Miracle Water MW-40 User manual

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..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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, hurricane, 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 representative to assume for us
any other obligations on the sale of this water softener.
Should a defect or malfunction occur, contact your contractor. If you are unable to contact your contractor, 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 telephone 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.)
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 AN OVER CURRENT DEVICE SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE. IF TRANSFORMER
IS REPLACED, USE ONLY THE AUTHORIZED SERVICE, CLASS II, 24 VOLT, 10VA TRANSFORMER.
THIS SYSTEM 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.
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..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
UNPACKING / INSPECTION
The softener is shipped in one carton. It is completely
assembled at the factory, except as required at
installation.
Be sure to check the entire softener for any shipping
damage or parts loss. Also note damage to the
shipping cartons. Contact the transportation company
for all damage and loss claims. The manufacturer is
not responsible for damages in transit.
Small parts, needed to install the softener, are in a
parts bag. To avoid loss of the small parts, keep them
in the parts bag until you are ready to use them.
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 MW-40 DEMAND TIMER ................................................................................ 10 -11
SANITIZING PROCEDURES .....................................................................................................................11
WATER AND WATER CONDITIONING ............................................................................................. 12 - 13
HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS .......................................................................................... 13 - 14
GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE ............................................................................. 15 - 16
MW-40 DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, SETTINGS, AND SERVICE ................................................. 17 - 24
TIMER DISPLAYS .................................................................................................................................17
OPTIONAL RECHARGE CONTROLS .......................................................................................... 17 - 18
PROGRAM MEMORY ...........................................................................................................................18
RECHARGE (START) TIME, MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS,
EFFICIENCY MODE, 97% FEATURE, HEAVY DUTY BACKWASH ........................................... 18 - 19
MODEL CODE, 12 OR 24 HOUR CLOCK, GALLONS OR LITERS MEASURE...................................20
AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS .......................................................................................21
ELECTRONIC SYSTEM PROFILE .......................................................................................................21
HOW TO SEND AND ESP TRANSMISSION ........................................................................................22
SERVICE CHECKOUT PROCEDURES ..............................................................................................23
MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS DIAGNOSTIC.................................................................... 23 - 24
MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK ..................................................................................24
WIRING SCHEMATIC ...........................................................................................................................24
WATER FLOW THROUGH VALVE.............................................................................................................25
REPAIR PARTS ................................................................................................................................. 26 - 29
PARTS RETURN TAGS ..............................................................................................................................31
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..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS
MODEL MW-40
RATED CAPACITY See Rating Decal, Located On The Softener
RATED EFFICIENCY ! See Rating Decal, Located On The Softener
AMOUNT OF HIGH CAPACITY RESIN (lbs / cu ft) 55.1 / 1.06
RESIN TANK NOMINAL SIZE (in., dia x height) 9 x 40
SERVICE FLOW RATE (gpm) 10
PRESSURE DROP AT SERVICE FLOW 14
WATER SUPPLY MAXIMUM HARDNESS (gpg) 110
WATER SUPPLY MAX. CLEAR WATER IRON (ppm) " 8
WATER PRESSURE LIMITS (min. / max. psi) # 20 – 125
WATER TEMPERATURE LIMITS (oF) 40 – 120
WATER SUPPLY MINIMUM FLOW RATE (gpm) 3
REGENERATION CYCLE FLOW RATES (gpm)
FILL (flow to brine tank) .3
BRINING 0.22
BRINE RINSE 0.15
BACKWASH 2.0
FAST RINSE
(flow to drain)
2.0
These systems conform to NSF/ANSI 44 for specific performance claims as verified and substantiated by test data.
! Efficiency rating is only valid at the lowest salt dosage. These softeners were efficiency rated according to NSF/ANSI Standard 44.
" Capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data.
# Canada working pressure: 1.4 – 7.0 kg/cm2.
MW-40
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..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION
! WHERE TO 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 SOFTENER.
Temperature of water passing through the
softener 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 covered
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
softener. The transformer has an attached 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, installation
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
! TOOLS, PIPE and FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED (see page 6) ..............
! In and out fittings included with the softener are 1”
(nominal) copper sweat tubes. To maintain full valve
flow, 1” pipes to and from the softener fittings are
recommended. You should maintain the same, or
larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the
softener inlet and outlet.
! Use copper, brass, or galvanized pipe and fittings.
Some codes may also allow CPVC plastic pipe.
! ALWAYS install the included bypass valve, 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 (5/8” inside diameter) is needed for the
valve drain. See step 5 on page 8. A 15’ length of
hose is included with some models.
! A length of 3/8” or 7/16” inside diameter hose is
needed for the salt tank drain. A 7’ length of hose is
included with some models. If a longer length is
needed, you can buy good quality, thick-wall, flexible
hose at most hardware stores or supply houses.
! If a rigid valve drain is needed, to comply with
plumbing codes, you can buy the parts needed (see
page 8) to connect a ½ in. copper tubing drain.
! Nugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to fill
the brine tank (see page 9, 10 and 16).
! 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
brass/galvanized? What is the pipe size?
Now look at the typical INSTALLATION illustration on
page 6. Use it as a guide when planning your
particular installation. Be sure to direct raw, hard
water to the softener valve inlet fitting. The valve is
marked IN and OUT.
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..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
TYPICAL SOLDERED COPPER or CPVC
6

