BWT WS Range Water Softener Fitting and Operating Instructions

Important Notice

Always keep these fitting and operating instructions close at hand to avoid mistakes. Before carrying out any work on the device, read the instructions carefully and follow them. While data sheets and brochures provide advice to the best of BWT's knowledge, the content is not legally binding.

Warning and Safety Instructions

This water softener complies with all relevant local and national safety requirements. Improper use will invalidate the manufacturer's warranty and could lead to injury and material damage.

To help avoid accidents and damage, read these instructions carefully before installation and use. Keep them in a safe place for future users.

Electrical Safety

Only use the supplied transformer/plug. Ensure the connection data (voltage and frequency) on the data plate matches the mains electricity supply. Consult a qualified electrician if in doubt.

Maintenance

The unit must be isolated from the electricity supply during installation, maintenance, and repair. For regular service, please see the welcome pack or call BWT on 01494 838 100.

Cleaning

Clean with a damp cloth. Do not use solvent-based or abrasive cleaning agents, as they may damage the high gloss finish.

Correct Application

This appliance is intended for domestic use only. Any other use is not supported by the manufacturer and could be dangerous. BWT UK Limited is not liable for damage resulting from incorrect or improper use.

Operation

This appliance can be used by children aged 8 and above, and persons with reduced physical, sensory, or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, if they have been given supervision or instruction on safe use and understand the hazards involved.

Safety with Children

Children must not play with the appliance or its contents at any time.

Extended Periods of Non-Use

If the property will be unattended for an extended period (e.g., holidays), bypass/isolate the water softener from the mains water supply by reversing the 3-valve positions as shown in the installation diagram. After prolonged non-use, ensure inlet and outlet valves are open, the bypass valve is closed, and start a manual regeneration as described in Part Two.

Protect from High & Low Temperatures

Do not install the water softener where it, or its connections (including the drain overflow lines), will be subject to temperatures below 5°C or above 40°C.

Contents

• Introduction: Page 4
• Features and Benefits: Page 4
• PART ONE: Overview of the Water Softening Process: Page 5
• Installation and Operating Considerations: Pages 6-7
• Typical Installation Layout: Page 8
• PART TWO: Installing Your Water Softener: Pages 9-11
• Programming Procedure: Pages 12-14
• PART THREE: Troubleshooting Guide: Pages 15-16
• Specification Table: Page 17
• Water Softener Warranty: Page 18

Introduction

Thank you for choosing a BWT WS Range Water Softener. This booklet provides full installation and operating instructions. Familiarize yourself with the basic principles of water softening and the benefits of the "Millennium" valve.

Features and Benefits

The BWT WS Range Water Softener features the Millennium valve controlled by the BWT "Advanced Memory Electronic Control System" (AMECS). AMECS is manufactured and tested to meet the latest EU standards for performance, safety, and testing of water softeners. The system design is based on BWT's extensive experience in the UK.

• Rotary valve for greater reliability with fewer moving parts.
• Flow rates suitable for conventional and modern plumbing systems.
• Custom backlit, easy-read display.
• "Capacity remaining indicator" for a continuous supply of softened water.
• Memory back-up facility (up to 72 hours) for AMECS settings after power failure.
• Low salt alarm.
• Low voltage control system.
• High capacity resin for generous softened water supply between regenerations.
• Proportional brining technology reduces water and salt usage for maximum efficiency.

PART ONE: Overview of the Water Softening Process

What is a Water Softener?

A water softener works by passing hard water through a cylinder containing ion exchange resin. The resin beads attract and retain hardness minerals, allowing softened water into the household supply. Periodically, the resin beads are cleaned and regenerated by rinsing with a brine (salt solution). The brine, with accumulated hardness, is flushed to the drain. This process is automatic; the user only needs to occasionally top up the salt.

Installation and Operating Considerations

1. Before You Begin

Installation is straightforward. BWT recommends a qualified plumber or someone with plumbing experience performs the installation. Familiarize yourself with these instructions and the required components before starting.

2. Positioning the Water Softener

Measure the intended space, including room for pipework and access for salt topping and service. Keep the distance to the incoming water supply and nearest drain to a minimum (ideally 2 meters). Ensure the chosen location can support the unit's weight (approx. 50 Kg when installed and filled with salt).

