Water Boss 97WB-IF Manual

INSTALLATION A N D
SERVICE MANUAL
4343 S. Hamilton Road, Groveport, Ohio 43125
W ater Filters: 97WB-IF, 97WB-CF and 97WB-AF
Rev. 1.0

QUESTIONS? .................................................................................................................. 1
GETTING MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY FROM YOUR APPLIANCE ..................................... 2
INSTALLATION CHECKLIST ........................................................................................... 3
DO'S AND DON’TS ......................................................................................................... 4
REFERENCE ILLUSTRATIONS ....................................................................................... 5
CYCLES .......................................................................................................................... 10
INSTALLATION AND START-UP PROCEDURES .......................................................... 12
SETTING THE CONTROLLER ........................................................................................ 17
CARE, MAINTENANCE AND PARTS ..............................................................................18
TROUBLESHOOTING ..................................................................................................... 26
FILTER SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................... 27
LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................................................................... 28
Table of Contents
Congratulations
on your decision to place your confidence in a superior WaterBoss
®water treatment appliance.
Recognized worldwide for built-in quality, dependability, and ease of service,
WaterBoss
®
appliances represent state-of-the-art in home water treatment. Important information is con-
tained in this manual which will help you get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from your
particular model.
We urge you to read this information carefully now and any time a malfunction may occur. In
most cases, these reviews will uncover minor problems that you can correct yourself, thereby
saving you time.
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number
available. From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial
number may be found on top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)

From 8 am to 5 pm EST, use the 800 HelpLine: 1-800-437-8993
The HelpLine is available to help answer questions about specific water problems,
appliance installation and operation. When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide
and the serial number of your appliance available. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
Date of Installation: __________________________________
Model Number: _____________________________________
Serial Number: ______________________________________
Returned Limited warranty Card Date: ___________________
1
Questions

How To Get The Maximum Efficiency From Your Appliance
1. Should your electricity be turned off for any reason you must reset the time of day if you
programmed your appliance for delayed regeneration.
2. Protect your system from freezing, including drain line.
3. By-pass the appliance when servicing the well, plumbing, or pump. When work is complet-
ed, turn on the nearest cold water tap until water runs clear before putting appliance back in
service. See figures 4 - 5 - 6.
4. See start-up procedures.
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
2

3
Checklist Before Installation
1. Water Pressure - Not less than 30 psi constant for W aterBoss
®filters.
2. W
aterBoss
®97WB-AF adjusts low pH water to a neutral, non-corrosive state.
W aterBoss
®97WB-CF reduces chlorine taste and odor.
W
aterBoss
®97WB-IF reduces iron, hydrogen sulfide and iron bacteria.
3. Water Supply Flow Rate - 5 gallons per minute is recommended as minimum.
4. Drain - Drain appliance to floor drain or washer drain. To prevent back-siphoning,
the installer must provide an adequate air gap or a siphon break. See figure 1.
5. Electricity - The transformer supplied is a standard 120 volt, 60 cycle A.C. for USA or
220 volt, 50 cycle A.C. for outside the USA. See figure 8.
6. Water Quality - If the water supply contains sulfur, bacteria, iron bacteria, tannins,
algae, oil, acid or other unusual substances, then unless the appliance is represented as
being capable of treating these contaminants in the specifications, other special
treatment of the water supply must be used to remove these contaminants before they
enter this product.
If you have any questions call our HelpLine!
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on top
of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)

SOME DO'S
1. Do comply with all local plumbing and electrical codes.
2. Do install pressure-reducing valve if inlet pressure exceeds 90 psi.
3. Do install gravity drain on cabinet. See figure 7.
4. Do secure drain line on appliance and at drain outlet. See figure 3.
5. Do allow a minimum of 8 to 10 feet of 3/4” pipe from the outlet of the water filter
to the inlet of the water heater. See figure 1.
SOME DON’TS
1. Do not install if checklist items are not satisfactory.
2. Do not install if incoming or outlet piping water temperature exceeds
120 degrees Fahrenheit, 80 degree Fahrenheit for 97WB-IF.
Please see specification on page 27.
3. Do not allow soldering torch heat to be transferred to valve components or
plastic parts.
4. Do not overtighten plastic fittings.
5. Do not plumb appliance right up against a wall which would deny access to
plumbing. See figure 1.
6. Do not install the appliance backwards. Follow arrows on inlet/outlet.
See figure 2.
7. Do not plug the transformer into an outlet that is activated by an on/off switch.
See figure 8.
8. Do not connect the drain and the overflow (gravity drain) together.
See figure 1.
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
4
Do s And Don ts

