Rainfresh CAFE 948 Installation instructions

υ
RAINFRESH CAFE AIR INJECTION IRON FILTER
Installation & operation instructions
Thank you for purchasing one of our ENVIROGARD / Rainfresh Iron Filter ystems. We are committed to
ensuring that you are totally satisfied.
If you have any problems, don’t go back to the store – please contact us ! Most issues can be resolved
over the phone.
Help Line : -800-667-8072
Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM E T
Website : www.rainfresh.ca
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ystem pecifications.................................................................................................... 1
How The CAFE ystem Works ....................................................................................... 2
Cautions Before Installation ……………………………………………………………………………………. .. 2
How to check well pump flow rate …………………………………………………………………….........2
Installation .................................................................................................................... 3
a) Unpacking the unit ……………………………………………………………………………………. ...... 3
b) Plumbing the Filter unit ………………………………………………………………………………… .. 4
c) tart-up and Programming ……………………………………………………………………………. .. 6
Other Features ............................................................................................................. 8
Troubleshooting ............................................................................................................ 8
Parts List …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Warranty....................................................................................................................... 9
SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS:
Model No.
Rated Service
Flow
US GPM (LPM)
Max Flow
Rate
US GPM
(LPM)
Backwash
Flow Rate
US GPM
(LPM)
Inlet /
Outlet
Drain
Connec
tion
Electrical
Require
ment
Pressure
Drop
Operating
Pressure
Shipping
Weight
(lbs)
CAFE 948
2.2 (8.3)
5 (19)
5 (19)
3/4"
MNPT
1/2"
Hose
110V
AC
< 15
psig
30
–
100
psig 82
•Water Temp – 4 - 38°C (39 - 100°F)
•Water pH Range – 6.8 to 8.5*
•Max Raw Water Turbidity – 5 NTU
•Max Raw Water Iron – 15 PPM
•Alkalinity > [2 x ( ulphates + Chlorides)]
•Chlorine - Nil
•Oil in Water – Nil
•Polyphosphates – Nil
•Hydrogen Sulphide - Nil
* Higher the pH, better the performance. If pH is lower than 6.8, call Rainfresh for information on ordering a pH Neutralizing Filter

2
HOW THE CAFE SYSTEM WORKS
Your Rainfresh CAFE iron-removal filter utilizes oxidation and filtration technology to remove dissolved
iron from water. Dissolved iron, also called ferrous iron is oxidized to a filterable rust form (ferric iron)
which is then filtered out of the water. When the submersible pump is running, water is forced
through an air-injector under high pressure. Inside the air-injector are two openings, one is a small
venturi opening and the other is a larger 3/8” opening. The high-pressure water being forced through
the small venturi opening creates a low pressure area inside the injector valve, which in turn draws
extremely small micro-bubbles of air into the flow of water as it passes through the venturi opening.
The oxygen is utilized to oxidize ferrous (dissolved or clear water) iron to a filterable precipitate (ferric
hydroxide). A special oxidant medium acts as an insoluble catalyst and enhances the oxidation process.
After a pre-determined interval, an automatic backwash process is initiated wherein the “trapped”
iron is stripped away and dumped to drain and the system is ready for use again. The backwash
process is completely automatic and is factory set for 2 AM (can be changed).
Note: No salt or chemicals are required to clean the system. As such it is typically safe to dump the
water into the septic system. However, because in every backwash cycle, about 45 gallons of water are
used to clean the system, it is recommended that you consult a professional to ascertain the safety of
the water going into your septic system.
Note: CAFE systems do not kill or remove bacteria or any other pathogenic microorganisms. To
continuously disinfect all the water in your house, we recommend that you install a Rainfresh UV
system. Call Rainfresh for details.
CAUTIONS BEFORE INSTALLATION
Follow all plumbing codes for installation.
Your pump must be a submersible pump for the valve to operate properly. Jet pumps often do not create enough
suction for the air injector.
To operate properly, the well pump flow rate must exceed the backwash flow rate (4.5 U GPM (17 LPM)). If your well
pump does not deliver this flow rate, do not install the unit as it will not work properly. You may need to either change
the well pump or call Rainfresh for a custom size unit that will operate within your pump specifications.
The automatic control valve works on 110V AC. We recommend a GFI (ground fault interrupter) 120 volt outlet within 5
feet of the filter. Extension cords are not recommended.
CAFE systems do not kill or remove bacteria or any other pathogenic microorganisms. To continuously disinfect all the
water in your house, we recommend that you install a Rainfresh UV system. Call Rainfresh for details.
For use on cold water only.
Only use thread seal tape (Teflon® tape) for fitting connections into unit. DO NOT USE pipe dope or chemical sealants.
If water pipes are used to ground electrical system, install jumper wire (#4 gauge solid copper wire) across the unit to
maintain proper grounding of your electrical system
Protect your unit from freezing - drain the unit if freezing temperatures exist.
NOTE: IF SOLDER TYPE FITTINGS ARE USED DO NOT USE torch near inlet/outlet connections. All solder joints should be
made before joining pipe to filter head.
DO NOT over-tighten metal fittings on to unit connections.
The unit should only be moved by 2 or more people due to heavy weight. Failure to do so can result in back or other
injury.
How to check well pump flow rate
Make sure that the pressure tank is full and no one uses any water until you have finished the test.
1) Connect a hose to an appropriate outlet at the bottom of the pressure tank and put the other end into an empty
pail of known volume (e.g. a 10 gal pail)
Air Injection
Iron Filter
CAFE948

