GEN-V4 WATER SOFTENER

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Please read this manual carefully before attempting installation.

Read this manual thoroughly to become familiar with the device and its capabilities before installing or operating your Water Softener. Failure to follow instructions in this manual could result in personal injury or property damage. 

 This manual will also help you to get the most out of your Softener.

General Operation & Installation   [Read First]
  • This system and its installation must comply with state and local regulations. Check with your local public works department for plumbing and sanitation codes. In the event the codes conflict with any content in this manual the local codes should be followed. For installations in Massachusetts, Massachusetts Plumbing Code 248 CMR shall be adhered to. Consult your licensed plumber for installation of this system.
  • This water Softener is designed to operate on pressures of 30 psi to 125 psi. If the water pressure is higher than the maximum, use a pressure reducing valve in the water supply line to the Softener. However, we do not recommend pressure above 70 psi for the softener or residential plumbing, anything over 70 psi can cause damage to the seals on the softener valve and you’re plumbing and fixtures.
  • This unit can operate at temperatures between 40°F and 110°F (4°C - 43°C). Do not use this water softener on hot water supplies.
  • Do not install this unit where it may be exposed to wet weather, direct sunlight, or temperatures outside of the range specified above unless you take precautions to protect it.
  • Avoid pinched O-rings during installation by applying (provided with install kit) NSF certified lubricant to all seals.
    • Softeners are commonly exposed to high levels of iron, manganese, sulfur, and sediments. Damage to pistons, seals, and or spacers within the control valve are not covered in this warranty due to the harsh environment.
  • It is recommended to regularly inspect and service the control valve on an annual basis. Cleaning and or replacement of piston, seals, and or spacers may be necessary depending on how harsh the conditions are. An Annual Maintenance kit (Part # 60010307) is available for this purpose.
  • Do not use water that is microbiologically unsafe without adequate disinfection before or after this system.
  • The manufacturer reserves the right to make product improvements which may deviate from the specifications and descriptions stated herein, without obligation to change previously manufactured products or to note the change.
  • This publication is based on information available when approved for printing. Continuing design refinement could cause changes that may not be included in this publication. Quality Water Treat-ment, Inc. reserves the right to change the specifications referred to in this literature at any time, without prior notice.

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

WHY WATER GETS HARD AND HOW IT IS SOFTENED
All the freshwater in the world originally falls as rain, snow, or sleet. Surface water is drawn upward by the sun, forming clouds. Then, nearly pure, and soft as it starts to fall, it begins to collect impurities as it passes through smog and dust-laden atmosphere.
And as it seeps through soil and rocks it gathers hardness, rust, acid, unpleasant tastes, and odour.
Water hardness is caused primarily by limestone dissolved from the earth by rainwater. Because of this, in earlier times people who wanted soft water collected rainwater from roofs in rain barrels and cisterns before it picked up hardness from the earth.
Some localities have corrosive water. A softener cannot correct this problem and so its printed warranty disclaims liability for corrosion of plumbing lines, fixtures, or appliances. Iron is a common water problem.
The chemical/ physical nature of iron found in natural water supplies is exhibited in four general types: (Applies to private well or surface water applications only.)
1) Dissolved Iron- Also called ferrous or “clear water” iron. This type of iron can be removed from the water by the same ion exchange principle that removes the hardness elements, calcium, and magnesium.
Dissolved iron is soluble in water and is detected by taking a sample of the water to be treated in a clear glass. The water in the glass is initially clear, but on standing exposed to the air, it may gradually turn cloudy or coloured as it oxidizes.
Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
2) Particulate Iron- Also called ferric or colloidal iron. This type of iron is an undissolved particle of iron. A softener will remove larger particles, but they may not be washed out in regeneration effectively and will eventually foul the ion exchange resin. A filtering treatment will be required to remove this type of iron. Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
3) Organic Bound Iron- This type of iron is strongly attached to an organic compound in the water. The ion exchange process alone cannot break this attachment and the softener will not remove this type of iron. Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
4) Bacterial Iron- This type of iron is protected inside a bacteria cell. Like the organic bound iron, it is not removed by a water softener. Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
ATTENTION: Iron content must not exceed 1 ppm. Beyond 1 ppm an iron softener must be used. Periodic media cleaning is required by Pro-Res Cleaner is iron level exceed 0.3 ppm. Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
When using a softener to remove both hardness and dissolved iron it is important that it regenerates more frequently than ordinarily would be calculated for hardness removal alone. Although many factors and formulas have been used to determine this frequency, it is recommended that the softener be regenerated when it has reached 50–75% of the calculated hardness alone capacity. This will minimize the potential for bed fouling. Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
If you are operating a water softener on clear water iron, regular resin bed cleaning is needed to keep the bed from coating with iron. Even when operating a softener on water with less than the maximum of dissolved iron, regular cleanings should be performed. Clean every six months or more often if iron appears in your conditioned water supply. Use resin bed cleaning compounds carefully following the directions on the container. Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
HOW A WATER SOFTENER WORKS
NOTE: Do not remove or destroy the serial number. It must be referenced on request for warranty repair or replacement.
CAUTION! Do not use where the water is micro-biologically unsafe or with water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the unit.
Applies to private well or surface water applications only.
Water softeners remove hardness in the water by exchanging particles in the water, or ions. They remove hard ions the calcium and magnesium in the water by trading it for sodium ions producing soft water.
Unlike the calcium and magnesium, sodium stays dissolved in water and does not form a scale. Sodium also does not interfere with the cleaning action of soaps.
The sodium is released by a charged resin contained in the softener, this resin also traps the calcium and magne-sium ions.
Eventually this resin releases all its sodium and has filled up with other ions, so it then must be regenerated. Regen-eration is accomplished by washing the resin with a salt saturated brine solution that removes the calcium and magnesium while replenishing the sodium.
Therefore, the softener requires a brine tank and salt. The water softener can run for days before running out of sodium, and when it does, the sodium is replenished in only a matter of a few hours.