Use this diagram as a location and installation guide for your WaterBoss
® 97WB-IF,
WaterBoss
® 97WB-CF, and
WaterBoss
® WB-ANF, water conditioners. This diagram applies
to all types of installations (i.e. basement, slab, crawl space, outside).
Bypass Valves. To simplify installation and servicing, a one-piece or a three way bypass valve
system is recommended when installing your appliance. A bypass system also provides access to
untreated water when required (i.e. for lawn and gardening purposes.)
Also, see figures 4 through 6.
Caution: If less than 10 feet of pipe connect the water treatment appliance(s), to the water heater, then
a Check Valve must be installed between the water treatment appliance and the water heater. Install
the Check Valve as close to the water heater as possible.
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
5
Reference Illustrations
Figure 1 - Inst allation Guide
See page 27 for the correct installation sequence.
Filter Softener

6
Reference Illustrations
CONNECTING DRAIN LINE
CAUTION! The drain line must not be
kinked, crimped or restricted in any
way. The drain line should be 1/2" inside
diameter and cannot be reduced in size.
Figure 2
Figure 3
PLUMBING CONNECTIONS
S/N 29350185
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
S/N 29350185

7
Reference Illustrations
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
Figure 4 Bypass Valves
Figure 5
Part #93884
<push/pull>
for service or bypass.
This part may be available through your local hardware store, plumber or call
our HelpLine to order.
Figure 6

Figure 8
8
Reference Illustrations
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
PLUGGING IN TRANSFORMER
Do not plug transformer into an out-
let that is controlled by on/off switch.
Figure 7
OVERFLOW
CONNECTION

9
Reference Illustrations
ADDING POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE TO THE IRON FILTER.
Open lid and add three
gallons of water.
Wait 15 minutes and
press the Regenerate button.
Slowly add 5 lbs. potas-
sium permanganate and stir
with paint paddle.
Figure 9
Figure 10

10
Cycles
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
Figure 11
Water by-passes your appliance during regeneration to allow iron and sediment to be washed
down the drain. After regeneration,
WaterBoss
®returns to service,
providing your home with filtered water.
Regeneration cycles*:
1. First up-flow backwash. A rapid up-flow of water flushes out the media bed.
2. Regeneration. Regenerant is drawn out of the brine cabinet and up through the
media tank, cleaning the media bed and releasing accumulated iron and hydrogen sulfide.
3. Slow rinse. A slow up-flow rinse process then flushes out the regenerant and iron.
4. Second up-flow backwash. This up-flow backwash flushes out any remaining regenerant
and sediment from cycle 2.
5. Downflow clean water refill. Filtered water is directed to the solution
cabinet to prepare the regenerant for the next regeneration sequence.
6. Return to service. Regeneration is complete and the appliance is returned to normal
operation.
*NOTE: The regeneration cycles described above only applies to the 97WB-IF.

11
Cycles - Iron Filter Only
1 First up-flow backwash 2 Regenerant Draw 3 Slow Rinse
4 Second up-flow 5 Downflow clean 6 Return to service
Cycles - Carbon & Acid Neutralizing
Filters Only
Return To ServiceBackwash
Figure 11

