only. Be sure to use only the
included transformer.
■Transformer must be plugged into an indoor
120 volt, grounded outlet only.
■Use clean water softening salts only, at least 99.5%
pure. NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR salts
are recommended. Do not use rock, block,
granulated or ice cream making salts. They
contain dirt and sediments, or mush and cake,
and will create maintenance problems.
■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.
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.
2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.

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.
Important Installation Recommendations
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.
Unpacking and Inspection
The softener is shipped in one master carton. The
softener is completely assembled at the factory,
except as required at installation.
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.

Installation instructions.
Where to Install the Softener
•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.
•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′
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.
Tools and Materials Required for Installation
•In and out fittings included with the softener are
3/4″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 water 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 valve and
salt tank drains, it can be ordered from GE Parts
at 800.626.2002.
•If a rigid valve drain is needed to comply with
plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed
(Fig. 4A) to connect a 1/2″copper tubing or
plastic pipe drain.
•Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is
needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 8 in the
Step-by-step installation instructions.
Plan How You Will Install the Softener
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 illustration on page 6 to help you
prepare.
4

5
Fig. 1
Typical Installation Illustration
Optional 3-Valve Bypass Installation Illustration
Fig. 2
Adapters for this installation are not supplied with the softener. To order these adapters, call GE Parts 800.626.2002.
Ask for part number WS60X10006.
Soft water
Hard water to
outside faucets
MAIN WATER PIPE
Hard water
Installation nut (2)
Copper tube, 3/4″(2)
Washer (2)
Bypass Valve
• Pull out for soft water service
• Push in for bypass
NOTE: Threads on the bypass valve
are 1″male pipe. If 1″pipes are
needed, do not use the copper tubes
and nuts included. Buy 1″ pipe thread
female adapter, and plumb directly to
1″ threads.
INLET
Brinewell
NOTE: See page 7, steps 4
and 4a.
SALT
GOES HERE
Salt hole
cover
removed
24V transformer
120-volt outlet
MAIN WATER PIPE
Soft water
Hard water
Copper tube, 3/4″(2)
Washer (2)
Installation adapter (2) (see above)
INLET
NOTE: Threads on the installation adapters are 1″male pipe. If 1″pipes are
needed, do not use the copper tubes and nuts included. Buy 1″pipe thread
female adapter, and plumb directly to 1″threads on installation adapters.
24V transformer
120-volt outlet
Bypass valve
Hard water to outside faucets
Inlet valve
Outlet valve
Nut (2)
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)
Hard water
Soft water
From softener outlet
To softener inlet
CROSSOVER
Use if water supply flows from the left.
Include single or 3-valve bypass.
Hard water
Soft water
From softener outlet
To softener inlet
CROSSOVER
Use if water supply flows from the left.
Include single or 3-valve bypass.

6
•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.
1. INSTALL BYPASS VALVE
•Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals with silicone grease)
into both ports of the valve as shown in Fig. 3A.
•Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the top, down as shown in
Figures 3A and 3B. Be sure they snap into place. Pull on the bypass
valve to make sure it is held securely in place.
2. MOVE THE SOFTENER ASSEMBLY INTO INSTALLATION
POSITION:
•Be sure the installation surface is level and smooth. Sharp objects under
the tank may puncture it. If needed, place the tank on a section of 3/4″
thick (minimum) plywood. Then, place shims under the plywood as
needed to level the softener.
3. PLUMB IN AND OUT PIPES TO AND FROM SOFTENER:
CAUTION: Observe all of the following cautions as you connect inlet
and outlet plumbing. See Fig. 1 or 2.
•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 crossover as shown in Fig. 1.
•If making a soldered copper installation, 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.
Fig. 3A
Fig. 3B
Fig. 3C
IN
OUT
Turn bypass valve
upside down to
connect to floor
level plumbing
Valve body inlet or
outlet
Bypass valve
(push all the way in)
Clip
END
VIEW
Clip
Outlet
Inlet
O-ring seal goes into
the outer groove only.
The clip snaps into the
inner groove (see
below).
Bypass valve
NOTE: Threads on the
bypass valve are 1″male
pipe. If 1″pipes are needed,
do not use the copper tubes
and nuts included. Buy 1″
pipe thread female adapter,
and plumb directly to 1″
threads.
SIDE
VIEW
Step-by-step installation instructions.

