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The WH whole house water
filter contains both KDF (copper-zinc alloy) and GAC (granulated activated
carbon). The filter is designed for the water to pass through the KDF media
first (for dechlorination), and then the GAC. The water enters the main filter
at the inlet side of the distributor head, travels down through the medias, is
picked up by the center tube, and exits the other side of the head.
The KDF media is much
heavier than the GAC media. If our filter was shipped full, and the filter
laid on its side, the KDF could move out of position. Because of this, we ship
the filter with the KDF separate. Here are the easy instructions for filling
your filter tank with the KDF media:
- Unscrew
the black cap from the top of the filter tank. You may need to tap it
counterclockwise with a hammer to help unscrew it. Save it for future tank
exchanges.
- Be
sure that the red cap is in place at the end of the center tube. This
prevents the media from falling down into the tube during filling.
- Place
the funnel into the opening, and pour the KDF media into the filter tank.
- Remove
the funnel and the red cap from the tube.
- Carefully
screw on the distributor head, with the tube going into the hole in the
center. Be sure to tighten securely. You can use the 3/4" pipe used
to connect the pre-filter to the main filter (see installation
instructions) for leverage.
- Now
see the installation instructions.
INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS: WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER
IMPORTANT:
Be sure to follow the
assembly instructions before proceeding. It is recommended that installation
of the whole house water filter be done by a professional plumber since
cutting into you home's main water line is required.
Both the sediment
pre-filter and the main filter have 3/4" FTP fittings. Two connection
options can be used on copper pipe: 3/4" MPT to sweat (be sure to keep
the heat away from the plastic), or 3/4" MPT to compression. 3/4"
copper flex tubing (used on water heaters) can also be used. The sediment
pre-filter and the main unit can be joined using a simple 3/4" MPT long
pipe nipple. Use Teflon tape only on fittings.
The sediment pre-filter is
the first thing the water passes through, then the main filter unit. Be sure
to note inlet and outlet markings on both units. It is recommended that a
three-valve by-pass valve be installed to loop the entire system. This enables
bypassing the water for lawn watering and makes servicing easier. Union
connections on either side of the main tank should be considered – they
would make tank change-outs much easier.
After the unit is
installed, it is necessary to flush the unit thoroughly. Do this at the
nearest water faucet (such as a utility sink or outdoor faucet). The water
will be blackish in color for some time - this is normal carbon dust. Continue
to run water until it runs clear. Shut the water off and let the unit sit for
awhile, then flush it again. The homeowner may notice an initial
"cloudy" appearance to the water for a day or so - this cloudiness
is actually tiny air bubbles being purged from the carbon. This is normal,
harmless, and will clear up in a day or two.
IMPORTANT
OPERATING NOTES
After
an extended period of inactivity, allow water to run through the filter for
several minutes before drinking. Otherwise, the taste may be bitter due to
excess zinc oxide (which prevents bacterial growth and is harmless to drink).
Maximum recommended flow
rate is 5 gallons per minute. Operating at higher flow rates will not
necessarily damage the unit but will reduce the contaminant removal
efficiency.
Maximum water pressure is
100 PSI. Install a pressure regulator on water with pressures higher than
this.
Maximum operating
temperature is 110° F. Protect from freezing.
HOW
DO I KNOW WHEN TO REPLACE MY FILTER MEDIA?
The whole house filter is
designed to remove chlorine and other contaminants from approximately 300,000
gallons of water (about three years), and has a three-year prorated warranty
of effectiveness. In virtually all cases, the taste and odor of chlorine will
return to municipal water when the cartridge has lost its effectiveness. The
enclosed test strips (3) can be used to confirm the presence of chlorine. Dip
the test strip into the water sample with a constant gentle back and forth
motion for 10 seconds. Immediately note the color change: the pad on the end
will turn blue with the presence of free chlorine, the pad nearest the handle
will turn green with the presence of total chlorine (chloramines).
IMPORTANT: Assess the color within 10 seconds after dipping the
strip - the pads become unstable after that and will give a false reading.
Additional test strips are available from Universal Water (3 for $1.00).
The
type and concentration of contaminants varies widely throughout the country.
Therefore, to assure maximum effectiveness and the best possible water
quality, it is suggested that the cartridge be replaced at least every three
years.
Two replacement
methods are available:
1.
A
media refill kit can be ordered - the old media is poured out of the main
vessel, and the new is poured in. The old media can be recycled.
2. A new tank can be ordered to
simply replace the old unit - it can also be returned for recycling.
SEDIMENT
FILTER REPLACEMENT
This is done as necessary
as determined by visual inspection. When the cartridge has noticeably darkened
and/or the water pressure has dropped, it is time to clean or replace the
sediment pre-filter. Turn off the main water line and open a near-by faucet to
relieve line pressure. Place a bucket under the housing. With the filter
wrench, unscrew the housing. Remove the old filter and install the new, making
sure it is positioned in the lower and upper dowels. While the housing is off,
lubricate the O-ring (silicon grease, or petroleum jelly). Reorder part number
SFX-1 from Universal Water.
WARRANTY
POLICY
Tank, head, and
pre-filter
housing: Five years full replacement. Media: Three years prorated at 1/36th
the current media refill cost per month of usage.
This warranty does not
cover damage due to abuse, neglect, freezing, fire or other fortuitous event.
No allowance is made for the consequential damage, labor or expense incurred
as a result of a proven defect.
RETURN PROCEDURE
- Units returned under warranty must be shipped POSTPAID to Universal Water at
the address below. A photocopy of your sales receipt MUST be enclosed with the
unit. A new unit will then be sent.
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