BEFORE INSTALLATION

All government codes and regulations governing the installation of these devices must be observed. Check your water hardness.

CAUTION! The unit should be depressurized before installing or replacing media.

WARNING! ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD! UNPLUG THE UNIT BEFORE REMOVING THE COVER OR ACCESSING ANY INTERNAL CONTROL PARTS.

COPPER PIPES - GROUNDING STRAPS:
COPPER PIPES - GROUNDING STRAPS:
If the ground from the electrical panel or breaker box to the water meter or underground copper pipe is tied to the copper water lines and these lines are cut during installation of the Noryl bypass valve and/or poly pipe, an approved grounding strap must be used between the two lines that have been cut in order to maintain continuity.
The length of the grounding strap will depend upon the number of units being installed and/or the amountof copper pipe being replaced with plastic pipe.
In all cases where metal pipe was originally used and is later interrupted by poly pipe or the Noryl bypass valve or by physical separation, an approved ground clamp with no less than #6 copper conductor must be used for continuity, to maintain proper metallic pipe bonding.
CAUTION: If the plumbing system is used as the ground leg of the electric supply, continuity should be maintained by installing ground straps around any non-conductive plastic piping used in instal-lation. Check your local electrical code for the correct clamp.
DRAIN LINE INFORMATION:
DRAIN LINE INFORMATION:
Waste connections or drain outlets shall be designed and constructed to provide for connec-tion to the sanitary waste system through an air gap of 2 pipe diameters or 1 inch (22 mm) whichever is larger.
Never insert a drain line directly into a drain, sewer line, or trap. Always allow an air gap between the drain line and the wastewater to prevent the possibility of sewage being backsi-phoned into the softener.
WATER PRESSURE INFORMATION:

WATER PRESSURE INFORMATION:

Applies to private well or surface water applica-tions only. If a severe loss in water pressure is observed when the Softener unit is initially-placed in service, the softener tank may have been laid on its side during transit. If this occurs, backwash the softener to “reclassify” the media.
Check Your Water Pressure and Pumping Rate - Two water system conditions must be checked carefully to avoid unsatisfactory operation or equipment damage:
  • Minimum water pressure required at the Soften-er tank inlet is 30 ps.
  • The pumping rate of your well pump must at least equal the required backwash flow rate of your model.
LOCATE WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CORRECTLY:

LOCATE WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT CORRECTLY:


Select the location of your softener tank with care. Various conditions which contribute to proper location are as follows: Locate as close as possible to the water supply
  • Locate as close as possible to a drain.
  • Locate in the correct relationship to other water conditioning equipment.
  • Softener should be located near the supply line before the water heater. Temperatures above 120°F damage softeners.
  • Do not install a softener in a location where freezing temperatures occur. Freezing may cause permanent damage to this type of equipment and will void.
  • Allow sufficient space around the unit for easy servicing.
  • Plumb in a bypass for your treated water where your water source is a community water supply, a public water supply or if you wish to bypass water used for a geothermal heat pump, lawn sprinkling, out-buildings, or other high demand applications.
  • Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. The sun’s heat may soften and distort plastic.
  • Determine the best location for your water softener. Factor in the location of water supply lines, drain line and 120-volt AC electrical outlet. Subjecting the Softener to freezing or temperatures above 43°C (110°F) will void the warranty.
MANUAL WATER BYPASS:

MANUAL WATER BYPASS:

In case of an emergency such as softener mainte- nance, you can isolate your water softener from the water supply using the bypass valve located at the back of the control.

In normal operation the bypass is open with the ON/OFF knobs in line with the INLET and OUTLET pipes.

To isolate the softener, simply rotate the knobs clockwise (as indicated by the word BYPASS and arrow) until they lock.

You can use your water related fixtures and appliances as the water supply is bypassing the msoftener. However, the water you use will be hard.

To resume treated service, open the bypass valve by rotating the knobs counter-clockwise.

Please make sure bypass knobs are fully opened during service, otherwise the unsoftened water could bypass through the valve.

