Installation Instructions

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Check with your state and local public works department for plumbing and sanitation codes. You must follow these guidelines as you install the Household Water Filtration Housing. Using a qualified installer is recommended.

Be sure the water supply conforms with the Specifications Guidelines. If the water supply conditions are unknown, contact your municipal water company.

WARNING: Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

It is highly recommended that a water shut-off valve be placed directly upstream of your household filter.

PROPER INSTALLATION

This Household Water Filtration System must be properly installed and located in accordance with the Installation Instructions before it is used.

• Check with your local public works department for plumbing codes. You must follow their guides as you install the Household Water Filtration System.
• Use the Household Water Filtration System on a potable, safe-to-drink, home COLD water supply only. The filter cartridge will not purify water or make unsafe water safe to drink.
• Protect the Household Water Filtration System and piping from freezing. Water freezing in the housing will damage it.
• Your Household Water Filtration System will withstand up to 125 psi water pressure. If your house water supply pressure is higher than 80 psi during the day (it may reach higher levels at night), install a pressure-reducing valve before the housing is installed.
• Do not install on HOT WATER. The temperature of the water supply to the Household Filtration System must be between the minimum of 40°F and the maximum of 100°F. See the Specification Guidelines.
• Do not install the Household Water Filtration System using copper solder fittings. The heat from the soldering process will damage the unit. If making a soldered copper installation, do all sweat soldering before connecting pipes to the housing. Torch heat will damage plastic parts.
• WARNING: Discard all unused parts and packaging material after installation. Small parts remaining after installation could be a choke hazard.
• Do not install filter in an outside location or anywhere it will be exposed to sunlight.

REQUIRED TOOLS AND ACCESSORIES FOR INSTALLATION

• 2 wrenches: 11/8" and 11/4"
• Pipe cutter
• Ruler or tape measure
• Cordless drill and a 3/16" drill bit (optional)
• File
• Emery paper
• Screwdriver

• (2) 3/4" compression adapters with ferrule and nut (compatible to home plumbing)
• UL-approved grounding clamps and 6-gauge grounding wire
• Teflon tape
• If unit is to be installed on plastic, PVC or galvanized plumbing, separate hardware must be purchased.

CONTENTS INCLUDED WITH PRODUCT

• Filter housing and head
• Product literature
• Housing wrench
• Mounting bracket with (2) screws
• Timer and batteries

Certification marks from UPC.

ABOUT THE FILTER CARTRIDGE

Performance Data Sheet

The GXWH20T system using FXUSC (Rev. 2) filter has been tested according to NSF/ANSI 42 for reduction of the substances listed below. The concentration of the indicated substances in water entering the system was reduced to a concentration less than or equal to the permissible limit for water leaving the system, as specified in NSF/ANSI 42. While testing was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual performance may vary.

Rated Service Flow: 4 gpm

Minimum-Maximum Supply Water Pressure: 20-125 psi (2.1-6.9 bar)

Minimum-Maximum Supply Water Temperature: 40–100°F (4.4-37.7°F)

Replacement Filter Cartridges

Several variables determine how long the cartridge will last in your Household Water Filtration System. These include:

• levels of sediment or other undesirable substances in your water.
• the amount of water you use.
• the filter location (filtering all or part of your household water).

* Based on manufacturer's internal testing only.

Filter Cartridge Replacement

You should change your filter when the water flow is noticeably reduced or at least every 3 months.

1. Turn off water to filter. For model GXWH04F, water must be shut off from an upstream valve. For model GXWH20T, rotate control handle to the BYPASS or OFF position. (See Control Handle.)
2. Press the red pressure-release button to release pressure.
3. Unscrew the filter canister and discard used filter. Wash the filter canister with mild soap and water. Do not use harsh cleaners or hot water.
4. Inspect the filter canister O-ring. Make sure it is lightly lubricated with clean food-grade silicone grease (silicone grease is available through GEA Parts and Service: 1.800.626.2002, part number WS60S10005). Be sure the O-ring is seated in the groove. It is recommended that you replace the O-ring if it is damaged.
5. Place a new filter cartridge into the filter housing, making sure it is centered and completely seated on the bottom seal.
6. Reinstall the filter canister to the unit. Tighten filter canister to seal. Use canister wrench if necessary.
7. Slowly rotate control handle to the FILTER position (model GXWH20T) or slowly turn on the upstream shut-off valve (model GXWH04F).
8. Press the red pressure-release button to remove trapped air.
9. For initial system installation, open any downstream faucet and allow filter system to flush for 30 minutes (120 gallons) (model GXWH20T) or 15 minutes (60 gallons) (model GXWH04F). For filter replacement, see chart above for individual filter flush times.

Diagram showing the filter housing assembly with head, filter cartridge, O-ring seal, and housing canister.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Installation Overview

NOTE: Be sure to allow a minimum space of 1 1/2"-2" under the filter for removing the filter housing to change the cartridge.

Illustrations showing recommended installation space (1 1/2" to 2") for GXWH04F and GXWH20T models.

Select Location

Select a location for the filter that is:

• protected from freezing.
• not exposed to direct sunlight.

It is recommended that a shut-off valve be placed on both sides of the filter.

It is recommended that a mounting bracket be used.

Cut Water Line

WARNING: A copper or galvanized cold water pipe may be used to ground electrical outlets in the home. Failure to maintain this ground path may result in an electric shock hazard. If the cold water pipe is used to ground electric outlets, please refer to Installing the Ground Wire section before cutting the pipe.

1. Turn off the water supply and open a nearby faucet to drain the water out of the pipes.
2. Using a tape measure or ruler, measure the distance "D" as shown.
3. Using a pipe cutter, cut pipe. Sand (file) the cut ends of the pipe to ensure that they are square and smooth.

