22
More than 90% of problems affecting the efficiency of a chemical iron free filter system can be identified in 9 minutes or less by following this diagnostic schedule. Start with Step
1, then follow each step in sequence to ensure proper diagnostic procedures.
1. Check for Proper Installation
a.
Is the pipe from the pressure tank to the filter unit attached to the inlet port of the control valve? Is the pipe from the filter unit to the water heater attached to the outlet
port of the control valve?
b.
Is the drain line of adequate diameter? Drain line must be sized to prevent back pressure from reducing backwash flow rate below minimum for the model installed.
Typical examples of minimum drain line diameters are:
i)
5/8” ID when drain is up to 15 ft from unit and backwash water discharge point is slightly higher than the control valve
ii)
3/4” ID when drain is 25 ft away and/or drain is installed overhead
c.
Has the drain line been “kinked”? A kinked drain line must be replaced.
d.
Is the drain line installed in a way that it will freeze in cold weather?
e.
If the system incorporates a standard air-to-water pressure tank, does it have the required deep well air volume control (air release valve) and is it functioning? (Proper
installation of this type of pressure tank should have inlet from pump higher than outlet to service.)
2. Check pH, Iron and Manganese Content of Treated Water
Is the treated water pH reading less than 6.7 (8.2 when manganese is present)? If yes, replenish the media with MpH adder and check the bed for “channelling”.
3. Check Pumping Rate
Do not refer to a pumping rate curve for this data. Follow the instructions found on Page 7. Is the measured pumping rate less than the backwash rate of the filter? If yes,
increase the pumping rate by first reducing the system operating pressure. If the pumping rate is still too low, replace the pump.
4. Manually Stage Filter Control to Backwash Cycle
Does a “rush” of air precede the backwash water out of the drain line? (If no, proceed to Step 6). If yes, the system is “air-logged”. Disconnect power from the pump and allow
the system pressure to drop to zero through the filter drain line. Restore power and rebuild system pressure. Continue backwashing unit until the pump has completed two or
three pressure cycles. Stage control valve to the service position and check the hydrocharger draw time. Adjust draw for 1/3 of pump cycle time.
5. Determine Other Uses of Water in Addition to Normal Domestic Purposes
(e.g. geothermal heating or cooling, swimming pool fill, lawn irrigation, farm animal watering, etc.) Have any high demand water uses been added subsequent to the
installation of the filter system or overlooked when originally sizing the system? (If a high demand situation exists, resize the system using continuous service flow rate data.)
DURING REGENERATION
Automatic Bypass
The regeneration cycle lasts approximately 60 minutes, after which treated water service will be restored. During regeneration, untreated water is automatically bypassed for use
in the household. Hot water should be used as little as possible during this time to prevent hard water from filling the water heater.
IMPORTANT: This is why the automatic regeneration is set for sometime during the night and manual regenerations should be performed when little or no
water will be used in the household.
New Sounds
You may notice new sounds as your water softener operates. The regeneration cycle lasts approximately 2-1/2 hours. During this time, you may hear water running
intermittently to the drain.
PLUMBING SYSTEM CLEAN-UP
The following procedures are guidelines only but have proven successful in most instances. Under no circumstances should any procedure outlined below be followed if contrary
to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. Should there by any questions concerning the advisability of performing a procedure, it is strongly recommended the manufacturer’s
authorized service outlet be consulted prior to performing the procedure.
The plumbing system and water using appliances that have been exposed, even for a short time, to iron-fouled water need to be cleaned of the precipitated iron that has collected
in them or iron bleed (staining) will continue to be a problem.
Depending on the amount of iron in the water and the length of time the water system has been exposed to iron fouling, select from the following procedures those that apply to
the type of system and appliances that need to be cleaned to assure iron-free water at the point of use.
Softener
1.
Disconnect brine draw line from the brine cabinet and place the loose end into a five gallon plastic pail filled with a solution of warm water and 4 oz. of resin mineral cleaner.
2.
Manually advance control timer to brine draw position (refer to instructions provided with your softener). Allow all the warm mineral cleaner solution to be drawn into
mineral bed. Then immediately:
SYSTEM CHECK LIST
Summary of Contents for 89 BAF
Page 2: ......
