GE SmartWater GXSF18G Original instructions

Water Softening
system
Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Installation Instructions . . .3–13
Step-by-step instructions . . . . . . .6–13
Operating Instructions
Breaking a salt bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Cleaning the nozzle and
enturi assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Ser ice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14, 17–19
Water softener system . . . . . . . .17–19
Care and Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Troubleshooting Tips . . . . . .21–23
Consumer Support
Consumer Support . . . . . . .Back Co er
Parts list/catalog . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27–30
Warranty (U.S.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Warranty (Canada) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Modelo GXSF18G
Manual del Propietario e
Instrucciones de Instalación
La sección en español empieza en la p gina 33
Sistema Suavizante
de Agua
ge.com
7289396 215C1173P027 49-50182 07-06 JR
Write the model and serial
numbers here:
Model # ________________
Serial # ________________
To find these numbers, lift the
co er and look on the rim
below the control panel.
Model GXSF18G
Owner’s Manual &
Installation Instructions
Water Softening
System
System tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for the
chemical reduction claims specified on the performance data sheet.
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.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION.
READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING.
SAFETY PRECAUTIO S
■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 recharge 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 olt-60 Hz
electrical power only. Be sure to use only the
included transformer.
■Transformer must be plugged into an indoor
120 olt, 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 co er in place on the softener
unless ser icing 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 A D FOLLOW THIS SAFETY I FORMATIO CAREFULLY.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
PROPER I STALLATIO
■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 o er 100°F.
■Do not install in direct sunlight. Excessi e sun or
heat may cause distortion or other damage to
non-metallic parts.
■Properly ground to conform with all go erning
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 o er 80 psi, nighttime pressure
may exceed the maximum. Use a pressure reducing
al e to reduce the flow if necessary.
■ Softener resins may degrade in the presence of
chlorine abo e 2 ppm. If you ha e chlorine in excess
of this amount, you may experience reduced life
of the resin. 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
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of electric
shock, property damage or personal injury.
WARNING!

3
Installation Water Softening System
Instructions Model GXSF18G
Questions Call 800.GE.CARES (800.432.2737) or Visit our Website at: ge.com
BEFORE BEGINNING INSTALLATION
Read these instructions completely and carefully.
•IMPORTANT —Sa e these instructions
for local inspector’s use.
•IMPORTANT —Obser e all go erning
codes and ordinances.
•Note to Installer – Be sure to lea e these
instructions with the Consumer.
•Note to Consumer – Keep these instructions
for future reference.
• Proper installation is the responsibility of the
installer.
• Product failure due to improper installation
is not co ered under the Warranty.
• A shutoff al e must be a ailable or added near
the installation point.
WARNING: Read entire manual. Failure to follow all guides and rules could cause personal
injury or property damage.
• Check with your state and/or local public works department for plumbing codes. You must follow their
guides as you install the Water Softening system.
NOTE: Failure to comply with these installation instructions will void the product warranty, and the
installer will be responsible for any service, repair or damages caused thereby.
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION
RECOMMENDATIONS (CONT.)
• 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 o er 80 psi, nighttime
pressure may exceed the maximum. Use a
pressure reducing al e if necessary. (Adding a
pressure reducing al e may reduce the flow.)
• The softener works on 24 olt-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 moisture.
• 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 erify that the system is
performing satisfactorily.
• Small parts remaining after the installation could
be a choke hazard. Discard safely.
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION
RECOMMENDATIONS
•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.

