WaterBoss Water Filter
Installation and Service Manual
Water Filters: 97WB-IF, 97WB-CF and 97WB-AF
View the Full PDF Version of this owner's manual.
Congratulations on your decision to place your confidence in a superior WaterBoss® water treatment appliance.
Recognized worldwide for built-in quality, dependability, and ease of service, WaterBoss®
appliances represent state-of-the-art in home water treatment.
Important information is contained in this manual which will help you
get the maximum benefit and enjoyment from your particular model.
We
urge you to read this information carefully now and any time a
malfunction may occur. In most cases, these reviews will uncover minor
problems that you can correct yourself, thereby saving you time.
How To Get The Maximum Efficiency From Your Water Filter
1. Should your electricity be turned off for any reason you must reset
the time of day if you programmed your appliance for delayed
regeneration.
2. Protect your system from freezing, including drain line.
3.
By-pass the appliance when servicing the well, plumbing, or pump. When
work is completed, turn on the nearest cold water tap until water runs
clear before putting appliance back in service. See figures 4 - 5 - 6.
4. See start-up procedures.
Checklist Before Installation
1. Water Pressure - Not less than 30 psi constant for WaterBoss® water filters.
2. WaterBoss® 97WB-AF adjusts low pH water to a neutral, non-corrosive state.
WaterBoss® 97WB-CF reduces chlorine taste and odor.
WaterBoss® 97WB-IF reduces iron, hydrogen sulfide and iron bacteria.
3. Water Supply Flow Rate - 5 gallons per minute is recommended as minimum.
4. Drain
- Drain water filter to floor drain or washer drain. To prevent
back-siphoning, the installer must provide an adequate air gap or a
siphon break. See figure 1.
5. Electricity -
The transformer supplied is a standard 120 volt, 60 cycle A.C. for USA
or 220 volt, 50 cycle A.C. for outside the USA. See figure 8.
6. Water Quality
- If the water supply contains sulfur, bacteria, iron bacteria,
tannins, algae, oil, acid or other unusual substances, then unless the
appliance is represented as being capable of treating these
contaminants in the specifications, other special treatment of the
water supply must be used to remove these contaminants before they
enter this product.
If you have any questions call our HelpLine!
When
calling the HelpLine, please have this guide and the serial number
available. From 8 am to 5 pm EST, call 1-800-437-8993. Your serial
number may be found on top of your valve assembly (See figures 2-3.)
Do's And Don'ts
SOME DO'S
1. Do comply with all local plumbing and electrical codes.
2. Do install pressure-reducing valve if inlet pressure exceeds 90 psi.
3. Do install gravity drain on cabinet. See figure 7.
4. Do secure drain line on appliance and at drain outlet. See figure 3.
5. Do allow a minimum of 8 to 10 feet of 3/4” pipe from the outlet of
the water filter to the inlet of the water heater. See figure 1.
SOME DON’TS
1. Do not install if checklist items are not satisfactory.
2. Do not install if incoming or outlet piping water temperature exceeds
120 degrees Fahrenheit, 80 degree Fahrenheit for 97WB-IF.
3. Do not allow soldering torch heat to be transferred to valve components or
plastic parts.
4. Do not overtighten plastic fittings.
5. Do not plumb appliance right up against a wall which would deny access to
plumbing. See figure 1.
6. Do not install the appliance backwards. Follow arrows on inlet/outlet. See figure 2.
7. Do not plug the transformer into an outlet that is activated by an on/off switch. See figure 8.
8. Do not connect the drain and the overflow (gravity drain) together.
See figure 1.
Reference Illustrations
Figure 1- Installation Guide

Use this diagram as a location and installation guide for your WaterBoss® 97WB-IF, WaterBoss® 97WB-CF, and WaterBoss® WB-ANF, water conditioners. This diagram applies to all types of installations (i.e. basement, slab, crawl space, outside).
Bypass Valves. To simplify installation and servicing, a one-piece or a
three way bypass valve system is recommended when installing your
appliance. A bypass system also provides access to untreated water when
required (i.e. for lawn and gardening purposes.)
Also, see figures 4 through 6.
Caution: If less than 10 feet of pipe connect the water treatment
appliance(s), to the water heater, then a Check Valve must be installed
between the water treatment appliance and the water heater. Install the
Check Valve as close to the water heater as possible.
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PLUMBING CONNECTIONS |
 |
CONNECTING DRAIN LINE
CAUTION! The drain line must not be
kinked, crimped or restricted in any
way. The drain line should be 1/2" inside
diameter and cannot be reduced in size. |

This part may be available through your local hardware store, plumber or call our HelpLine to order.

|
 |
PLUGGING IN TRANSFORMER
Do not plug transformer into an outlet that is controlled by on/off switch. |