You are now ready to install your new
water softener system.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Below are the installation instructions to get youup and running in no time. We highly recommendthat you follow along in our simple installation videos.

Typical Install Times:

  • 3 hours for a Handyman/ Plumber
  • 4 hours for DIY
Tools Required
Tools Required:
  • Flathead Screwdriver
  • Phillips Head Screwdriver
  • Tongue-and-Groove Pliers (i.e. Channellock)
  • Adjustable Wrench
  • Pipe Cutter or Hacksaw (as applicable)
Additional parts (as applicable)
Additional parts (as applicable):
  • Drain tubing: 1/2” ID vinyl tubing & 1/2” hose clamp (length to reach the drainpipe)
  • Drainpipe connection and air gap fittings
  • Inlet & outlet connection plumbing items
  • Hose bibs and fittings (Optional, but recommended)
For Copper, Pex and cpvp pipes (as applicable)

    for copper,pex,and cpvp pipes (as applicable):

  • Quick Connect Fittings (Optional Quick-connect Hose Kit, or other quick-connect fittings. i.e. SharkBite)

    • for copper pipes (as applicable):

  • Electrical grounding strapping, if this new install will cut/ separate any existing copper pipes.

    • for PVS pipes (as applicable):

  • PVC Primer & glue, Teflon tape, pipe and fittings
  • Note: The optional Quick connect Hose kit does not work on PVC pipes.
Unpacking and Inspecting Your New System

Your new water softener system will include the following items. Before starting, please check that you have all the items, and inspect for any possible damage that may have occurred during shipment.


(Note: This new system may have multiple shipments.)

Contact Support:

  • Web link: https://qualitywatertreatment.com/suppot
  • Email Address:Help@QualityWaterTreatment.com
  • Web link: https://qualitywatertreatment.com/support
  • Email Address: Help@QualityWaterTreatment.com
SHIPMENT FAQ's:

SHIPMENT FAQ's:

(1) Is it OK if some items are delivered on its side or upside-down?

Yes, it is OK. If your shipment, boxes, or other items are delivered to you on its side or upside-down, do not be alarmed. Our team takes additional precautions to ensure that your new system is properly protected. Simply turn the shipment or box right-side up and unpack it.

(2) What if there is damage to the exterior of the shipment or boxes?

We got your back. If you find visual damage to the exterior of the boxes, take pictures of the boxes and/or video of the damage before unpacking them. Just because boxes are damaged does not mean the system is damaged, we make sure they are protected. So continue to unpack they system from boxes and inspect the system for damage.

3. After unpacking, what if there is damage to the valve, tank, or other equipment?

We got you. If you find visual damage to any of the parts, please take pictures and/or video of the damage. Then please immediately send us the images/ video, and we will get parts shipped to you.

4. After unpacking, what if there is a missing item?

Easy. If you are missing a part, please contact us to help get you set up properly.

ITEMS INCLUDED

Items Included

Note:

Small parts are placed in the small parts bag inside the brine tank. Please keep in the bag until ready to install. (Let's not lose them... )

Using Additional Whole House Filters or Other Treatment Systems?

If you have additional water treatment filters (i.e. whole house filter, iron filter or pH neutralizer), those systems should always be installed before the water softener.

The water softener is the final treatment systems in your complete water treatment. (The exception is for a UV Disinfection System, which will be placed after the water softener.)

You are now ready to install your new water softener system.

GENERAL WATER SOFTENER TREATMENT SETUP

The following shows common setups for A) city water, and B) well water sources. These system setups include optional additional filter options.

A) CITY WATER TREATMENT SETUP:

A) CITY WATER TREATMENT SETUP:

B) WELL WATER TREATMENT SETUP:

B) WELL WATER TREATMENT SETUP:

[TIP] TREATED/ UNTREATED WATER HOSE BIB OPTIONS:

[TIP] TREATED/ UNTREATED WATER HOSE BIB OPTIONS:

If you want filtered, soft water access, you can install a tee fitting, hose bib and plumbing after the softener. Soft water uses include washing cars and pets.

You can also install an untreated prior to flowing into the treatment system. Untreated water uses are include testing the source water and washing items that do not need soft water.

METAL PIPE GROUNDING GENERAL INFORMATION

DO YOU HAVE EXISTING COPPER WATER PIPES?

Do you have existing copper water pipes?

Prior to a new installation of the water softener, in all cases where metal pipe was originally used and is later interrupted by poly pipe or the bypass valve or by physical separation, an approved ground clamp with no less than #6 copper conductor must be used for grounding continuity, to maintain proper metallic pipe bonding.

Refer to your local building code.

CAUTION:

If the ground from the electrical panel or breaker box to the water meter or underground copper pipe is tied to the copper water lines and these lines are cut during installation of the Noryl bypass valve and/or poly pipe, an approved grounding strap must be used around the two lines that have been cut in order to maintain continuity.

The length/ size of the grounding strap will depend upon the number of units being installed and/or the amount of copper pipe being replaced with plastic pipe.