AQUA REX WK1 Water Softener System Instruction Manual
- June 8, 2024
- AQUA REX
Table of Contents
INSTALLATION, OPERATING
& MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS FOR
WK1 AND WK1-E
LOCATION
The best place to fit an Aqua-Rex physical water conditioner is on the cold
pipe where it goes into the water heater. Anywhere on the cold supply pipe is
also OK as long as it is after all filters and any other water treatment
system except UV.
The signal generated by Aqua-Rex travels both upstream and downstream through
the water thus treating all the water in the home,even when fitted only to the
water heater or softener loop. You can fit it anywhere on the cold water
supply on any pipe material; Copper, PEX, CPVC or PVC.
REFER TO THE SPECIFIERS GUIDE FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ABOUT COMMERCIAL
SYSTEMS WITH BOILERS AND HEAT EXCHANGERS.
It is available as a download from the website www.aqua-rex.com.
PUMPS
Pumps reduce the effectiveness of Aqua-Rex so always fit a unit after a pump, never in front of one. In a home with a hot water return we recommend installing Aqua-Rex on the cold pipe to the water heater.
FLEXIBLE CONNECTORS
These connectors can have spiral grooves or parallel grooves. On a spiral groove just follow the grooves from the center of the pipe to the ends. You can’t fit wires properly on parallel grooved pipe so change the pipe for a spiral groove version.
MAIN EARTH BOND
If there is a main earth bond close to the point of installation, make sure
the
Antennas are downstream (after) the earth bond.
INSTALLATION
When you have decided where the best place is to install the aerials then
decide whether it is best to attach the control box to a wall or to hang it
from the pipe itself. The important thing is to have less than 15 inches of
aerial between the box and the first coil of wire. Make sure there is slack in
the wire to the box so no stress is placed on the box or the first cable tie.
Antennas on all Aqua-Rex units are paired. They must be wound in opposite
directions going away from a CENTRAL point. They must be tight on the pipe.
One antenna should start by passing behind the pipe and the other antenna
should pass in front. Secure each end of the antennas with a cable tie.
Do not use tape. You must secure both ends properly. The wires must not be
loose. All four antennas of the WK1-E must be wrapped around the pipe.
ALL MODELS
Do not allow gaps between the antenna and the pipe. Windings must be tight and close together except in the grooves of a flexible connection.
Do maximise the number of windings per antenna, a minimum of 12.
If there is going to be surplus antenna wire, arrange for it to be at the end
with the cap rather than the end nearest the control box.
You can wind the antenna either side of a “T” junction or elbow, on a
horizontal or on a vertical pipe.
POWER SUPPLY
Both units have a standard USB plug and a USB power supply. Any USB power supply outlet can be used to provide power.
LIGHTS
The single LED light will flash to indicate the unit is working.
All units have a built in “Guard chip”which senses any irregularity in the
micro-chip performance and re-sets the system automatically. No manual
intervention or re-setting is required in the event of brownouts or power
outages.
WHAT WILL YOU NOTICE?
Within three to four weeks, existing scale will become softer and will be easy
to break off or wipe away. You may notice cloudy water coming from the hot
faucets and some loose scale deposits at the bottom of your bath or basin.
This is an indication that de-scaling has commenced. If the system was
severely scaled, an increase in hot water flow may be observed. You may notice
the water becoming hotter more rapidly, with better lathering and the water
feeling softer with more foam.
DE-SCALING THE SYSTEM
You may find that chunks of scale break away from within the pipes and these,
in rare circumstances, can block pipes, shower sprays, aerators, heaters and
heat exchangers. Be aware that this may happen and can reduce flow until the
blockage is cleared. Aerators on faucets and shower heads need to be checked
for build up.
WARNING
Filters and strainers on appliances and blending valves should be checked on a
regular basis for the first few months after installation until the old scale
no longer appears.
DISHWASHERS
Aqua-Rex is not very effective for treating water in a dishwasher as it’s performance is reduced by the internal pump. Make sure you use an appropriate hard water detergent and hard water rinse aid such as Lemishine. If you use the correct liquids you will have excellent results.
SHOWER HEAD AND BATHROOM UNITS
Encrustation of scale will be reduced substantially. Shower heads will be
cleaner and will require little or no de-scaling. Loose chunks of scale may
become trapped behind the shower heads and aerators which will require
cleaning out. You may find deposits of grit blocking very fine shower heads.
SILICA SCALE
Neither water softeners nor Aqua-Rex can treat silica scale. Silica does not
react to acids such as vinegar or muriatic acid while calcium does.
THERMOSTATS
Because of the increased efficiency of the water heater after the scale is
removed you may need to turn down the thermostat to reduce the chance of
scalding from the hotter water. You should expect energy savings to occur.
WATER SOFTENERS
If you have been using a conventional salt filled water softener you should
switch over to the by-pass. You may notice an initial deterioration of water
quality. Be patient! This will gradually improve once your Aqua-Rex has become
fully effective.
Aqua-Rex doesn’t remove calcium from the wat er like a conventional softener
but it makes it form a powder in suspension in the hot water instead of being
dissolved. This means there is less dissolved calcium and the water is softer.
If you measure the TOTAL calcium before and after Aqua-Rex it will be the same
because normal softener tests can’t distinguish between dissolved and
suspended calcium. You won’t get that slippery feel to the water that the
added Sodium produces but you will still get better lather and it is kinder to
your skin.
MAINTENANCE
The Aqua-Rex needs no maintenance or servicing, but check occasionally that
the lights are flashing. If the Aqua-Rex stops working, first check that the
power outlet is functioning. If the unit fails to work, or you are not happy
with the results, then PLEASE
CONTACT US FIRST FOR ADVICE BEFORE RETURNING THE UNIT. Neither Aqua-Rex LLC
nor its parent company, Lifescience Products Ltd will accept responsibility
for consequential loss as a result of the performance or otherwise of the
Aqua-Rex unit.
100 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE
If, for any reason whatsoever, you are dissatisfied with your Aqua-Rex
product, you may return it at any time during the first 100 days after
purchase and the purchase price of the unit will be reimbursed in full. Call
us first before returning it to wherever it was purchased, together with your
full name and address and proof of purchase, showing the price paid.
20 YEAR MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
Lifescience Products Ltd guarantees to repair or to replace the Aqua-Rex
treatment unit in the event that it suffers from any manufacturing defect
during the first twenty years after purchase. The unit should be returned to
us properly boxed and wrapped, together with the proof of purchase, showing
the price paid. This warranty excludes external transformers.
Aqua-Rex LLC
3301 Spring Mountain Rd. Suite 18.
Las Vegas. NV 89102
t: 877 640 2170 f: 702 256 2175
e: [email protected] www.aqua-
rex.com