The softener is designed for incoming water pressure between 1.7 to 5 BAR. If pressure falls outside these limits, a booster pump or pressure-limiting valve may be required.

Note: UK Water Regulations require at least one tap to remain as a source of untreated drinking water. Garden taps should also be left untreated.

For unattended properties, bypass the softener by reversing the 3-valve positions. After prolonged non-use, open inlet/outlet valves, close bypass, and perform a manual regeneration.

Important: Avoid temperatures below 5°C or above 40°C for the unit and its connections.

3. Loft Installation

If installing in a loft, use a container with at least a 100-litre capacity with a 20mm overflow pipe. The overflow should be connected at the bottom of the container, not less than 150mm below any electrical components. An anti-vacuum valve on the inlet pipework is recommended.

4. Plumbing Systems

• Static Head: Use standard 15mm or 22mm installation kit.
• Combination Boilers (15mm): "Hard plumb" using copper tubes or flexible high-flow braided hoses.
• Unvented Fully Pressurised Systems (22mm): Similar to combination boilers.

5. Backflow Prevention Device

For single dwellings, a check valve (BS6282 Part 1) must be fitted on the cold water feed. Other installations require a double check valve.

6. Drinking Water

Ensure at least one drinking water tap is not fed by the softener. Individuals on low sodium diets should follow Department of Health advice: softened water contains sodium. Water for mixing baby formula must come from an un-softened tap.

Typical Installation Layout

Diagram showing the typical layout of the BWT WS Range Water Softener, including connections for inlet, outlet, drain, overflow, and mains water supply, along with key components like non-return valves and bypass valves.

Key to Diagram:

• A. Non-return valve
• B. Pressure reducing valve (where required)
• C. Inlet valve
• D. By-pass valve
• E. Outlet valve

Note: The overflow must discharge to a visible place outside the building.

PART TWO: Installing Your Water Softener

1. Positioning the Water Softener

Establish water pressure before installation. Low pressure affects performance; high pressure can damage components. Test pressure at a tap. Note that pressure can increase overnight. If daytime pressure exceeds 5 BAR, fit a pressure-limiting valve. If pressure is less than 1.7 BAR, a booster pump may be needed.

2. Inlet and Outlet Connections

With the bypass valve open and inlet/outlet valves closed, connect to the plumbing system. Arrows on piping indicate flow direction. Use copper tube and fittings or supplied flexible hoses. Avoid kinking hoses.

3. Drain Connection

Connect the flexible drain hose to the barbed connector (drain) and secure with the clip. Run the hose to a standpipe or drain, ensuring at least a 20mm air gap. Softened water is safe for septic tanks. The drain can be extended up to 9m if pressure is >3 BAR. Prevent kinking or restriction of the drain hose to avoid overflow.

Frost Protection: Protect drain hose and pipework from freezing temperatures (<0°C) to prevent overflow.

Raising the Drain Hose: With water pressure of 3 BAR or more, the drain can be raised up to 3 meters above the valve head.

4. Overflow Connections

Connect a rigid plastic 3/4" overflow pipe to the push-fit elbow at the rear of the cabinet. Run the pipe downhill to the outside, ensuring it does not discharge where damage could occur. If installed in a cellar/basement, the overflow can run to a storage tank. Do not elevate the overflow hose or use jointing cement on the fitting.

5. Electrical Connections

The softener is powered by low voltage via a plug-in transformer. Connect the transformer to a switched socket with the switch in the OFF position.

6. Filling the Brine Cabinet, Salt Usage and the Salt Alarm

Fill the brine cabinet with BWT care cubes (tablet salt). Tablet or block salt can be used for WS455 and WS555 models. Ensure the salt level remains above 150mm in depth for effective regeneration. The softener requires no priming; do not add water to the brine tank. Salt is rinsed away during regeneration and does not enter the water system. A low salt reminder will sound an audible alarm and display "SALT" when the salt level is low. To reset, fill the brine tank with salt and press the [key] twice.

7. Blending Control

Machines are factory-set for soft water. To adjust for less soft water, turn the blending knob on the left side of the valve anti-clockwise until desired softness is achieved.

