aquasana EQ-AST-WH Whole House Salt-Free Water Conditioner Owner’s Manual

: June 6, 2024
: aquasana

aquasana EQ-AST-WH - 1

aquasana EQ-AST-WH - 2

EQ-AST-WH and EQ-AST-WH-C

Whole House

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

Owner’s Manual

Meet clean, healthy water. Your new Aquasana® whole house Salt-Free Water Conditioner system was expertly engineered to protect internal pipes and plumbing from scale buildup without the use of harsh chemicals or salt.

Enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re protecting your home’s plumbing and extending the life of your washing machine, water heater, dishwasher, and other appliances.

EQ-AST-WH and EQ-AST-WH-C

Whole House

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

BOX CONTENTS 1

Salt-Free Water Conditioner

EQ-AST-WH - BOX CONTENTS 1

10″ Pre-Filter Slip Unions (2)

Shut-Off Valve (Not included with Pro-Kit)

3″ Nipples (4) Garden Hose Adapter

Wrench Pre-Filter Support Bracket

OPTIONAL UPGRADE – Professional Grade Install Kit

EQ-AST-WH - BOX CONTENTS 9

20″ Pre-Filter 10″ Post-Filter Brass Valves (3)

Brass “T” Fittings (2) Brass Adapters (2)

Post-Filter Support Bracket Pex Support Brackets (2)

Not NSF Certified

Parts and pieces included with your system will vary depending on your specific order. Please call Customer Service with any questions or concerns 866-662-6885.

Tools recommended for installation:

Drill
Wrench
NSF approved PVC primer and glue
Channel locks
PVC pipe cutter
NSF certified plumber’s tape
Copper wire & grounding clamps
(if copper pipes are present)

2 SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

If you have added components to your Salt-Free Water Conditioner, note the correct sequencing below.
(Installation shown below includes Professional Grade Install Kit)

EQ-AST-WH - SYSTEM CONFIGURATION

20″ Pre-Filter (Optional)
10″ Pre-Filter
UV Filter (Optional)
10″ Post-Filter (Optional)
Rhino® Water Filter System (Optional)
Salt-Free Water Conditioner

Before installing

Lay out system in appropriate configuration. Improper sequence of equipment will affect performance, and could possibly damage your system.
For all installations: Anticipate the need for additional parts and pieces including but not limited to pex tubing, clamps and mounting screws to install unit properly (available at a local home improvement stores or through your plumbing contractor). Due to the varieties of home design, not all configurations can be addressed in this guide.
DO NOT install this water conditioner where the line pressure may exceed 100 psi. The operating pressure range for this conditioner is between 20psi - 100psi.
Install on cold water lines only (40° - 90°F).
Installation of the water conditioner must comply with existing state and local plumbing codes. Aquasana and its manufacturer are 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.

USE & CARE 3

Read all precautions and installation instructions carefully and completely before installing.

Precautions

Properly tighten all fittings to ensure a leak-free assembly.
NSF certified plumber’s tape (thread sealing tape) is the only sealer that can be used on threaded fittings. DO NOT use pipe dope or PVC primer/glue on threaded fittings. Exposure to these compounds will damage nipples causing leaks.
Pick an appropriate installation location. Dimensions of systems vary–always allow an estimated minimum of 60″ clearance for height of tank, and a minimum of 45″ for floor space.
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 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, 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.
In areas with high pressure, a pressure relief valve and a water hammer arrestor may be necessary.

Cleaning

The exterior of your water conditioner can be cleaned with warm, soapy water. Rinse well with fresh, clean water.

A Pre-Filter is included with your system. Sediment levels vary from one location to another. It is recommended to replace your Pre-Filter every 2 months. If the flow rate has noticeably decreased, replace your filter cartridge sooner.

NOTE: Never use chemical cleaning products on the system’s exterior surface as they may damage the housing.

Specifications

This water conditioner is designed and tested for use with genuine Aquasana parts including replacement filters 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 aquasana.com for replacement parts.

Model: EQ-AST-WH / EQ-AST-WH-C

Replacement tank:
EQ-AST-WH-R / EQ-AST-WH-C-R

Additional Replacements:

20″ Pre-Filter: EQ-304-20
10″ Pre Filter: EQ-304
10″ Post-Filter: EQ-PFC.35
UV Lamp: AQ-UV-L330C

4 INSTALLATION STEPS

1 Pre-Condition Salt-Free Water Conditioner

NOTE: It’s imperative that this system is flushed properly prior to final installation.

EQ-AST-WH - INSTALLATION STEPS 1

Once out of the box, keep the tank upright at all times as to not apply pressure to divider. Remove shipping caps from inlet and outlet ports. 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.
Slowly turn faucet on and allow discolored water to flow from outlet into a suitable drainage area.
TIP: You may need to slightly shake the tank to help flush the system.
Flush the tank for 5-10 minutes.
Disconnect the system from the garden hose, be sure the white washers are properly set inside the inlet and outlet ports, and position the system for installation.

2 Select Location

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.
Turn off the main water source prior to installation. Drain water from lines to relieve pressure by turning on a faucet inside your home.

NOTE: DO NOT install after the water heater or on the hot water line. Components and installation will vary.

INSTALLATION STEPS 5

3 Prepare Salt-Free Water Conditioner

EQ-AST-WH - INSTALLATION STEPS 3 Wrap your pipe nipples with NSF certified plumber’s tape. Connect the nipples 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 conditioner.

4 COPPER PIPES ONLY (proceed to Step 5 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 in the illustration.

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.