Fig. 4
Drain
fitting
on
valve
Valve
drain
hose
FLOOR DRAIN
Tie or wire hose
in place
STANDPIPE
LAUNDRY TUB
SUMP
Clamp
11⁄2″air gap
4. CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE:
•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.
•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′.
4A. CONNECTING A RIGID VALVE DRAIN TUBE
•To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, use a hacksaw to cut the barbed
end from the drain fitting as shown in Fig. 4A. Rotate the drain fitting so the
cutting blade clears the valve housing to prevent damage to valve. Buy a
compression fitting (1/4″female pipe thread x 1/2″O.D. tube) and needed
tubing from your local hardware store.
5. 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 (use remaining hose from Step 4) to the hose adapter
elbow. Use a hose clamp to hold it in place.
•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.
6. INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMPS AND WIRE
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 clamps 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
ground 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.
Fig. 4A
Fig. 5
To sewer drain
Overflow drain hose
Hose clamp
Grommet
Clip
1/4″NPT threads
Barbs
1/2″O.D.
copper tube (not
furnished)
Cut barbs from
drain fitting
Compression fitting, 1/4″NPT X
1/2″O.D. tube (not furnished)
Do not connect to valve
drain hose.
Hose adapter
7
Fig. 6
Ground clamp
From valve outlet
To valve inlet

8
7. 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 the service position, 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 caution notes.
H. Turn on the gas or electric supply to the water
heater. Light the pilot, if applicable.
8. 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 with NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR
water softener salt with a purity of 99.5% or higher.
Do not use rock, block, granulated, and ice cream-
making salts, or salt with iron-removing additives
(except for Diamond Crystal®Red•Out®brand
salt). Salt storage capacity is approximately 200 lbs.
Keep the salt hole cover in place on the softener
unless servicing the unit or refilling with 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, family size and water softening
system model.
9. CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER:
•Remove packaging material from the outside
of the transformer. DO NOT PULL ON OR
DISCONNECT WIRING.
•The softener works on 24 volt-60Hz 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 can not be
switched off by mistake.
10. PROGRAM THE CONTROL:
•See Programming the Control section.
Step-by-step installation instructions.
Programming the Control
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED upon installation
and after an extended power outage.
NOTES:
■When the transformer is plugged into the electrical
outlet, 12:00AM and PRESENT TIME begin to flash.
■If - - - or - - - - is flashing, use the UP button
to set the correct model code as follows: FT20 for
GXSS20H. If you pass by the correct code number,
use the DOWN button. Then press the SELECT
button to accept the correct model.
■A “beep” sounds while pressing buttons for control
programming. One beep signals a change in the
control display. Repeated beeps mean the control
will not accept a change from the button you have
pressed, and you should select another button.
■To program the control, you will use the UP ,
DOWN and SELECT buttons.
■Use the SELECT button to select the desired control
function.
Display
TOUCH or HOLD button
SELECT
button
DOWN (-)
button
UP (+)
button

9
ge.com
Programming the Control (cont.)
SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY
1. Press the SELECT button until
PRESENT TIME appears in the
display.
2. Press UP or DOWN button
to set. The UP button advances
the time; the DOWN button
moves the time in reverse.
2. If the present time is between noon and midnight,
be sure PM shows in the display. If the present time
is between midnight and noon, be sure AM shows in
the display.
NOTE: Each press of an UP or DOWN button
changes the time by one minute. Holding the button
changes the time at a rapid rate.
3. When the present time is correct, press SELECT to
accept.
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER
1. Press the SELECT button until
HARDNESS appears in the display.
2. Press UP or DOWN button
to set your water hardness number in the display.
DOWN decreases the hardness value. UP increases
the hardness value.
NOTES:
■Hardness should be in grains per gallon.
■Each press of a button 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 at a rapid rate.
■If display shows hardness OFF,
unit will not function correctly.
Set control hardness level to
hardness of your water supply.
3. When the display shows your water hardness press
SELECT to accept.
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) or
milligrams per liter (mg/l), simply divide by 17.1 to get
the equivalent number of grains per gallon.
SET NUMBER OF PEOPLE
1. Press the SELECT button until PEOPLE appears in the
display.
2. Press the UP or DOWN
buttons to set the number of
people living in your home.
The number of people determines
how often the water softener will regenerate. The
softener assumes that each person will use 70 gallons
of water per day. If you set the number of people to 4,
then the softener assumes you will use 280 gallons per
day. If you need more or less than this, adjust the
number of people accordingly.
SET DAYS BETWEEN RECHARGE
This feature is not used on this
model. If you see this screen, your
hardness level has been turned off.
Go back to Set Water Hardness Number section to set
your water hardness level to the hardness of your water
supply.
SET RECHARGE (STARTING) TIME
1. Press the SELECT button until
RECHARGE TIME appears in the
display.
NOTE: A flashing 2:00 AM (factory default) should
show in the display. This is a good time for recharge
to start (takes about 2 hours) in most households
because water is not in use. HARD WATER is bypassed
to house faucets during recharge.
2. Press UP or DOWN button to set the desired
recharge start time. Be sure to observe the AM or
PM as you did when setting the time of day.
NOTE: Each press of a button changes the time by 1
hour.
3. Press the SELECT button to accept.