3
2) Open the valve to which the hose is connected and collect water into the container. hut off the valve as soon as
you hear the well pump come on. Measure the volume of water collected. This is the drawdown from the tank.
3) Note the time in seconds that it takes for the pump to complete a cycle from start to shut-off.
Well pump flow rate = (Volume of water collected (drawdown) ÷Time for pump cycle) x 60
EXAMPLE : If you collect 5 gal of water and the pump takes 40 seconds to complete a cycle, the flow rate is:
(5/40) x 60 = 7.5 GPM.
INSTALLATION
Figure 1. Piping Schematic
a) Unpacking the unit
The Rainfresh CAFE filter system includes:
1) The main media tank with automatic electronic
control valve
2) 110V AC power adapter for control valve
3) Air Injector
4) By-pass valve & Allen key with 2 metal clips and 2
screws
5) Two ¾” Male NPT elbow inlet/outlet fittings
6) Drain Fitting (for 1/2” Hose – Hose not included)
Unpack the unit and place it at the location where you intend
to install the unit.
tand back and look at the main media tank and make
sure it is standing straight up and not tilted to one side. ometimes during shipment, the bottom of the tank will get
knocked out of alignment and you will need to straighten it out before starting installation. If your tank is a bit tilted,
simply pick the tank up 2 – 3 inches off the floor and drop it gently but firmly down, favoring the side that needs to be
adjusted to make the filter stand straight up again.
Make sure your chosen location is fairly level, dry, and protected from possible freezing conditions. The plastic base of
the filter is slightly adjustable to non-even floors. If shimming is needed, you can make shims from small, flattened