Ground Wire
Ground Clamp

6 INSTALLATION STEPS

5 Install Shut-off Valve and Ensure Spacing

Using a pipe cutter, cut into the main water supply line to install the shut-off valve.
Loosely fit shut-off valve to calculate proper spacing of components.
Measure distance for Pre-Filter, Salt-Free Water Conditioner tank, and optional add-ons (Rhino Tank, Post-Filter, and UV) and mark pipe accordingly.
If you’re installing additional add-ons make sure to read through those separate installation manuals prior to fully installing your complete system.

NOTE: DO NOT cut more pipe than necessary. You can cut more pipe later if needed. If you’re also installing a Pro-Install Kit or bypass loop, do so at this time.

Incoming water supply
Ensure proper spacing to fit Pre-Filter, Salt-Free Water Conditioner, and any optional add-ons
Outgoing water supply

6 Cut Pipes

EQ-AST-WH - INSTALLATION STEPS 6

Cut pipe along the marked sections from step 5 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.

INSTALLATION STEPS 7

7 Configure System

Fit Salt-Free Water Conditioner tank and additional optional add-ons into the system at this time. Screw Pre-Filter support bracket onto the wall and attach Pre-Filter.

Properly connect system together accordingly (slip fittings, barbed fittings, NSF certified PVC glue, etc.). Ensure all parts are flowing through the “IN” port in the correct direction of water flow.

EQ-AST-WH - INSTALLATION STEPS 7

8 Final System Check

Once installation is complete, allow proper time for glue to dry according to manufacturer instructions. Then, 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.

SALT-FREE WATER CONDITIONER

LIMITED WARRANTY

Who is covered

AQUASANA AND ITS SUPPLIERS, (herein collectively referred to as “Manufacturer”) warrants to the owner of the home where the water conditioner is initially installed (hereinafter “Owner”). The warranty is restricted to the water conditioner used in a single-family residence in the United States of America and is void if moved from the original installation location.

What is covered

This Warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship during the limited warranty period of your Aquasana Salt-Free Water Conditioner including sub- components purchased with original system (may or may not include pre-filter, post-filter, and fittings), except as provided below. The water conditioner is warranted only when it is installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the instructions accompanying the water conditioner found on Aquasana.com. A water conditioner should be installed in such a manner that, if the tank 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 conditioner and review drawings in the manual.

For how long

This warranty runs for months specified in chart below from the date of purchase by a consumer (herinafter “Warranty Period”). No warranty coverage will be provided if the claimant is unable to provide proof of purchase. Water conditions and use rates may limit the functional lifespan of your conditioner. This Limited Warranty does not extend to the full estimated life span of the conditioner.

What Aquasana will do

1. If necessary, the Manufacturer will provide a replacement that fulfills the remaining estimated lifespan/capacity (see chart) 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 conditioner under this warranty, the Owner will be furnished with a new water conditioner 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 conditioner.

RHINO SYSTEM WARRANTY COVERAGE

Model| Lifespan/Capacity
EQ-AST-WH / EQ-AST-WH-C| 6 Years / 600,000 Gallons
Installation Kit
(includes pre-filter, post-filter, and fittings purchased with original system)| 1 Year

This warranty does not include the UV Filter. See full warranty information for the UV Filter in the original UV manual.

2. Component Part - If 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 furnish the Owner with a replacement for the defective part(s).

3. Return of Defective Water Conditioner and Component Parts - Manufacturer reserves the right to examine the alleged defect in the water conditioner or component part(s), and it will be the Owner’s obligation to return the water conditioner and/or component part(s) to the Manufacturer at the Manufacturers request.
a. When returning a water conditioner, it must include all component parts.
b. When returning component part(s), they must be individually tagged and identified with the water conditioner’s model number, date of purchase, and date of installation.

What is not covered

This warranty does not cover cartridges and any systems that were not installed in compliance with the instructions or that have been abused or operated incorrectly.
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.
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential, special, or contingent damages or expenses, arising, directly or indirectly, from any defect in the water conditioner or the use of the water conditioner.
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any water damage arising, directly or indirectly, from any defect in the water conditioner or component part(s) or from its use.
Manufacturer shall not be liable for any damage or product failures caused by any of the following:
• The water conditioner or any of its component parts have been subject to misuse, alteration, neglect or accident.
• The water conditioner 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 conditioner is not installed, operated and maintained in accordance with the printed Manufacturer’s instructions, including if the water conditioner has any additional aftermarket equipment introduced into the sealed system not approved by the manufacturer.
• The water conditioner is exposed to highly corrosive conditions.
• The water conditioner is not continuously supplied with potable water.
• The water conditioner is not operated within the factory calibrated temperature limits.
• The water conditioner is removed from its original installation location.
• The water conditioner is installed in direct sunlight or exposed to freezing temperatures.
• The water conditioner or any of its component parts fail due to iron or sediment build-up.
• Clogging due to purchaser’s failure to replace the Pre-Filter cartridge.
• Damage caused by fire, flood or acts of God.
• Damage caused by over-pressurization in the water line.
This warranty does not cover damage caused by the use of parts that are not genuine Aquasana parts. This includes, but is not limited to replacement conditioners, faucets, and/or diverter valves.
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 conditioner 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 conditioner or replacement part(s) to the owner.
b. All costs necessary or incidental in removing the water conditioner or component part(s) and installing a new water conditioner or component part(s).
c. Any material required to complete, and/or permits required for, installation of a new water conditioner or replacement part(s), and
d. All costs necessary or incidental in returning the water conditioner or component part(s) to a location designated by the manufacturer.

How to get service

To receive service under this Warranty, you must contact Aquasana (A. O. Smith Water Treatment (North America), Inc.) at 1-866-662-6885 or warranty@aquasana.com 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 and proof of proper installation.

EQ-AST-WH - Water drop 1