Star S07EC24 User manual

OWNERS GUIDE TO INSTALLATION
AND OPERATION
Fully Automatic
Water Softeners
SINGLE TANK
CABINET MODELS
TWO TANK MODELS
SAFETY INFORMATION
• Read the instructions carefully and learn the specic
details regarding installation and use. Failure to follow
them could cause serious bodily injury and/or property
damage.
• Make certain the electrical outlet is grounded by
having it checked by an electrician or by using a UL
Listed Circuit analyzer. Units are furnished with 3-prong
grounded plugs to protect you against the possibility of
electrical shock.
Do not under any circumstances
remove the ground prong and
never splice or cut the electrical cord.
• The outlet must be within reach of the power cord. Do
not use an extension cord. Extension cords that are too
long or too light do not deliver sufcient voltage to the
unit and could present a safety hazard if the insulation
were to become damaged. The receptacle should be
located four (4) feet above the basement oor to guard
against the possibility of immersion.
Disconnect power at the main
electrical box before installing or
servicing the unit. Do not plug in unit or change
fuses while standing on wet or damp surfaces and
do not touch any other metal surfaces while plug-
ging in product or changing fuses. Do it with one (1)
hand while keeping the other hand free.
• Check to be sure your power source is capable of
handling the voltage requirements of the unit. Plug into
a dedicated grounded receptacle which contains a fuse
or circuit breaker of 20 amps or less.
• All water treatment installations must conform to local
plumbing, electrical and sanitation codes. These codes
are established for your protection.
INSTALL WATER CONDITIONER IN AN AREA PROTECTED FROM FLOODING, RAIN, DIRECT SUNLIGHT, DUST,
SNOW AND FREEZING.THE WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER DAMAGE INCURRED AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE TO
WEATHER.
95 North Oak Street • Kendallville, IN 46755 • 800-545-2206
FW1741 A

2
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Pay Special Attention to the Following Points
• Installation must be made within
a protected area covered from the
elements and freezing. In areas
where it is common practice to bury
the unit in the ground, the unit must
be protected from direct sunlight,
rain, dust, ooding, snow and
freezing. Failure to do so will void
the warranty.
• Check plumbing inlet and outlet
to ensure the proper ow of water
through the unit. Match plumbing
inlet and outlet with arrows located
on the sides of the valve head and
on the by-pass valve (especially if
replacing an existing unit).
• Make sure the unit is plugged into
a 115 volt grounded outlet which
contains a fuse or circuit breaker of
20 amps or less.
• Do not run 1/2” I.D. semi-rigid drain
tube over 20 running feet. If over 20
ft., increase drain line tubing size to
3/4” I.D. for the entire length of tube.
• Initially ll salt brine tank only 3/4 full
with salt. (Do not pack full.)
• If any red rust stains are apparent,
mix Super Iron Out® with the salt. As
an alternative, there are types of salt
available that contain iron control
agents.
• After installing the unit, manually
regenerate unit, following the control
valve instruction manual.
• Make sure control head is correctly
set for your specic water needs.
• If more than one unit is being
installed, the regeneration/back wash
times should be staggered.
REMEMBER,YOUR PURCHASE IS AN INVESTMENT AND
NEEDSTO BE MAINTAINED PROPERLY.
If any parts are missing, damaged, unit does not seem to be
working properly, or if you have any questions call
1-800-545-2206 or 1-800-345-9422

3
TYPICAL INSTALLATIONS AND EQUIPMENT LOCATION
LOCATE WATER CONDITIONING EQUIPMENT
CORRECTLY:
1. Select the location of your water softener with care.
Various conditions which contribute to proper location
are as follows:
2. Locate as close as possible to water supply source.
3. Locate as close as possible to a oor or laundry tub drain.
4. Locate unit in correct relationship to other water
conditioning equipment, if required. (See Diagram A.)
5. Select location where oor is level. If oor is rough and/
or uneven, you can level by placing cabinet or tanks on
3/4” plywood, and shim to level as needed.
6. Locate the softener in the supply line BEFORE the water
heater. Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) will damage the
softener and void the factory warranty.
Install water conditioner in an area protected from
flooding, rain, direct sunlight, dust, snow and freez-
ing. The warranty does not cover damage incurred as a
result of exposure to the weather.
7. Allow sufcient space around the installation for easy
servicing.
8. Provide a non-switched 110/120V, 60Hz power source for
the control valve.
Typical basement installation uses overhead piping
with oor or wash tub drain outlet.
Typical rst oor installation for utility room or
breezeway, where oor drain exists.