4
pieces of copper pipe, or some other non-corrosive material but do not use wood. The filter can sit directly on the floor,
it will not corrode. DO NOT set the tanks onto make shift platforms as this may cause the filter to topple.
The following materials can be used for installing your new system, but it is recommended that you check your local
plumbing codes. Copper and PVC, CPVC, and PEX are the most popular.
You may choose not to treat the water spigots that go outside used for irrigation or sprinkler systems. You will have to
plan the job so that you cut in to feed the CAFE filter AFTER these spigots. Installing the CAFE filter after the pressure
tank (with air injector between pump & pressure tank) is the preferred location. If you intend to install a water softener
to soften the water or a UV system to disinfect the water, these should be installed after the CAFE filter.
b) Plumbing in your CAFE Iron Filter
 Turn the power off to the well pump then shut off the main water shut
off valve which should be located after the pressure tank. Open a few
faucets and empty the pressure tank before cutting into the line. If your
hot water tank is electric, turn off the power to it to avoid damage to
the element in the tank.
Position the filter in the desired location, which is after the pressure
tank (Fig ).
Attach the bypass valve to the control valve by pushing it in and secure
it with the metal clips and screws (Fig 2).
Fully push the inlet/outlet elbow fittings into the open end of the
bypass valve and lock them in by inserting the red locking clips into the
slots (Fig 3)
For ease of installation, orient the inlet/outlet fittings in the direction of
the inlet & outlet pipes by simply rotating them (Fig 4)
Plumb in the inlet and outlet of the CAFE filter. We recommend using
Rainfresh CK solder-less connector kit for easy installation. This can be
ordered from the same retailer where you purchased the unit from, or
call Rainfresh.
Plumb in a ½” flexible plastic drain line running from the filter (black barbed elbow hose fitting) (Fig 5). This can be ran
up overhead or down along the floor. If running drain line more than 30 feet overhead,
increasing the line size to 3/4" will be required. Please follow your local health dept.
Codes for where to run filter discharge water. NEVER MAKE A DIRECT CONNECTION
INTO A WA TE WATER DRAIN. A PHY ICAL AIR GAP OF AT LEA T 1.5” HOULD BE U ED
TO AVOID BACTERIA AND WA TEWATER TRAVELLING BACK THROUGH THE DRAIN LINE
INTO THE IRON-FILTER (Fig 5A). There will be a fair amount of pressure on this flexible
plastic drain line when the filter is in the backwash mode, so secure it to the drain
fitting by a hose clamp. Also secure the drain tube to the wall or ceiling.
Plumb in the air-injector (1” Female NPT connections) (Fig 6) at this spot. DO NOT ALTER THE SETTINGS OF THE AIR
INJECTOR. It can be installed in a vertical or horizontal position.
oAllow a minimum of 6 inches straight run of pipe on each side of the air-injector (fig 6), excluding fittings.
oMake sure that the arrow on the air-injector points to the pressure tank and pressure switch. Note:
Locating pressure switch before the air-injector can cause rapid ON/OFF cycling of the pump.
oThe check valve should also be located before the air-injector (may require re-location of the check valve to
accommodate air-injector at the correct location).
oIt is recommended that a strainer be installed before the air-injector to prevent dirt/grit from clogging the
air-injector.
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
Drain
Fig 5
Fig
5A

5
oIt is also recommended to install threaded unions on both ends of the air-injector to allow easy removal for
inspection and service.
Before proceeding further, make
sure that the bypass valve is in the bypass
position (fig 7)
Close all open taps and turn on
the switch for the well pump.
As soon as well pump comes ON,
place a wet finger on the suction port of
the air-injector. You should feel a slight suction for about 20 seconds approximately.
If suction is too short, turn adjustment screw clockwise. The Adjustable part of the
injection valve, is a flat head brass screw located as shown in fig 8. To decrease
suction duration, turn screw counter-clockwise, half turn at a time. Note: Long
suction times can result in excessive air bubbles in the water, giving it a milky appearance. If this occurs, turn screw
counter-clockwise to reduce suction time.
Insert the Allen key into the inlet side of the bypass valve (Fig 9) and turn it on only slightly and watch for leaks. Make
sure a faucet is on somewhere and that any aerator is removed to avoid clogging
from loosened scale in the pipes. Leave the bypass valve in the same position and
slowly turn the main shutoff valve on all the way. If you have no leaks, proceed to
the next steps.
Connect the control valve to the AC power source
(Fig 0). Manually put the CAFE filter into the
regeneration cycle by pressing the SET/REGEN button
(see page 6). Turn the bypass valve slightly more into the
service position to allow water to run into the unit. You
want water to initially fill the tank slowly. Once the tank
is full of water, you can open valve fully. This prevents filter media from eing pushed up into the control head y the
initial surge of water going in. Once the tank is full of water you should start to see water flowing from the drain line. It
may look somewhat discoloured at first. This is normal. Once the water runs clear and free from air pockets, turn the
bypass valve further and further into the full "service position". You should have a full flow to the drain at this point.
Your water may be discoloured for a day to two after initial installation or may appear milky due to small air bubbles.
This is normal. Also, it will take a few days to get all the untreated water out of your hot water tank and you may choose
to empty your hot water tank at the time of installation and clean it before letting water in from the filter.
The system is now ready for use.
Turn to ON position
WATER
INLET
Valve
WATER
OUTLET
Valve
Fig 9
Fig
10
Fig 7