Installation Instructions
4
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
packaged either in a bag or on a cardboard
sheet. To a oid loss of the small parts, keep them
packaged until you are ready to use them. Be sure
not to discard components hidden in packaging.
TOOLS AND MATERIALS REQUIRED
FOR INSTALLATION
• Pliers
• Screwdri er
• Teflon tape
• Razor knife
• Two adjustable wrenches
• Additional tools may be required if modification
to home plumbing is necessary.
• In and out fittings included with the softener
are 1″NPT male adapters. You should maintain
the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply
pipe, up to the softener inlet and outlet. Then,
use the necessary adapters to connect the
water supply to the 1″NPT male adapters.
• Use the included bypass al e to install the
softener. The bypass al e allows you to turn off
water to the softener for ser icing, but still ha e
water in the house pipes. The NPT male adapters
referred to abo e connect to the bypass al e
with the included plastic clips.
• Use appropriate fitting/pipe material (i.e., copper,
brass, gal anized or CPVC) to connect the 1″NTP
plastic adapters to the house plumbing.
• If additional drain hose is needed for al e and
salt tank drains, it can be ordered from GE Parts
at 800.626.2002, part number WS07X10004.
• If a rigid al e drain is needed to comply with
plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed
to connect a 1/2″copper tubing or plastic pipe
drain. See Step 4.
• Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is
needed to fill the brine tank. See Step 8.
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 sa e 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 de elops. The
manufacturer will not repair or pay for water
damage.
• A 120- olt 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 pre ent 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, andalism, etc., as
when installed indoors. Outdoor installation is
not recommended, and voids the warranty.
•Keep the softener out of direct sunlight.
The sun’s heat may distort non-metallic
parts and may damage the electronics.

5
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 gal anized? What is the pipe size?
WARNING: Use only lead-free solder and
flux to pre ent lead poisoning.
See Typical Installation Illustration. 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 al e is marked
IN and OUT.
TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION
Soft water
MAIN WATER PIPE
Hard
water
NOTE: See Drain
Hose Connections
section.
24V
transformer 120-volt
outlet
SALT
GOES HERE
Brinewell
O-rings (2)
1″ NPT male
adapter (2)
Clips (2)
1″ female
adapter (2)
(not supplied)
Clips
O-rings (2)
INLET
Hard
water to
outside
faucets
Fig. 1 CROSSOVER
Use if water supply flows
from the left. Include single
or 3-valve bypass.
Hard
water
From
softener
outlet
Soft
water
To softener
inlet
OPTIONAL 3-VALVE BYPASS
INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION
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
O-rings (2)
1″ NPT male
adapter (2)
Clips (2)
INLET
MAIN WATER PIPE
Hard
water
Soft water
120-volt
outlet
24V
transformer
Brinewell
SALT
GOES
HERE
1″ female adapter
(2) (not supplied)
Fig. 2 CROSSOVER
Use if water supply flows
from the left. Include single
or 3-valve bypass.
Hard
water
From
softener
outlet
Soft
water
To softener
inlet
Salt hole
cover
Salt hole
cover

INSTALL BYPASS VALVE
• Remo e plastic shipping plug and wire from al e
outlet.
• Push the bypass al e (lubricate o-ring seals with
silicone grease) into both ports of the al e as
shown.
• Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the
top down, as shown.
• Push the NPT adapters (lubricate o-ring seals with
silicone grease) into both ports of the al e as
shown.
• Snap the 2 large plastic clips in place, from the
side, as shown.
1
Valve body
inlet or outlet
Bypass valve
(push all the way in)
Clip
END
VIEW
SIDE
VIEW
Installation Instructions
6
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
• 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 at the lowest
location possible.
NOTE:For easier installation, remo e the top co er.
Slide the salt hole co er open. Locate the top co er
release point. Pull gently on the top co er at the
release point, lift up and rotate top co er backward
to remo e.
• Remo e all packing material located under top
co er.
Turbine
Valve outlet
Turbine shaft and
support
NOTE: Be sure the turbine and support are firmly
in place in the al e outlet. Blow into the al e port
and obser e the turbine for free rotation.
Clip
Outlet
O-ring seal goes into the outer
groove only. The clip snaps into
the inner groove (see below).
NPT
adapter
MOVE THE SOFTENER ASSEMBLY
INTO INSTALLATION POSITION
Before sliding softener in position, be sure the
installation surface is le el 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 le el the softener. Slide softener into
position.
2
Drain fitting
Inlet Bypass
valve
Clips
O-rings
Salt Hole
Cover
Top
Cover
Top
Cover
Release
Point