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
INSTALLATION STEPS
1. INSTALL BYPASS VALVE and/or COPPER
TUBES
NOTE: Before installing the copper tubes or bypass valve,
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.
" Slide copper tubes, with lubricated o-ring seals in
place, into the valve inlet and outlet ports, Figure 1A
- OR –
" Push the bypass valve, with lubricated o-ring seals in
place, into the valve inlet and outlet ports, 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 copper tubes, or bypass valve, to make
sure they held securely in place.
2. INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW
FITTINGS
" Insert the rubber grommet into the ¾” 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 ASSEMBLY INTO
INSTALLATION POSITION
" Be sure the installation surface is level and smooth. If
needed, place the tank on a section of ¾” 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 while
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).
continued
7

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
INSTALLATION STEPS, continued
" If making a soldered copper installation, do all sweat
soldering before connecting pipes to the softener
fittings. Torch heat will damage plastic parts.
" When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic fittings,
use care not to cross-thread.
" Use pipe joint compound on all external pipe threads.
" Support inlet and outlet plumbing in some manner (use
pipe hangers) to keep the weight off of the valve fittings.
5. INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP (IF NEEDED):
" To maintain electrical ground continuity in the house cold
water piping, install the included ground clamp as shown.
Be sure the pipes are clean under the clamps, to assure
good contact.
6. CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN
HOSE:
" Take a length of 5/8” inside diameter hose and attach
to the valve drain fitting.
" 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: If a longer length of hose is needed, buy
and 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.
" Tie or wire the hose in place at the drain point. Water
pressure will cause it to whip during the backwash and
fast rinse cycles of regeneration. Also provide an air gap
of at least 1-1/2” between the end of the hose and the
drain point. An air gap prevents possible siphoning of
sewer water, into the softener, if the sewer should ‘‘back-
up’’.
" 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.
continued
8

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
INSTALLATION STEPS, CONTINUED
7. CONNECT AND RUN THE BRINE TANK
OVERFLOW HOSE:
This drain is for safety only. If the brine tank should
over-fill with water, the excess is carried to the drain.
" Attach a length of hose (included with some
models) to the drain elbow, installed in step 2, page 7.
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. Do not tee this hose to the valve d in hose.
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 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 inward to BYPASS, see
page 8. 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, pull the
valve stem outward to ‘‘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.
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
three gallons of water into the tank. Do not add into
the brinewell.
"Fill the tank with NUGGET, PELLET or coarse
SOLAR water softener salt. Do not use rock, block,
granulated, and ice cream making salts, or salt with
iron removing additives. Also see page 16. Salt
storage capacity is 200 lbs or more (varies by model).
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 (see salt bridging in the
maintenance section). Eighty to 100 lbs of salt will last
for several months, depending on water hardness,
family size, and model of softener.
10. CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER:
" The softener works on 120 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.
11. PROGRAM THE MW-40 DEMAND
TIMER, page 10.
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..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
PROGRAMMING THE MW-40 DEMAND TIMER
" TIMER SETTINGS REQUIRED...upon installation, and after an extended power outage (see Program Memory,
page 19).
NOTES:
# WHEN THE TRANSFORMER IS PLUGGED INTO THE ELECTRICAL OUTLET (STEP 10, ABOVE), 12:00AM
(flashing), and PRESENT TIME show in the upper display area. Program the timer as follows. If A- - - is flashing,
please see Model Code setting on page 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 or arrow you have pressed, and you
should use another.
# To program the timer, you will use the either SET, UP or DOWN buttons.
! SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY....................................................................................................
NOTE: If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the display, press the SET button until they do.
1. Press the SET, UP or DOWN button to set. The UP
button moves the display ahead; the DOWN button
moves the time backward.
NOTE: Each press of the UP or DOWN button arrow
changes the time by one minute. Holding the buttons
in changes the time 32 minutes each second.
2. When the present time shows, press SET to apply.
If the present time is between
noon and midnight, be sure PM
shows.
If the present time is between
midnight and noon, be sure AM
shows.
MW-40
MW-40
10

