US Water Systems Matrixx 081-MXF-PH Series User manual

Matrixx pH Balancing
Backwashing Filter System
081-MXF-PH-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 Dimensions .................................................................................................. 5
System Overview ...................................................................................................... 6
Backwashing Filter Introduction ................................................................................ 7
Where to Install the System ...................................................................................... 8
Preparation ................................................................................................................ 9
Tank Preparation ................................................................................................ 9
Media Installation ............................................................................................... 9
Installation Instructions ............................................................................................ 13
System Regeneration .............................................................................................. 18
Normal Operation ............................................................................................. 18
Starting a Regeneration Cycle ......................................................................... 18
Programming Using Onboard Buttons .................................................................... 19
Programming Using Legacy View App .................................................................... 20
Automatic Bypass During Regeneration ................................................................. 24
System Start Up ...................................................................................................... 25
System Features ..................................................................................................... 26
Replenishing the Calcite Media ............................................................................... 28
Power Head Exploded View / Parts List .................................................................. 30
Bypass Exploded View / Parts List .......................................................................... 31
Valve Body Exploded View / Parts List .................................................................... 32
Warranty .................................................................................................................. 33
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Unpacking and Inspection
Be sure to check the entire unit for any shipping damage or lost parts. Also note damage
to the shipping cartons. Contact US Water Systems at 1-800-608-8792 to report any
shipping damage within 24 hours of delivery. Claims made after 24 hours may not be
honored. Small parts, needed to install the unit, will be in a parts bag. To avoid loss of the
small parts, keep them in the parts bag until you are ready to use them.
Safety Guide
• Check and comply with your provincial / state and local codes. You must follow these
guidelines
• Use care when handling the system. Do not turn upside down, drop, drag, or set on
sharp protrusions
• The backwashing filter uses 12 volt-60 Hz electrical power only. Be sure to use only the
included transformer.
• Transformer must be plugged into an indoor 120 volt, grounded outlet only.
•WARNING: This system does not remove biological contaminants. US Water Systems
recommends that bacteria levels be checked periodically to ensure there is no bacteria
present. Coliform and E.coli most importantly.
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Before Starting Installation
Proper Installation
This water filtering 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
exposed 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.
•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
piped bypass. Bypass valves allow the
water to be turned off to the system 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.
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System Dimensions
Model Tank Size A B C
MXF-PH-150 10" X 54" 61.00" 55.25" 10"
MXF-PH-250 13" X 54" 61.00" 55.25" 13"
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System Overview
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Backwashing Filter Introduction
The pH Balancing filter with calcite is designed to raise the pH of the water in cases of
low pH (acid water conditions). It also adds some calcium hardness back to the water,
and only requires periodic backwashing. Many areas of the country have water with
low pH. A low pH means that the water is acidic and can corrode copper pipes and
cause blue-green stains on plumbing fixtures in your home. The pH Balancing system is
designed to neutralize the acid balance of your water supply. It does this by using calcite
which is crushed and screened white marble limestone. If your pH is below 5.8, then we
recommend a blend of calcite and magnesium oxide. Calcite and magnesium oxide will
increase hardness in the water and a water softener may become necessary after the
neutralizing filter.
Calcite is a naturally occurring calcium carbonate media. One of the advantages of calcite
is its self-limiting property. When properly applied, it corrects pH only enough to reach a
non-corrosive equilibrium. It does not over correct under normal conditions. Upon contact
with calcite, acidic waters slowly dissolve the calcium carbonate to raise the pH which
reduces potential leaching of copper, lead and other metals found in typical plumbing
systems. Periodic backwashing will prevent packing, reclassify the bed and maintain
high service rates. Depending on the pH, water chemistry and service flow, the calcite /
magnesium oxide bed will have to be periodically replenished as the calcite is depleted.
The pH Balancing filter is a fully automatic backwashing filtration system. It uses all NSF
and FDA approved components, including the calcite. The electronic computer control
redistributes the media bed to prevent channeling.
FEATURES
• Electronic controller has only one internal moving part - simple to set
• No complicated programs
• Includes built-in bypass valve
• 12 volt electrical system uses less than $2.00 electricity per year
• No danger of electrical shock
• Extremely user friendly
• Low maintenance due to automatic operation
• Lifetime Tank Warranty - 10 Years on Valve & Electronics (Includes Internal Parts)
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Where to Install the System
• Place the unit in the treatment system
where needed after the pressure tank of
a well system or after the water main me-
tering system.
• Place the system as close as possible
to a floor drain or other acceptable drain
point (laundry tub, sump, standpipe, etc)
• Connect the unit to the water system BE-
FORE the water heater (10' or more). DO
NOT RUN HOT WATER THROUGH THE
SYSTEM. Temperature of water passing
through the system must be less than
100°F.
• Do not install the system in a place
where it could freeze. Damage caused
by freezing is not covered by the war-
ranty.
• Put the system 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 system. 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 weather.