PLUMB “IN” AND “OUT” PIPES
TO AND FROM SOFTENER
CAUTION: Obser e all of the following
cautions as you connect inlet and outlet
plumbing. See Typical Installation Illustration.
• 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 Typical
Installation Illustration. If house water flows up
from the floor le el, turn the bypass al e upside
down as shown.
• With the softener in place, determine the
correct length of piping required to connect the
household plumbing to the NPT male adapter.
• Remo e softener from installation space.
• If making a soldered copper installation, do all
sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the
NPT adapters and bypass valve. Torch heat will
damage plastic parts.
• When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic
fittings, use care not to cross-thread.
• Use Teflon Tape 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.
• Slide softener back into position.
• Make final connections to the bypass al e and
snap clips into place.
Be sure the clips for the bypass valve and NPT
adapters snap into place. Pull on the bypass valve
and NPT adapters to make sure the parts are held
securely in place.
3
Installation Instructions
7
IN
OUT
Turn bypass
valve upside
down to
connect to
floor level
plumbing
CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE
DRAIN HOSE
• Use the pro ided drain hose (20′length included)
to attach to the al e drain fitting. To keep water
pressure from blowing the hose off, use supplied
spring clamp to secure in place. Cut the necessary
length and use the remainder in Step 5.
• 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,
part number WS07X10004. The water softener
will not work if water cannot exit this hose
during recharge.
• 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 recharge.
Also provide an air gap of at least 1-1/2″
between the end of the hose and the drain
point. An air gap pre ents possible siphoning of
sewer water into the softener, if the sewer should
“back-up.”
4

CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE
DRAIN HOSE (CONT.)
• Ele ating the drain hose may cause back
pressure that could reduce the brine draw during
recharge. If raising the drain line o erhead 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′abo e the floor. For inlet pressure
abo e 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, use
a hacksaw to cut the barbed end from the drain
fitting as shown. Rotate the drain fitting so the
cutting blade clears the al e housing to pre ent
damage to al e. Buy a compression fitting (1/4″
female pipe thread x 1/2″O.D. tube) and needed
tubing from your local hardware store.
4
Installation Instructions
8
LAUNDRY TUB
SUMP
STANDPIPE
Clip
1/4″NPT
threads
1/2″O.D. copper
tube (not provided)
Compression fitting
1/4″NPT x 1/2″O.D.
tube (not provided)
Cut barbs from
drain fitting
Barbs
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.
• Push the end of the hose adapter elbow into the
grommet as shown.
• 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 o er-fill with water, the excess is
carried to the drain.
5
To acceptable
drain
Overflow
drain hose
Hose
clamp
Grommet
Do not connect
to valve drain
hose.
Hose
adapter
Drain
fittings
on valve
Valve
drain
hose
FLOOR
DRAIN
Tie or wire
hose in place
11⁄2″air gap
Clamp

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.
• 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.
• Handtighten screw, then one more full turn with
screwdri er.
NOTE: When replacing an existing softener, also
replace grounding clamps. If remo ing softener
completely, hard-plumb the water line with same
type of pipes as the original to assure plumbing
integrity and ground continuity o er the life of
the home.
6
Ground
clamp
From valve
outlet
To valve inlet
Installation Instructions
9
FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM
SOFTENER AND TEST YOUR
INSTALLATION FOR WATER
LEAKS (CONT.)
•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.
•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 se eral more minutes, or
until clear.
•Close all water faucets.
•Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix
right away if any are found. Be sure to observe
previous caution notes.
•Turn on the gas or electric supply to the water
heater. Light the pilot, if applicable.
7
ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE
BRINE TANK
• Reinstall top co er assembly, align co er with the
top of the softener. Push down to snap co er into
place. Open the salt hole co er and squeeze the
top co er and the blue rim together near the top
co er release point to completely assemble the
top co er to the rim.
• Slide open the salt hole co er. 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). Maximum salt storage capacity is
approximately 200 lbs. Keep the salt hole co er
closed unless ser icing 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 se eral months, depending on
water hardness, family size and water softening
system model.
8
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.
•Fully open 2 cold soft water faucets nearby
the softener.
•Place bypass valve in “bypass” position by
pushing the stem inward.
•Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff
valve. Observe a steady flow from both faucets
opened above.
7