8. Testing for Water Hardness

Use the supplied hardness test kit to determine water hardness. Follow the kit's instructions: fill the test bottle, add tablets one by one, shaking between additions until the solution turns from red to blue. Record the number of tablets used. Match this number to the supplied data table to find the water hardness. This figure is needed for programming.

9. Switching On for the First Time

• Check inlet/outlet hoses are correctly connected (inlet-to-inlet, outlet-to-outlet).
• Ensure the bypass arrangement is open (inlet/outlet valves closed, bypass valve open) and the mains stop valve is open.
• Verify the brine cabinet contains salt.
• Confirm the water softener is connected to the drain and overflow pipes, and these are not linked.
• Gently open the inlet valve to allow water into the resin vessel.
• Switch on the power. The valve will move to its start position (up to 10 minutes).
• Close the bypass valve.
• Gently open the outlet valve.
• Check for and correct any leaks.

The water softener is now online. Proceed to the valve programming procedure.

PART TWO: Programming Procedure

1. Setting the Time of Day

The first two digits (00) on the display will flash. Use the [up/down arrow keys] to adjust the hours. Press the [set key] to enter hours. Use the [up/down arrow keys] to adjust minutes. Press the [set key] to enter minutes and move to Hardness mode.

2. Setting the Water Hardness

The default display is 300 (suitable for hard water, 300 ppm). Use the [up/down arrow keys] to adjust the setting to match your water hardness test results (see page 11 for details). Press the [set key] to enter hardness and move to Recharge Time mode.

3. Setting the Recharge Time

To ensure effective regeneration, set the time of day for this process (default is 2:00 AM). Use the [up/down arrow keys] to adjust the time. Press the [set key] to enter the recharge time and return to Normal Operation Mode.

4. Setting the Type of Salt (WS455 & WS555 models)

Set the type of salt used (Block Salt - BS, or Care Cubes - CC). Use the [up/down arrow keys] to select the salt type.

5. Charge Bar

During normal operation, a charge bar at the bottom of the display shows the percentage of water softener capacity remaining since the last regeneration. It resets to 100% after regeneration.

6. Resetting the Display During Normal Operation

To adjust the time during normal operation, press any key to illuminate the display, then press the [key]. The display will flash the current time. Use the [up/down arrow keys] to alter the time as described on page 12.

7. Power Loss

The AMECS system retains programming for up to 72 hours. If power is lost for longer than 72 hours, the control will display "0:00" upon restoration. The time of day will need to be reset.

8. Flow Indicator

During normal operation, a flow indicator flashes on the display at a rate of one litre per pulse when water passes through the softener.

9. Cleaning

Clean the softener with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Avoid bleaches, solvents, or spirits.

PART THREE: Troubleshooting Guide

If Your Water Softener is Not Performing as Expected, Check the Following:

Problem: Water Still Remains Hard

• Checklist: Is there a minimum of 150mm of salt in the brine cabinet?
• Solution: Fill the brine cabinet with salt. (See page 10, section 6)
• Checklist: Is the power on?
• Solution: Switch on the power and check connections. (See pages 10-11)
• Checklist: Is the softener online?
• Solution: Close the bypass valve and open the inlet and outlet valves. (See page 11, section 9)
• Checklist: Is the hardness setting correct?
• Solution: Reset the hardness if required. (See page 12, section 2)

Problem: Water Level in Brine Cabinet Reaches Overflow

• Checklist: Is the line pressure within the specification of the water softener?
• Solution: Connect a pressure gauge to a water outlet and check the pressure is between 1.7 - 5.0 bar. (See page 9, section 1)
• Checklist: Pressure falls outside of the water softener specification.
• Solution: Fit a pressure reducing valve or booster pump as required. (See page 9, section 1)
• Checklist: Is there flow through the drain line?
• Solution: Check the drain line is not kinked, blocked, or frozen. (See page 9, section 3)
• Checklist: Has there been a power interruption?
• Solution: Check that the power is on and the connections are secure. (See page 10, section 5)

Note: If an overflow situation occurs or any of the above require action, reduce the water level by half and initiate a manual regeneration by pressing and holding the manual regeneration key [key] for more than six seconds.