• If installing in an outside location, you
must take the steps necessary to ensure
the system, installation plumbing, wiring,
etc are protected from the elements and
contamination sources.
•Keep the system out of direct sun-
light. The suns heat may soften and dis-
tort plastic parts.
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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 media tank should be located close to a drain to
prevent 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.
Media Installation
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.
3. Install the clear, plastic cap that is provided in the install kit onto the distributor tube.
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4. Use the funnel provided to pour the media into the tank. The order the media is
poured in is important. Begin by pouring the Quartz Gravel into the bottom of the
tank. Pour it evenly around the hole to ensure it is well distributed in the tank and
pour slow enough to keep from plugging the hole. Then proceed to pour the Calcite.
A helper may be needed to hold the funnel during the filling process.
NOTE: It is recommended that a dust mask and safety goggles be worn to prevent
possible injury.
5. When the media is installed, move the tank side to side to settle the media. Remove
the funnel and cap from the distributor tube.
6. Lubricate the distributor O-ring and the outer tank O-ring.
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7. 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.
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8. 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.
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Installation Instructions
1. If your hot water tank is electric, turn off the power to it to avoid damage to the
element 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 backwashing tank close to a drain where the system will be installed. 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
control 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 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.
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4. Insert the provided plumbing fittings into the bypass. 3/4" and 1" male pipe thread
fittings 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.
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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.
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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
linear 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 system.
NOTE: Be sure to secure the drain line. The system 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.
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7. Turn both bypass handles so they are perpendicular to the bypass to place the unit in
the bypass position. Slowly turn on the main water supply. At the nearest cold treated
faucet or spigot, open the faucet and let water run a few minutes or until the system
is free of any air or foreign material resulting from the plumbing work. If a faucet is
used, make sure the screen is removed first.
8. Make sure there are no leaks in the plumbing system before proceeding. Close the
water tap when water runs clean. Check for leaks again.
9. Proceed to start up instructions
NOTE: The unit is not ready for service until you complete the start up instruc-
tions
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System Regeneration
Normal Operation
Home Display - The home display will alternate between the time of day and gallons left
until the next regeneration. The meter will count down to zero (0000) and then regenerate
at the scheduled time set.
Starting a Regeneration Cycle
1. To Start Delayed Extra Cycle
• If Days Remaining Until Next Regeneration does not read '0000', press and hold
the Set/Change button for 3 seconds until the display reads '0000'
• Regeneration cycle will initiate at the next designated regeneration time.
2. To start Immediate Extra Cycle, first complete above step.
• With Gallons Remaining Until Next Regeneration at '0000', press and hold the
Set/Change button.
• After 3 seconds, the regeneration cycle will begin.
3. To Fast Cycle thru regeneration, first complete above 2 steps.
• Press and hold the Set/Change button for 3 seconds to advance to the next cycle
step. Fast Cycle is not necessary unless desired to manually step through each
cycle step. (Repeat until valve returns to home display)
Filter Cycles Default (Min)
Step 1 Backwash 10
Step 2 Rest 2
Step 3 Rinse 10
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Programming Using Onboard Buttons
1. To enter the Main Menu, press the Menu/Enter button. (Time of Day will flash)
2. To set the Time of Day, press the Set/Change button. (First digit will flash)
• To change digit value, press the Set/Change button.
• To accept the digit value, press the Menu/Enter button.
• Next digit will flash to begin setting.
• Once the last digit display is accepted, all digits will flash.
3. To set A.M. or P.M., press the Menu/Enter button.
• To change digit value, press the Set/Change button.
• To accept the digit value, press the Menu/Enter button.
• Once A.M. or P.M. is accepted, the next menu item will flash.
4. To set the number of days between backwash cycles (A), press the Set/Change
button. Repeat instructions from Step 2
• Maximum value is 29
• If value is set to 0, automatic backwash will never occur
• Default setting is 7 days for filters
5. To Exit Main Menu, press the Menu/Enter button.
NOTE: If no buttons are pressed for 60 seconds, the Main Menu will be exited
automatically.
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Programming Using Legacy View App
The Legacy View app allows the user to control every aspect of the water system from
the convenience of a smart phone. The Legacy View app will allow the user to monitor
usage history, change cycle times, start a regeneration and advance through a regenera-
tion.
To use the Legacy View Bluetooth App:
1. Go to the App store on the phone to be used and search for "Legacy View".
2. Download the free Legacy View app.
3. Open the app to begin programming.
4. Once the app is open, it will begin scanning for control valves in the Bluetooth
vicinity.
5. Once the app connects to the control valve or valves, they will appear on the screen.
Each valve can be renamed by tapping on the three vertical dots on the valve listed
on the screen. Choose "Label Device" and a lettered keyboard will appear. The user
can name the valve using the keyboard then save it by pushing "OK".
6. Choose the valve to be programmed by tapping on the name. A "Dashboard" will
show up for the control valve.
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