Installation Instructions
10
CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER
To gain access to the transformer/power cord
assembly, remo e the salt hole co er from the
softener. Unclip the tabs on the rear of the top co er
and rotate the co er upward to remo e. DO NOT
PULL OR DISCONNECT WIRING.
• The softener works on 24 olt-60Hz electric
power. The included transformer changes
standard 120- olt AC house power to 24 olts.
Plug the transformer into a 120-volt outlet only.
Be sure the outlet is always li e so it can not be
switched off by mistake.
• Replace the top co er.
• Replace the salt hole co er.
9
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL
PROGRAMMING THE CONTROL
CONTROL SETTINGS REQUIRED upon installation
and after an extended power outage.
NOTES:
• WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PLUGGED INTO THE
ELECTRICAL OUTLET, 12:00 PM (flashing), and an
arrow is displayed next to PRESENT TIME on
the faceplate decal. The blue indicator light will
also flash. Program the control as instructed
below.
If - - - is flashing, use the UP button
to set the correct Fcode as follows: F18 for
GXSF18G. If you pass by the correct code number,
use the DOWN button. Then press the MODE
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 ha e
pressed, and you should select another button.
• To program the control, you will use the UP ,
DOWN and MODE buttons.
• Use the MODE button to scroll arrow to desired
control function.
SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY
1. Press the MODE button
until arrow points to
PRESENT TIME.
2. Press UP or DOWN
button to set. The UP button ad ances the
time; the DOWN button mo es the time in re erse.
.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 MODE to
accept.
SALT
LEVEL
PM
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER
1. Press the MODE button
until arrow points to
HARDNESS.
2. Press UP or DOWN
button to set your water hardness number in the
display. DOWN decreases the hardness alue. UP
increases the hardness alue.
NOTE: Each press of a button changes the display
by 1, between 1 and 25. Abo e 25, the display
changes 5 at a time (25, 30, 35, etc.). Holding a
button in changes the numbers at a rapid rate.
SALT
LEVEL

Installation Instructions
11
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER (CONT.)
3. When the display shows your water hardness
(in grains per gallon), press MODE 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 1.800.949.8220, Option 4. 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 RECHARGE (STARTING) TIME
1. Press the MODE button
until arrow points to
RECHARGE TIME.
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.
If no change is needed, go to step 3. To change the
recharge starting time, follow step 2.
2. Press UP or DOWN button to set the desired
recharge start time. Be sure to obser e 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. Holding the buttons in changes the time at
a rapid rate.
3. Press the MODE button to accept.
SALT
LEVEL
AM
SET SALT LEVEL
1. Press the MODE button
until arrow points to
SALT LEVEL.
2. Determine le el of salt in
brine tank using yellow indicator on side of brine
well, inside brine tank (see illustration on page 5).
3. Press UP or DOWN
button to set the SALT
LEVEL to correspond to
le el on yellow indicator
in brine tank.
NOTE: Each press of a button changes the
le el by increments of 0.5 up to 8.0. As the number
increases, the salt le el bars increase on each whole
number. Lowering the salt le el below zero turns the
SALT LEVEL indicator OFF.
4. Press the MODE button to
accept. The display shows the
present time of day and DAYS
TO EMPTY. RECHARGE TONIGHT
may appear if unit is new.
SALT
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
DAYS TO EMPTY
The words DAYS TO EMPTY and a
number are shown in the lower half
of the display. This information is
shown in the normal run display.
This is to inform the user of the
number of days before the salt le el in the brine
tank reaches Le el 0. There will be salt left in the salt
tank, but it may not be sufficient to fully recharge
the system. Salt should be added at this time to
a oid hard water. The alue is updated daily and
whene er the SALT LEVEL alue is changed.
NOTE: For the first se eral weeks of operation, the
DAYS TO EMPTY may pro ide erratic operation. For
example, the blue indicator light may flash, showing
that more salt is required when the actual salt le el
in the tank is well abo e the Le el 0. In some cases,
the DAYS TO EMPTY may e en increase o er a
se eral week period.
It takes a couple of months for the water softener to
learn your water usage pattern. Once it does this, it
will accurately determine actual salt usage pattern.
During this first period, check salt le el when blue
indicator light flashes. If the salt le el in the tank is
at Le el 1 or abo e, allow system to run. Be sure to
reset your salt le el indicator each time you add salt
to the system.
SALT
LEVEL
DAYS TO EMPTY
PM
RECHARGE TONIGHT
E
SALT
LEVEL
DAYS TO EMPTY
PM