12
Inst allation And Start-Up Procedures
When calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number available.
From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial number may be found on
top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
Each WaterBoss
®water filter includes water test strips and 8' of drain line and a drain fitting.
1. Placement: Place your WaterBoss
®appliance in desired location. Turn off electricity and
water supply to water heater. Make sure inlet/outlet and drain connections meet the applicable local
codes. Check arrows on valve to be sure water flows in proper direction. See figures 1, 2, & 3.
CAUTION: DO NOT PLUMB APPLIANCE IN BACKWARD.
2. Drain Line: must be a minimum of 1/2"-5/8” I.D. tubing and should make the shortest run to a
suitable drain. The drain line may be elevated up to 8 feet from the discharge on the appliance as
long as the water pressure in your system is 40 psi or more. If drain line is 25' or longer, increase
drain line to 5/8" I.D. Also, the end of the drain line must be equal in height or lower than the control
valve. See figure 1. All overhead drains for filter installations must be 3/4” I.D.
3. Flushing: Before placing your
WaterBoss
®appliance in service, it is very important to flush the
cold water lines of any debris. Turn on water supply, open the nearest cold water tap and let the
water run for 2 to 3 minutes until the water flows clear. Then put the by-pass in the Service posi-
tion. See figures 4 through 6.
4. Check Leaks. Close faucet and check for leaks. If leaks are found, turn off main water supply
and open the nearest cold water faucet to depressurize lines. Close faucet to eliminate siphoning
action. Repair leaks. Turn on water supply and electricity to water heater. Place the bypass valve
in the Service position. See figure 6.
5. Connect Overflow Line. The overflow line must end at a drain that is at least 3" lower than the
bottom of the overflow fitting. It is a gravity line and cannot be run overhead.
See figure 7.
6. Complete The Installation. Open a cold water tap and allow the appliance to flush for 20 minutes
or until approximately 72 gallons has passed through the appliance per NSF requirements.
7. Plug In Transformer. See figure 8.

13
97WB-CF Carbon Filter
Start-Up Procedures
Your waterBoss Carbon filter will backwash every one to four days. You select the frequency
based on local conditions. You will need to set the time of day and the desired time of regen-
eration by following the procedure outlined on page 17 of this manual.
IMPORTANT: Because the WB-CF is capable of treating a combination of undesirable con-
stituents in the water (chlorine, taste and odor), it is important that the filter be applied within
the operating limits outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these specifications will
cause poor backwash results and possibly a malfunction of the control valve.
INSTALLATION TIP: The granular activated carbon in this filter has been shipped dry. It is
necessary to soak this filter media for twenty-four hours to prevent media loss to drain during
backwash. Follow the installation procedure on page 12, but do not plug in the transformer.
After 24 hours, plug in the transformer and program the controller as outlined on page 17 of
this manual. Press and hold the regenerate button until the controller indicates 01 (flashing).
After 7 minutes, the controller will return to service mode and display a number from 01 to 04
days to regeneration.
NOTE: This filter should be installed after the pressure tank or water meter, before the water
heater or any WaterBoss water softener appliance unless otherwise recommended. (See
illustration). A minimum 3/4” pipe is required for proper function of the filter. It is also impor-
tant to examine the inlet piping to make sure the pipe is not plugged with lime. If the piping is
plugged, it must be cleaned or replaced.
OR
Filter Softener
Figure 12

97WB-AF Acid Neutralizing Filter
Start-Up Procedures
14
Your WaterBoss Acid Neutralizing Filter may be programmed to regenerate every one or two
days. You select the frequency based on local conditions. You will have to set the time of
day and the desired time of regeneration by following the procedure outlined on page 17 of
this manual.
IMPORTANT: Because the WB-AF is capable of elevating a low pH condition in the water, it
is important that the filter be applied within the operating limits outlined in this manual.
Failure to comply with these specifications will cause poor backwash results and possibly a
malfunction of the control valve. Additionally, it will be necessary to add two to five pounds of
the neutralizing media to the filter tank annually. The media slowly dissolves and thereby cor-
rects the corrosive characteristic of the water. The hardness will increase by two to four
grains per gallon. Check the total hardness of the water after start-up of the neutralizer and
set your water softener accordingly.
INSTALLATION TIP: Before placing this filter in service, it will be necessary to backwash the
filter to remove media fines in the filter bed. To backwash the filter, push and hold the regen-
erate button until the controller indicates cycle 01 (flashing). After 7 minutes, the controller
will return to the service mode and display 01 or 02 (solid). Retest the hardness before the
water enters the softener and reset the hardness setting of the softener. Typically, hardness
will increase by two to four grains after passing through the neutralizer.
NOTE: This filter should be installed after the pressure tank or water meter, before the water-
heater or any WaterBoss water softener appliance unless otherwise recommended. (See
illustration). A minimum 3/4” pipe is required for proper function of the filter. It is also impor-
tant to examine the inlet piping to make sure the pipe is not plugged with lime or iron. If the
piping is plugged, it must be cleaned or replaced.
Filter Softener
OR
Figure 13

