l'eau miracle water Miracle Water MW-15 User manual

How to maintain and operate
your Miracle Water
MW-15
Water Softener
OWNERS MANUAL
Part No. 450217 (10/04)

WARRANTY
TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
GENERAL CONDITIONS
Damage to any part of this water softener because of misuse, misapplication, neglect, alteration, accident, installation or operation
contrary to our printed instructions, or damage caused by any unusual force of nature such as, but not limited to, freezing, flood, hur-
ricane, tornado, or earthquake is not covered by this warranty. In all such cases, regular parts and service charges will apply.
We assume no warranty liability in connection with this water softener other than specified herein. This warranty is in lieu of all other
warranties, expressed or implied, including warranties of fitness for a particular purpose. We do not authorize any person or repre-
sentative to assume for us any other obligations on the sale of this water softener.
Should a defect or malfunction occur, contact your dealer. If you are unable to contact your dealer, return the part, freight prepaid,
directly to the factory at the address below. Enclose with the part a full description of the problem, with your name, full address, date
purchased, model and serial numbers, and selling contractor's name and address. We will repair or replace the part and return it to
you at no cost if our repair department determines it to be defective under the terms of the warranty.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may have other rights which vary from province to province.
This water softener is manufactured by Miracle Water, 5240 Bradco Blvd, Mississauga, ON L4W 1G7; customer information tele-
phone no. 1-800-356-7851.
WARRANTY POLICY
Miracle Water, Mississauga, ON warrants this water softener as stated herein:
From the date of installation, within the warranty period described below, we will repair or replace any part which we find defective
because of faulty materials and workmanship, or corrosion. You pay only freight to our factory and local labor charges.
* ONE YEAR ON COMPLETE UNIT
*THREE YEARS ON ELECTRONIC CONTROL * THREE YEARS ON CONTROL VALVE BODY
* FIVE YEARS ON SALT STORAGE TANK * TEN YEARS ON MINERAL TANK, EXCLUDING MINERAL
SAFETY GUIDES
FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY. FAILURE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER PROPERLY VOIDS THE
WARRANTY.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN INSTALLATION, READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL. THEN, OBTAIN ALL THE MATERIALS AND TOOLS YOU
WILL NEED TO MAKE THE INSTALLATION.
CHECK LOCAL PLUMBING AND ELECTRICAL CODES. THE INSTALLATION MUST CONFORM TO THEM. Consult with your
licensed plumber.
USE ONLY LEAD-FREE SOLDER AND FLUX FOR ALL SWEAT-SOLDER CONNECTIONS.
USE CARE WHEN HANDLING THE SOFTENER. DO NOT TURN UPSIDE DOWN, DROP, OR SET ON SHARP PROTRUSIONS.
DO NOT LOCATE THE SOFTENER WHERE FREEZING TEMPERATURES OCCUR. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TREAT WATER OVER
120°F. FREEZING, OR HOT WATER DAMAGE VOIDS THE WARRANTY.
AVOID INSTALLING IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT. EXCESSIVE SUN HEAT MAY CAUSE DISTORTION OR OTHER DAMAGE TO NON-
METALLIC PARTS.
THE SOFTENER REQUIRES A MINIMUM WATER FLOW OF 3 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 IF NECESSARY. ( ADDING A PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE MAY REDUCE
THE FLOW.) *MAXIMUM PRESSURE FOR CANADIAN USE IS 100 PSI.
THE SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLT-60 Hz ELECTRICAL POWER ONLY. BE SURE TO USE THE INCLUDED TRANSFORMER,
AND PLUG IT INTO A NOMINAL 120V, 60 CYCLE HOUSEHOLD OUTLET THAT IS GROUNDED AND PROPERLY PROTECTED
BY A OVERCURRENT DEVICE SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE. IF TRANSFORMER IS REPLACED, USE ONLY THE
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CLASS II, 24 VOLT 10 VA TRANSFORMER.
THIS SOFTENER IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED FOR TREATING WATER THAT IS MICROBIOLOGICALLY UNSAFE OR OF
UNKNOWN QUALITY WITHOUT ADEQUATE DISINFECTION BEFORE OR AFTER THE SOFTENER.
2