Installation Instructions
12
OPTIONAL CONTROL SETTINGS
The controller display has se eral options and
features.
LOW SALT ALARM
The LOW SALT ALARM, when
enabled, will sound the beeper
when the DAYS TO EMPTY alue is
15 days or less. To change this setting, press and
hold the MODE button for 3 seconds. ON (factory
default) or OFF will flash in the display. Press the UP
or DOWN buttons to toggle this feature ON
or OFF. Press the MODE button to accept, and the
display will mo e to SALT EFFICIENCY.
SALT EFFICIENCY
When the SALT EFFICIENCY
feature is ON, the unit will operate
at a salt efficiency of 4000 grains
of hardness remo ed per pound of salt. This mode
of operation is the most efficient setting for salt
usage, because the system will tend to recharge
more often, with less salt usage. Turning the feature
OFF will tend to lengthen the time between recharge
cycles, which will pro ide the most efficient usage
of water, but may use more salt. The degree of
difference between these two cycles is highly
dependent on the water usage and hardness
at a particular installation.
If you ha e ery hard water, and you find your
system is regenerating e ery 1–2 days, turn the
SALT EFFICIENCY to OFF to lengthen the time
between regenerations.
NOTE: California Regulations require this feature to
be ON for installations in California.
To change the setting, press the UP or DOWN
buttons to toggle the feature ON or OFF. Press the
MODE button to accept. The display will mo e to
SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS.
SYSTEM/ELECTRONIC
DIAGNOSTICS
This display contains system
diagnostics information to assist in
troubleshooting problems with the system. See page
17 for details. Press the MODE button to return to
the normal run display.
SALT
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
E
SALT
LEVEL
SIGNALS
LOST TIME SIGNAL
If time is lost on the display due to power
interruption, the blue indicator light will flash 4
times e ery second, until the present time of day
is entered.
LOW SALT SIGNAL
When the DAYS TO EMPTY drops to 15, the blue
indicator light and DAYS TO EMPTY in the display
will flash e ery second and the alarm will beep
e ery 30 seconds (from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM), to
notify the user that the unit is running low on salt.
As soon as any button is pressed, the alarm will
stop beeping. The blue indicator light and DAYS TO
EMPTY will continue to flash. Once salt is added to
the brine tank and the SALT LEVEL is reset, the
DAYS TO EMPTY will be reset.
ERROR SIGNALS
If there is an error code detected,
the blue indicator light will flash 4
times e ery second, the display will
flash Err and the alarm will beep
e ery 30 seconds (from 8:00 AM to
8:00 PM) to signal that the softener requires ser ice.
The alarm can be turned off by pressing any button,
but the blue indicator light and display will continue
to flash.
See page 17 for information to assist in
troubleshooting error codes. Once the problem is
corrected, disconnect the transformer from the wall
outlet momentarily, and plug it back in. The normal
display will appear. The motor may run for se eral
minutes, as the unit resets. If the problem is not
corrected, the error code will reappear in 6 minutes.
BLUE INDICATOR LIGHT
Steady blue light indicates that the unit is working
correctly. The light flashes when the unit needs
attention from the user.
•Light flashes and DAYS TO EMPTY flashes—check
salt le el and add salt as required.
•Light flashes and Err is in the display—electrical
problem with system—see page 17.
•Light will also flash when power to the unit has
been interrupted. Check the PRESENT TIME setting.
SALT
LEVEL