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
PROGRAMMING THE MW-40 DEMAND TIMER
! SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER..........................................................................................
NOTE: If 25 (factory default) and HARDNESS do not show in the display, press the SET button until they do.
1. Press the SET, UP or DOWN button to set your
water hardness number in the display. The DOWN
button moves the display down to 1. The UP button
moves the display up to 95,110, or 120, depending on
the model code.
NOTE: Each press of the UP or DOWN button
changes the display by 1 between 1 and 25. Above
25, the display changes 5 at a time; 25, 30, 35, etc.
Holding a button in changes the numbers twice each
second.
2. When your water hardness
number shows, press SET to
apply.
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.
The special features of your timer are explained on pages 17, 18 and 19.
TO COMPLETE THE INSTALLATION, DO THE SANITIZING BELOW.
SANITIZING PROCEDURES
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water
softener clean and sanitary. Materials used to make
the softener will not infect or contaminate your water
supply, and will not cause bacteria to form or grow.
However, during shipping, storage, installing and
operating, bacteria could get into the softener. For this
reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested § when
installing.
1. Be sure to complete all installation steps, including
timer programming.
2. Pour about ¾ 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
regeneration. The bleach is drawn into and through
the water softener to sanitize it. This sanitizing
regeneration is over in about two 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 suggest
periodic sanitizing.
NOTE: When the above sanitizing regeneration is over, all remaining bleach is flushed from the conditioner
and your house COLD water supply is fully soft immediately. However, your water heater is filled with
hard water and, as hot water is used, it will refill with soft water. When all the hard water is replaced, in the
water heater, hot only, and mixed hot and cold water will be fully soft. If you want totally soft water
immediately, after the above regeneration, drain the water heater until the water runs cold. If you do drain
the water heater, use extreme care as the hot water could cause severe burns.
11

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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 atmosphere.
Landing on earth, it seeps over and through the
ground, dissolving earth minerals. Passing through
limestone, it dissolves calcium and magnesium, the
hardness minerals. Iron deposits impart iron to the
water. Acidity and sediments are other water
conditions.
Municipal water supplies come from surface
reservoirs, 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 eliminated. The water is conditioned to comply with
certain 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 chemical
analysis accurately measures the amount of minerals
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 5 aspirin
tablets. Water hardness varies greatly across the
country. It generally contains from 3 to 100 gpg.
Hard water affects living in general. Hardness minerals
combine with soap to make a soap curd. The curd
greatly reduces the cleaning action of soap.
Precipitated hardness minerals form a crust on
cooking 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 organically
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 suspended
particles. After the water stands for a period of time,
the particles settle to th bottom of the container.
Generally these irons are removed from water by
filtration. Chlorination is also recommended for
bacterial iron.
$ Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of ferric or
ferrous form that will not filter or exchange out of
water. In some instancesces, treatment may improve
colloidal iron water, but always CONSULT A
QUALIFIED 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
settle, but remains suspended in the water.
continued
12

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
Iron in water causes stains on clothing and plumbing
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 neutralizer filter or a
chemical feed pump are usually recommended to treat
acid water.
SEDIMENT is fine, foreign material particles
suspended in water. This material is most often clay or
silt. Extreme amounts of sediment may give the water
a cloudy appearance. A sediment filter normally
corrects this condition.
HOW THE WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SOFT WATER SERVICE, AND REGENERATION, see illustrations, page 14.............................
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 become coated with hardness
minerals and they have to be cleaned. This cleaning is
called regeneration, or recharge. The Ultra 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 14.
# BRINING: During brining, brine travels from the salt
storage area, into the resin tank. Brine is the cleaning
agent needed to remove the hardness minerals 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 continues
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.
13

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
14

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE
CHECKING THE SALT STORAGE LEVEL, AND REFILLING (also see page 9) .........................
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. In humid areas, it is best to fill with less
salt, more often.
WHEN TO REFILL WITH 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
½ full. Never allow the softener to use all the salt
before you refill it. 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
maintenance problems.
NOTE: WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON
REMOVING ADDITIVES: Some salts have an additive
to help the softener handle iron in the water supply.
Although this additive may help to keep the softener
resin clean, it may also release corrosive fumes that
weaken and shorten the life of some softener 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 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.
CLEANING IRON OUT OF THE WATER SOFTENER ...................................................................
Your water softener takes hardness minerals (calcium
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 maximum of clear water iron, an iron
filter or other equipment is needed. Your local
contractor 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.
15