10
Fig. 8
Salt hole cover
removed
Brinewell
Brinewell
cover (remove
and add about
3/4 oz. bleach)
Water, about
3 gallons
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.
Sanitizing Procedures
Care is taken at the factory to keep your 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.
Remove the brinewell cover (see Fig. 8) and pour
about 3/4 ounce (11⁄2tablespoons) of common 5.25%
household bleach (Clorox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail,
Eagle, etc.) in the softener brinewell.
Press the TOUCH or HOLD button and hold for 3
seconds to start a recharge. This first recharge does
several things: fills the salt tank to the water level
needed, gets all the air out of the resin tank, makes
the resin bed ready for service. See the Recharging
section.
If after sanitation, 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.
NOTE: This recharge takes about 2 hours.
4
3
2
1
Step-by-step installation instructions.

Rated Capacity* 7,800 grains with
1.8 lbs. of salt
16,800 grains with
5.8 lbs. of salt
20,000 grains with
9.7 lbs. of salt
Amount of high capacity resin (lbs/cu. ft) 31.7/0.61
Resin tank nominal size (in., dia. x height) 8 x 40
Service flow rate (gpm) 6.5
Water supply maximum hardness (gpg) 50
Water supply maximum clear water iron (ppm)** 6
Water pressure limits (min.-max. psi)*** 20–125
Pressure drop at rated service flow (psig) 9
Water temperature limits (min–max °F) 40–120
Water supply minimum flow rate (gpm) 3
Maximum flow rate to drain (gpm) 2.0
11
Specifications/Dimensions GXSS20H
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.
** Extent of iron removal may vary with conditions. The capacity to reduce clear water iron is
substantiated by independent laboratory test data. State of Wisconsin requires additional
treatment if water supply contains greater than 5 ppm clear water iron. 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.
*** Canada working pressure limits: 1.4–7.0 kg/cm2.
111⁄2″
33⁄8″
OUT
INLET
INLET-OUTLET
483/4″
411⁄4″
181⁄4″
401⁄2″
ge.com

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.
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 Backwash
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
as shown.
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 premeasured 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.
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.
Soft water
OUT
Salt storage
tank (salt
not shown)
Brine
valve
Hard water
IN
Resin
tank
Resin
bed
Soft water
OUT
Hard water
IN
Salt
storage
tank
Fill
water
Brine
valve
Hard water
bypass OUT
Nozzle &
venturi
Hard water
IN
Brine
valve
Brine
Drain
Drain
Hard water
bypass OUT
Hard water
IN
Drain
Soft water
OUT
Hard water
IN
About the water softener system.