13
SPECIFICATIONS/DIMENSIONS
Installation Instructions
This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific capacity claims as erified and substantiated by test data.
* Testing was performed using pellet grade sodium chloride as the regenerant salt.
** Efficiency rating is alid only at the lowest stated salt dosage and ser ice flow rate. This softener was efficiency
rated according to NSF/ANSI 44.
*** Extent of iron remo al may ary with conditions. The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by
independent laboratory test data. Use of Diamond Crystal®Red•Out®or Super Iron Out®will impro e iron remo al.
Refer to Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System section.
**** Canada working pressure limits: 1.4–7.0 kg/cm2.
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.
Howe er, during shipping, storage, installation and
operation, 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.
1. Be sure to complete all installation steps, including
programming the control.
2. Pour about 3/4 oz. (11⁄2tablespoons) of common
5.25% unscented household bleach (Clorox, Linco,
Bo Peep, White Sail, Eagle, etc.) into the brinewell.
Refer to illustration on page 5.
3. IMPORTANT: Press and hold for 3 seconds
the faceplate RECHARGE button to start an
immediate recharge. RECHARGE begins to flash in
the display. The bleach will be drawn through the
water softener, and out the drain. This process
takes approximately 2 hours.
4. If, after sanitization, water from the house
faucet tastes salty or has a slight color, this is a
preser ati e from the resin tank. Turn on the cold
soft water faucets and drain for a few minutes or
until clear.
NOTE: When the sanitizing recharge is o er, all
remaining bleach is flushed from the conditioner
and your house COLD water supply is fully soft
immediately. Howe er, 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 abo e recharge, 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.
GXSF18G
Rated Capacity* 8,000 grains with 1.8 lbs. of salt
13,300 grains with 3.8 lbs. of salt
18,800 grains with 10.2 lbs. of salt
Rated Efficiency** 4,330 grains/lb. @ 1.8 lbs. of salt
Amount of High Capacity Resin (lbs/cu. ft) 33.3/0.64
Resin Tank Nominal Size (in., dia. x height) 10 x 21
Ser ice Flow Rate (gpm) 7
Water Supply Maximum Hardness (gpg) 95
Water Supply Maximum Clear Water Iron (ppm)*** 5
Water Pressure Limits (min.–max. psi)**** 20–125
Pressure Drop at Rated Ser ice Flow (psig) 8
Water Temperature Limits (min.–max. °F) 40–120
Maximum Flow Rate to Drain (gpm) 2.2
Outlet Inlet
33⁄8″
22.9″
14.5″
30″

About the water softener system.
Service
When the water softening system is pro iding
soft water, it is called “Ser ice.” During ser ice,
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 ha e to be
cleaned. This cleaning is called recharge.
Recharge is started at 2:00 AM (factory setting)
by the water softening system control, and
consists of fi e stages or cycles. These are FILL,
BRINING, BRINE RINSE, BACKWASH and FAST
RINSE.
For emergency needs, hard water is a ailable
to the home during the recharge cycles.
However, you should avoid using HOT water
because the water heater will fill with the hard
water.
Automatic Hard Water Bypass During Recharge
Fill
Salt dissol ed 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 tra els from the salt storage
area into the resin tank. Brine is the cleaning
agent needed to remo e hard minerals from the
resin beads. The hard minerals and brine are
discharged to the drain.
The nozzle and enturi create a suction to mo e
the brine, maintaining a ery 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 al e 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 tra els up through
the resin tank at a fast flow rate, flushing
accumulated iron, dirt and sediments
from the resin bed and to the 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 the tank,
and packs the resin bed.
After fast rinse, the water softening system
returns to soft water ser ice.
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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 dissol e in the
water to make brine.
If the brine tank is full of salt, it is hard to tell
if you ha e 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 to pre ent a salt bridge from forming.
A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the
water softening system to work properly. This
small unit makes the suction to mo e brine from
the salt storage area to the resin tank during
recharge. 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 enturi, remo e the
water softening system top co er. Be sure the
water softening system is in ser ice cycle (no
water pressure at nozzle and enturi). Then, while
holding the nozzle and enturi housing with one
hand, remo e the cap. Lift out the screen support
and screen, then the nozzle and enturi. Wash
and rinse the parts in warm water until clean. If
needed, use a small brush to remo e iron or dirt.
Also check and clean the gasket.
NOTE: Some models ha e a small flow plug
located in the nozzle and enturi, 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.
Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi Assembly
Push tool into salt
bridge to break
Pencil
mark
Broom
handle
Salt
Salt
bridge
Water level
1″–2″
IMPORTANT: Be sure small holes in the gasket are
centered directly o er the small holes in the nozzle and
enturi housing.
*Install with numbered side up, conca e side down.
Cap
O-ring seal
Screen
support
Screen
Screen
Nozzle &
Venturi
Nozzle &
Venturi
housing
Gasket
*Flow
plug
*Flow plug