4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Water softeners are available in several styles.
Installation is essentially the same for all of them.
2. Units with a by-pass valve (left) use a ¾” female
threaded inlet/outlet, units with a yoke or manifold
(right) use a ¾” male threaded inlet/outlet
IL0635
Outlet Inlet
Drain
Connection
By-Pass
Valve
IL0596
Outlet Inlet
Drain
Connection
3. The above water heater element shows the eect
hard water buildup has on water heaters. Scale
buildup from hard water is dramatically increased
when water is heated.
4. Install the unit in the water line ahead of the water
heater, close to a drain, and a 115 volt grounded
outlet on a at surface.
NOTE: Make sure electric outlet is grounded and
cannot be turned o by a wall switch or pullchain.
5. Remove the salt compartment cover from single
tank units or the brine tank lid from two tank units.
6. Position softener near main water supply line, drain
and electrical outlet. Position so main water supply
shut-o valve is between softener and main water
source.
NOTE: Install unit in an area protected from the
elements and freezing.

5
7. Close main water supply shut-o valve.
8. Open nearest faucet to relieve pressure and drain
plumbing lines.
9. On a new installation not already plumbed for
a water softener, cut out section of main water
supply line downstream from the supply shut o, at
position softener is to be installed.
10. Check inlet and outlet for correct water ow,
matching arrows on valve head and on by-pass
valve (especially if replacing an existing unit).
CAUTION: Install in directions of arrows.
IL0635
11. Above diagram shows unit installed with a by-
pass valve. The unit can be removed easily without
disrupting the plumbing. A 3-valve by-pass system
(Figure 13) is not needed.
Outlet Inlet
Drain Connection
By-Pass Valve
IL0596
12. Above diagram shows unit with a 3/4” manifold.
This installation requires a 3-valve by-pass system
as shown in Figure 13.
Outlet Inlet
Drain Connection
13. Above diagram shows a 3-valve by-pass system.
Many new houses are plumbed water softener
ready in this manner. A by-pass valve as shown in
Figure 11 can be used with this system.

6
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
14. Before installing 3/4” ttings to the inlet and outlet
of the by-pass valve or manifold, wrap the threads
3 times around with Teon tape. Install 3/4”
ttings. CAUTION: Do not over tighten.
15. Soldering is no longer required to plumb with
copper pipe. Instead, use 3/4” compression ttings.
Connect plumbing as required for the specic
application (see Figures 17, 18 & 19).
CAUTION: IF COPPER PIPING WITH SWEAT
FITTINGS IS USED, DO NOT SWEAT DIRECTLY
INTO THE IN/OUT MANIFOLD OF SOFTENER
VALVE OR BY-PASS VALVE. HEAT WILL DAMAGE
PLASTIC PARTS.
Inlet
Outlet
Control
Valve Copper Pipe
Compression Fittings
Sweat
Fittings
IL0704
Connecting to Copper Pipe
16. Turn ttings clockwise with a wrench to tighten. Do
not over tighten.
Inlet
Outlet
Control
Valve Plastic Pipe
Solvent
Bond
Fittings
IL0705
CONNECTING TO PLASTIC PIPE
17. Turn ttings clockwise with a wrench to tighten. Do
not over tighten.
Inlet
Outlet
Control
Valve
Galvanized Pipe
or Nipple
IL0706
CONNECTING TO GALVANIZED PIPE
18. Turn ttings clockwise with a wrench to tighten. Do
not over tighten.
19. Typical nished installation using rigid copper pipe.
Make sure by-pass valve (if being used) is in the
service position to ensure household service of
treated water.