UNPACKING / INSPECTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
WARRANTY, SAFETY GUIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
SPECIFICATIONS, DIMENSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
TYPICAL INSTALLATION ILLUSTRATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
INSTALLATION STEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 - 9
PROGRAMMING THE TIMER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11
SANITIZING PROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 - 14
HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 - 15
GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 - 17
ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES AND SERVICE
DISPLAYS / OPTIONAL RECHARGE CONTROLS, PROGRAM MEMORY,
AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 - 19
SERVICE CHECKOUT PROCEDURES, WIRING SCHEMATIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19 - 21
WATER FLOW THROUGH VALVE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 - 23
REPAIR PARTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 - 27
The softener is shipped in one master carton. The sof-
teners are 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 in a parts
bag. To avoid loss of the small parts, keep them in the
parts bag until you are ready to use them.
3

DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS
MW-15
RATED CAPACITY See Rating Decal Located On The Softener
RATED EFFICIENCY !
AMOUNT OF HIGH CAPACITY RESIN (lbs / cu ft) 26.0 / .50
RESIN TANK NOMINAL SIZE (in., dia x height) 8 x 25
SERVICE FLOW RATE (gpm) See Rating Decal Located On The Softener
PRESSURE DROP AT RATED SERVICE FLOW (psig)
WATER SUPPLY MAXIMUM HARDNESS (gpg) 30
WATER SUPPLY MAX. CLEAR WATER IRON (ppm)!4
WATER PRESSURE LIMITS (min. / max. psi) "20 - 125
WATER TEMPERATURE LIMITS (Min. / Max. oF) 40 - 120
WATER SUPPLY MINIMUM FLOW RATE (gpm) 3
FLOW TO DRAIN DURING REGENERATION (gpm) 2.2
!Capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data.
This softener conforms to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific capacity claims as verified and substantiated by test data.
!"Efficiency rating is valid only at the minimum stated salt dose. This softener was efficiency rated according to NSF/ANSI 44.
"# Maximum pressure for Canadian use is 100 psi.
MW-15
4

BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION
!"
"WHERE TO INSTALL THE SOFTENER
!""TOOLS, PIPE and FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
!"
"PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE SOFTENER
Place the softener as close as possible to the
pressure tank (well system) or water meter (city
water).
Place the softener as close as possible to a floor
drain, or other acceptable drain point (laundry tub,
sump, standpipe, etc.).
Connect the softener to the main water supply
pipe BEFORE or AHEAD OF the water heater. DO
NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE SOFTEN-
ER. Temperature of water passing through the sof-
tener must be less than 120oF (49oC).
Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt.
Do not install the softener in a place where it could
freeze. Damage caused by freezing is not cov-
ered by the warranty.
Put the softener in a place 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, to plug the included
transformer into, is needed within 10 feet of the sof-
tener. The transformer has a 10 foot power cable.
Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in
an inside location, to protect from wet weather.
If installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener, installa-
tion plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well protected
from the elements, contamination, vandalism, etc.,
as when installed indoors.
Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. The
sun's heat will melt plastic parts.
!In and out pipes to the softener must be at least
3/4" size. Some local codes require a minimum of 1"
pipe size. To plumb with 1" pipes, buy adaptors to fit
the 1" pipe threads on the installation adaptors or
bypass valve (see page 6). You should maintain the
same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe,
up to the softener inlet and outlet.
!Use copper, brass, or galvanized pipe and fittings.
Some codes may also allow CPVC plastic pipe.
!ALWAYS install a bypass valve or valves. Either
use the optional valve (included with some models),
or 3 shut-off valves. Bypass valves let you turn off
water to the softener for repairs if needed, but still
have water in the house pipes.
!Drain hose (3/8" or 7/16" inside diameter) is need-
ed for valve and salt tank drains. You can buy good
quality, thick-wall, flexible hose at most hardware
stores.
!If a rigid valve drain is needed, to comply with
plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed (see
page 8) to connect a 1/2 in. copper tubing drain.
!"Nugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to
fill the brine tank (see page 9 and 17).
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-
vanized? What is the pipe size?
Now look at the typical installation illustration on
page 6. Use it as a guide when planning your par-
ticular installation. Be sure to direct raw, hard
water to the softener valve inlet fitting. The valve
is marked IN and OUT.
5

