AO Smith AO-WH-DSCLR Whole House Descaler Owner’s Manual

AO-WH-DSCLR
Owner’s Manual
WHOLE HOUSE DESCALER

AO-WH-DSCLR Whole House Descaler

IF YOU NEED HELP OR HAVE A QUESTION, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. GIVE US A CALL AT 877.333.7108.
PLEASE DO NOT RETURN TO THE STORE.
Congratulations on your new purchase. This descaler system has been engineered to provide you with optimally clean water. The system features scale control media with salt-free technology that naturally and safely reduces scale buildup on internal pipes and plumbing without the use of harsh salt or chemicals. Whatever your water needs — from hydration to cooking and more — A. O. Smith has you covered.
Keep this owner’s manual to reference installation, troubleshooting, and filter replacement information.
If you need help or have a question, give us a call at 877.333.7108.

| The recommended replacement frequency for the AO-WH-DSCLR is every 6 years or 600,000 gallons of use.
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| Use only certified, genuine A. O. Smith Whole House products for continued contaminant removal and system performance.
Visit aosmithatlowes.com to find replacements or visit your local Lowe’s store.

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Scan to view the AO-WH-DSCLR installation video.

BOX CONTENTS

Please read entire manual to ensure all parts listed are present before installation.
If any part is missing or damaged let us know by calling 877.333.7108.
Do not attempt to install the descaler.
Tools recommended for installation:

• PVC primer and glue
• Channel locks
• PVC pipe cutter
• Drill
• Wrench
• Crimping tool
• Plumber’s tape
• Copper wire & grounding clamps (if copper pipes are present)

A sediment filter is recommended for the Whole House Descaler.
Note: We recommend using a professional if pipe cutting is required.

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

If you have added components to your Whole House Descaler, note the correct sequencing below.
WITH A WHOLE HOUSE WATER FILTER

Due to the varieties of home design, not all installation configurations can be addressed in this guide.

CARE & SAFEGUARDS

AO-WH-DSCLR
Rated service flow: 7 gpm (26.5 Liters)
Max capacity: 6 years or 600,000 gallons
Min working pressure: 20 psi (137.9 kPa)
Max working pressure: 100 psi (689.5 kPa)
Min operating temperature: 40° F (4.44° C)
Max operating temperature: 90° F (32.22° C)
Care
To clean your system, wipe exterior with a damp cloth. Do not use any strong abrasive cleaning agent or solvent cleaner.
NOTICE
Safeguards

• Properly tighten all fittings to ensure a leak-free assembly.
• Pick an appropriate installation location. Dimensions of systems vary — always allow an estimated minimum of 28″ clearance for height of tank.
• Unit must be installed in an area where the main water line enters your home, before connecting to the water heater. DO NOT install after a water heater or on the hot water line.
• It is recommended your system be installed indoors and out of direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to light can weaken plastic components, resulting in filter housing failure. If this is not possible and the system is outdoors or in a sunny area, the unit must be protected from both direct sunlight and freezing temperatures.
• If installing on metallic plumbing, installing system with two grounding clamps and #4 copper wire are essential for safety.
• Some local codes may require the use of a licensed plumber or certified installer when disrupting a potable water line.
• Due to the varieties of home design, not all installation configurations can be addressed in this guide.
• In areas with high pressure, a pressure relief valve and a water hammer arrestor may be necessary.
• For use with municipally treated water only. Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown water quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

INSTALLATION GUIDE

Before installing:

• Do not install this filter where the line pressure may exceed 100 psi. The operating pressure range for this filter is between 20 psi – 100 psi.
• Install on cold water lines only (40° – 90°F). Protect unit from freezing.
• Installation of the descaler system must comply with existing state and local plumbing codes. A. O. Smith and its manufacturer is not liable for consequential or incidental damages due to improper installation.
• Do not install the unit on its side. It must be installed upright to maximize contact with media bed.
• Improper sequence of equipment will affect performance and could possibly damage your system.

STEP 1 Pre-Condition the Unit by Surge Flushing
Note: It’s imperative that this system is flushed properly prior to final installation. The Scale Control Media (SCM) used in the tank must be flushed prior to use. Surge flushing is the best method for purging the SCM fines from the media bed.