6
STARTUP & PROGRAMMING
The control valve is pre-programmed at factory. You can however change the default settings or to change regeneration
frequency. We recommend setting backwash every 3 days with a minimum 10 minute backwash and 5 minute rinse cycle. If
you have questions about programming, please call Rainfresh at 1800-667-8072.
When power is first supplied, the valve electronics may take up to two minutes to initialize. During this time the screen will
show “INTIALIZING WAIT PLEA E”. Do not touch any buttons at this time. When the valve reaches the service position, it
will display the following information in sequence:
. Date & Time
2. Regeneration Days/Capacity
3. Remaining Days/Volume Remaining
4. Regeneration Time
5. Last Regeneration Date
6. Current Flow Rate (GPM)
7. Peak Flow Rate (GPM)
The control valve has a display screen and 4 buttons
VALVE PROGRAMMING
The valve has 2 levels of programming – Level 1 and Level 2
You will need to only go through Level 1 programming to start up your unit. Level 2 programming is factory set
and can be changed only if desired.
Level 1 programming allows you to set
1. Current time
2. Current date
3. Vacation mode
MENU BUTTON
“
”
The function of this key is to
enter the level one
programming mode where the
valve settings can be adjusted.
SET / REGEN BUTTON
“

”
This button has two functions. The first is to initiate a
manual regeneration by holding the button for 3 or
more seconds. The second function is while in
programming mode, pressing this key allows the user to
change the value of each setting.
UP / DOWN
“
”
These buttons are used to
increase or decrease the value
of the settings while in the
programming mode.

7
LEVEL USER PROGRAMMING
STEP : Setting Current Time
STEP 2 : Setting Current Date & Exit Level 1 Programming
LEVEL 2 USER PROGRAMMING
Press and hold “ UP AND DOWN” together for three seconds to enter Level Two Master Programming.
The following chart indicates choices and default settings. Note: Default settings are indicated in bold letters
NOTE : Use same programming method as you used in level to advance and/or change values.
Parameter Option Option 2 Option 3 Option 4 Comments
1 ystem Language English panish French et to French if desired. panish not
enabled
2 Valve Operation oftener Filter Iron
Filter
Leave at default setting
3 Regeneration
Mode
Meter
Delayed
Meter
Override
Calendar
Clock
Meter
Immediate
Leave at default setting
4 Regeneration Time 2:00 AM The unit is factory set to backwash at 2:00 AM on the day of backwash. You can
change to another time if desired.
5 Regeneration Days 3 Days Leave at default setting. Before changing this value, contact Rainfresh
6 Backwash 0 Leave at default setting
7 Rapid Rinse 5 Leave at default setting
8 Restore Default NO Leave at default. Change only if you want to re-start programming from start
Press “ MENU” for 3 seconds
to unlock screen. Press “
MENU” again and the hour
value becomes highlighted
Press “ ET/REGEN”
once again and the
highlighted value
flashes.
Now press “ or
UP OR DOWN”
arrows to change
the hour values.
Press “ ET/REGEN”
again to accept the hour
value and advance to
change the minute value
Press “ or UP OR
DOWN” arrows to
change the minute value
Press “ ET/REGEN”
again to accept the
minute values and
advance to adjust the
AM/PM values
Press “ or UP
OR DOWN” to
change the AM/PM
value
Press “ ET / REGEN”
again to accept the AM/PM
value. Highlight stops
flashing.
Continue to Step 2
From Step 1
Press “ DOWN” arrow to
advance to CURRENT DATE
Press “ ET/REGEN”
once and the MONTH
value flashes
Now press “ or
arrows to
change the month
to current month
Press “ ET/REGEN”
again to accept the month
and advance to change
the DATE
Press “ or arrows to
change the DATE.
Press “ ET/REGEN”
again to accept the
DATE and advance to
set current YEAR
Press “ or to
change the YEAR
Press “ ET / REGEN”
again to accept the YEAR.
Highlight moves back to
MONTH and stops flashing.
Press DOWN
arrow to advance to
VACATION MODE
Press DOWN
arrow to exit
programming mode