About the water softener system.
During normal operation, the present time of
day and AM or PM and DAYS TO EMPTY show
in the control display area. When the demand
computer determines a recharge is needed,
RECHARGE TONIGHT begins to flash in the
display along with the present time. RECHARGE
TONIGHT flashes until the next recharge start
time, then changes to RECHARGE, which flashes
until the recharge is o er.
Normal Operation, Control Displays
Sometimes, a manually started recharge may
be desired or needed. Two examples:
■You ha e used more water than usual (house
guests, extra washing, etc.) and you may run
out of soft water before the next recharge.
■The system ran out of salt.
Use one of the following features to start a
recharge immediately, or at the next preset
recharge start time.
RECHARGE TONIGHT
Touch (do not hold) the RECHARGE button.
RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes in the control
display area. A recharge will occur at the next
preset recharge start time. If you decide to cancel
this recharge, touch the same button once more.
RECHARGE
Press and hold the RECHARGE button until
RECHARGE starts to flash in the control display
area. The water softening system begins an
immediate recharge and, when o er in about two
hours, you will ha e a new supply of soft water.
Once started, you cannot cancel this recharge.
Feature: Optional Recharge Controls
Feature: Memory
If electrical power to the water softening system
is interrupted, the control display is blank, and
the blue indicator light is off, but the control
keeps correct time for about 6 hours. When
power is restored, you ha e to reset the present
time only if the display and blue indicator light
are flashing. All other settings are maintained
and ne er 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 pro ide you with soft water. Howe er,
recharge may occur at the wrong time of day
until you reset the control to the correct time
of day.
The control 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 control display.
The chart on Error Codes shows the error
codes that could appear and possible reasons
for each code. See Manually Initiated Electronics
Diagnostics to further isolate the defect.
Feature/Service: Automatic Electronic Diagnostics
16

17
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 erify
proper
function.
Electrical power was
off. Reset the correct
time of day.
In estigate reason for
power loss.
ge.com
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
isual 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 al e directing water
for soft water ser ice?
4. Is the al e drain hose open to the drain,
not more than 8′abo e the softener, and
unobstructed? If hose is abo e 8′, see
page 8, step 4.
If you do not find a problem with the visual
checks, continue below.
Service: Timer/Softener, Service Checkout Procedure
ERROR CODE
DISPLAYED ERR 01 ERR 02 ERR 03 ERR 04 ERR 05
POSSIBLE DEFECT • Motor •Position •Motor •Position •Control
inoperati e switch inoperati e switch or
or wiring wiring
harness harness
• Wiring •Control •Control •Control
harness or
connection
to switch
• Position
switch
• Control