6
*

INSTALLATION STEPS
1. INSTALL BYPASS VALVE:
NOTE: be sure the turbine and support are firmly in
place, in the valve outlet. Blow into the valve port and
observe the turbine for free rotation.
!!"
"Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals)
into both ports of the valve…Figures 1A and 1C.
!!Snap the two large plastic clips in place, from the
top, down...Figures 1A and 1B. Be sure they snap
into place. Pull on the adaptors, or bypass valve,
to make sure they held securely in place.
2. INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW FIT-
TINGS:
!!Insert the rubber grommet into the 3/4" diameter
hole in the brine tank sidewall...see page 9.
!!Push the barbed end of the hose adaptor elbow
into the grommet.
3. MOVE THE SOFTENER INTO INSTALLATION
POSITION:
!!Be sure the installation surface is level and
smooth. If needed, place the tank on a section of
3/4" thick (min.) plywood. Then, place shims under
the plywood as needed to level the softener.
4. PLUMB IN AND OUT PIPES TO AND FROM
SOFTENER:
CAUTIONS: Observe all of the following cautions as
you connect inlet and outlet plumbing.
!!Turn off the house water supply valve and
open faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes.
!!BE SURE RAW, HARD WATER IS DIRECTED
TO THE VALVE INLET PORT.
!!Be sure to use bypass valve(s).
!!If making a soldered copper installation, do all
sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the
softener fittings. Torch heat will damage plastic
parts.
continued
7

!!Put grounding clamps (see step 5) on copper
tubes before soldering.
!!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 the valve
fittings.
5. INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMPS AND WIRE (IF
NEEDED):
!!To maintain electrical ground continuity in the
house cold water piping, install the included ground
clamps as shown in Figure 2. Be sure the pipes are
clean, under the clamps, to assure good contact.
NOTE: A 3-valve bypass system maintains ground
continuity.
!!"
"Tie or wire the hose in
place at the drain point.
Water pressure will cause it
to whip during the back-
wash and fast rinse cycles
of regeneration. Also pro-
vide 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 sof-
tener, if the sewer should
"back-up".
!!"
"
If raising the drain hose
overhead is required to get
to the drain point, do not
raise higher than 8'
above the floor. Elevating
the hose may cause a
back-pressure that could
reduce brine draw during
regenerations.
6. CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN
HOSE:
!!Take a length of 3/8" or 7/16" inside diameter
hose and attach to the valve drain fitting. So water
pressure does not blow 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.
Check and comply with local codes.
IMPORTANT: Use high quality, thick-wall hose that
will not easily kink or collapse. The water softener
will not work if water cannot exit this hose during
regenerations.
7. CONNECT AND RUN THE BRINE TANK
OVERFLOW HOSE (see Figure 4):
!!"
"Attach a length of 3/8" or 7/16" I.D. hose to the
drain elbow, installed in step 2, page 7. Use a hose
clamp to hold it in place.
8

INSTALLATION STEPS, continued
E. After about three minutes, open a HOT water
faucet for one minute, or until all air is expelled,
then close.
F. Close both cold 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.
9. ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE BRINE TANK:
!!Remove the salt storage area cover. Add about 3
gallons of water into the tank. DO NOT ADD INTO
THE BRINEWELL.
!!*Add NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR water
softener salt to the salt storage tank. Do not use
rock, block, granulated, and ice cream making salts.
Also see page 16. Maximum salt storage capacity is
200 lbs.
*Note: If the softener is installed in a humid base-
ment or other damp area, it is better to fill the tank
more often using less salt (see salt bridging in the
maintenance section). Eighty to 100 lbs of salt will
last for several months, depending on water hard-
ness, family size, and model of softener.
10. CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER:
!!The softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electric
power. The included transformer changes standard
120 volt AC house power to 24 volts. Plug the
transformer into a 120 volt outlet only. Be sure
the outlet is always ''live'' so it can not be switched
off by mistake.Plug the transformer into the electri-
cal outlet.
11. PROGRAM THE TIMER:
!!ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER…see pages 10
and 11.
8. FLUSH PIPES, EXPEL AIR FROM SOFTENER,
AND TEST YOUR INSTALLATION FOR WATER
LEAKS:
CAUTION: To avoid water or air pressure dam-
age to softener inner parts, be sure to do the fol-
lowing steps exactly as listed.
A. Fully open two cold, soft water faucets nearby
the softener.
B. Place bypass valve(s) in ''bypass'' position.
On a single valve, slide the stem into BYPASS. On a
3-valve system, close the inlet and outlet valves, and
open the bypass valve...see page 6.
C. Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff
valve. Observe a steady flow from both opened
faucets.
D. Place bypass valve(s) in ''service", EXACTLY as
follows. KEEP SOFT WATER FAUCETS OPEN.
1. SINGLE BYPASS VALVE: SLOWLY, slide the
valve stem toward ''service'', pausing several times
to allow the softener to pressurize slowly.
2. 3-VALVE BYPASS: Fully close the bypass valve
and open the outlet valve. SLOWLY, open the inlet
valve, pausing several times to allow the softener to
pressurize slowly.
9
!!Locate the other end of the hose at the drain
point. DO NOT ELEVATE THIS HOSE HIGHER
THAT THE ELBOW ON THE BRINE TANK. DO
NOT TEE THIS HOSE TO THE VALVE DRAIN
HOSE.
NOTE: This drain is for safety only. If the brine tank
should over-fill with water, the excess is carried to
the drain.