ADDING POTASSIUM PERMANGANATE TO THE IRON FILTER

Cycles
Figure 11
Water by-passes your water filter during regeneration to allow iron and
sediment to be washed down the drain. After regeneration, WaterBoss® returns to service, providing your home with filtered water.
Regeneration cycles*:
1. First up-flow backwash. A rapid up-flow of water flushes out the media bed.
2. Regeneration. Regenerant is drawn out of the brine cabinet and up
through the media tank, cleaning the media bed and releasing
accumulated iron and hydrogen sulfide.
3. Slow rinse. A slow up-flow rinse process then flushes out the regenerant and iron.
4. Second up-flow backwash. This up-flow backwash flushes out any remaining regenerant and sediment from cycle 2.
5. Downflow clean water refill. Filtered water is directed to the solution
cabinet to prepare the regenerant for the next regeneration sequence.
6. Return to service. Regeneration is complete and the appliance is returned to normal operation.
*NOTE: The regeneration cycles described above only applies to the 97WB-IF.
Cycles - Iron Filter Only
Cycles - Carbon & Acid Neutralizing Filters Only

Installation And Start-Up Procedures
Each WaterBoss® water filter includes water test strips and 8' of drain line and a drain fitting.
1. Placement: Place your WaterBoss®
appliance in desired location. Turn off electricity and water supply to
water heater. Make sure inlet/outlet and drain connections meet the
applicable local codes. Check arrows on valve to be sure water flows in
proper direction. See figures 1, 2, & 3.
CAUTION: DO NOT PLUMB APPLIANCE IN BACKWARD.
2.
Drain Line: must be a minimum of 1/2"-5/8” I.D. tubing and should make
the shortest run to a suitable drain. The drain line may be elevated up
to 8 feet from the discharge on the appliance as long as the water
pressure in your system is 40 psi or more. If drain line is 25' or
longer, increase drain line to 5/8" I.D. Also, the end of the drain
line must be equal in height or lower than the control valve. See
figure 1. All overhead drains for filter installations must be 3/4” I.D.
3. Flushing: Before placing your WaterBoss®
appliance in service, it is very important to flush the cold water
lines of any debris. Turn on water supply, open the nearest cold water
tap and let the water run for 2 to 3 minutes until the water flows
clear. Then put the by-pass in the Service position. See figures 4
through 6.
4. Check Leaks. Close faucet and check for
leaks. If leaks are found, turn off main water supply and open the
nearest cold water faucet to depressurize lines. Close faucet to
eliminate siphoning action. Repair leaks. Turn on water supply and
electricity to water heater. Place the bypass valve in the Service
position. See figure 6.
5. Connect Overflow Line. The
overflow line must end at a drain that is at least 3" lower than the
bottom of the overflow fitting. It is a gravity line and cannot be run
overhead. See figure 7.
6. Complete The Installation.
Open a cold water tap and allow the appliance to flush for 20 minutes
or until approximately 72 gallons has passed through the appliance per
NSF requirements.
7. Plug In Transformer. See figure 8.
97WB-CF Carbon Filter
Start-Up Procedures
Your
WaterBoss Carbon filter will backwash every one to four days. You
select the frequency based on local conditions. You will need to set
the time of day and the desired time of regeneration by following the
procedure outlined in this manual.
IMPORTANT:
Because the WB-CF is capable of treating a combination of undesirable
constituents in the water (chlorine, taste and odor), it is important
that the filter be applied within the operating limits outlined in this
manual. Failure to comply with these specifications will cause poor
backwash results and possibly a malfunction of the control valve.
INSTALLATION TIP:
The granular activated carbon in this filter has been shipped dry. It
is necessary to soak this filter media for twenty-four hours to prevent
media loss to drain during backwash. Follow the installation procedure
in this manual, but do not plug in the transformer. After 24 hours,
plug in the transformer and program the controller as outlined in this
manual. Press and hold the regenerate button until the controller
indicates 01 (flashing).
After 7 minutes, the controller will return to service mode and display a number from 01 to 04 days to regeneration.
NOTE:
This filter should be installed after the pressure tank or water meter,
before the water heater or any WaterBoss water softener appliance
unless otherwise recommended. (See illustration). A minimum 3/4” pipe
is required for proper function of the filter. It is also important to
examine the inlet piping to make sure the pipe is not plugged with
lime. If the piping is plugged, it must be cleaned or replaced.

97WB-AF Acid Neutralizing Filter
Start-Up Procedures
Your
WaterBoss Acid Neutralizing Filter may be programmed to regenerate
every one or two days. You select the frequency based on local
conditions. You will have to set the time of day and the desired time
of regeneration by following the procedure outlined in this manual.
IMPORTANT:
Because the WB-AF is capable of elevating a low pH condition in the
water, it is important that the filter be applied within the operating
limits outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these
specifications will cause poor backwash results and possibly a
malfunction of the control valve. Additionally, it will be necessary to
add two to five pounds of the neutralizing media to the filter tank
annually. The media slowly dissolves and thereby corrects the corrosive
characteristic of the water. The hardness will increase by two to four
grains per gallon. Check the total hardness of the water after start-up
of the neutralizer and set your water softener accordingly.
INSTALLATION TIP:
Before placing this filter in service, it will be necessary to backwash
the filter to remove media fines in the filter bed. To backwash the
filter, push and hold the regenerate button until the controller
indicates cycle 01 (flashing). After 7 minutes, the controller will
return to the service mode and display 01 or 02 (solid). Retest the
hardness before the water enters the softener and reset the hardness
setting of the softener. Typically, hardness
will increase by two to four grains after passing through the neutralizer.
NOTE: This
filter should be installed after the pressure tank or water meter,
before the water heater or any WaterBoss water softener appliance
unless otherwise recommended. (See illustration). A minimum 3/4” pipe
is required for proper function of the filter. It is also important to
examine the inlet piping to make sure the pipe is not plugged with lime
or iron. If the piping is plugged, it must be cleaned or replaced.