1. Remove red shipping caps from the inlet and outlet ports on the main housing.
2. Using supplied adapter, connect a garden hose to the inlet port so the water will flow into the system and out of the outlet port.
3. Slowly turn faucet on and allow discolored water to flow from outlet into a suitable drainage area. The first few gallons will appear cloudy due to SCM fines.
4. After an initial 15-minute flushing, begin a period of “surge flushing” by turning water supply on for 30 seconds and then off for 30 seconds, repeating cycle for 15 minutes or until initial surge of water is completely clear and free from discoloration and cloudiness.
5. Disconnect the system from the garden hose and position it for final installation.
   Note: Do not drink flushed water.

INSTALLATION GUIDE
STEP 2 Prepare for Installation

1. Pick an appropriate installation location. Unit must be installed in an area where the main water line enters your home, before connecting to the water heater.
   Note: DO NOT install after the water heater or on the hot water line. Components and installation will vary.

2. Turn off the main water source prior to installation and drain water from lines.

3. Wrap your 3/4″ male NPT fittings with NSF certified plumber’s tape. Connect the 3/4″ male fittings to the system’s inlet and outlet.
   Note: DO NOT use pipe solvent (dope), as solvents in some types of pipe dope may cause damage to plastic fittings. Do not over-tighten to prevent damage to filter head.

STEP 3 Install Shut-Off Valve

1. Using a pipe cutter, cut into the main water supply line to install the shut-off valve.

2. Loosely fit shut-off valve to calculate proper spacing of components.

3. Measure distance for descaler head and mark pipe accordingly.
   Note: If you’re also installing a bypass loop, do so at this time. STEP 3 Install Shut-Off Valve (Cont. from previous page)
   COPPER PIPES ONLY (proceed to Step 4 for PVC Pipes)
   When installing on metallic plumbing, ensure you take the following precautions.
   Securely install two (2) grounding clamps and a #4 copper wire (not included) across the location where the system will be installed. Tightly clamp at both ends, as shown below. WARNING
   ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD
   Prior to installation on metallic plumbing, securely install two grounding clamps and a #4 copper wire per installation instructions. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or electric shock.

4. Cut pipe and clean ends of pipe. Ensure there are no burrs, sharp edges or deep scratches.
   Note: Cut tubing as straight as possible with a utility knife, or an appropriate pipe cutter for copper tubing or PVC.

5. Fit whole house filter onto pipe. Ensure the “IN” port is connected to incoming water supply line. STEP 4 Flush and Check for Leaks
   Once installation is complete, slowly turn water on and inspect for leaks. After inspecting for leaks, turn on the faucet closest to the installed unit and allow water to run for 5-10 minutes for the final flushing period.
   Note: Do not drink flushed water.

LIMITED WARRANTY
Who is covered:
A. O. Smith and its suppliers, (herein collectively referred to as a “Manufacturer”) warrants to the original owner who purchased and nstalled the system (hereinafter “Owner”).
What is covered:
This Limited Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship during the Limited Warranty period of your of your A. O. Smith Whole House Water Filter including sub-components purchased with original system (may or may not include faucet and fittings), except as provided below. The water filter is warranted only when it is installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions accompanying the water filter found on AOSmithAtLowes.com. A water filter should be installed in such a manner that, if the system or any connection thereto should leak, the resulting flow of water will not cause damage to the area in which it is installed. For detailed instructions read the manual accompanying the water filter and review drawings in the manual.
For how long:
This Limited Warranty runs for 72 months from the date of purchase by a consumer (hereinafter “Warranty Period”). No Warranty coverage will be provided if the claimant is unable to provide proof of purchase from an authorized A. O. Smith reseller. Estimated lifespan of products is for information only and is based on usage approximations. Water conditions and use rates may limit the functional lifespan of your filter. This Limited Warranty does not extend to the full estimated life span of the system.
What A. O. Smith will do:

1. If the filter or any component part proves to Manufacturer’s satisfaction to be defective in material or workmanship within the Warranty period listed on the data plate label, the Manufacturer will provide a replacement that fulfills the remaining estimated lifespan/ capacity of your original purchase and send it to you with installation instructions. If industry standards, product improvements or product obsolescence prohibit Manufacturer from furnishing an identical model replacement water filter or part under this Warranty, the Owner will be furnished with a new water filter of comparable remaining capacity and functionality; however, the Owner will be charged for the additional value of the item(s) which Manufacturer has incorporated in the replacement water filter. The Warranty period for any replacement will run for the balance of the original 72 months.
2. Return of Defective Water Filter and Component Parts – Manufacturer reserves the right to examine the alleged defect in the water filter or component part(s), and it will be the Owner’s obligation to return the water filter and/or component part(s) to the Manufacturer at the Manufacturer’s request.
   a. When returning a water filter, it must include all component parts.
   b. When returning component part(s), they must be individually tagged and identified with the water filter’s model number, date of purchase, and date of installation.