7
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
20. Press 1/2” I.D. semi-rigid or non-collapsible plastic
tubing (not included) onto drain line hose barb
until snug and secure with a hose clamp (not
included).
NOTE: Do not run 1/2” drain line over 20’. If over 20’,
increase tube size to 3/4”.
21. Typical drain line to stand pipe with proper 4” air
gap.
NOTE: An air gap is required by most local plumbing
codes to prevent waste water back ow. Check and
follow your local codes.
If you are installing a single tank unit, proceed to step
28.
22. Loosen compression nut located on right side of
control valve by turning counter clockwise. Insert
one end of 3/8” O.D. tube (included).
NOTE: This step has already been done on single tank
design units.
Brass
Compression
Nut
Brass
Insert
Plastic
Ferrule
Poly
Tubing IL0707
23. For 2 tank softener installations only, make sure
you have the plastic ferrule in the right direction for
an air tight seal.
24. Visually check brine tubing for cracks or kinks.
Check ttings for proper assembly and tightness as
diagrammed.
25. Turn compression nut clockwise with wrench to
tighten.
CAUTION: Do not over tighten.
NOTE: This step is not required on single tank units.

8
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
26. Insert other end of 3/8”plastic tube, from control
valve, through hole on brine tank. Loosen
compression nut, turning counter clockwise, and
insert tubing.
NOTE: This step is not required on single tank units.
27. On 2 tank units only, turn compression nut
clockwise with wrench to tighten.
CAUTION: Do not over tighten.
NOTE: This step is not required on single tank units.
28. Install 1/2” I.D. semi-rigid or non-collapsible tubing
(not included) to the overow hose barb located on
the side of the softener cabinet or brine tank and
run to a suitable drain. Do not connect to drain line
o of softener.
29. Plug cord from control valve into 115V grounded
electrical outlet. Make certain that outlet is supplied
with power at all times. Make sure area is dry
before plugging the unit in.
30. Open main water supply shut-o valve.
CHECK FOR LEAKS! Close previously opened
faucet (step 8).
IL0635
31. Make sure the bypass valve is in the service
position as shown above. Rotate handle 90
degrees to go into the bypass position, and close
o the valve when needed.
Outlet
Service
Position
Bypass Valve
Inlet
32. On a 3-valve by-pass system, open the inlet and
outlet valves and close the by-pass valve (see
diagram above).

9
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
33. Draw a 5 gallon bucket of water to be used in the
brine tank.
34. Pour the 5 gallon bucket of water into the
brine tank. See Figure 42 for location of brine
compartment on single tank models.
35. Measure 1-1/2 oz of chlorine bleach and pour
solution directly into the brine tank or salt
compartment on single tank units.
36. On all tank units, pour salt into compartment. Fill
about 3/4 full initially. Do not pack full. This is also
where iron control agents will be put if you have
rust stains. Replace lids on the salt compartment.
TO PROGRAM THE CONTROL
VALVE, SEE SEPARATELY
ENCLOSED INSTRUCTION
ENTITLED “SETTING THE CONTROL
VALVE.”

