Figure 2 Softened Water Flow Diagram
PRE-INSTALLATION CHECKLIST
Installation by a licensed plumber is
recommended.
1. Valves, fittings, grounding straps, wire, clamps, pipe, and
drain tubing are not normally supplied with the water
softener.
2. Electrical Requirements: A continuous 120 volt, 60-cycle
current supply or 220 V, 50 Hz is required.
CAUTION
Make certain the electrical supply cannot be turned
off accidentally.
3. Location of Softener and Drain: We recommend that the
softener be installed on a sound plumbing system within 20
feet (610 cm) from the drain.
NOTE: Outside faucet should be bypassed and left on hard
water.
4. Bypass Valves: Bypass valves allow you to turn off the water
to your unit but not the water service to your home.
NOTE: Your unit may include a bypass, Figure 3 Bypass
Valve. It can be used by itself or with a manual
bypass, Figure 4 Manual Bypass using three
separate valves.
Figure 3 Bypass Valve
1
2
3
B
Figure 4 Manual Bypass using three
separate valves.
In Service Position
• Valves 1 and 3 open
• Valve 2 closed
Bypassed Position
• Valve 2 open
• Valves 1 and 3 closed
5. Pre-Filtration: To prevent your softener from incoming
sediment and iron particles, we recommend the installation
of a pre-filter on the water line going to the unit. See your
Pentair dealer for product selection.
INSTALLATION
Use a qualified plumber to make all difficult piping installations.
1. SHUT OFF FUEL SUPPLY TO WATER HEATER. See
manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Shut off all water at main supply valve.
3. Open faucet nearest pump or water meter to relieve
pressure and drain system. Open the highest faucet in the
plumbing system (you cannot work on pipes with water in
them). Make necessary piping changes for connection of the
filter to the plumbing of the home (see Piping Details).
CAUTION
The water filter system should be installed
with the inlet, outlet and drain connections
made in accordance with the manufacturer’s
recommendations and to meet applicable plumbing
codes.
4. Set the water softener in place. Place on a firm concrete
floor or slab base. Be sure unit is reasonably level.
NOTE: Do not shim the tank directly for leveling. If
necessary to shim, fabricate a platform base to set
the tank on and then shim under the platform base.
5. It is highly recommended that a bypass valve be installed or
pipe in a three-valve bypass using manual globe valves as
shown in Figure 4 Manual Bypass using three
separate valves..
Make certain the untreated water piping connects to the
yoke on the right and the softened water is connected on the
left as shown in Figure 5.
Yoke
Out
In
Figure 5
6. Connect the inlet and outlet piping. The valve yoke threads
are 3/4" NPT. (Be sure you have the incoming water
connected to the correct side).
NOTE: Do not use pipe joint compound or plumber’s putty
on the yoke threads. Use only plumber tape.
NOTE: Do not over-tighten fittings to yoke.
7. Make certain proper piping alignment is maintained. Do
not apply heat to any fitting connected to the conditioner or
damage to the valve may occur.
8. Move conditioner into position and level. Check all
connections for tightness.
CAUTION
To prevent water leaks, connections to softener
must be straight when the tank is leveled
CAUTION
Review Drain Requirements, before connecting drain
lines.
9. Carefully attach valve drain line to drain fitting on the back
of the valve.
CAUTION
Do not raise drain line over 8 feet from floor.
10. Install salt storage tank overflow line to salt tank elbow and
then run overflow drain line to drain. DO NOT CONNECT
VALVE DRAIN LINE AND OVERFLOW DRAIN LINES
TOGETHER BY "T"ING. See page 7 for additional drain
details.
11. Pressure test the installation. The plumbing installation
can now be checked for possible leaks. Open the main
water supply valve and hot and cold water faucets. When
6 • PENTAIR SOFTFLO 5600 Service Manual