NOTE: Have a bucket and towel available to collect excess water.

Diagram illustrating the measurement 'D' for pipe cutting.

Install Fittings and Mounting Bracket

Instructions are for installing fittings onto 3/4" copper plumbing. If the unit is to be installed on any other type of tubing (plastic, PVC, galvanized), different hardware must be purchased. See instructions with additional hardware purchased, or consult a qualified plumber.

1. Apply about 12" of Teflon tape, in a clockwise direction, to the pipe threads of each fitting. DO NOT use joint compound on any parts.
2. Use the bracket as a template to find the two screw locations. Wood screws are provided. If mounted onto other surface, use appropriate hardware.
3. Drill a 3/16" hole on each marked screw location (optional); then drive the two wood screws until about 1/4" of thread is left. Ensure at least one screw is anchored into wall stud.
4. Assemble a fitting through the mounting bracket hole to the inlet and outlet of the head. Start each fitting by hand to make sure they don't cross-thread. Use a 11/8" wrench to tighten fittings firmly. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (cont.)

Attach Fittings to Water Line

1. Slip a compression nut onto each pipe.
2. Next, slip the brass ferrule onto each pipe.

Diagram showing compression nut and ferrule for attaching fittings.

Installing the Unit

1. Align filter assembly with pipe ends, making certain that the incoming water supply is going into the filter opening marked "IN". It may be necessary to spread the pipe ends apart to install filter assembly.
2. Using a 11/8" wrench to hold the fitting in place; use a 11/4" wrench to tighten the nut. Repeat process for other fittings.
3. Hang mounting bracket with unit onto previously installed screws. Drive two screws to secure unit tightly to the wall if necessary.
4. Install a filter into the housing and tighten canister to seal (see Filter Cartridge Replacement section).

Installing the Ground Wire

NOTE: If your house plumbing is plastic, it would not be used as a grounding path, and this step should be skipped.

IMPORTANT: A copper or galvanized cold water pipe is often used to ground electrical outlets in the home. Grounding protects you from electrical shock. The water filter housing may have broken this ground path. To restore connection, install a 12"-long, 6-gauge copper wire across the filter, and tightly clamp using UL-approved 1/2"-1" bronze grounding clamps at both ends as shown. Zinc clamps should not be used on copper plumbing. Wire and clamps may be purchased separately from your local hardware store.

1. Clean copper pipe and ends of wire with emery paper. Bare wire is recommended. If insulated wire is used, it should be stripped 3/4" at each end before cleaning with emery paper.
2. Attach bronze clamps to copper pipe. Tighten screws.
3. Attach wire to clamps as shown. Tighten screws.

Diagram illustrating the ground wire connection to copper pipe with clamps.

Final Check

1. Install filter, if not already done. (See Filter Cartridge Replacement section.)
2. Slowly turn on water supply.
3. Check entire system for leaks.
4. If leaking from fittings, shut off water pressure and tighten or reseal fittings. If leaking from the canister, tighten the canister with a wrench.
5. Open any downstream faucet and allow filter and housing to flush for 30 minutes (120 gallons) (model GXWH20T) or 15 minutes (60 gallons) (model GXWH04F).

Timer Installation and Application Instructions

Diagram of timer components: timer cap, AAA batteries, timer base, timer seat, head.

• Timer battery installation and change: Insert coin or screwdriver into the slot between timer cap and base. Gently pry them open and separate timer base from cap. Install or change 2 new AAA 1.5-volt batteries. After you have the batteries in place, line up the base and cap and snap them back together. It is recommended to change the batteries at least every 2 filter changes, or when the blue LED light seems dim. Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc.) batteries.
• Installation of timer: Hold the timer body in the center and gently push the timer to its seat at the top of the head or attach it in a remote location for easy viewing.
• Timer reset and application: After new batteries are installed or filter is changed, push and hold the blue timer reset button (hold the reset button for approximately 5 seconds). Release the reset button after the light stops flashing. The timer has been reset. The light will flash again in 90 days to remind you that it is time to change the filter.

PARTS LIST

Exploded view diagram of the water filtration system parts.

To obtain replacement parts, call toll-free 877.959.8688 (U.S.), 800.661.1616 (Canada).

LIMITED ONE-YEAR WARRANTY

• What does this warranty cover? Any defect in materials or workmanship in the manufactured product.
• What does this warranty not cover? Filter Cartridges. Service trips to your home to teach you how to use the product. Improper installation, delivery or maintenance. Failure of the product if it is abused, misused, altered, used commercially or used for other than the intended purpose. Use of this product where water is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality, without adequate disinfection before or after the housing*. Housings certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts. *The term "housing" means the combination of the head and filter canister which together form a filter pressure vessel. Damage to the product caused by accident, fire, floods or acts of God. Incidental or consequential damage caused by possible defects with this appliance, its installation or repair.
• For how long after the original purchase? One (1) year.
• How do I make a warranty claim? Return to the retailer from which it was purchased, along with a copy of the "Proof of Purchase." A new or reconditioned unit will be provided. This warranty excludes the cost of shipping the product to your home.

EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES-Your sole and exclusive remedy is product exchange as provided in this Limited Warranty. Any implied warranties, including the implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to one year or the shortest period allowed by law.

This limited warranty is extended to the original purchaser and any succeeding owner for products purchased for home or office use within the USA. In Alaska, the limited warranty excludes the cost of shipping or service to your home or office.

Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages. This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. To know what your legal rights are, consult your local or state consumer affairs office or your state's Attorney General.

Contact us at GEAppliances.com, or call toll-free at 800.432.2737 in the U.S., or 800.561.3344 in Canada.