10
1. SALT REFILL - During each regeneration of
the water softener, a specic amount of salt is
consumed, thus requiring periodic replenishment.
The frequency of the replenishment depends on the
regeneration schedule. Always replenish salt before
the supply is exhausted to ensure a continuous
supply of softened water.
We suggest using pellet type salt or grade A rock salt
that contains no dirt or sediment. Fill tank about 3/4
full. Do not pack full. Do not use block salt. Potassium
chloride, a salt substitute, can be used.
2. PREVENTING IRON FOULING OF MINERAL
BED - If iron is present in the water supply, the
softener will eventually become iron fouled,
resulting in reduced softening capacity and rust
stained xtures. Mixing one or two ounces of Super
Iron Out® or similar iron cleaner with every 80 lbs. of
salt added to the brine compartment will minimize
these problems. As an alternative, there are types of
salt available on the market that contain iron control
agents.
3. BRINE COMPARTMENT CLEAN OUT - To prevent
service problems, the salt compartment should be
emptied and accumulate. This clean out should be
done when the salt level is low or exhausted.
To eliminate the need of removing the brine tank
(two tank models) or the entire unit (single tank
models), use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner to empty the
old brine water. Once emptied, clean dirt from the
salt compartment. Add 5 gallons of water and new
salt.
4. PERIODICALLY CHECK TIME OF DAY SETTING
- Power outages will cause time of day timer setting
to become incorrect. To reset, refer to “Setting the
Control Valve.”
5. CHANGE OF OPERATING CONDITIONS - Should
your family size, your water usage habits or your
water quality change, the regeneration program
setting may have to be adjusted. Do not lower salt
setting.
MAINTENANCE
PREVENTING WATER CONDITIONERS OR FILTERS
FROM FREEZING WHILE IN STORAGE
NOTE: The warranty does not apply to damage due
to freezing, nor is the manufacturer responsible for
or assume any liability for breakage, missing parts or
consequential damage that results from placing the
unit into storage.
1. Plan Ahead! Placing the unit into storage should be
done when the salt level in the brine tank is low but
NOT completely exhausted.
2. Immediately before storage and before the
salt is completely exhausted, manually start
the regeneration process and allow the unit to
automatically go through all of the regeneration
cycles.
3. Place the unit into the by-pass position,
depressurize and disconnect the plumbing from the
control valve.
4. Remove the control valve from the mineral tank by
turning counterclockwise.
5. Shake as much water out of the valve as possible
and store in an open, dry area. Place any loose
ttings in a plastic bag and tape to the valve.
6. Syphon water from the mineral tank, inserting a
hose into and down the distributor tube. This tube
is in the middle of the mineral tank and can be seen
once the valve is removed.
7. Using a wet/dry vacuum cleaner, empty the
brine tank/salt compartment of brine water. Then
remove as much of the remaining salt as possible.
CAUTION: Salt will become encrusted if allowed to
remain in the brine tank.
8. Using two (2) people, place mineral tank or cabinet
on its side on the oor, using caution as the cabinet
or mineral tank will break if dropped or not handled
carefully.
CAUTION: Water from the mineral tank will cause
damage to carpeting, vegetation, furniture, etc. The
manufacturer of the equipment is not responsible, and
assumes no liability for such damage.
9. DO NOT stand the unit upright until it is to be
placed back into service. To do so will allow
remaining moisture to settle to the bottom of
the mineral tank, expand when freezing, thereby
splitting the tank.
10. To place the unit back into service, refer to
installation and control valve instructions.

11
WATER SOFTENER TROUBLE SHOOTING
JUST INSTALLED UNIT AND WATER IS NOT SOFT
WHAT TO CHECK HOW TO CORRECT
Has unit been properly installed Re-read instructions to see that all steps were followed
By-pass in plumbing On a 3-way by-pass valve system, open valves on piping
coming into and out of softener. The valve in between
MUST be closed and in good condition. Most units include
a by-pass valve which is connected to the control valve.
Make certain that it is in the service position.
Is unit piped in backwards Check arrows where pipe threads into valve head and make
sure water is owing consistent with the direction arrows
are pointing.
Hot water tank hardness Allow sucient time for hardness that has built up in your
water heater and pipes to run through system. Repeated
ushing of the water heater tank can also be done.
Is there resin in tank Softeners ship with resin already in the tank. Make sure the
resin has not been emptied or dumped. Put a trouble light
behind resin tank and you should be able to see the resin
thru the mineral tank. The tank should be approx. 2/3 full.
Valve head is not working correctly and causing water ow
not to go through softener
Shut o water supply, de-pressurize the unit*, unscrew the
valve head from unit and exchange it.
Softener has been undersized and does not eectively
remove the amount of hardness in your water
Draw a sample of untreated water before it goes through
the softener and a sample of treated water after the
softener. Have the samples analyzed to see if any hardness
is being removed.
Water ow rate going through the softener is not allowing
time for the unit to soften
Open an outside faucet and ll a measured bucket up with
water for 1 minute. The amount of gallons in the bucket tells
you how many gallons per minute are being run through
the softener. Call 1-800-545-2206 to see what the GPM
limit is on the specic unit you have purchased. Add a ow
control accessory to your unit if needed.
*To depressurize the unit, refer to valve instructions for your particular unit.
WATER TASTES SALTY OR BRINE TANK FILLS WITH WATER
WHAT TO CHECK HOW TO CORRECT
Is backwash water owing freely down to drain with an air
gap and no back siphoning
Put valve into “Backwash” position and follow water ow
down to drain. If over 20 ft., use 3/4” (or larger) drain
tubing. Drain line should be no more than 8 ft. lift.
Brine salt tube and connections not allowing salt solution
into mineral tank to regenerate
Visually check tubing for cracks or kinks. Check ttings for
proper assembly and tightness as diagrammed.
Brass
Compression
Nut
Brass
Insert
Plastic
Ferrule
Poly
Tubing IL0707
Injector or injector screen plugged Put softener in by-pass position and de-pressurize the unit
by putting into “Backwash” position. There will be 2 screws
on neck of valve where the salt rinse line goes into softener.
Remove the 2 screws and clean screen and remove any
chunks of salt, etc.

