GE Homespring Owner's Manual page 23

Does the System require electricity?
In most installations, the System runs on existing household
water pressure provided that a minimum pressure of 30 psi
is met. Unless electricity is required for pump operation, the
System will continue to filter water during a power failure and
Controller settings will be saved by battery backup power. The
Controller must be plugged into a standard electrical outlet
to provide power to operate the solenoid valves that initiate
flushing of the System. If electrical power is not available, the
System will not conduct automatic cleaning and the rate of
fouling will increase.
Will the System act as a water softener?
The system will not soften water or remove dissolved solids.
Given the pore size of the membrane, dissolved particles
smaller than 0.02 microns nominal will pass through the
membrane and remain in your water. This includes calcium
and magnesium which contribute to your hard water, and
other dissolved solids like essential minerals and flouride.
How long does the automatic cleaning cycle take?
Depending on the program selected, each cleaning cycle may
take from 2.5 to 16.5 minutes. Refer to Setting the Controller
section under D. OPERATIONS for details.
How much water is used in the daily cleaning cycle?
Depending on the program selected, each cleaning cycle
may use from 7.5 to 19.5 US Gallons of water. Refer to the
Controller Specifications section under
I. SPECIFICATIONS.
If the System unit removes chlorine out of the
water, is there an issue with bacteria in the pipes
inside the house?
If you already had municipally chlorinated water in your
household pipes and there have been no water quality issues,
there should be no pathogenic bacteria in your household
pipes. Upon installation, the System should block and prevent
any new growth of pathogenic bacteria in the household
lines. Over time non-pathogenic HPC bacteria may become
present in your household pipes. However, scientific studies
have shown that there are no health concerns with these
non-pathogenic bacteria. Sanitization of the household
municipal fed water lines will provide further reassurance for
the elderly, small children or those who are otherwise immune
depressed. If there has been a water quality issue such as a
recent boil water alert or water main break from the municipal
water source, the household pipes should be sanitized upon
installation of the System.
How long does the activated carbon filter last?
The Activated Carbon filters have been certified to filter
over 130,000 US gallons (491,400 litres) for the tall Carbon
Prefilter. The average homeowner will find it necessary to
change the activated carbon filter approximately every 12
months. The quality of water, the amount of chlorine and other
contaminants in the water, and the amount of water used
determines the actual life of the Activated Carbon filter.
What does the Carbon Prefilter do?
The Carbon Prefilter is packed with Activated Carbon which
can significantly reduce residual chlorine, chlorine related
tastes and odours, and tastes and odour of inorganic
or organic particles which can be unappealing to the
homeowner. The Prefilter also protects and extends the life of
the System by preventing large, sharp particles from passing
through the System membrane.
What minimum water line pressure is
recommended for the System?
The minimum water pressure requirement is 30 psi. If the
System is installed on a pump/pressure tank scenario the
requirement may be less.
Does the System affect the water pressure?
There is minimal effect on existing water pressure. Under most
circumstances, no change in water pressure will be noticed.
How often does the System need to be serviced?
To maintain warranty, the System must be serviced by a
Homespring Authorized Technician at least once per year.
During this service, the system is cleaned and tested using the
Integrity Tester to ensure that the membrane is functioning
correctly. Twice per year service visits may be recommended
depending on water quality (e.g. dirtier lake sources). Also
at this time, the Carbon Prefilter is replaced, or the Stainless
Steel Prefilter is cleaned and reused. If an External Prefilter is
present, the External Prefilter cartridge is also replaced.
How long does the System last?
The System will generally last an average of 10 years or
more if used on municipal or well water and will last from 5
to 10 years on surface/lake waters depending on the level of
contamination of the incoming water. Regular maintenance
and bypassing the System for outdoor taps, pools and hot tub
make-up valves and irrigation systems will extend the life of
the System membrane.
23