Operating instructions

SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE

The following procedures are guidelines only but have proven successful in most instances. Under no circum-

stances should any procedure outlined below be followed if contrary to the appliance manufacturer’s instructions.

Should there be 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

the following procedures that apply to the type of system and appliances that need cleaning to help assure better quality water

at the points of use.

It is not uncommon that a softener was installed in an effort to reduce ferrous (“clear water”) iron from the water supply.

Typically, a softener will reduce some ferrous iron until the resin bed becomes fouled to the extent that it will lose both hard-

ness reduction capacity and the limited capacity for iron removal. This is the condition to expect the softener to be in when

planning a system clean-up.

Prior to closing main supply valve or turning power off to a private well system and preparatory prior to installing the Chem-

Free Iron Reduction System on a system where a softener has already been installed, do the following:

1) Disconnect brine draw line from brine tank and place the loose end into a ﬁ ve gallon plastic pail ﬁ lled with a solution

of hot water and 10 ozs. of resin mineral cleaner (IRON-X).

2) Manually advance control timer to BRINE DRAW position (refer to instructions provided with your softener), and

allow all hot mineral cleaner solution to be drawn into mineral bed. Then IMMEDIATELY:

3) Close main water supply valve or turn power off to pump and proceed with ﬁ lter installation. During time required to

install ﬁ lter system, iron-fouled softener resin will be chemically cleaned.

4) After ﬁ lter installation is completed, ﬁ nal adjustments made with water turned and the brine draw tube reconnected,

manually reposition timer on softener to BACK-WASH position. Allow timer to perform an automatic complete back-

wash and regeneration cycle. During backwashing of softener, iron cleaned from the resin will be washed down drain.

It is advisable after chemically cleaning softener to regenerate system twice to fully restore capacity lost due to iron-

fouling.

Water Heater

If the water heater has been exposed to both iron and hardness for a long period of time, replacement of the heater tank may

be the only practical solution to prevent continued staining originating from the source.

After completing the installation of the Chem-Free Iron Reduction System, clean the water heater by following these

instructions:

1) Shut off fuel supply to water heater and close heater inlet water valve.

2) Drain hot water tank completely. Open inlet water valve allowing heater tank to be reﬁ lled with iron-free

water. Continue ﬂ ushing until water runs clear to drain.

3) If after approximately 30 minutes ﬂ ushing, water does NOT clear, terminate ﬂ ushing operation. Reﬁ ll water heater

with water and pour approximately 1/2 gallon of household bleach into top of heater tank. Allow bleach solution to

stand in tank for 20 to 30 minutes. Flush tank again until water is clear at drain. Turn fuel supply on.

Note: If water does not clear in approximately 10 minutes, water heater probably should be replaced.

Dishwasher

Consult owner’s handbook and follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Toilet Flush Tanks

Prior to commencing installation of the Chem-Free Filter System, pour 4 to 6 ounces of resin mineral cleaner (IRON-X) or

inhibited muriatic acid into ﬂ ush tanks and bowls and let stand. When installation is completed, ﬂ ush toilets several times

with iron-free water. If iron deposits or stains remain, repeat procedure until clear.

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