Many of our customers ask about the installation and maintenance of household water filters. In this article, we will explain how to properly install and configure a water purification system and its control automation.

A water purification system consists of a fiberglass tank filled with filtering material. Inside, there is a drainage and distribution system that allows water to pass through the filtration media. The system is controlled by an automatic valve mounted at the top of the filter. Water softeners and comprehensive water treatment systems also include a brine tank, which is used for regenerating the filtration media and is connected to the control valve.

Decoding filter types and contents

The type of filter and its contents can be identified from the product name:

The filter housing size is represented by four digits, where the first two indicate the diameter and the last two indicate the height in inches.

Control valve types

Two letters following the housing size indicate the type of control valve:

• CE, CI, and CT are plunger-type valves with a gate mechanism.
• DV features a rotary disc mechanism, which blocks or opens the water flow perpendicularly.

Specific system designations

Some filters have additional specifications:

• Cab – Cabinet-type filter, where the brine tank is integrated with the main body.
• Twin – A dual-tank system operating in sequence: one tank functions while the other regenerates or remains on standby.
• Duplex – Two parallel filters working continuously and adjusting to required water flow.

How the filter valve works

CT valves are used in non-reagent systems (carbon and mechanical filters) and operate in three regeneration stages:

1. Service mode – Water flows through the filtration media and exits as purified water.
2. Backwash – Water flows from the bottom up, loosening the filtration media and flushing out contaminants to the drain.
3. Rapid rinse – Water flows downward to compact the media and remove residual debris.

CE, CI, and DV valves include two additional stages: 4. Brine rinse – Water flows through a brine injector, mixes with salt solution, and passes through the media for regeneration. 5. Brine tank refill – The system refills the brine tank for the next regeneration cycle.

Preparation for installation

The installation area must be suitable for the filter’s dimensions, located indoors, protected from extreme weather conditions and direct sunlight, with a temperature range of 5–40°C and relative humidity below 80%. The area should be free from corrosive chemical vapors and airborne particles.

Water supply requirements

• Pressure: 2–6 bar
• Temperature: 4–30°C
• Pre-filtration: Particles smaller than 100 microns should be removed with a cartridge or backwash filter.

Power supply requirements

• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz
• Power Consumption: 6 VA
• Plug Type: Schuko (European standard)

Filter installation steps

1. Position the tank on a flat, solid surface.
2. If installing a standard filter, insert the central tube with the lower drain cap facing downward so that its top aligns with the tank opening.
3. If installing a cabinet unit, detach the flexible 3/8” salt line from the elbow fitting on the valve.
4. Secure the upper drain cap in the valve’s groove and insert the tube into the drain opening.
5. Attach a 3/4” or 1” drain line to the drainage elbow and connect it to a non-pressurized sewer pipe.

For systems with a brine tank:

1. Position the brine tank next to the filter tank.
2. Connect a 3/8” tube from the salt valve fitting to the brine well inside the brine tank.
3. Fill the brine tank with tablet salt, ensuring at least 50% of the tank’s volume is occupied.
4. Install mounting fittings and connect them to the valve’s ports, ensuring proper water flow direction.
5. Connect the system to the water supply.
6. Initiate a manual regeneration cycle by holding the REGEN button for 3 seconds, allowing air to be expelled from the system.
7. Once water begins flowing through the drain line, fully open the inlet valve.
8. Check for leaks and fix any detected issues.
9. Allow the system to complete one full regeneration cycle, then run another for optimal performance.

Setting up control valves CE and CI

After installing the system, enter the settings mode by holding the NEXT button for three seconds.

Use the up and down buttons to adjust the following parameters:

• Language (available only for CE valves)
• Hardness of incoming water
• Duration and frequency of regeneration
• Time of day for delayed regeneration
• Automatic screen shutdown after five minutes of inactivity for energy saving

Navigate between options using the NEXT button.

To set the current time, press the CLOCK button and adjust it using the up/down arrows. Confirm by pressing CLOCK or NEXT. The time is now set.

DV filtration valve settings

To enter the settings menu, press and hold the ↳ and △ buttons simultaneously for three seconds.

• The ↳ button saves the settings.
• The up and down buttons adjust the values.

Adjust the following parameters:

• Water hardness (in ppm or mg/L)
• If your filter includes a blending valve, set the working hardness (default is zero)
• Regeneration frequency
• Preferred time for regeneration

CT valve settings

To enter the settings menu, press SET and ▲ simultaneously.

Adjust the following parameters:

• Regeneration time, using the up/down buttons
• Current day of the week (Sunday is the default start of the weekly cycle)
• Select the day(s) for regeneration (indicated by an arrow)
• Disable regeneration on specific days, if necessary

Pressing SET will save the settings and exit the menu.

If your valve supports "Once every 99 days" regeneration, you will be prompted to select the interval. This interval is specified in the valve’s detailed manual. Set the regeneration frequency and enter the current time in hours/minutes format.