15
97WB-IF Iron Filter
Start-Up Procedures
Figure 14
Your WaterBoss Iron Filter may be programmed to regenerate every one to fourteen days.
You select the frequency based on the amount of iron in the water and the number of people
in the household. You will have to set the time of day and the desired time of regeneration by
following the procedure outlined on page 17 of this manual. See the WaterBoss Iron Filter
Application Chart on page 16.
IMPORTANT: Because the WB-IF is capable of treating a combination of undesirable con-
stituents in the water (iron and/or hydrogen sulfide), it is important that the filter be applied
within the operating limits outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these specifications
will cause poor backwash results and possibly a malfunction of the control valve.
INSTALLATION TIP: Before placing the filter in service, add three gallons of water to the cab-
inet. See page 9. Make sure the KMnO4 has been thoroughly mixed as indicated below. To
start a regeneration, push and hold the immediate recharge button until the controller indi-
cates cycle 01 (flashing). After 45 minutes, the filter will return to service mode and display
from 01 or 14 (solid).
NOTE: This filter should be installed after the pressure tank or water meter, before the water-
heater or any WaterBoss water softener appliance unless otherwise recommended. (See
illustration). A minimum 3/4” pipe is required for proper function of the filter. It is also impor-
tant to examine the inlet piping to make sure the pipe is not plugged with lime or iron. If the
piping is plugged, it must be cleaned or replaced.
CAUTION: When adding the Potassium Permanganate ( KMnO4), use care when opening
the container and pouring it into the cabinet. Stir the KMnO4 until the color is a dark walnut
and stir every two weeks. Follow the safety precatuions on the container. Coarse granular
Potassium Permanganate is recommended for this filter appliance (P/N 97804). Fine granu-
lar Potassium Permanganate can be drawn into the filter as a solid rather than a liquid. For
further operating and handling instructions, refer to the KMnO4 Potassium Permanganate
product label.
Filter Softener
OR

W aterBoss Iron Filter
Application Chart
16
Figure 15

17
Setting The Controller:
To ensure that your WaterBoss Filter operates properly, follow the setting instructions below.
For the iron filter, refer to the selection chart on page 16.
To set the desired frequency of regeneration, or backwash, press and hold the SET button for 3
seconds. When “01” is displayed, release the set button and press and release the change
button to set the desired frequency. Press the set button to return to the main screen and the
number you selected will be displayed. This indicates the number of days until the next regen-
eration or backwash.
To set the time of day and time of regeneration/backwash, press and hold the SET and
CHANGE buttons simultaneously for three seconds. Release when the number “12” appears in
the display. The number 12 indicates standard time in AM or PM. To change to military time,
press CHANGE and the “12” will change to “24”. For military time, be sure to set the correct
time of day after 12 noon. EXAMPLE: 2:00 pm will be set as 14:00.
To set the time (to the nearest hour) press and release the “SET” button to change the hour AM
or PM, the display will read “set time”.
To set the time of regeneration/backwash, press the “SET” button to toggle to the final setting.
The display will read, “set reg. time” 02 AM. This is 2:00 AM. Press the “CHANGE” button to
select the desired regeneration time. Note: if you have a softener installted with the
WaterBoss filter, be sure to stagger the regeneration times. Set the softener to regenerate first,
followed byt the filter.
Press the SET button to save the program you have selected.