GE Homespring Operation Manual page 49

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 fluoride.
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 the Setting the
Controller section 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 Setting
the Controller section.
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 any new
introduction 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 liters) 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 odors, and tastes and odor 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 Certified 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.
What is the maximum size water feed line the
system can be installed to?
The inlet and outlet ports and devices of the system are
3/4 inch. The plumbing must be adapted to this 3/4 inch
measurement at the system. Independent of the plumbing
size, the operational limits of the system remain constant.
How often does the system need to be replaced?
The life of the system relies primarily on the lifespan of the
membrane. When the membrane is fouled, the water flow
rate is too low and the annual cleaning does not correct the
fouling, the system, excluding the attached parts, will need to
be replaced.
Will the system remove iron / sulfur?
The pore size of the membrane is 0.02 microns nominal which
may help in the filtration of particulate iron. The carbon filter
may help in the reduction of taste and odor caused by sulphur.
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