PROGRAMMING THE ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER
!!TIMER SETTINGS REQUIRED...upon installation, and after an extended power outage (see Program
Memory, page 18).
NOTES:
"WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PLUGGED INTO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET (STEP 11, PAGE 9), a
flashing 12:00AM and PRESENT TIME show in the display area. Program the timer as instructed below.
If - - - - is flashing, use the UP + button to set the code to SR14. If you pass by the correct code number,
use the DOWN - button. Then, press the SELECT button and program the timer below. If the wrong SR code
shows for your model, see Manual Initiated Electronic Diagnostics on pages 19 and 20.
"A "beeper" sounds while pressing buttons for timer programming. One beep signals a change in the timer
display. Repeated beeps means the timer will not accept a change from the button you have pressed, and
you should use another button.
"To set the timer, you will use the UP +, DOWN - and SELECT buttons.
!!SET TIME OF DAY, AND PRESENT DAY OF WEEK
NOTE: If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the display, press the SELECT button until they do.
1. Press the UP or DOWN button to set. The UP
button moves the display ahead; the DOWN
moves the time backward.
NOTE: Each press of the buttons changes the
time by one minute. Holding the buttons in
changes the time 32 minutes each second.
If the present time is between noon and mid-
night, be sure PM shows.
If the present time is between midnight and
noon, be sure AM shows.
2. When the present time shows, press SELECT
to set.
10
MW-15

PROGRAMMING THE ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER, continued
!!"
"SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER
NOTE: If a flashing 25 (factory default) and the word HARDNESS do not show in the display, press SELECT
until they do.
1. Press the UP or DOWN button to set your water
hardness number in the display. DOWN moves the
display down to 1. UP moves the display up to 95.
NOTE: 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 but-
ton in changes the numbers twice each second. See
the specified maximum hardness, page 4.
2. When your water hardness number shows, press
SELECT to set.
You can get the grains per gallon (gpg) hardness of
your water supply from a water analysis laboratory,
or call and ask your local water department, if you
are on a municipal supply. If water contains iron, add
to the water hardness at a ratio of 5 grains for each
1 ppm of iron.
!!SET REGENERATION (STARTING) TIME
NOTE: RECHARGE TIME and a flashing 2:00 AM (factory default) should show in the display. This is a
good time for regeneration to start (over in about 2 hours) in most households because water is not in use.
HARD WATER is bypassed to house faucets during regeneration. ... See Automatic Bypass on page 14.
If no change is needed, go to step 2. To change this time, if desired, do step 1.
1. Press the UP or DOWN button to set the desired
regeneration start time.
Be sure to observe the AM or PM, as you did when
setting the time of day.
NOTE: Each press of the buttons changes the time
by one hour. Holding the buttons in changes the
time twice each second.
2. Press the SELECT button once more.
The display shows the present time of day.
The special features of your timer are explained on page 18.
TO COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION, GO TO THE SANITIZING
PROCEDURES ON PAGE 12.
11

