Morton
®
Water Softener Installation & Operation Manual
11
Installation Instructions
Step 5. Cold Water Pipe Grounding
CAUTION: The house cold water pipe (metal only)
is often used as a ground for the house
electrical system, The 3-valve bypass
type of installation, shown in Figure 8,
will maintain ground continuity. If you
use a plastic bypass valve at the unit,
continuity is broken. To restore the
ground, do the following:
1
. Install a #4 copper wire across the removed section
of main water pipe, securely clamping it at both
ends (See Figure 14) - parts not included.
NOTE: Check local plumbing and electrical codes
for proper installation of the ground wire.
The installation must conform to them. In
Massachusetts, plumbing codes of
Massachusetts shall be conformed to.
Consult with your licensed plumber.
FIG. 14
Ground
Wire
Clamp (2)
Step 7. Install Salt Storage Tank
Over flow Hose
1
. Measure, cut to needed length and connect the 3/8"
drain line (provided) to the salt storage tank over-
flow elbow and secure in place with a hose clamp.
2
Run the hose to the floor drain, or other suitable
drain point no higher than the drain fitting on the salt
storage tank (This is a gravity drain). If the tank
overfills with water, the excess water flows to the
drain point. Cut the drain line to the desired length
and route it neatly out of the way.
IMPORTANT:
For proper operation of the water soften-
er, do not connect the water softener
valve drain hose from Step 6 to the salt
storage tank overflow hose.
Step 8. Pressure Testing for Leaks
To prevent air pressure in the water softener and
plumbing system, do the following steps exactly in
order:
1
. Fully open two or more softened cold water faucets
nearby the water softener, located downstream from
the water softener.
2
. Place the single bypass valve or 3 valve bypass in
"bypass" position. See Figures 7 & 8.
3
. Fully open the main water supply valve. Run water
until there is a steady flow from the opened faucets,
with no air bubbles.
4
. Place bypass valve(s) in "service" or soft water posi-
tion exactly as follows:
=
Single bypass valve: Slowly move the valve stem
toward "service," pausing several times to allow
the water softener to fill with water.
=
3 valve bypass: Fully close the bypass valve and
open the outlet valve. Slowly open the inlet
valve, pausing several times to allow the water
softener to fill with water.
5
. After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet
until there is a steady flow and there are no air bub-
bles, then close this faucet.
6
. Close all cold water faucets and check for leaks at
the plumbing connections that you made.
7
. Check for leaks around clips at softener’s inlet and
outlet. If a leak occurs at a clip, depressurize the
plumbing (turn off the water supply and open
faucets) before removing clip. When removing clips
at the softener’s inlet or outlet, push the single
Step 6. Install Valve Drain Hose
NOTE: See valve drain options on pages 7 & 8.
1
. Measure, cut to needed length and connect the 3/8"
drain line (provided) to the water softener valve
drain fitting. Use a hose clamp to hold the hose in
place.
IMPORTANT:
If codes require a rigid drain line see
“Valve Drain requirements" section.
2
. Run the drain hose (or a rigid line) to the floor drain.
Secure drain hose. This will prevent “whipping'' dur-
ing regenerations.
Be sure to provide a 1-1/2”
minimum air gap to prevent possible sewer
water backup.
See “Air Gap Requirements" sec-
tion.
NOTE:
In addition to a floor drain, you can use a laun-
dry tub or standpipe as a good drain point for
this hose.. Avoid long drain hose runs, or ele-
vating the hose more than 8’ above the floor.
continued on next page