8
Manual Backwash
If screen is locked, press “ MENU” for 3 seconds to unlock. To start an immediate backwash,
•Press the SET/REGEN button for 3 seconds, an option for “Delayed” or “Immediate” backwash will
appear.
•Press the  SET/REGEN button again and “Delayed” will begin flashing.
•Now press the or buttons and “Immediate” will flash.
•Press the  SET/REGEN button once and then press the “ MENU” button once. Valve will immediately
start manual backwash.
OTHER FEATURES
Control Operation during a Power Failure
•In the event of a power failure, the valve will keep track of the time and day for 48 hours. The
programmed settings are stored in a non-volatile memory and will not be lost during a power failure. If
power fails while the unit is in backwash, the valve will finish backwash after power is restored. If the
valve misses a scheduled backwash due to a power failure, it will queue backwash at the next backwash
time once power is restored.
New Sounds
•You may notice new sounds as your iron filter operates. The backwash cycle lasts approximately 15
minutes. During this time, you may hear water running intermittently to the drain.
Care of Your Iron Filter
•To retain the attractive appearance of your new Iron Filter, clean occasionally with mild soap solution. Do
not use abrasive cleaners, ammonia or solvents.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM POTENTIAL CAUSE SOLUTION
Filter fails to
backwash
1. Electricity interrupted to system
2. Control head malfunction
1. Assure continuous power supply to system.
2. Check control head manual for solution.
Filter does not seem
to remove iron
1. Bypass valve is in the bypass position.
2. ystem may not be backwashing
soon enough
3. Air injector not sucking air
4. Unit unplugged
1. Move bypass valve to service position.
2. Reduce backwash interval.
3. Adjust screw on sir injector to make sure it
sucks air when pump is ON
4. Plug unit back to AC power supply
Loss of water
pressure.
1. Iron buildup in filter.
2. Not enough water flow available for
backwash.
3. Inlet of control plugged.
1. Increase backwash frequency.
2. Check flow rate of pump and make sure it
delivers at least 4.5 U GPM
3. Remove piston and clean control of foreign
material.
Drain flows
continuously
1. Internal control leak.
2. Control valve jammed in back-wash
position.
1. Replace seals, spacers or pistons.

9
PARTS LIST
WARRANTY
This ystem is warranted to the original Consumer purchaser for a period of one (1) year, from the date of purchase, against defects in materials or
workmanship. The electronic controls and mineral tank are warranted for 5 and 10 years respectively against defects in materials or workmanship. The
company's obligation under this warranty shall consist of repair or replacement, at its option, of any part found by company inspection to be defective,
provided that the product has not been misused, abuse, altered or damaged by Consumer with respect to the original installation, as determined by the
company. This warranty will not apply if feed water does not meet specifications of this system. This limited Warranty applies only to a unit when returned to
the Warrantor at the owner’s expense and in accordance with shipping instructions received from the Warrantor. This warranty does NOT cover, and is
intended to exclude, any liability on the part of Envirogard for any incidental damages, consequential damages, labour charges or any other costs incurred in
connection with the purchase, installation, use, maintenance or repair of the system whether under this warranty or any other warranty implied by law.
ome provinces/states do not allow the exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This
warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights, which vary from province/state to province/state. This warranty applies only to
water filter/systems purchased in Canada or the U. .A.
Envirogard Products Limited
6-446 Major Mackenzie Drive East,
Richmond Hill, ON L4C 1J2, CANADA
Toll Free: 1800 667 8072 Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [e-mail] Web: www.rainfresh.ca
Sep 2015
1
2 4
5
6 7
8
9 10
11
DESCRIPTION
CAFE Control Valve complete
2 Inlet/Outlet Fitting - elbow (90°) – ¾”
3 Locking clip for inlet/outlet
4 Locking clip for bypass valve
5 Bypass valve assembly
6 Bypass valve metal clips and screw set
7 Drain fitting (Elbow)
8 Brine elbow fitting 3/8 stem x 3/8 QC
with plug
9 AC power adapter – 110V AC
0 Air Injector
Mineral tank 9” x 48”
3