Problem: No Water

• Checklist: Is the mains stop valve open?
• Solution: Open the mains stop valve. (See page 11, section 9)
• Checklist: Are the inlet and outlet valves of the water softener open?
• Solution: Open the inlet and outlet valves to the water softener. (See page 11, section 9)

Problem: Water Runs from the Drain Constantly

• Checklist: Is the unit in recharge mode?
• Solution: If yes, this is normal; wait until recharge is complete. (See page 5)
• Checklist: (Service Position)
• Solution: There should be no flow to drain in the service position. Isolate the softener and call for service. (See page 11, section 9)

Problem: Excessive Salt Usage

• Checklist: Check the hardness setting.
• Solution: Reduce the hardness if incorrect. (See pages 11-12, section 8)

Problem: Electronic Display

• Checklist: Display shows error code "Err 1", audible alarm sounds.
• Solution: Check all connections are secure. Turn power off for 10 seconds, then back on to reset the system. (See page 10, section 5)
• Checklist: Display shows error code "SALT", audible alarm sounds.
• Solution: The low salt alarm is active. Fill the brine cabinet with salt. Press the [SET key] to reset the salt alarm. (See page 10, section 6)
• Checklist: Is the digital display blank?
• Solution: Check power is on and all connections are secure. (See page 10, section 5)

Problem: Unit Regenerates at the Wrong Time

• Checklist: Is the present time correct?
• Solution: Reset the present time. (See page 12, section 1)
• Checklist: Is the regeneration time correct?
• Solution: Reset the regeneration time. (See page 12, section 3)

Note: If the home position is not detected within 10 minutes, the main display will show "Err 1" and an audible alarm will sound. This error can only be cleared by removing and reapplying power.

IF PROBLEMS PERSIST, PLEASE CALL YOUR BWT STOCKIST OR CONTACT OUR TECHNICAL HELP DESK ON 01494 838 100.

Specification Table

Notes:

* Flow rates are from 10 to 50 litres/min. At flow rates under 10 litres/min, hardness may not be effectively removed. Sustained peak flow rates (>10 mins) may reduce capacity, leading to hard water breakthrough.

** The proportional brining control system calculates water and salt for regeneration based on usage patterns.

Water Softener Warranty

Your BWT water softener is guaranteed against faulty materials and workmanship for a minimum of 12 months from the date of purchase. Warranty liability is limited to repair or replacement cost of the unit.

Note: Some models may have an extended warranty period.

Conditions and Terms of the Warranty:

This warranty provides benefits additional to, and not affecting, your legal rights. BWT will replace or exchange parts free of charge for domestic water softeners supplied by BWT or its agents within the UK, shown to be defective due to faulty workmanship or materials within 12 months of installation. For units used for commercial purposes, the warranty period is reduced to 6 months.

Services and Associated Costs Not Included:

• Use of the unit for purposes for which it was not designed or intended.
• Incorrect installation (failure to follow BWT instructions/advice).
• Defects caused by malicious action, negligence, misuse, or third-party interference.
• Damage from fire, lightning, explosion, flood, storm, frost, impact, or other extraneous causes.
• Consequential loss arising from a defect in the softener or installation.
• Defects or damage from public electricity supply failure.
• Damage to equipment other than the water softener caused by hard water.
• Damage to fixtures and fittings other than the water softener caused by softened water.
• Salt used or wasted due to a defect or damage to the water softener.

Repair Costs Excluded:

• Consumer replaceable items (filters, batteries, light bulbs).
• Associate items not part of the unit (pipework, electrical connections).
• Service call expenses when no fault is found.

Extended Warranties

BWT offers optional extended warranty and service plans for further protection and practical benefits. Contact BWT or refer to supplied literature for details.

Contact Information:

BWT UK Limited
BWT House, Coronation Road,
High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP12 3SU
Tel: 01494 838100
Fax: 01494 838101
Email: enquiries@bwt-uk.co.uk
Website: www.bwt-uk.co.uk

© BWT 2017. Specifications are subject to change without prior notice. Photographs are for guidance only. Terms and conditions apply. E & OE.