Penguin Water 080-PWD Series User manual

Penguin Drop Smart WiFi
Controlled Water Softener
080-PWD-XXX

Table of Contents
Unpacking and Inspection ......................................................................................... 3
Safety Guide ...................................................................................................... 3
Before Starting Installation ........................................................................................ 4
Proper Installation .............................................................................................. 4
Tools, Pipe, Fittings, and Other Materials .......................................................... 4
System Overview ...................................................................................................... 5
System Dimensions .................................................................................................. 6
Specifications ............................................................................................................ 7
How the Water Softener Works ................................................................................. 9
Where to Install the Softener .................................................................................... 11
Softener Preparation ............................................................................................... 12
Tank Preparation .............................................................................................. 12
Valve Preparation ............................................................................................. 12
Installation Instructions ............................................................................................ 15
Valve Operation ....................................................................................................... 24
System Start-Up ...................................................................................................... 30
About The System ................................................................................................... 31
Maintenance ............................................................................................................ 32
Sanitizing Procedure ............................................................................................... 33
Warranty .................................................................................................................. 34
2

Unpacking and Inspection
Upon receipt, note damage to shipping boxes / cartons. Next, check the system including
individual parts and components for any damage or missing parts. Contact your Penguin
Water Dealer to report any issues from your inspection within 24 hours of delivery. Claims
made after 24 hours may not be honored. Please note that small parts will be in a parts
bag inside the box / carton. It is suggested to keep the small parts in the bag until you use
them.
Safety Guide
For your safety, the information in this manual must be followed to minimize the risk of
electric shock, property damage or personal injury.
• Check and comply with provincial / state
and local codes. These codes must be
followed.
• Use care when handling the system. Do
not turn upside down, drop, drag or set
on sharp protrusions.
• The water softening system and salt sen-
sor works on 12 volt-60 Hz electrical
power only. Be sure to use only the inclu-
ded transformers.
• Transformers must be plugged into an in-
door 120 volt, grounded outlet only.
• Keep the salt lid in place on the brine
tank unless servicing the unit or refilling
with salt.
•WARNING: This system is not intended
for treating water that is micro biologically
unsafe or of unknown quality without ad-
equate disinfection before or after the
system.
3

Before Starting Installation
Proper Installation
This water softening system must be properly installed and located in accordance with
the Installation Instructions before it is used or the warranty will be void.
•Do not Install or store where it will be ex-
posed to temperatures below freezing or
exposed to any type of weather. Water
freezing in the system will break it. Do
not attempt to treat water over 100°F.
•Do not install in direct sunlight. Exces-
sive sun or heat may cause distortion or
other damage to non-metallic parts.
• Properly ground to conform with all gov-
erning codes and ordinances.
• Use only lead-free solder and flux for all
sweat-solder connections as required by
state and federal codes.
• Maximum allowable inlet water pressure
is 100 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80
psi, night time pressure may exceed the
maximum. Use a pressure reducing valve
(PRV) to reduce the pressure.
• Softener resins may degrade in the pres-
ence of chlorine or chloramines above 2
ppm. If the feed water has chlorine or
chloramines in excess of this amount, it
could reduce the life of the resin. In these
conditions, a whole house carbon filter
system with a chlorine reducing media is
recommended.
•Warning: Discard all unused parts and
packaging material after installation.
Small parts remaining after the installa-
tion could be a choke hazard.
Tools, Pipe, Fittings, and Other Materials
• Channel Locks
• Screwdriver
• Teflon Tape
• Razor Knife
• Two adjustable wrenches
• Additional tools may be required if modifi-
cation to home plumbing is required.
• To maintain full valve flow, be sure the
plumbing size matches the size of the
valve. The outlet pipe should be the
same size or larger than the water supply
pipe.
• Use copper, brass, or PEX pipe and fit-
tings. Some codes may also allow PVC
Plastic pipe.
•ALWAYS install the included bypass
valve or install a 3 shut-off valve hard pi-
ped bypass. Bypass valves allow the wa-
ter to be turned off to the softener but can
still provide water to the house for water
use during repairs or service.
• 5/8" OD, 1/2" ID drain line is needed for
the valve drain.
• A length of 5/8" OD drain line tubing is
needed for the brine tank over flow fitting
(optional).
• Extra Course Grade or Crystal Solar Salt
(99.8% pure) water softener salt is nee-
ded to fill the brine tank.
4