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
GENERAL WATER SOFTENER MAINTENANCE, continued
CLEANING THE NOZZLE AND VENTURI ASSEMBLY.................................................................
A clean nozzle and venturi is needed for the
softener to work right. This small unit makes the
suction to move brine from the salt storage area to the
resin tank during regeneration. If the nozzle and
venturi 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 softener
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: Models in this manual have a small flow plug
located in the nozzle and venturi, and a small cone
shaped screen in the housing. Be sure to check and
clean these parts.
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 SOFT WATER
" No salt in storage tank: See page 15 to refill, then
start a regeneration, or recharge.
" Transformer unplugged at wall outlet, or
disconnected 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’’ position:
Refer to page 6 or 8 and position valve(s) for ‘‘service’’ to
direct soft water to house pipes. Then, start a
regeneration, or recharge.
" Timer not programmed: See pages 10 and 11.
" Nozzle & venturi dirty, or salt in storage tank
bridged: See page 15 and above to clean. Then, start a
regeneration, or recharge.
WATER INTERMITTENTLY HARD
" Possible increase in water hardness: See 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 13.
" 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.
16

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
MW-40 DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, SETTINGS, AND SERVICE
NOTE: SEE PAGES 10 and 11 TO SET THE TIMER TO THE CORRECT TIME OF DAY, AND WATER HARDNESS NUMBER.
NORMAL OPERATION, TIMER DISPLAY......................................................................................
During normal operation, the
present time of day, and AM or
PM, show in the time display area.
When the demand computer
determines a regeneration is
needed, RECHARGE TONIGHT
begins to flash in the display,
along with the present time.
RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes until
the next regeneration start time, then
changes to RECHARGE NOW, which
flashes until the regeneration is over.
The display also shows the current
cycle in the regeneration process.
When the valve is in transition
between cycles, both indicators flash.
feature: OTHER DATA DISPLAYS.................................................................................................
With repeated presses of the DATA button, you can scan
through four displays of operational information. This data
appears in the bottom portion of
the display area. These are:
CAPACITY (remaining) - This is
the percentage of water softening
capacity remaining. Immediately
after a regeneration, 100% shows.
Then, as water is used, the
percentage decreases until the
next regeneration. During
regenerations, the percentage
increments upward.
NOTE: Zero (0%) shows until after the first regeneration
begins, after connecting to electrical power.
FLOW RATE, GPM* - When using
soft water, this display shows the
gallon per minute flow rate
passing through the softener. Zero
shows if water is not in use.
GALLONS* TODAY - Each day,
beginning at midnight, the timer
keeps a running count of the total
gallons of water passing through
the softener.
AVERAGE DAILY GALLONS* -
The figure displayed is the
average gallons of water used by
the household each day, over the
past 7 day period.
*If preferred, you can set the timer to show the reading in liters instead of gallons, see page 20. If gallons today, or
average daily gallons exceeds 1999, a (x 10) indicator appears. This means you must multiply the number shown
times 10.
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.
continued
17

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
MW-40 DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, SETTINGS, AND SERVICE, continued
RECHARGE NOW
Press and hold in the RECHARGE button until
RECHARGE NOW starts to flash in the time display
area. The softener begins an immediate regeneration,
and when over in about 2 hours, you will have a new
supply of soft water. Once started, you cannot cancel
this regeneration.
RECHARGE TONIGHT
Touch (do not hold) 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, before it has started, touch the same
button once more.
VACATION NOTE ...........................................................................................................................
The MW-40 water softener regenerates 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 periods.
feature: PROGRAM MEMORY .......................................................................................................
If electrical power to the softener is interrupted, the
time display is blank, but the timer keeps correct time
for about 24 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.
setting: REGENERATION (STARTING) TIME, MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS,
EFFICIENCY MODE, HEAVY DUTY BACKWASH AND 97% FEATURE .....................................................
NOTE: Each of these settings has a factory set default value. The defaults are: Regeneration start time - 2:00AM;
Maximum days between regenerations - 0 (display shows dY -); Efficiency Mode – 97% – OFF; Heavy duty backwash
- OFF. The defaults suit most installations. However, depending on water supply quality, household peak water use
hours, etc., adjustment is available to meet specific needs. To make a change, read and do the following.
continued
18