SANITIZING PROCEDURES
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water sof-
tener 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.
1. Be sure to complete all installation steps, includ-
ing timer programming.
2. Pour about 3/4 oz of common 5.25% household
bleach (Clorox, etc.,) into the brinewell.
3. Use the REGENERATE, OR RECHARGE, NOW
feature, on the timer, to start an immediate regener-
ation. The bleach is drawn into and through the
water softener to sanitize it. This sanitizing regener-
ation is over in about 2 hours. Then, soft water is
available for your use.
!NOTE: Sanitizing is recommended by the water Quality
Association for disinfecting. On some water supplies, they sug-
gest periodic sanitizing.
NOTE: When the above sanitizing regeneration is over, all remaining bleach is flushed from the con-
ditioner 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. If you do drain the water heater, use extreme care as the water could cause
severe burns.
12

WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING
WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Man's very existence depends on water. It is one of
the basic commodities of life. Water is best as nature
provides it, is a common misconception. Practically
all natural water needs refinement or treatment to
make it safe to drink or more satisfactory to use.
The earth's water supply cycle starts in the upper
cloud layers. As it falls to the earth as rain or snow,
it picks up impurities and gases from the atmos-
phere. Landing on earth, it seeps over and through
the ground, dissolving earth minerals. Passing
through limestone, it dissolves calcium and magne-
sium, the hardness minerals. Iron deposits impart
iron to the water. Acidity and sediments are other
water conditions.
Municipal water supplies come from surface reser-
voirs, such as lakes and rivers, or from underground
reservoirs. Usually, municipalities chlorinate the
water to make it safe to drink. Sediment is removed
by filtration. Tastes and odors are reduced or elimi-
nated. The water is conditioned to comply with cer-
tain specifications. However, hardness minerals,
tastes and odors are not always reduced to the most
desirable levels.
Underground reservoirs provide our private water
supplies. Because the water is raw and untreated, it
can have varying amounts of hardness, iron, tastes,
odors, acidity, or combinations of these. Different
localities and water levels affect mineral content.
WATER CONDITIONING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water conditioning is the treatment of four general
conditions. These are: Hardness, Iron, Acidity,
Sediments.
HARDNESS is a term to describe the presence of
calcium and magnesium minerals in water. A chemi-
cal analysis accurately measures the amount of min-
erals in grain weight. For example, one gallon of
water with five grains per gallon (gpg) hardness has
dissolved minerals, that if solidified, about equals the
size of one ordinary aspirin tablet. One gallon of
water, 25 gpg hard, has a mineral content equal in
size to five aspirin tablets. Water hardness varies
greatly across the country. It generally contains from
3 to 100 gpg.
Hard water affects living in general. Hardness miner-
als combine with soap to make a soap curd. The
curd greatly reduces the cleaning action of soap.
Precipitated hardness minerals form a crust on cook-
ing utensils, appliances, and plumbing fixtures. Even
the tastes of foods are affected. A water softener
removes the hardness minerals to eliminate these
problems, and others.
Sodium Information: Water softeners 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.
IRON in water is measured in parts per million
(ppm). The total* ppm of iron, and type or types*, is
determined by chemical analysis. Four different
types of iron in water are: !Ferrous (clear water),
"Ferric (red water), #Bacterial and organically
bound iron, $Colloidal and inorganically bound iron
(ferrous or ferric).
*Water may contain one or more of the four types of iron and
any combination of these. Total iron is the sum of the contents.
!Ferrous (clear water) iron is soluble and dissolves
in water. It is usually detected by taking a sample of
water in a clear bottle or glass. Immediately after
taking, the sample is clear. As the water sample
stands, it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow
or brown as air oxidizes the iron. This usually
occurs in 15 to 30 minutes. A water softener will
remove moderate amounts of this type of iron (see
specifications).
"Ferric (red water), and #Bacterial and organi-
cally bound irons are insoluble. This iron is visible
immediately when drawn from a faucet because it
has oxidized before reaching the home. It appears
as small cloudy yellow, orange, or reddish suspend-
ed particles. After the water stands for a period of
time, the particles settle to the bottom of the con-
tainer. Generally these irons are removed from
water by filtration. Chlorination is also recommend-
ed for bacterial iron.
continued
13

WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING, continued
$Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of ferric
or ferrous form that will not filter or exchange out of
water. In some instances, treatment may improve
colloidal iron water, but always CONSULT A QUAL-
IFIED WATER CHEMISTRY LAB before attempting
to treat it. Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow
appearance when drawn. After standing for several
hours, the color persists and the iron does not set-
tle, but remains suspended in the water.
Iron in water causes stains on clothing and plumb-
ing fixtures. It negatively affects the taste of food,
drinking water, and other beverages.
ACIDITY or acid water is caused by carbon dioxide,
hydrogen sulfide, and sometimes industrial wastes.
It is corrosive to plumbing, plumbing fixtures, water
heaters, and other water using appliances. In can
also damage and cause premature failure of seals,
diaphragms, etc., in water handling equipment.
A chemical analysis is needed to measure the
degree of acidity in water. This is called the pH of
water. Water testing below 6.9 pH is acidic. The
lower the pH reading, the greater the acidity. A neu-
tralizer filter or a chemical feed pump are usually rec-
ommended to treat acid water.
SEDIMENT is fine, foreign material particles sus-
pended in water. This material is most often clay or
silt. Extreme amounts of sediment may give the
water a cloudy appearance. A sediment filter nor-
mally corrects this condition.
HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SOFT WATER SERVICE, AND REGENERATION ...see illustrations, page 15
SERVICE
When the softener is providing soft water, it is called
"Service". During service, hard water flows from the
house main water pipe into the softener. Inside the
softener 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
hardness minerals. This is called ion-exchanging. It
is much like a magnet attracting and holding metals.
Water without the hardness minerals (soft water)
flows from the softener and to the house pipes.
After a period of time, the resin beads hold all of the
hardness minerals they can and cleaning is needed
to remove them. This cleaning is called regenera-
tion, or recharge. The demand timer automatically
determines when regenerations occur.
Regeneration is started at 2:00 a.m. (factory setting)
by the softener timer, and consists of 5 stages or
cycles. These are: FILL, BRINING, BRINE RINSE,
BACKWASH, and FAST RINSE.
REGENERATION
"FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine.
Brine is needed to clean the hardness minerals from
the resin beads. To make the brine, water flows into
the salt storage area during the fill stage as shown
on page 15.
"BRINING: During brining, brine travels from the
salt storage area, into the resin tank. Brine is the
cleaning agent needed to remove the hardness min-
erals from the resin beads. The hardness minerals,
and brine are discharged to the drain.
The nozzle and venturi create a suction to move the
brine, maintaining a very slow rate to get the best
resin cleaning with the least salt.
"BRINE RINSE: After a pre-measured amount of
brine is used, the brine valve closes. Water contin-
ues to flow in the same path as during brining,
except for the discontinued brine flow. Hardness
minerals and brine flush from the resin tank, to the
drain.
"BACKWASH: During backwash, water travels up
through the resin tank at a fast flow rate, flushing
accumulated iron, dirt, and sediments from the resin
bed and to 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 softener returns to soft water
service.
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 refill with the hard water.
14

WATER FLOW THROUGH SOFTENER
15

GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE
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 softener
valve and timer. However, you must keep the tank
full of salt.
NOTE: In humid areas, it is best to fill with less salt,
more often.
WHEN TO ADD SALT: Check the salt level a few
weeks after you install the softener and every week
after that. Add when the brine tank is from 1/3 to 1/2
full. Never allow the softener to use all the salt
before you add more. Without salt, you will soon
have hard water.
Use clean water softener salt only, at least 99.5%
pure. NUGGET, PELLET or coarse SOLAR salts are
recommended. Do not use rock, block, granulated,
and ice cream making salts. They contain dirt and
sediments, or mush and cake, and will create main-
tenance problems.
NOTE: WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON
REMOVING ADDITIVES: Some salts have an addi-
tive to help the softener handle iron in the water sup-
ply. Although this additive may help to keep the sof-
tener resin clean, it may also release corrosive
fumes that weaken and shorten the life of some sof-
tener parts.
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 care-
fully 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, pellet or coarse solar
salt only. In humid areas, it is best to fill with less
salt, more often.
CLEANING IRON OUT OF THE WATER SOFTENER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Your water softener takes hardness minerals (calci-
um and magnesium) out of the water. Also, it can
control some (see specifications, page 4) "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 softener 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 max-
imum of clear water iron, an iron filter or other equip-
ment is needed. Your local dealer has trained people
to help you with iron water problems.
If your water supply has clear water iron, periodic
resin bed cleaning is needed. Clean the bed at least
every 6 months, or more often if iron appears in the
soft water between treatments. Follow directions on
the resin bed cleaner container.
16

GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE, continued
CLEANING THE NOZZLE AND VENTURI ASSEMBLY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the sof-
tener to work right. This small unit makes the suc-
tion to move brine from the salt storage area to the
resin tank during regeneration. If it becomes plugged
with sand, silt, dirt, etc., the softener will not work and
you will get hard water.
To get to the nozzle and venturi, remove the soften-
er top cover. Be sure the softener is in service cycle
(no water pressure at nozzle and venturi). Then,
while holding the nozzle & venturi housing with one
hand, turn off 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.
Lubricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease and
place in position. Install and tighten the cap, BY
HAND ONLY. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN AND
BREAK THE CAP OR HOUSING.
SERVICE CHECKLIST
$No salt in storage tank: See page 16 to add, then
start a regeneration, or recharge.
$Transformer unplugged at wall outlet, or dis-
connected from timer: Reconnect to electrical
power and start a regeneration, or recharge.
$Fuse blown, circuit breaker popped, or circuit
mistakenly switched off: Check and resolve as
needed. Then, start a regeneration, or recharge.
$Plumbing bypass valve(s) in ''bypass'' posi-
tion: Refer to page 6 and position valve(s) as need-
ed to direct soft water to house pipes. Then, start a
regeneration, or recharge.
$Timer not programmed: See…Electronic
Demand Timer - page 10.
$Nozzle & venturi dirty, or salt in storage tank
bridged: See page 16 and above to clean. Then,
start a regeneration, or recharge.
$Possible increase in water hardness:
See…Electronic Demand Timer - page 11.
$Hot water used when softener is regenerating:
The water heater will refill with hard water... see
Automatic Hard Water Bypass During
Regenerations, page 14.
$Leaking faucet or toilet valve: A small leak will
waste hundreds of gallons of water in just a few
days. Fix all water leaks immediately.
NO SOFT WATER WATER INTERMITTENTLY HARD
17

ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, AND SERVICE
NOTE: SEE PAGE 10 TO SET THE TIMER TO THE CORRECT TIME OF DAY, WATER HARDNESS NUMBER, AND
RECHARGE START TIME.
NORMAL OPERATION, TIMER DISPLAYS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
During normal operation, the present time of day,
and AM or PM, show in the time display area.
feature: OPTIONAL RECHARGE CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sometimes, a manually started regeneration (recharge) may be desired, or needed. Two examples are:
... You have used more water than usual (house guests, extra washing, etc.) and you may run out of soft
water before the next regeneration.
... You did not refill the storage tank with salt before it was all gone.
Use one of the following features to start a regeneration immediately, or at the next preset regeneration start
time.
RECHARGE NOW
Press and hold in the
RECHARGE button until
RECHARGE NOW starts to
flash in the time display area.
The softener begins an imme-
diate regeneration, and when over in about two
hours, you will have a new supply of soft water.
Once started, you cannot cancel this regeneration.
RECHARGE TONIGHT
Press and release the
RECHARGE button, and
RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes
in the time display area. A
regeneration will occur at the
next preset regeneration start time. If you decide to
cancel this regeneration, touch the same button
once more.
VACATION NOTE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MW-25 Demand water softeners regenerate only while water is used and softening capacity must be
restored. For this reason, the softener will not regenerate when you are away from home for extended peri-
ods.
feature: PROGRAM MEMORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If electrical power to the softener is interrupted, the
time display is blank, but the timer keeps correct
time for about 6 hours. When power is restored, you
have to reset the present time only if the display is
flashing. All other settings are maintained and never
require resetting unless a change is desired.
If the time is flashing after a long power outage, the
softener continues to work as it should to provide
you with soft water. However, regenerations may
occur at the wrong time of day until you reset the
timer to the correct time of day, page 10.
feature: SALT EFFICIENCY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
When this feature is ON, the unit will operate at salt
efficiencies of 4000 grains of hardness per pound of
salt or higher. (May recharge more often using
smaller salt dosage and less water). Press and hold
the SELECT button for 3 seconds until the following
screen is displayed.
Press and release the SELECT button once and the
SALT EFFICIENCY display shows. Use the UP /
DOWN buttons to change the ON / OFF displays.
Press SELECT once more to return to normal oper-
ating screens. When this is ON the efficiency icon
will show in the upper right hand corner of the dis-
play.
18

ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, AND SERVICE, continued
California Efficiency Requirement
Your water softener has a "High Efficiency" feature with an "ON" or "OFF" setting. This softener setting is
shipped in the "OFF" position, which utilizes the maximum rated capacity while most often achieving maxi-
mum salt efficiencies. When installing this unit in the State of California, you MUST turn this setting to the
"ON" position which may initiate more frequent recharges, however it will operate at 4000 grains per pound
of salt or higher.
If you wish to turn the Salt Efficiency feature "ON" ( icon will show in display), follow the instructions on
page 18.
feature / service: AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The timer computer has a self-diagnostic function for
the electrical system (except input power and water
meter). The computer monitors the electronic com-
ponents and circuits for correct operation. If a mal-
function occurs, an error code appears in the timer
display.
The following chart (below) shows the error codes
that could appear, and possible defects for each
code.
While an error code is dis-
played, all timer buttons are
inoperable except for the
SELECT button. SELECT
remains operational so the
service person can make the Manual Initiated
Electronic Diagnostics to further isolate the defect,
and check the water meter.
ERROR CODE DISPLAYED
Err 01 Err 03 Err 04 Err 05
POSSIBLE #wiring harness, or connection to switch #position switch #motor inoperative #timer (PWA)
DEFECT #valve defect causing high torque
TO REMOVE AN ERROR CODE: (1) unplug transformer (2) correct defect (3) plug transformer in (4) Wait for at
least 12 minutes. The error code will return if the reason for the error code was not corrected.
service: TIMER / SOFTENER, SERVICE CHECKOUT PROCEDURE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
If you are not getting soft water, and an error code is
not displayed, use the procedures below to find the
problem. First, make the following visual checks.
VISUAL CHECKS: (1) Is there electrical power to the
outlet the softener transformer is plugged into? (2)
Is there salt in the storage tank? (3) Is the plumbing
bypass valve(s) directing water for soft water serv-
ice? -see page 6- (4) Is the valve drain hose open
to the drain, not elevated too high, and unobstruct-
ed? If you do not find a problem with the visual
checks, continue below.
NO SOFT WATER
TIMER SHOWS WRONG TIME
AND DAY, AND/OR IS FLASHING
Electricalpowerwasoff.Re
setthecorrecttimeofday..
Investigatereasonforpower
loss.Besureoutletforsoftener
cannotbeswitchedoff.
TIMER DISPLAY BLANK
Checkelectricalpowertotimer
(outlet,transformer,power
cable,allconnections.
NO POWER
POWER OKAY
REPAIR AS
N E E D E D
TIMER
DEFECTIVE
TIMER DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECT
TIME AND DAY, AND IS STEADY Do manual
diagnostics
Do manual diag
nosticstoverify
properfunction.
19

ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, AND SERVICE, continued
service: MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS DIAGNOSTIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. To enter diagnostics, press and hold the SELECT
button until (000 - -) shows in the display.
Use the RECHARGE button to manually advance
the valve into each cycle and check correct switch
operation.
CORRECT VALVE CYCLE STATUS
SWITCH
DISPLAYS
- - Valve in service, fill, brining,
backwash or fast rinse
position.
- P Valve rotating from one
position to another.
(C) While 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 face plate.
(A)The first 3 digits indicate water meter operation
as follows:
#000 (steady) = soft water not in use…no flow
through the meter.
- OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET -
#000 to 199 (continual) = repeats display for each
gallon of water passing through the meter.
If you don't get a reading in the display, with faucet
open, pull the sensor from the valve outlet port.
Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the
sensor. You should get a reading in the display. If
you get a reading, unhook the in and out plumbing
and check the turbine for binding.
(B) The letter (P) and dash(es) indicate POSITION
switch operation. The letter appearing means the
switch is closed; the dash means the switch is open.
…Press the UP button to
display the number of days
this face plate has had elec-
trical power applied.
…Press the DOWN button
to display the number of
regenerations initiated by
this face plate since the
model code number was
entered.
2. Press the SELECT button
and hold in 3 seconds until a
model code appears in the
display.
For correct softener operation, the SR number
must be SR14.
To reset the code, press the UP or DOWN button
until the correst number shows.
3. Press SELECT to return the present time display.
If the code was changed, make ALL the timer set-
tings, pages 10 and 11.
20
NOTE: If the face plate is left in a diagnostic display (or a flashing dis-
play when setting times or hardness), present time automatically returns
if a button is not pressed within 4 minutes.