System Overview
5

System Dimensions
Model Tank Size A B C
PWD-075 8" x 44" 50.375" 46.375" 8"
PWD-100 9" x 48" 54.375" 50.875" 9"
PWD-150 10" x 54" 60.375" 57" 10"
PWD-200 12" x 52" 58.625" 55.25" 12"
6

Specifications
Model Number PWD-075 PWD-100 PWD-150 PWD-200
Tank Size 8" x 44" 9" x 48" 10" x 54" 12" x 52"
Capacity (cu/ft) 0.75 1 1.5 2
Maximum Capacity* 27,000 Grains 35,000 Grains 53,000 Grains 70,000 Grains
High Efficiency Settings** 11,250 Grains 15,000 Grains 22,500 Grains 30,000 Grains
Salt Setting 2 lbs 3 lbs 4.5 lbs 6 lbs
Water Usage 30 Gallons 33 Gallons 41 Gallons 62 Gallons
Backwash 2 Minutes 2 Minutes 3 Minutes 4 minutes
Brine/Rinse 40 Minutes 40 Minutes 40 Minutes 50 Minutes
Fast Rinse 4 Minutes 4 Minutes 5 Minutes 6 Minutes
Brine Refill 1 Minutes 2 Minutes 3 Minutes 4 Minutes
Optimal Settings 18,000 Grains 24,000 Grains 36,000 Grains 48,000 Grains
Salt Setting 4.5 lbs 6 lbs 9 lbs 12 lbs
Water Usage 51 Gallons 72 Gallons 81 Gallons 104 Gallons
Backwash 8 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes
Brine/Rinse 50 Minutes 60 Minutes 60 Minutes 60 Minutes
Fast Rinse 8 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes
Brine Refill 3 Minutes 4 Minutes 6 Minutes 8 Minutes
Maximum Settings 24,000 Grains 32,000 Grains 48,000 Grains 64,000 Grains
Salt Setting 11 lbs 15 lbs 23 lbs 30 lbs
Water Usage 53 Gallons 67 Gallons 89 Gallons 120 Gallons
Backwash 8 Minutes 8 Minutes 10 Minutes 10 Minutes
Brine/Rinse 50 Minutes 60 Minutes 70 Minutes 80 Minutes
Fast Rinse 8 Minutes 8 Minutes 9 Minutes 10 Minutes
Brine Refill 7 Minutes 10 Minutes 16 Minutes 20 Minutes
Backwash Flow Control
(GPM)
1.5 2.0 2.4 3.5
Brine Flow Control (GPM) 0.5
Service Flow Rates 7 GPM 10 GPM 15 GPM 20 GPM
Peak Flow Rates 10 GPM 12 GPM 17 GPM 22 GPM
Pressure Drop @ Service
Flow
5-7 PSI
Pressure Drop @ Peak Flow 15-20 PSI
Water Pressure 20 PSI Min / 100 PSI Max
Water Temperature 39°F Min / 100°F Max
Plumbing Connections 1" or 3/4" MPT
Electrical Requirements 100-240V, 50/60 Hz, 0.3 A / Output 12V, 500mA
Brine Tank Size 15" 17" x 36"
Salt Storage Capacity 275 lbs
7

• Continuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate may affect capaci-
ty and efficiency performance.
• The manufacturer reserves the right to make product improvements which may deviate
from the specifications and descriptions stated herein, without obligation to change pre-
viously manufactured products or to note the change.
• The above capacity and flow rate specifications have not been validated by the WQA.
8