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
MW-40 DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, SETTINGS, AND SERVICE, continued
REGENERATION (START) TIME: At the 2:00AM
regeneration start time, the softener begins regenerations
at that time, ending no later than 4:00AM. This is a good
time in most households because water is not in use (see
Automatic Bypass on page 13). If a different time would be
better for your needs, do steps 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 to
change the starting hour.
MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS: The
default setting allows the timer to control regeneration
frequency based on water usage readings from the water
meter. It provides the most economical operation. You can
set a maximum time (in days) between regenerations. For
example, no more than 3 days will pass without a
regeneration occurring if you set dY 3 in the display. A 1 to
7 day setting is available. To make a change from the
default setting, do steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 and 10.
EFFICIENCY MODE: 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). When this is ON the
efficiency icon will show in the lower right hand corner of
the display. To make a change from the default setting, do
step 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10.
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 maximum 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 this page.
HEAVY DUTY BACKWASH: When set to ON, the
backwash cycle of regeneration will be 10 minutes long
instead of the normal 7 minute length. This is beneficial on
some water supplies high in iron or sediment content. To
conserve water, on clean supplies, be sure OFF shows. To
change this setting, do steps 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10.
SET 97% FEATURE: By setting to ON, unit will
automatically recharge when 97% capacity has been used,
at any time of day. To change this setting, do steps 1, 2, 4,
6, 8, 9 and 10.
1. Beginning from the present
time display, press and hold in
the SET button until 2:00 AM
begins to flash, RECHARGE
TIME remains steady.
2. Press the UP or DOWN
button to display the desired
start time. The UP button moves
the time ahead; the DOWN
button moves the time
backward. Press the SET button
to select time and move to next
setting.
3. dY - flashes, with
RECHARGE remaining steady.
Pressing the up button will
increase the number of days, the
down button will decrease the
number of days.
4. Press the SET button to select and move to next setting.
5. On flashes and the efficiency
mode icon shows in the lower
right hand corner of the screen.
Use the up or down buttons to
toggle the efficiency mode either
ON or OFF.
6. Press the SET button to select and move to next setting.
7. HEAVY BACKWASH and
flashing OFF shows in the
display. Use the up or down
buttons to toggle the heavy
backwash either ON or OFF.
8. Press the SET button to select and move to next setting.
9. Display toggles between 97
Recharge and OFF. Use the up
or down buttons to toggle this
setting either ON or OFF.
10. Press the SET button to select and return to the
present time display.
19

..................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
MW-40 DEMAND TIMER FEATURES, SETTINGS, AND SERVICE, continued
setting: MODEL CODE, 12 OR 24 HOUR CLOCK, AND GALLONS OR LITERS MEASURE .....
NOTE: The model code is factory set at assembly and testing. The hour clock and water measure have factory set
default values. The defaults are: 12 or 24 hour clock - 12; Gallons or liters measure - gallons. The model code should
never require resetting, but to check, or to set if previously omitted, read below. The defaults suit most installations.
However, to make a change, read and do the following.
MODEL CODE: The timer must have the right model
code set to operate the softener correctly. The correct
code setting is:
! For model MW-40, it must show A-31.
If A- - - is flashing in the display, do steps 2, 3, 5 and
7.
12 OR 24 HOUR CLOCK: With 12 hr set, all time
displays are in standard clock time... 12:00AM to
11:59PM. If 24 hr is set, time displays are in military
time... 0100 (1:00AM) to 0000 (midnight). To change
from the 12 hr setting, do steps 1, 3, 4, 5 and 7.
GALLONS OR LITERS MEASURE: All water flow
rate and usage displays are in gallons with the default
GALS setting. If reset to liters, the same displays are
shown in liters. Use steps 1, 3, 5, 6 and 7 to change.
1. Beginning from the present
time display, press and hold in
the SET button until 2:00 AM
(or as otherwise set), and
RECHARGE TIME begin to
flash.
2. Press and hold in the SET
button again. Either A- - - or
a previously set code will
appear. If setting is needed,
use the up or down button to
set A-31 as needed.
3. Press SET to select and move to next screen.
4. 12 hr flashes along with
TIME. To change the display
to 24hr, use the up button. Use
the down button to reset to
12hr.
5. Press SET to select and move to next screen.
6. GALS flashes, along with
GALLONS. Use the up button
to change to the liter setting.
Use the down button to return
to the gallon setting.
7. Press the SET button a final time to return to the
present time display.
20