What is not covered:

1. This Warranty does not cover filter cartridges and any systems that were not installed in compliance with the instructions or that have been abused or operated incorrectly.

2. This Warranty applies only to products purchased from authorized
   A. O. Smith resellers.

3. The Limited Warranty stated herein is in lieu of any and all warranties, express or implied (whether written or oral), including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

4. Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, special, punitive, or contingent damages or expenses, arising, directly or indirectly, from any defect in the water filter or the use of the water filter, including but not limited to water damage.

5. Manufacturer shall not be liable for any water damage arising, directly or indirectly, from any defect in the water filter or component part(s) or from its use.

6. Manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage or product failures caused by any of the following:
   • The water filter or any of its component parts have been subject to misuse, alteration, neglect or accident.
   • The water filter has not been installed in accordance with the applicable local plumbing and/or building code(s) and/or regulations or in their absence.
   • The water filter is not installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the printed Manufacturer’s instructions, including if the water filter has any additional aftermarket equipment introduced into the sealed system not approved by the manufacturer.
   • The water filter is exposed to highly corrosive conditions.
   • The water filter is not continuously supplied with potable water.
   • The water filter is not operated within the factory calibrated temperature limits.
   • The water filter is installed in direct sunlight or exposed to freezing temperatures.
   • The water filter or any of its component parts fail due to sediment build- up.
   • Clogging due to purchaser’s failure to replace the filter cartridges.
   • Damage caused by fire, flood or acts of God.
   • Damage caused by over-pressurization in the water line.

7. Manufacturer shall not be liable for any claims related to excessive noise, smell, or taste of water.

8. This Warranty does not cover damage caused by the use of parts that are not genuine A. O. Smith parts. This includes, but is not limited to replacement filters, faucets, and/or diverter valves.

9. Except when specifically prohibited by the applicable state law, the Owner, and not the Manufacturer, shall be liable for and shall pay for all charges for labor or other expenses incurred in the removal, repair or replacement of the water filter or any component part(s) claimed to be defective or any expense incurred to remedy any defect in the product. Such charges may include, but are not necessarily limited to:
   a. All freight, shipping, handling and delivery costs of forwarding a new water filter or replacement part(s) to the owner.
   b. All costs necessary or incidental in removing the defective water filter or component part(s) and installing a new water filter or component part(s).
   c. Any material required to complete, and/or permits required for, installation of a new water filter or replacement part(s), and
   d. All costs necessary or incidental in returning the defective water filter or component part(s) to a location designated by the Manufacturer.

How to get service:
To receive service under this Warranty, you must contact A. O. Smith at 1-877-333-7108 within the Warranty Period to describe the problem to a customer service representative who will verify that the product is under Warranty and determine whether a part or the system will be replaced and whether you must send back the unit. You will be required to provide proof of purchase from an authorized A. O. Smith reseller and proof of proper installation.
Warranty registration:
Warranty registration is not required for coverage under the A. O.
Smith Limited Warranty. If you purchased from a retailer or an authorized reseller, please complete the online Warranty registration form at www.aosmithatlowes.com/register. Proof of purchase from an A. O. Smith authorized dealer is required. Once registered online, we will have a record of your purchase.
How state law applies:
This Warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights which vary from state to state. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

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This descaler is designed and tested for use with genuine A. O. Smith parts, including replacement filters, faucet and all hardware. Use of parts from other manufacturers may result in loss of contaminant reduction performance, system damage or failure. Use of parts from other manufacturers will also void your warranty. Please visit aosmithatlowes.com for replacement parts. Installation must comply with state and local ordinances.
A. O. Smith is not liable for consequential or incidental damages due to improper installation.

A. O. Smith Corporation 11270 W Park Pl #170
Milwaukee, WI 53224
877.333.7108
100306470
AO-WH-DSCLR-202322

References

• Signature Series® Water Heaters Electric & Gas | A. O. Smith
• Owner and Product Registration Forms | A. O. Smith

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