How the Water Softener Works
Water hardness is derived from Calcium and Magnesium minerals that have been dis-
solved into the water under the earth’s surface. These minerals are found in limestone
deposits and are the source of hard water. The amount of hardness in a given water sup-
ply is dependent upon the quantity of Calcium and Magnesium present and the length of
time water has been in contact with them. This can vary dramatically from source to
source and, for this reason, a water analysis is imperative in order to determine the prop-
er treatment method. The degree of hardness increases as the concentration of Calcium
and Magnesium “ions” increases and is measured in Grains Per Gallon (gpg).
The problem of hard water in the home/business comes to light in many facets of daily
use. Water spots and scum left behind on bathtubs, fixtures, and showers; wear and tear
on appliances; calcium build-up in hot water heaters and piping; and, greater amounts of
soap and detergents being used are just a few examples.
The modern water softener is designed to reduce hardness ions and their unpleasant
side effects. Special resin beads in the softener mineral tank are used to change hard
water into soft water. The surfaces of these beads are covered with sodium ions. As hard
water enters the mineral tank and comes into contact with the resin, an exchange of ions
takes place as dissolved Calcium and Magnesium ions cling to the resin surface and so-
dium ions take their place, thus softening the water. This process is called Ion Exchange.
Over time, the sodium ions used for the exchange process become depleted and must be
replenished.
The water softener provides a Regeneration process whereby brine solution enters the
mineral tank, driving-off the collected hardness ions and replenishes the surface of the
resin beads with more sodium ions. This process is automatically initiated by the control
valve on the mineral tank. The regeneration process has five basic cycles as follows:
9

1. Backwash - The control valve directs the water flow in a reverse direction through
the mineral tank, separating the resin beads and flushing any accumulated particles
to a waste drain.
2. Brine & Rinse - In the first part of this cycle, the control valve directs brine solution
downward through the mineral tank, driving-off collected hardness ions and replen-
ishing the resin beads with sodium ions. The second part of the cycle rinses hard-
ness ions and excess brine from the mineral tank to the waste drain.
3. Rapid Rinse - The control valve directs the water flow downward, settling and re
compacting the resin bed.
4. Brine Refill - The control valve directs fresh water into the salt compartment to cre-
ate new brine solution for the next scheduled regeneration.
5. Service - This is the normal “operating” cycle where hard water enters the mineral
tank, comes into contact with the resin beads, and exchanges hardness ions for so-
dium ions - the water then becomes “soft” and ready for use.
10

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 the water heater
(10' or more). DO NOT RUN HOT WA-
TER THROUGH THE SOFTENER. Tem-
perature of water passing through the
softener must be less than 100°F.
•Outside faucets and irrigation sys-
tems should be supplied with hard wa-
ter prior to the water softener.
• Do not install the softener in a place
where it could freeze. Damage caused
by freezing is not covered by the war-
ranty.
• Put the softener in a place where water
damage is least likely to occur if a leak
develops. The manufacturer will not re-
pair or pay for water damage.
• A 120 volt electric outlet is needed within
6 ft of the softener and brine tank. The
transformer has an attached 6 foot power
cable. Be sure the electrical outlet and
transformer are in an inside location
so they are protected from wet weath-
er.
• If installing in an outside location, you
must take the steps necessary to ensure
the softener, installation plumbing, wiring,
etc are protected from the elements and
contamination sources.
•Keep the softener out of direct sun-
light. The suns heat may soften and dis-
tort plastic parts.
11

Softener Preparation
Tank Preparation
Water Pressure: A minimum of 20 pounds of water pressure is required for the regenera-
tion valve to operate effectively.
Electrical Facilities: An uninterrupted alternating current (AC) supply is required. Note:
Other voltages are available. Please make sure your voltage supply is compatible with
your unit before installation.
Existing Plumbing: Condition of existing plumbing should be free from lime and iron
buildup. Piping that is built up heavily with lime and/or iron should be replaced.
Location of Tank and Drain: The resin tank should be located close to a drain to pre-
vent air breaks and back flow.
Caution: Water pressure is not to exceed 80 psi, water temperature is not to exceed
110°F (43°C), and the unit cannot be subjected to freezing conditions.
Valve Preparation
1. Remove the tank from the carton.
2. Verify the riser tube is centered in the bottom of the tank. There is an indentation in
the bottom of the tank that will allow the distributor tube to be centered. A flashlight
may be needed to verify the tube is in the center of the tank.
12

