Miracle Water MW-25 User manual

OWNERS MANUAL
How to maintain and operate
your Miracle Water
MW-25
Water Softener
Part No.450215

......................................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 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 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 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.
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......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
UNPACKING / INSPECTION
The softener is shipped in one master carton. The
softeners 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.
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
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DESIGN SPECIFICATIONS / DIMENSIONS
MODEL
MW-25
RATED CAPACITY
RATED EFFICIENCY Â See Rating Decal Located On The Softener
AMOUNT OF HIGH CAPACITY RESIN (lbs / cu ft) 36.4 / .70
RESIN TANK NOMINAL SIZE (in., dia x height) 8 x 40
SERVICE FLOW RATE (gpm)
PRESSURE DROP AT RATED SERVICE FLOW (psig) See Rating Decal Located On The Softener
WATER SUPPLY MAXIMUM HARDNESS (gpg) 70
WATER SUPPLY MAX. CLEAR WATER IRON (ppm)  5
WATER PRESSURE LIMITS (min. / max. psi) z 20 – 125
WATER TEMPERATURE LIMITS (Min. / Max. oF) 40 – 120
WATER SUPPLY MINIMUM FLOW RATE (gpm) 3
REGENERATION CYCLE FLOW RATES (gpm)
FILL (flow to brine tank) .3
BRINING .15
BRINE RINSE (flow to drain) .10
MAX. BACKWASH 2.2
MAX. FAST RINSE 2.2
Capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data.
These softeners conform to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific capacity claims as verified and substantiated by test data.
ÂEfficiency rating is valid only at the minimum stated salt dose. These softeners were efficiency rated according to NSF/ANSI 44.
zCanada working pressure limits: 1.4 – 7.0 kg/cm2
MW-25
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..........................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
BEFORE STARTING INSTALLATION
³WHERE 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 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, 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.
³TOOLS, PIPE and FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS YOU WILL NEED
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 needed
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).
³PLAN HOW YOU WILL INSTALL THE SOFTENER
You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to the
softener. Look at the house main water pipe at the point
where you will connect the softener. Is the pipe
soldered copper, glued plastic, or threaded galvanized?
What is the pipe size?
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
¹
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..........................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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.
³Push the bypass valve (lubricate o-ring seals) into
both ports of the valve…Figures 1A and 1C.
³Snap 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
FITTINGS:
³Insert the rubber grommet into the 3/4” diameter hole
in the brine tank sidewall...see page 9.
³Push the barbed end of the hose adaptor elbow into
the grommet.
3. MOVE THE SOFTENER INTO INSTALLATION
POSITION:
³Be 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.
³Turn off the house water supply valve and open
faucets to relieve pressure in the pipes.
³BE SURE RAW, HARD WATER IS DIRECTED TO
THE VALVE INLET PORT.
³Be sure to use bypass valve(s).
³If making a soldered copper installation, do all sweat
soldering before connecting pipes to the softener
fittings. Torch heat will damage plastic parts. continued
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..........................................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
³Tie 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”.
³If 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.
³Put grounding clamps (see step 5) on copper tubes
before soldering.
³When turning threaded pipe fittings onto plastic
fittings, use care not to cross-thread.
³Use pipe joint compound on all external pipe
threads.
³Support 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):
³To 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.
6.CONNECT AND RUN THE VALVE DRAIN
HOSE:
³Take 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.
³Locate 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)
³NOTE: Move the softener into installation location.
³Attach 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.
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......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
INSTALLATION STEPS, continued
³Locate 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.
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 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.
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:
³Remove the salt storage area cover. Add about 3
gallons of water into the tank. DO NOT ADD INTO THE
BRINEWELL.
³*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 basement 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 hardness, family size, and
model of softener.
10.CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER:
³The 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 electrical outlet.
11. PROGRAM THE TIMER:
³ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER…see pages
10 and 11.
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......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
PROGRAMMING THE ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER
MW-25
³TIMER SETTINGS REQUIRED...upon installation, and after an extended power outage (see Program Memory,
page 18).
NOTES:
yWHEN 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 SR - - is
flashing, use the UP + button to set the code to SR20. If you pass be 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.
yA “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.
yTo set the timer, you will use the UP +, DOWN – and SELECT buttons.
³SET 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 midnight,
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.
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......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
PROGRAMMING THE ELECTRONIC DEMAND TIMER, continued
³SET 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 button 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.
³SET 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.
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......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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 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
regeneration. The bleach is drawn into and
through the water softener to sanitize it. This
sanitizing regeneration 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
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 water could cause severe burns.
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......................................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 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
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 the bottom of the container.
Generally these irons are removed from water by
filtration. Chlorination is also recommended for
bacterial iron.
continued
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......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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 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.
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 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 regeneration, 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
zFILL: 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.
zBRINING: 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.
zBRINE 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.
zBACKWASH: 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.
zFAST 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

......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
WATER FLOW THROUGH SOFTENER
15

......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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
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, 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 (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 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

......................................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 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 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: 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 SOFT WATER WATER INTERMITTENTLY HAD
No salt in storage tank: See page 16 to add,
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 and position valve(s) as
needed 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.
17

......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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 RECHARGE TONIGHT
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 tw
have a new supply of soft water. Once started, you
cannot cancel this regeneration.
o hours, you will
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 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 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
operating screens. When this is ON the efficiency icon
will show in the upper right hand corner of the
display.
18

......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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 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 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 components and
circuits for correct operation. If a malfunction 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 displayed, 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
°wiring harness, or connection to switch °position switch °motor inoperative
°valve defect causing high torque
°timer (PWA)
POSSIBLE
DEFECT 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 service? -
see page 6- (4) Is the valve drain hose open to the
drain, not elevated too high, and unobstructed? 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
Electrical power was off. Re
set the correct time of day.. Investigate reason for power loss. Be sure outlet for softener
cannot be switched off.
TIMER DISPLAY BLANK
Check electrical power to timer
(outlet, transformer, power
cable, all connections.
NO POWER
POWER OKAY
REPAIR AS
NEEDED
TIMER
DEFECTIVE
TIMER DISPLAY SHOWS CORRECT
TIME AND DAY, AND IS STEADY Do manual
diagnostics
Do manual diag
nostics to verify
proper function.
19

......................................AUTOMATIC WATER SOFTENER
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.
(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
witch is closed; the dash means the switch is open.s
Use the RECHARGE button to manually advance the
valve into each cycle and check correct switch
operation.
CORRECT
SWITCH
DISPLAYS
VALVE CYCLE STATUS
- - 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.
…Press the UP button to display
the number of days this face
plate has had electrical 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 SR20.
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
settings, pages 10 and 11.
NOTE: If the face plate is left in a diagnostic display (or a flashing
display when setting times or hardness), present time automatically
returns if a button is not pressed within 4 minutes.
20