GE PNSF39Z01, Owner'S Manual & Installation Instructions

5

•

Place the softener as close as possible to a sewer drain, or other acceptable drain point or
standpipe.

•

It is recommended to keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft water and salt.

•

Do not install the softener in a place where it could freeze.

Freeze damage is not covered by 

the warranty.

•

Do not install the softener where it would block access to the water heater or access to the 
main water shutoff.

•

Put the softener in a place where water damage is least likely to occur if a leak develops. 
The manufacturer will not repair or pay for water damage.

•

A 120 volt electric outlet is needed to plug in the included transformer. The softener has a 
10 foot power cable. If the outlet is remote (up to 100 feet), use 18 gauge wire to connect. 

Be sure the electric outlet and transformer are in an inside location, to protect from wet weather. 

Be sure the outlet is unswitched to prevent accidental shutoff.

•

If installing in an outside location, you must take the steps necessary to assure the softener,
installation plumbing, wiring, etc., are as well protected from the elements (sunlight, rain,
wind, heat, cold), contamination, vandalism, etc., as when installed indoors.

•

Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. 

The sun’s heat may distort non-metallic parts and may

damage the electronics.

Where to Install the Softener

•

In and out fittings included with the softener are 3/4

″

(nominal) copper sweat tubes. 

To maintain full valve flow, 1

″

pipes to and from the softener fittings are recommended. 

You should maintain the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe, up to the 
softener inlet and outlet.

•

Use the included bypass valve to install the softener. The bypass valve allows you to turn off
water to the softener for servicing, but still have water in the house pipes. The in and out
fittings referred to above connect to the bypass valve with the included nuts and washers.

•

Use copper, brass or galvanized pipe and fittings. Some codes may also allow CPVC 
plastic pipes.

•

If additional drain hose is needed for valve and salt tank drains, this can be ordered from 
GE Parts at 800.626.2002.

•

Clean nugget or pellet water softener salt is needed to fill the brine tank, see 

Step 8

in the 

Step-by-Step Installation Instructions.

Tools and Materials Required for Installation

You must first decide how to run in and out pipes to the softener. Look at the house main water
pipe at the point where you will connect the softener. Is the pipe soldered copper, glued plastic,
or threaded galvanized? What is the pipe size?

WARNING:  

Use only lead-free solder and flux to prevent lead poisoning.

See 

Typical Installation Illustration,

Fig.1. Use this as a guide when planning your particular

installation. 

Be sure to direct the incoming hard water supply to the softener valve inlet fitting. 

The valve is marked 

IN

and 

OUT.

See below to help you prepare.

Plan How You Will Install the Softener