GE GXSF30V 30,000-Grain Water Softener – Key Features
FYI: Most homeowners struggle with moderately hard to very hard water with up to 14 hardness grains per gallon. Levels of more than 20 gpg are rare, yet can still be handled by this GE softener.
The exact grain capacity is 30,400, by the way. Minimum/maximum water pressure: 20 psi – 125 psi.
Can the GXSF30V be used if you are on a private well? You bet!
The system can also take care of clear-water iron in concentrations of up to 8 ppm. The ion exchange process won’t have any effect on red-water iron, colloidal iron and iron bacteria however.
Two more notes:
If your water has lots of sediment in it, you should consider purchasing an additional pre-filter which will increase the softener’s longevity.
If you are on a city supply, please be aware that chlorine above 2 ppm may reduce the lifespan of the softening resin which will add to the maintenance costs.
GXSF30V Pros
The GE GXSF30V is a demand driven softening system, meaning while regenerating it will only use as much salt and water as required for a full resin recharge.
This (A) benefits the environment and (B) helps you to save money and lowers your maintenance efforts.
Another feature is the SmartSoft technology. It allows the system to learn your water usage patterns within the first couple of months of use.
The softener will then predict how much salt and water you will be using in future and time regen cycles accordingly, so that you never run out of soft water.
Above that, the GXSF30V is tested and certified against NSF Standard 44 for guaranteed hardness reduction and CSA Standard B483.1 for the inactivation of certain harmful substances (in case you plan to drink the water).
Of course, everything is backed by a one-year warranty (limited) for which covers all parts which fail due to defect in materials or workmanship. Additional warranties are granted for the control head (3 years) and the brine/resin tank (10 years).
Most customers confirm that installing this water softener is an easy job – current record: 45 minutes!
Still, you should be handy around the house and some prior DIY experience wouldn’t harm either.
Looking for step-by-step instructions? Here is what you need to do:
If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.
1. Where to Install
You should begin with finding the most suitable location for your new softening system.
GE recommends to install the GXSF30V in the inside. Damages that occur due to freezing temperatures or direct sunlight will void the warranty.
What’s more, place the system as close as possible to where the main water line enters your home. This way all the water will be softened before getting distributed throughout your home.
And lastly, an electrical outlet as well as a suitable drain have to be nearby.
2. The Setup
Turn off the main water supply.
Open all faucets in your home to drain the remaining water.
Install the brine tank overflow grommet and elbow in the back of the brine tank.
Remove the unit’s top cover.
Remove the clips from the bypass valve inlet and outlet ports to check for debris. Also check that the turbine spins freely.
Coat O-rings with silicone grease.
Install the bypass valve into the softener valve. Push as far as possible. Secure with two large holdings clips.
Put the softener into your desired location.
Connect the inlet and outlet ports of the bypass valve to the main water pipe. Use Teflon tape on all external pipe threads and be careful not to cross-thread when turning pipe fittings onto plastic fittings.
Push the drain port elbow into the valve drain port. Secure with clip.
In order to install the valve drain hose, connect the 3/8″drain line to the valve drain fitting. Secure with hose clamp.
Route the drain hose to a suitable drain and secure it.
Next install the brine tank overflow hose by connecting the 3/8″ drain line to the brine tank overflow elbow. Secure with clamp.
Route the hose to the drain.
Open at least 2 nearby cold soft water faucets.
Put softener into bypass.
Slowly turn on the main water supply.
Wait until the flow has steadied.
Place the bypass valve in service position (see manual for this step).
Wait for a couple of minutes before opening a hot water faucet to release any remaining air. Close the faucet.
Close all cold soft water faucets.
Check for leaks.
Fill 3 gallons of water into the brine tank.
Fill brine tank with salt.
Plug the system into an electrical outlet.
Replace the top cover.
Replace the salt cover.
Lastly, sanitize the whole system according to the manual.
3. Video
The following video outlines how to setup a GE softener in even greater detail:
The Package (Parts)
Resin + brine tank, 14″ x 43″ x 22″ (W x H x D), 200 lbs salt capacity
Bypass valve
Drain hose
Installation kit
Clips
Hose clamps
Adaptor elbow
Grommet
Silicone grease
Standard mesh resin, 0.834 sc. ft.
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
For the initial programming, you have to set the time of day, your water hardness in grains per gallon, the regeneration time and how much salt you’ve added to the brine tank. That’s it!
Optional features such as the salt efficiency setting are not mandatory and can be activated later on.
As far as maintenance goes, check the display every once in a while. It will tell you how much salt is left in the reservoir. A low-salt light and an acoustic alarm serve as reminders.
A handful of customers had issues with the GE GXSF30V, including leaks, malfunctioning regeneration, and complete system breakdowns for example due to a broken main control board.
Not all cases were covered by the warranty.
Another minor issue is that some people had difficulties following the installation directions.
GE GXSF30V Review: Our Verdict + Best for
The GE GXSF30V 30,400-grain water softener is not the perfect product, but does a great job at providing properly softened water for small to medium-sized homes.
It’s easy to install and the quality is adequate. What makes it really stand out, though, is the competitive price tag. Thus our verdict: 4.5 stars.
In our opinion, the system is best for small households on a budget.
This completes our GE GXSF30V review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
Alex is a content writer with an affinity for research and a methodical attention to detail. Since 2020, she has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Alex has been using water filters and similar products for years which has gained her lots of hands-on experience.
Learn more about Alex and the rest of the BOS Team.
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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Leave a Comment:
Monty says
October 18, 2019
I have a GXSF30V and my water hardness is 287 mg/L and when I use an online calculator, it is listed as very hard.
What should I set my hardness level? I put it at 70 for now. Is this too much?