3. Lubricate the distributor O-ring and the outer tank O-ring.
4. Install the upper basket on the bottom of the valve by lining up the tabs then turning
the basket clockwise to lock it in place. Place the upper basket over the distributor
tube and push the valve onto the tank. Thread the valve on the tank by turning it
clockwise. Be sure not to cross thread the valve on the tank.
13

5. Tighten the valve hand tight then snug it further by tapping it with the palm of the
hand. DO NOT use tools to tighten the valve or damage could occur.
14

Installation Instructions
1. If your hot water tank is electric, turn off the power to it to avoid damage to the ele-
ment in the tank.
2. If you have a private well, turn the power off to the pump and then shut off the main
water shut off valve. If you have municipal water, simply shut off the main valve. Go
to a faucet or spigot (preferably on the lowest floor of the house) and turn on the cold
water until all pressure is relieved and the flow of water stops.
3. Locate the softener tank and brine tank close to a drain where the system will be in-
stalled. The surface should be clean and level.
NOTE: Any solder joints being soldered near the valve must be done before con-
necting any piping to the valve. Always leave at least 6" (152 mm) between the con-
trol valve and joints being soldered when soldering pipes that are connected to the
valve. Failure to do this could cause damage to the valve.
The softener system is equipped with male pipe threaded ports on the control valve
bypass. The bypass is marked with arrows to show proper flow direction. The arrow
pointing toward the valve indicates the inlet. The arrow pointing away from the valve
is the outlet.
15

4. Insert the provided plumbing fittings into the bypass. 3/4" and 1" male pipe thread fit-
tings are supplied so ensure you pick the correct one for your plumbing. Tighten the
retaining nuts hand tight, ensuring that the fittings are not cross threaded.
16

5. Be sure to use Teflon tape or other pipe sealant on the plumbing fitting threads and
install them on the bypass accordingly. Use an adjustable wrench to ensure they are
tight.
NOTE: All piping should be secured to prevent stress on the bypass valve and
connectors.
NOTE: Connections above are made using a stainless steel flex connector with
a rubber gasket and do not require Teflon tape.
17

6. Connect the drain hose to the valve and secure it with a hose clamp. Run the drain
hose to the nearest laundry tub, floor drain or approved air gap fitting. The drain can
be ran overhead or down along the floor. Drain tubing should be a minimum of 1/2"
ID. When running the drain overhead, it is important that the tubing has no dips or
kinks. If the drain is ran overhead and must run linearly to the available drain, it is
recommended that a hard pipe is used of larger diameter than the drain line. This lin-
ear pipe should have a physical "drop" toward the drain (1/2" : 10'). The goal is to
have a gravity drain without much back pressure when traveling long distances.
NOTE: A direct connection into a waste drain is not recommended. A physical
air gap of at least 1.5" should be used to avoid bacteria and wastewater travel-
ling back through the drain line into the softener.
NOTE: Be sure to secure the drain line. The softener will drain with force and it
should be secured to prevent a leak. Hose clamps should be used to secure
the drain line at the connection points.
18

7. Connect the brine line to the control valve by removing the nut and sleeve from the
control valve. Slide the nut and sleeve over the brine line. There is a brass stiffener
pre-installed in the line.
19

8. Push the brine line in the control valve until it stops. Then push the nut down on the
fitting and tighten it hand tight. Use an adjustable wrench to tighten the nut an addi-
tional 1/2 turn.
CAUTION: Use two wrenches to tighten the brass nut. The brass fitting must
be held while tightening the brass nut. If not, damage may occur to the valve
body.
20