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 overtighten the cap or housing.
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
*Fill Flow plug
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″
13
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14
If electrical power to the timer goes off,
the memory built into the timer circuitry
keeps all settings for six hours (minimum)
or more. The display is blank and softener
will not regenerate.
When electrical power comes on, one of two
things will happen.
The present time of day will show,
meaning the timer memory has kept
all settings.
NOTE: If the softener was in a regeneration
when the power was lost, it will now finish
the cycle.
OR
The display will show a flashing time.
The timer memory did not keep the
time settings and they must be reset. See
the Programming the Control section.
You have to reset the present time only if the
display is flashing. The HARDNESS,
NUMBER OF PEOPLE and RECHARGE
TIME never require resetting unless a change
is desired. Even if the clock is incorrect after a
long power outage, the softener works as it
should to keep your water soft. However,
regenerations may occur at the wrong time of
the day until you reset the clock to the correct
time of day.
If the softener was in a regeneration when
the power went off, the valve will return to
service position without finishing the
regeneration cycle.
If your water tastes salty:
– use RECHARGE NOW to start another
regeneration. See the Recharging section.
– open one or more soft water faucets and
allow to run until the salt taste is gone.
2
1
Recharging
If you have guests visiting, or other times
when you use more water than usual, you
could begin to run out of soft water. If the
softener is not scheduled to regenerate for
another day or two, you would get hard
water until then. If this happens, or you
think it might happen, press and hold in the
TOUCH or HOLD button for three seconds
until RECHARGE NOW shows. RECHARGE NOW
will flash in the display during the
regeneration, which lasts under 2 hours.
NOTE: Avoid using HOT water while the
softener regenerates, because bypass hard
water will refill the water heater. See the
Automatic Bypass section.
Going on Vacation?
The day you leave on vacation, or for a long
absence, press (do not hold) the TOUCH or
HOLD button. VAC begins to flash in the display.
The timer will keep time, but the softener will
not regenerate.
NOTE: While on vacation, the softener will go
through a regeneration if the RECHARGE NOW
feature is used.
To shut off the water supply to the softener,
use the plumbing bypass valve.
When you return, press the TOUCH or HOLD
button again to return the softener to service
and also return the softener to the correct time
of day in the display.
WARNING: Remember to do this or
the softener will not regenerate and you will soon
have hard water.
Error Code
An error code could appear in the face plate display if a problem occurs in the softener electronics.
If you see an error code instead of the present time of day, see the Troubleshooting Tips section or
call the GE Answer Center 800.626.2000 for service.
What to Do When a Power Outage Occurs
About the face plate timer features.

15
About the water softener system. ge.com
ERROR CODE DISPLAYED ERR 01 ERR 02 ERR 03 ERR 04 ERR 05
POSSIBLE DEFECT • Motor • Position • Motor • Position • Control
inoperative switch inoperative switch or
or wiring wiring
harness harness
• Wiring harness • Control • Control • Control
or connection
to switch
• Position switch
• Control
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.
NO SOFT
WATER
CONTROL SHOWS
WRONG TIME AND DAY,
AND/OR IS FLASHING.
CONTROL
DISPLAY
BLANK.
CONTROL 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
CONTROL
DEFECTIVE
Do manual
diagnostics to
verify proper
function.
Electrical power was off.
Reset the correct time of
day.
Investigate reason for
power loss.
Service: Electronic Demand Time Features and Service
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:
1. Is there electrical power to the outlet the water
softening system transformer is plugged into?
2. Is there sufficient salt in the storage tank?
3. Is the softener bypass valve directing water for
soft water service?
4. 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 7,
step 4.
If you do not find a problem with the visual checks,
continue below.
Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure

16
1. To enter diagnostics, press and hold the
MODE button until (000 – –) shows in the
display.
AThe letter (P) and dash(es) indicate POSITION switch
operation. The letter appearing means the switch is
closed; the dash means the switch is open. Use the
RECHARGE (RECHARGE TONIGHT–RECHARGE NOW)
button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and
check correct switch operation.
BWhile in this diagnostic screen, the following information
is available and may be beneficial for various reasons.
This information is retained by the computer from the
first time electrical power is applied to the control.
■Press and hold the UP button to display the number
of days this control has had electrical power applied.
■Press and hold the DOWN button to display the
number of regenerations initiated by this control
since the SR code number was entered.
2. Press the MODE button and hold in three
seconds until a Service Rating code
appears in the display.
For correct water softening system
operation, the model code must be FT20 for model GXSS20H.
To reset the code, press the UP or DOWN button until the
correct number shows.
3. Press the MODE button to return to the present time display.
If the code was changed, make ALL the timer settings.
NOTE: If the control is left in a diagnostic display or a
flashing display when setting times or hardness, present time
automatically returns if a button is not pressed within four
minutes.
CORRECT SWITCH
DISPLAYS VALVE CYCLE STATUS
— — Valve in service, fill, brining, backwash
or fast rinse position
— P Valve rotating from one position to another
Turbine Switches
Water
Meter
(not included
on this model)
Switch
OR
Service: Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics
About the water softener system.
NOTE: The control display must show a steady time (not
flashing).
1. Press the RECHARGE button and hold in for three
seconds. RECHARGE NOW begins to flash as the water
softening system enters the fill cycle of recharge. 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
or brine tubing. See Care and cleaning of the water
softening system section.
2. After observing fill, press the RECHARGE 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 over
an extended period of time.
NOTE: Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing water from
contacting salt. See Care and cleaning of the water softening
system section.
If the water softening system does not draw brine, check:
■nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective.
■defective nozzle and venturi seal.
■nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket.
■other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor and disc,
wave washer, etc.).
■restricted drain (check drain fitting and hose).
NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated drain hose
may cause back pressure, stopping brine draw.
3. Again, press the RECHARGE button to move the water
softening system 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.
4. Press the RECHARGE button 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.
5. To return the water softening system to service, press the
RECHARGE button.
Service: Manually Advance Recharge Check

17
Checking the Salt Storage Level and Refilling
Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed for each
and every regeneration. The water for making
brine is metered into the salt storage area by the
water softening system valve and control. However,
you must keep the tank supplied with salt.
When to refill with salt: Check the salt level a few
weeks after you install the water softening system
and every week after that. Refill when the brine
tank is from 1/3 to 1/2 full. In humid areas it is
best to fill with less salt more often. Never allow the
water softening system to use all the salt before you
refill it. Without salt, you will soon have hard water.
Use clean water softening salts only, at least 99.5%
pure. NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR salts are
recommended. Do not use rock, block, granulated or
ice cream-making salts. They contain dirt and
sediments, or mush and cake, and will create
maintenance problems.
CAUTION: Water softening salt with
iron removing additives: Some salts may have an additive
to help the water softening system handle iron in the water
supply. Although this additive may help to keep the water
softening system resin clean, it may also release corrosive
fumes that weaken and shorten the life of some water
softening system parts. GE recommends using only
Diamond Crystal®Red•Out®brand salt.
Your water softening system takes hardness
minerals (calcium and magnesium) out of the
water. Also, it can control some (see Specifications/
Dimensions section) “clear water” iron. With clear
water iron, water from a faucet is clear when first
put into a glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the water
begins to cloud or turn rust-colored. A water
softening system will not remove any iron that
makes the water cloudy or rusty as it comes from
the faucet (called red water iron). To take red
water iron out of water, or over the maximum of
clear water iron, an iron filter or other equipment
is needed.
GE recommends using only Diamond Crystal®
Red•Out®brand salts with Iron Fighter®additive to
help keep the resin bed clean of clear iron. If your
water supply has clear water iron, periodic resin
bed cleaning is needed. GE recommends using
Super Iron Out®brand resin bed cleaner to
thoroughly clean your resin bed if your iron
content is high. Clean the bed at least every six
months, or more often if iron appears in the soft
water between cleanings.
IMPORTANT: It is important to mix the resin bed
cleaner with water (following the manufacturer’s
instructions), pour it into the brinewell tube (see
page 5) and regenerate the softener immediately.
Do not pour the resin bed cleaner in with the salt,
since it will not be as effective in cleaning the resin
and can cause damage to the softener if it is left in
the brine tank for an extended period due to the
corrosive gases that are formed.
Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System
Care and cleaning of the water softening system. ge.com

