Culligan RC-EZ-1 EZ-Change Basic Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Culligan RC-EZ-1 EZ-Change Basic Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge is designed to provide clean, great-tasting water for drinking and cooking. This basic filtration cartridge is compatible with Culligan US-EZ-1, US-EZ-3, and US-EZ-4 systems. It offers a filtration capacity of up to 3,000 gallons or 12 months, depending on usage and water conditions. The EZ-Change design simplifies cartridge replacement, eliminating the need for additional tools or complex procedures.

Image 1.1: Culligan RC-EZ-1 EZ-Change Basic Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge.

2. Product Features

• Improved Water Quality: Reduces particulates (Class III), chloride, bad taste, and odor from water.
• Versatile Use: Suitable for under-sink or refrigerator drinking water systems and icemakers.
• Easy-Change Mechanism: Features a twist-on, twist-off design for quick and mess-free cartridge replacement.
• Long Filter Life: Provides filtration for up to 3,000 gallons or 12 months, depending on water conditions and usage.
• Certified Performance: Tested by IAPMO according to NSF/ANSI 42 for chlorine and particulate reduction.
• Includes: Installation hardware and tubing for convenience.

3. Compatibility

The RC-EZ-1 replacement cartridge is compatible with the following Culligan EZ-Change Filtration Systems:

• Culligan US-EZ-1 System
• Culligan US-EZ-3 System
• Culligan US-EZ-4 System

Image 3.1: Culligan Water Cartridge Selection Guide for various systems.

4. Specifications

5. Setup and Installation

This section provides instructions for installing the Culligan EZ-Change Water Filtration System. Ensure you have all necessary components and tools before beginning.

5.1. Tools Required

• Phillips screwdriver
• Drill
• Utility knife
• Pencil
• Tape measure
• Adjustable wrench
• Safety glasses
• Teflon® tape
• Towel

5.2. Installation Steps

1. Mounting the Faucet:
   • If your sink has a pre-drilled hole (often used for soap dispensers or sprayers), remove the existing device. Unscrew the plastic nut from underneath the sink to release it.
   • Assemble the faucet by inserting the spout into the faucet body and tightening the spout nut.
   • Slide the black rubber gasket onto the threaded faucet stem, then lower the faucet stem through the hole in the sink.
   • From underneath the sink, slide the metal washer up the faucet stem, followed by the white plastic stem nut. Hand-tighten to secure the faucet to the sink. Do not use pliers.
   • If drilling is required, consult the installation instructions for proper technique.
2. Installing the Water Supply Adapter:
   • Turn off the cold water supply line. Turn on the cold water at the faucet and allow all water to drain from the line.
   • Disconnect the cold water line from the 1/2-inch diameter threaded stub on the bottom of the cold water faucet inlet.
   • Apply Teflon® tape onto the male threads of the faucet stub and the supply adapter.
   • Screw the water supply adapter to the threaded faucet stub. Use the nut that previously connected the cold water line to the faucet. Hand-tighten, then snug with a wrench.
3. Mounting the Filter Assembly:
   • Select a location under the sink to mount the filter assembly. Ensure at least 1.5 inches of clearance below the filter cartridge and 12 inches below the filter head for future cartridge changes.
   • The filter head should be mounted in a vertical position on a stud or firm surface.
   • Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark screw locations.
   • Using a drill bit slightly smaller than the supplied screws, drill pilot holes in the cabinet. Be aware of what is behind the cabinet wall.
   • Mount the filter head in the marked location using the supplied screws.
   

   Image 5.1: Installing the filter assembly under the sink.
4. Connecting the Filter Housing to the Supply Adapter:
   • Determine the amount of plastic tubing needed to connect the inlet of the filter with the supply adapter. Allow enough tubing to prevent kinking.
   • Cut the tubing squarely. Place a mark 5/8 inches from both ends of the tubing.
   • Insert one end of the tubing into the supply adapter until the mark is flush with the fitting.
   • Insert the other end of the tubing into the filter inlet until the mark is flush with the fitting.
5. Connecting the Faucet:
   • Determine the amount of plastic tubing needed to connect the outlet of the filter with the faucet. Cut the tubing squarely.
   • Slide the compression nut over the tubing, followed by the ferrule. Then place the insert into the end of the tubing.
   • Push the tubing firmly into the end of the faucet stem. Hand-tighten the compression nut onto the threads until secure. Then tighten approximately one-half turn with a wrench.
6. Final Checks:
   • Turn on the water supply valve.
   • Check for leaks above and below the sink. If a leak is present, turn off the water and refer to the troubleshooting section.

6. Operating Instructions

To operate the Culligan EZ-Change Water Filtration System:

1. Rotate the handle of the filter faucet counter-clockwise to the ON position.
2. Allow water to run for 10 minutes to flush air and carbon fines from the system. This is important for initial setup and after each filter change.
3. To turn off the water, rotate the handle clockwise to the OFF position.

Image 6.1: Using the dedicated faucet to dispense filtered water.

7. Maintenance: Filter Replacement

The RC-EZ-1 filter cartridge should be replaced every 3,000 gallons or 12 months, whichever comes first, to ensure optimal performance.

7.1. Easy-Change Steps

1. Turn off the water supply to the filter and dispense water until the flow stops to relieve pressure.
2. Place a towel under the system to catch any water drips.
3. Turn the arrow on the filter cartridge from the locked to the unlocked position and remove the cartridge by pulling it down.
4. Line up the arrow on the new cartridge with the unlocked position on the head. Insert the cartridge by pushing it up and then turning the arrow to the locked position.
5. Turn on the water supply and check for leaks. If leaks occur, refer to the troubleshooting section.
6. Flush water through the faucet for 10 minutes to remove carbon fines. Check for leaks before leaving the installation area.

Image 7.1: Culligan RC-EZ-1 Replacement Cartridge packaging with instructions.

8. Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your Culligan EZ-Change Water Filtration System, refer to the following common troubleshooting steps:

• Leaks: If leaks occur after installation or cartridge replacement, ensure all connections are hand-tightened and then snugged with a wrench (where applicable). Verify that the filter cartridge is fully inserted and twisted to the locked position. Turn off the water supply, re-check connections, and re-test.
• Slow Flow: A significant reduction in water flow rate can indicate a clogged filter cartridge. Replace the filter cartridge if it has reached its capacity or if flow is noticeably reduced.
• Bad Taste or Odor: If bad taste or odor persists after flushing the system, the filter cartridge may be exhausted or improperly installed. Ensure the cartridge is correctly seated and replace it if necessary.
• Filter Change Indicator (if applicable to your system): If your system includes an LED indicator, it will flash yellow when a filter change is needed within 30 days, and red when an immediate change is required. Replace the battery in the indicator every time the filter is changed.

9. Warranty and Support

The Culligan RC-EZ-1 EZ-Change Basic Water Filtration Replacement Cartridge comes with a 5-year warranty. For warranty claims, technical support, or further assistance, please contact Culligan customer service.

Important: Filter must be protected against freezing. Failure to do so may result in cracking of the filter and water leakage. Filter must be maintained according to manufacturer's recommendations, including replacement of the filter cartridge. Because the filter cartridge's limited life and to prevent possible water damage from leaks and flooding, the filter must be replaced every 3,000 gallons or 12 months from the manufacturer's date printed on the cartridge body, whichever comes first.

For more information, visit the official Culligan website or refer to the contact details provided with your product packaging.