Operating instructions

SECTION 5: PLUMBING SYSTEM CLEAN-UP

IMPORTANT NOTE

The following procedures are guidelines only but have proven successful in most instances. Under no circumstances should any pro-

cedure 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 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 points

of use.

Softener

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

ener will reduce some ferrous iron until the resin bed becomes fouled to the extent that it will lose both hardness reduction capacity and

the limited capacity for iron reduction. 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 to installing the Chem-Free Iron Reduction

Filter System, do the following:

1) Disconnect brine draw line from brine cabinet 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 sys-

tem, iron-fouled softener resin will be chemically cleaned.

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

reposition timer on softener to BACKWASH position. Allow timer to perform an automatic, complete backwash 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 this source.

After completing the installation of the Chem-Free Iron Reduction Filter 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 hot 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 Iron Reduction Filter, 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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