18
Troubleshooting Tips
Save time and money! Review the chart on this
page first and you may not need to call for service.
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
No soft water Faucet or fixture where sample was • To conserve salt, the installer
may have isolated some fixtures
taken not plumbed to soft water. (outside faucets, toilets, etc.) from soft water. From the outlet
NOTE: Be sure sample is from a faucet of the water softening system, trace the water flow path in
that does not mix soft and hard water. house plumbing. If soft water is not directed to a faucet or
For example, a single lever kitchen faucet fixture where wanted, consult a plumber.
if the cold side is plumbed to hard water.
No salt in the storage tank. •Refill with salt. See the Step-by-step installation instructions.
Use the TOUCH or HOLD button to start a regeneration.
See the About the Face Plate Timer Features section.
Salt in storage tank bridged. •See the Breaking a Salt Bridge section.
Transformer unplugged at wall outlet •Check for a loss of electrical power to the water softening
or power cable to softener not system due to any of these conditions and correct as needed.
connected. Fuse blown or circuit With the power supply restored, observe the faceplate time
breaker popped on circuit to electrical display and read Programming the Control section.
outlet. Electrical outlet on a circuit that NOTE: The electrical outlet for the softener should be continuously
can be switched off. live so it cannot be accidentally switched off.
Manual bypass valve in bypass •Be sure the bypass valve stem is positioned properly, with the
position. knob in the OUT position. Observe i nstructions on the decal
at the end of the stem.
Valve drain hose pinched, plugged, •
Any restriction in this drain hose
may prevent proper operation
elevated too high or otherwise of the nozzle and venturi and reduce or prevent brine draw
restricted. during regenerations.
Nozzle and venturi dirty, incorrectly •Refer to Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly
instructions.
assembled or damaged. With water pressure to the water softening system off, take the
nozzle assembly apart. Inspect, clean and replace as needed.
Any foreign particle(s), scratches, nicks, etc., in the passages
can prevent operation. Be sure holes in the gasket are centered
over holes in the housing.
Timer in the vacation (VAC) •See VACATION feature to return the softener to service.
position. See the About the Face Plate Timer Features section.
NO SOFT WATER—Most Common Problems:
Check the following before calling for service
•Salt in softener—at least 1/3 full.
•Bypass valve in “Service” position. Knob should be in the OUT position.
•Check hardness setting in control. Verify hardness of supply water.
Water hardness can vary throughout the year.
•Salt Bridge, water not in contact with salt (see Breaking a Salt Bridge section).
Before you call for service…

19
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Water hard sometimes Using hot water while the water •Avoid using hot water during water softening system
softening system is regenerating regenerations because the water heater will refill with
hard water. See Automatic Hard Water Bypass During
Regeneration section.
Too few regenerations or more •See Programming the Control – Set Number of People section
water being used for correct setting.
Grains of hardness in your water • Water hardness can change over time, especially in well water.
supply have increased To check, have the water tested by a water analysis laboratory
or call your local water department. Adjust the hardness
settings as needed.
Water feels slippery Absence of hardness minerals •This is normal.
after installation of
water softening system
Water softening system Possible salt bridge •See the Operating Instructions, Tips section.
not using any salt
Possible plugged nozzle and venturi •See the Operating Instructions, Tips section.
Water is blue color Acidic water in copper plumbing •Have the water tested at once.
after water softening
system was installed
Water softening system No power to unit •Check the circuit breaker or fuses.
not regenerating
Mechanical defect •Call for service.
Cloudiness on glassware Combination of soft water and •This is called etching and is permanent. To prevent this
(automatic dishwashers) too much detergent from happening, use less detergent if you have soft water.
Wash glassware in the shortest cycle that will get them clean.
Salty tasting water Insufficient backwash and •Press and hold TOUCH or HOLD button until RECHARGE
after installation rinse time starts to flash to start a regeneration.
•At completion of regeneration cycle (approx. 2 hrs), run
water from faucets to purge the salty water.
Low water pressure Check pressure
•Drain height 8′ or less pressure should be a minimum 20 psi.
•Drain height above 8′ pressure should be a minimum 50 psi.
Restricted drain hose •Clean and reconnect hose.
•Look for kinks in the drain line.
ge.com

20
Problem Possible Causes What To Do
Resin beads showing Cracked distributor •Call for service.
up in drinking water
and sink
Sounds you might hear Running water from the unit •This is normal.
into a drain
Water has air bubbles Air in system after installation •Will go away after it runs for a while.
and is cloudy
Error Code on control Wiring may have worked loose •Unplug transformer.
in control •Remove control cover, release clips on side.
•Check for loose/incorrect wiring connections to electronic
board or switch. Reconnect as required.
•Reassemble control cover.
•Plug in transformer.
•Wait six minutes for error code to reappear.
•If error code reappears call for service.
Before you call for service…