12
WATER WAS SOFT BUT NOW FEELS HARD
WHAT TO CHECK HOW TO CORRECT
No salt in brine tank Add salt to brine tank and maintain salt level above water level. Manually
initiate the regeneration cycle and allow softener to totally go through all
regeneration cycles.
Electrical service to unit has been
interrupted
Make certain that the power cord is plugged into a 115V grounded outlet that
cannot be turned o accidentally by a wall switch or pull chain. Check for blown
fuses. In case of electrical power outages, reset the time of day. Some valves
utilize a battery - see valve instructions for battery replacement.
Has softener valve head been
programmed to regenerate after
installation?
See valve programming instructions. Was water properly tested and diagnosed
for correct setting? Have additional people moved in or water usage increased?
Has the by-pass been used and not
connected back into service?
Make sure the handle of the bypass valve is in the service position. On a 3-way
bypass position, open the inlet and outlet valves and close the bypass valve.
Salt is bridging in tank Salt in bottom of tank has hardened and is not allowing water/salt mixture
to get to the bottom of salt and consequently over to mineral tank. Do not ll
salt tank completely (3/4 full). Use a stick or broom handle and poke into salt,
making sure it is broken up.
Salt tube going from salt tank to mineral
tank is plugged or insucient water
owing into brine tank
Put unit into “Brine Rinse” position, make sure salt water ows uninterrupted
from salt tank to mineral tank. Clean or replace brine valve. Clean and unplug
necessary line so water ows uninterrupted.
Brine salt line and connections not
allowing salt solution into mineral tank to
regenerate
Visually check tubing for cracks or kinks. Check ttings for proper assembly and
tightness as diagrammed
Brass
Compression
Nut
Brass
Insert
Plastic
Ferrule
Poly
Tubing IL0707
Injector or injector screen is plugged Put softener in “By-Pass” position and de-pressurize by putting in “Backwash”
position. There are 2 screws on valve neck where salt line tube enters softener.
Remove screws, clean screen and remove chunks of salt, etc.
Line pressure is too low Line pressure must be at least 20 PSI at all times.
Is backwash water owing freely down
to drain with an air gap and no back
siphoning?
Put valve into “Backwash” position and follow water ow down to drain.
Too much iron or tannins have fouled the
bed
A water softener is only eective for up to limited amounts of iron and
yellowish colored tannins. Draw water before it goes into and after it ows
through softener. Have both samples tested to see if iron is being removed or if
mineral bed is already coated and fouled.
Salt level setting on valve head is set too
low
Verify salt setting and adjust as necessary (consult factory.)
Valve head or timer is not cycling Shut o water supply, de-pressurize tank*, unplug unit and replace valve head
motor.
Has softening mineral been exposed to
freezing?
Freezing weather causes the resin to mush and become ineective. Replace
resin, properly insulate and shield unit from direct elements and freezing
temperatures.
Leak in distributor tube Check for cracks in distributor tube. Check “O” ring and tube inlet in bottom of
valve. Replace if necessary.
*To depressurize unit or backwash, refer to the valve instructions for your particular unit.