97WB-IF Iron Filter
Start-Up Procedures
Your WaterBoss Iron Filter may be programmed to regenerate every one to
fourteen days. You select the frequency based on the amount of iron in
the water and the number of people in the household. You will have to
set the time of day and the desired time of regeneration by following
the procedure outlined in of this manual. See the WaterBoss Iron Filter
Application Chart in this manual.
IMPORTANT: Because
the WB-IF is capable of treating a combination of undesirable
constituents in the water (iron and/or hydrogen sulfide), it is
important that the filter be applied within the operating limits
outlined in this manual. Failure to comply with these specifications
will cause poor backwash results and possibly a malfunction of the
control valve.
INSTALLATION TIP: Before
placing the filter in service, add three gallons of water to the
cabinet. See page 9. Make sure the KMnO4 has been thoroughly mixed as
indicated below. To start a regeneration, push and hold the immediate
recharge button until the controller indicates cycle 01 (flashing).
After 45 minutes, the filter will return to service mode and display
from 01 or 14 (solid).
NOTE: This
filter should be installed after the pressure tank or water meter,
before the water heater or any WaterBoss water softener appliance
unless otherwise recommended. (See illustration). A minimum 3/4” pipe
is required for proper function of the filter. It is also important to
examine the inlet piping to make sure the pipe is not plugged with lime
or iron. If the piping is plugged, it must be cleaned or replaced.
CAUTION:
When adding the Potassium Permanganate ( KMnO4), use care when opening
the container and pouring it into the cabinet. Stir the KMnO4 until the
color is a dark walnut and stir every two weeks. Follow the safety
precautions on the container. Coarse granular Potassium Permanganate is
recommended for this filter appliance (P/N 97804). Fine granular
Potassium Permanganate can be drawn into the filter as a solid rather
than a liquid. For further operating and handling instructions, refer
to the KMnO4 Potassium Permanganate product label.

WaterBoss Iron Filter
Application Chart

Setting The Controller:
To ensure that your WaterBoss Water Filter operates properly, follow
the setting instructions below. For the iron filter, refer to the
selection chart in this manual.
To set the desired frequency of regeneration, or backwash, press and
hold the SET button for 3 seconds. When “01” is displayed, release the
set button and press and release the change button to set the desired
frequency. Press the set button to return to the main screen and the
number you selected will be displayed. This indicates the number of
days until the next regeneration
or backwash.
To
set the time of day and time of regeneration/backwash, press and hold
the SET and CHANGE buttons simultaneously for three seconds. Release
when the number “12” appears in the display. The number 12 indicates
standard time in AM or PM. To change to military time, press CHANGE and
the “12” will change to “24”. For military time, be sure to set the
correct time of day after 12 noon. EXAMPLE: 2:00 pm will be set as
14:00.
To set the time (to the nearest hour) press
and release the “SET” button to change the hour AM or PM, the display
will read “set time”.
To set the time of
regeneration/backwash, press the “SET” button to toggle to the final
setting. The display will read, “set reg. time” 02 AM. This is 2:00 AM.
Press the “CHANGE” button to select the desired regeneration time.
Note: if you have a softener installed with the WaterBoss filter, be
sure to stagger the regeneration times. Set the softener to regenerate
first, followed by the filter.
Press the SET button to save the program you have selected.
For care, Maintenance and Parts, Troubleshooting, and Warranty information, View the Full PDF Version of this owner's manual.
Water Filter Specifications

Note:
The iron filter operates in the same manner as the WaterBoss Softeners,
but with manganese greensand in place of the super fine mesh media. The
filter uses a potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution for regeneration
instead of salt regenerant. In service, the filter media aids in
oxidizing the iron, manganese and/or hydrogen sulfide to a solid
particle, trapping it in the filter bed.
Install
before your water conditioner. WaterBoss Model 97 WB-IF Iron Filter
automatically reduces iron, Hydrogen Sulfide and iron bacteria.
Install
before your water conditioner. WaterBoss Model 97 WB-CF Carbon Filter
with the activated carbon filtering bed, chlorine taste and odor are
automatically reduced.
Note: This filter can be installed after water conditioner in special situations. Call HelpLine for specific applications.
Install
before your water conditioner. WaterBoss Model 97 WB-AF Acid
Neutralizing Filter automatically adjusts low pH water. This will
increase the water hardness by 2-4 grains.