Watts Autotrol 263 / 268 (400 Series) - Manual (Page 3)

3
Installation
All plumbing and electrical connections must conform
to local codes.
Inspect unit carefully for carrier shortage or shipping
damage.
Location Selection
1. The distance between the unit and a drain should be
as short as possible.
2. If it is likely that supplementary water treatment
equipment will be required, make certain adequate
additional space is available.
3. Since salt must be added periodically to the brine
tank, the location should be easily accessible.
4. Do not install any unit closer to a water heater than
a total run of 10 feet (3 m) of piping between the
outlet of the conditioner and the inlet to the heater.
Water heaters can sometimes overheat to the
extent they will transmit heat back down the cold
pipe into the unit control valve.
Hot water can severely damage the conditioner. A
10-foot (3-m) total pipe run, including bends,
elbows, etc., is a reasonable distance to help
prevent this possibility. A positive way to prevent
hot water flowing from heat source to the
conditioner, in the event of a negative pressure
situation, is to install a check valve in the soft
water piping from the conditioner. If a check valve
is installed, make certain the water heating unit
is equipped with a properly rated temperature
and pressure safety relief valve. Also, be
certain that local codes are not violated.
5. Do not locate unit where it or its connections
(including the drain and overflow lines) will ever be
subjected to room temperatures under 34
o
F (1
o
C)
or over 120
o
F (49
o
C).
6. Do not install unit near acid or acid fumes.
7. The use of resin cleaners in an unvented enclosure
is not recommended.
Water Line Connection
The installation of a bypass valve system is
recommended to provide for occasions when the water
conditioner must be bypassed for hard water or for
servicing.
The most common bypass systems are the Autotrol
Series 1265 bypass valve (Figure 1) and plumbed-in
globe valves (Figure 2). Though both are similar in
function, the Autotrol Series 1265 bypass offers
simplicity and ease of operation.
Figure 1 - Autotrol Series 1265 Bypass Valve
Figure 2 - Typical Globe Valve Bypass System
Drain Line Connection
Note: Standard commercial practices are expressed
here. Local codes may require changes to the following
suggestions.
1. Ideally located, the unit will be above and not more
than 20 feet (6.1 m) from the drain. For such
installations, using an appropriate adapter fitting,
connect 1/2-inch (1.3-cm) plastic tubing to the drain
line connection of the control valve.
2. If the backwash flow rate exceeds 5 gpm
(22.7 Lpm) or if the unit is located more than 20 feet
(6.1 m) from drain, use 3/4-inch (1.9-cm) tubing for
runs up to 40 feet (12.2 m). Also, purchase
appropriate fitting to connect the 3/4-inch tubing to
the 3/4-inch NPT drain connection.
3. If the unit is located where the drain line must be
elevated, you may elevate the line up to 6 feet
(1.8 m) providing the run does not exceed
15 feet (4.6 m) and water pressure at conditioner is
not less than 40 psi (2.76 bar). You may elevate an
additional 2 feet (61 cm) for each additional
10 psi (0.69 bar).
Not in Bypass In Bypass
BY PA SS BY PA SS
B Y
P A
S S
B Y
P A
S S
Water
Conditioner
In Out
Water
Conditioner
In Out
Water Water
Not in Bypass In Bypass
Water
Conditioner
Water
Conditioner