Review: GE GXSH45V 45,000-Grain Water Softener System
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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The GE model GXSH45V is a 45,100-grain water softener with a maximum hardness capacity of 160 grains per gallon.
160 gpg water is considered extremely hard and almost never occurs, so it’s highly unlikely that this softener will not be able to handle your hardness level.
The system’s service flow rate is 9.5 gallons per minute, which is ideal for families with around 4 to 5 people.
Interested to learn more?
GE GXSH45V |
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| Price: | $$$ |
| Flow Rate: | 9.5 gpm |
| Capacity: | 45,100 Grains |
| # of People: | Up to 5 |
| Metered Regen: | |
| NSF: | 44 |
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Our Rating
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GE GXSH45V 45,000-Grain Water Softener – Key Features
Using the GE GXSH45V, whether you are on a municipal supply or a private well does not matter – at least not from a softening standpoint.
It does make a difference, however, when you have high iron content: The maximum iron removal capacity is 10 parts per million. Ferrous (clear-water) iron, mind you.
Simply add 5 grains to your hardness settings for every 1 ppm of iron.
Ferric (red-water) iron and iron bacteria will not be removed. The same applies to colloidal iron, although the treatment may sometimes improve the situation.
You should also be aware that the GXSH45V does not come with a built-in sediment filter.
So if there’s too much sediment in your water, which can be the case for well systems, the softener might get damaged.
Other restrictions are microbiologically unsafe water without adequate disinfection and tap water that contains excessive chlorine above 2 ppm.
Especially the latter may lead to a reduced life of the softening resin, so consider purchasing a POE filter system for chlorine reduction.
Min/max water pressure: 20 psi – 125 psi.
GXSH45V Pros
There are a couple of benefits that the GXSH45V water softener provides that we wanted to highlight:
- The SmartSoft technology allows the system to monitor your water usage and predict future demand, so you never run out of softened water. It also helps to reduce salt and water consumption during regeneration by up to 34 (35) percent.
- For added convenience, the display shows the remaining number of days until the salt reservoir will be empty. There also is a low-salt indicator light with a beeper – one less thing to worry about!
- The GXSH45V conforms to NSF International Standard 44 for the softening claims. It’s also tested and certified against CSA B483.1 which is a Canadian standard for the reduction or inactivation of harmful substances.
- Warranty: During the limited one-year warranty, GE will replace any system parts which fail due to defect in material or workmanship. GE also takes care of all labor and related services. Furthermore, the electronic monitor is covered by an additional three-year limited warranty. The brine and resin tank are covered for a ten-year period.
The GE GXSH45V – learn more on amazon.com
Installation + Startup Instructions
If there is one softener that you will be able to install in a do-it-yourself manner, it’s the GE GXSH45V.
The single-tank design makes the setup a lot easier many customers confirmed. It also saves you quite some space.
If you want to know what to expect, take a look at the following instructions:
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.
Location, Location, Location
This one is key: You need to make sure that you choose a location for your softener where freezing temperatures do not occur. Otherwise, it voids the warranty. Also avoid installing in direct sunlight.
Of course, to soften all the water in your home, you should place the unit as close to the main water inlet as possible and upstream of all plumbing connections.
A nearby drain and an electrical outlet are required.
Installation
- Shut off the water at the main valve.
- Drain any remaining water from your plumbing by leaving all faucets in your home running.
- Place the brine tank overflow grommet and elbow at the back of the brine tank and secure them in place.
- Take off the top cover.
- Check for debris in the bypass valve inlet and outlet ports – you’ll have to remove the clips. Make sure the turbine can spin freely as well.
- Use silicone grease on the O-rings.
- Place the bypass valve into the softener valve, pushing it in as far as you can. Use large holding clips to keep it in place.
- Move the softener to where you want to use it.
- Connect the bypass valve’s inlet/outlet ports to the main water pipe. Make sure to use Teflon tape on external pipe threads and do your best to avoid cross-threading.
- Install the drain port elbow into the drain port of the valve. Use a clip to secure it in place.
- Attach the 3/8” drain hose to the valve drain fitting so you can install it. Attach it with a hose clamp.
- Run the drain hose to a drain and keep it in place.
- Hook up the 3/8” drain line to the brine tank overflow elbow to install the brine tank overflow hose. Use a clamp to secure it.
- Run the hose to the drain.
- Open a few cold water faucets close to the water softener – ideally, at least two.
- Set the softener to Bypass mode.
- Turn on the main water supply, gradually increasing the flow.
- Wait for the flow to stabilize.
- Set the bypass valve to the Service position – check the manual for instructions.
- Wait a few minutes and open a hot water faucet to let out all remaining air, and close it afterward.
- Shut off all cold soft water faucets.
- Verify there are no leaks.
- Add 3 gallons of water to the brine tank.
- Add salt to the brine tank.
- Connect the softener to a power supply.
- Put the top cover back in place.
- Put the salt cover back in place.
- Sanitize the system thoroughly, referring to the manual for detailed instructions.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Resin/brine tank, holds 230 lbs. of salt, dimensions: 22” x 48” x 14”
- 1 bypass valve
- Drain hose (12 ft.)
- Installation/setup kit
- Ground clamp kit
- Hose clamps
- Adaptor elbow
- Installation adaptors
- Clips
- Grommet
- O-rings
- Drain clip
- Drain fitting
- 1.25 sq. ft. of standard mesh resin
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
Like with most other salt-based water softeners, there is not much you have to do in regards to programming before you can use the GE GXSH45V 45,100-grain system.
Simply set the time of day, your water hardness number, preferred recharge starting time and the brine tank salt level. The unit will do the rest.
If you want to learn about all the optional control features, make sure to check out the manual (see below).
For system maintenance, check the salt storage level on a regular basis and refill if need be. You might also have to do some occasional cleaning.
Manual
You can download the official manual here: Manual
GXSH45V Cons
Nothing out of the ordinary hear. One customer complained about receiving damaged parts.
For another user, the softener died within the second year after installation. The customer service reportedly wasn’t very helpful.
GE GXSH45V Review: Our Verdict + Best for
A simple to install, program and operate water softener with great looks and overall good quality & customer feedback. The fact that it uses very little salt and water makes us even more happy. Our verdict: 4.0 stars.
The GE GXSH45V is best for large homes with extreme hardness levels (up to 160 gpg).
FYI: This softener is available on Amazon but might be priced considerably higher compared to other online retailers.
More Reviews:
This completes our GE GXSH45V review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
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