About the water softener system.
1. To enter diagnostics, press and hold
the MODE button for 3 seconds until
the Low Salt Alarm screen shows.
2. Press the MODE button 2 times
to ad ance through Low Salt Alarm
and Salt Efficiency options. See
Programming the Control for
details on these two options.
3. OPERATION OF DIAGNOSTICS
• Valve Position – Press the RECHARGE button to initiate
a recharge cycle. Press again to manually index al e to
next position. See Service: Manually Advance Recharge
Check for details.
0 – Ser ice
1 – Fill
2 – Brine
3 – Backwash
4 – Fast Rinse
• Motor Operation – Two dashes will circulate around
when motor should be running.
• Position Switch Operation –
– Closed – al e rotating to next position
– Open – al e in position, ser ice, fill, brine, etc.
• Water Meter – Indicates whether water is flowing
through al e.
– 000 indicates no water is flowing through the al e
– Open nearby soft water faucet
– 000 to 141 (continual) shows water is flowing. Display
repeats for each gallon of water passing through the
meter. Control will beep at e ery gallon.
– If there is no reading in the display, with faucet open,
check the sensor. Pull the sensor from the al e outlet
port, and pass a small magnet in front of the sensor.
Counter should index in the display. If counter does
not index, check to make sure harness is connected
to board properly. If there is a reading in the display,
there may be a problem associated with the turbine.
Turn off water supply, close the bypass al e and
disconnect bypass al e from body. Check turbine
for binding or restriction due to debris. If this does
not correct the problem, the Timer, Sensor or Turbine
may require replacement.
4. Historical data about the softener is a ailable.
• 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 recharges initiated by this control since the
model code number was entered.
5. Press the MODE button to return to normal operation
and display.
Service: Set Model Code
1. To change or check model code, first press and hold the
MODE button for 3 seconds until the Low Salt Alarm screen
shows.
2. Press and hold the MODE button again
for 3 seconds. A display with at
the top will appear.
3. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to
select the correct model code.
F18–GXSF18G
4. Press the MODE button one time to return to normal
operation and display. If the model code was changed:
• the display will go blank momentarily, then display the
model code entered.
• the display will then return to the set present time display,
and the blue indicator light will flash. The control will ha e
to be reprogrammed. See Programming the Control.
NOTE: If the control is left in any of the abo e diagnostic
displays, or a flashing display when setting time, hardness,
etc., it will re ert back to the normal display in 4 minutes.
Service: Manually Initiated Electronics Diagnostics
SALT
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
Water meter
Valve
position
Position
switch
Motor
Motor
Turbine
Turbine support
and shaft
Sensor
housing
Position
switch
Valve
outlet
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NOTE: The control display must show a steady
time (not flashing).
1. Press the RECHARGE button and hold in for
three seconds. RECHARGE begins to flash as
the water softening system enters the fill cycle
of recharge. Remo e the brinewell co er and,
using a flashlight, obser e fill water entering
the brine tank. If water does not enter the tank,
look for an obstructed nozzle, enturi, fill flow
plug or brine tubing. See Care and Cleaning of
the Water Softener System section.
2. After obser ing fill, press the RECHARGE
button to mo e 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 obser ing a noticeable drop in the liquid
le el o er an extended period of time.
NOTE: Be sure a salt bridge is not pre enting
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 enturi dirty or defecti e.
■defecti e nozzle and enturi seal.
■nozzle and enturi not seated properly
on gasket.
■other inner al e defect (rotor seal, rotor and
disc, wa e washer, etc.).
■restricted drain (check drain fitting and
hose).
NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an
ele ated drain hose may cause back pressure,
stopping brine draw.
3. Again, press the RECHARGE button to mo e
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 mo e 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
ser ice, press the RECHARGE button.
Service: Manually Advance Recharge Check

Care and cleaning of the water softening system.
Brine (salt dissol ed in water) is needed for each
and e ery recharge. The water for making brine
is metered into the salt storage area by the
water softening system al e and control.
However, you must keep the tank supplied
with salt.
When to refill with salt: If the blue indicator light
and DAYS TO EMPTY are flashing, there is less
than 15 days supply of salt. Refill with salt. In
humid areas it is best to refill with less salt and
more often, to a oid the forming of a salt bridge
(see page 15). After adding salt, remember to
reset the SALT LEVEL in the control (see page 11).
Ne er allow the salt le el to drop below zero on
the yellow indicator before you refill it. Without
enough salt, you will soon ha e 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 ha e an additi e to help the water
softening system handle iron in the water
supply. Although this additi e may help to
keep the water softening system resin clean,
it may also release corrosi e fumes that
weaken and shorten the life of some water
softening system parts. GE recommends
using only Diamond Crystal®Red•Out®
brand salt.
Checking the Salt Storage Level and Refilling
Your water softening system takes hardness
minerals (calcium and magnesium) out of
the water. Also, it can control some (see the
Specification Guidelines 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
remo e 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 o er 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®additi e
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 e ery 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 recharge the softener
immediately. Do not pour the resin bed cleaner
in with the salt, as it will not be as effecti e 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 corrosi e gases
that are formed.
Cleaning Iron Out of the Water Softening System
20