'Lux Non-Electric' Water Softener

Please click on the images below to view the Lux 6 Non-Electric Brochure.

Softener User Guide

PLANNING THE INSTALLATION

The Survey
Bearing in mind the Water Bylaws: check the water pressure, locate the rising main, drain facilities & electricity supply. Allow room for access, maintenance & salt filling; ensure there is only one rising main.

Water pressure:
All water softeners have an effect on flow rates pressures etc. Care must be taken to ensure adequate flow. Minimum required pressure is 18psi. IF DAYTIME PRESSURE EXCEEDS 72.5 psi YOU SHOULD INSTALL A PRESSURE LIMITING VALVE. These are available set to 50psi or 72psi.

Backflow Prevention Device:
In single dwellings a check valve complying with BS6282 Part 1 should be fitted. All other installation requires a double check valve.
Sitting the softener
Where possible this should be close to the rising main. Take care to allow for hard water supplies such as drinking tap and garden tap. The distance to the drain should be as short as possible. Since salt must be added periodically (and on some models the timer may occasionally need re-setting) the location should be easily accessible.

IMPORTANT:
Temperature: Do not install closer to a water heater than a total run of 3 metres from the outlet of the softener and inlet of the heater. The softener is suitable for cold water only. Do not locate where unit or its connections (including the drain & overflow) will ever be subjected to room temperatures under 0 degrees or above 40 degrees.

In Chemicals: Do not install near acid or acid fumes.
If you are planning to site above ground level e.g., in a loft for example, the softener must be installed within a container of not less than 25 gallons capacity. To which there shall be connected an overflow pipe not less than 3/4inch which shall be fitted at least 150mm below the height of any electrical components mounted on the softener.

Drinking water: According to the document Q.325 of British Water, water from a properly maintained domestic softener is suitable for drinking and meets the requirements of the revised drinking water directives initiative. However, we suggest that one tap should be left for hard water even only for the garden. 
(Possible exceptions are those individuals who are specifically vulnerable (infants, elderly, immuno-compromised)). 

THE INSTALLATION
If you have lead pipes and soft water is to pass through them they should be replaced at the time of softener installation. Newer houses are not affected as lead pipes have not been used since 1976. Otherwise, try to use the same pipes as are already used in the building. The unit may be fitted in copper or flexible hoses. Do not use washing machine hoses. Care should be taken to avoid kinks in all hoses including the drain and overflow.

Electrical connections
This unit MUST be earthed. 230-240 volt 50 cycles: fit an earthed plug top /socket (new models) with a fuse. Ensure point is not controlled by timer e.g. off peak power.

Plumbing
A 3-way valve control assembly (Known as bypass valves) must be fitted. The attached Diagram gives an example of a typical layout for installing in copper tube or hose. These will allow for the unit to be easily isolated for repairs, maintenance etc.
A 1/2inch fixed drain line must be run to a convenient drain or gully. Although at time of regeneration the unit discharges under pressure it is not advisable to elevate drain more than six feet above softener. For runs over 20 feet use 3/4inch or 1inch piping. If water pressure is low (30psi or less) do not elevate drain. Run an overflow pipe from connection on rear of unit to atmosphere or drain or gully. It must fall continuously throughout its length. DO NOT TEE OVERFLOW INTO THE DRAIN LINE. Take care that overflow does not discharge where damage could occur.

Technical data:
Plumbing Layout Cabinet models  Use PTFE tape for all plastic threads and copper or brass to plastic.
In & out ports 3/4inch BSP female  Do not over-tighten fittings into manifold.
Drain port (middle) 1/2inch BSP female 
Overflow port 1/2inch BSP female  
Use the Diagram below as a general guide only.

 
AFTER INSTALLATION

The commissioning
Turn on inlet valve slowly and check for leaks. After a minute, if all is well switch on electrical supply. All our softeners are set to brine stage at the factory. After switching on the power supply the unit will automatically commission itself, taking up to one hour. CONTINUE TO CHECK FOR LEAKS. When finished, half fill with salt and set timer (see guarantee card). If any leaks are present or you are unsure about setting do not switch unit on and contact us for advice.
The softener will take 7 to 14 days to soften the household supply. The initial fill of salt will be quicker than normal. The salt compartment will contain water as well as salt, this may be more visible when the salt level has fallen and is quite usual.

The salt
Normally the unit should be filled to within 4inch of the top then allowed to fall to about 4inch from the base before re-filling. The consumption will vary according to the household but as a guide you should top up every 2 to 6 weeks. (*except the Twin, minimum approximately 3inch from base, maximum approximately 3inch below top).
RECOMMENDED TYPES OF SALT FOR USE IN WATER SOFTENING EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED BY OURSELVES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ICI GRANULAR SALT
SUPREME SALT GRANULAR

ICI SALT PEBBLES (TABLETS)
SUPREME SALT SUPERTABS (TABLETS

SALT UNION GRANULAR SALT
SALTABS TABLETS

SALT UNION TABLETS
AQUASOL TABLETS
GRANULITE GRANULAR
USE OF OTHER TYPES OF SALT MAY CAUSE COSTLY DAMAGE AND VOID GUARANTEES.
IF IN DOUBT PLEASE ASK.
For salt delivery call: 020 8539 4707
Servicing
The manufacturer recommends to have the unit serviced every 2 years.
No other manipulation should be done to the unit.
NOTE: In emergency the softener can be isolated by closing the normally open inlet and outlet valves and opening the normally closed by-pass valve. Once softener is isolated, switch off the electricity supply.