BWT WS255 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

W
William FloresSep 2, 2025
How to get water from BWT WS255?
- J
  John ClineSep 2, 2025
  Open the mains stop valve, and open the inlet and outlet valves to the water softener.
K
Katelyn SimsAug 31, 2025
Why is water running from the drain constantly in my BWT WS255?
- D
  Dean WilliamsAug 31, 2025
  If the unit is in recharge mode, this is normal; wait until the recharge is complete. If the unit is not in recharge mode, isolate the softener and call for service.
K
Kyle FordAug 29, 2025
What to do if water level in brine cabinet of BWT WS255 Water Dispenser reaches overflow?
- C
  christinahayesAug 29, 2025
  First, verify that the line pressure is within the water softener's specifications by connecting a pressure gauge to a water outlet; the pressure should be between 1.7 and 5.0 bar. If the pressure falls outside this range, fit a pressure reducing valve or booster pump as needed. Also, check that the drain line isn't kinked, blocked, or frozen and that the power is on with secure connections.
H
hunterdaleAug 28, 2025
What to do if the electronic display of my BWT WS255 Water Dispenser shows an error?
- A
  Adam ReidAug 28, 2025
  If the electronic display shows an error, check that all the connections are secure, then turn the power back on and allow the system to reset. If the display shows the error code "SALt" and an audible alarm sounds, fill the brine cabinet with salt. Pressing the SET key will reset the salt alarm to the full capacity of salt. Also, ensure the power is on and all connections are secure.
E
Edward MartinAug 27, 2025
How to fix BWT WS255 Water Dispenser that regenerates at the wrong time?
- D
  Debra MillerAug 27, 2025
  If your BWT Water Dispenser regenerates at the wrong time, reset the present time.
L
Lisa WilliamsAug 25, 2025
What to do if BWT WS255 shows error code and audible alarm sounds?
- J
  Jared DawsonAug 25, 2025
  If the BWT Water Dispenser's display shows error code "Err 1" and an audible alarm sounds, ensure all connections are secure. Turn the power off for 10 seconds, then turn it back on to allow the system to reset. If the display shows error code "SALt" and an audible alarm sounds, fill the brine cabinet with salt. Pressing the SET key will reset the salt alarm to the full capacity of salt. Also, verify that the power is on and all connections are secure.
W
William MorenoAug 22, 2025
How to reset regeneration time on BWT WS255?
- M
  Matthew PerkinsAug 22, 2025
  To correct the regeneration time, reset the present time and then reset the regeneration time.

Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
General Specifications
Model-Specific Specifications (from the provided table)
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

This document describes the BWT WS Range Water Softener, a device designed to remove hardness minerals from water, providing softened water for household use. The softener operates through an ion exchange resin process, where hard water passes through a cylinder containing tiny beads that attract and retain hardness minerals. Periodically, these resin beads are automatically cleaned and regenerated using a salt solution (brine), which, along with the accumulated hardness, is flushed away to a drain. The entire process is automatic, requiring only occasional topping up of salt.

Function Description:

The core of the BWT WS Range Water Softener is the Millennium valve, controlled by the BWT "Advanced Memory Electronic Control System" (AMECS). This system is designed to meet EU standards for performance and safety. Key operational features include:

Ion Exchange: Hard water passes through resin beads that capture hardness minerals.
Regeneration: The resin beads are periodically cleaned and regenerated with a brine solution.
Proportional Brining Technology: This feature optimizes water and salt usage by calculating the exact amounts needed for regeneration, ensuring maximum efficiency.
Automatic Operation: The system automatically manages the softening and regeneration cycles.
Capacity Remaining Indicator: A backlit display shows the percentage of water softener capacity remaining since the last regeneration, ensuring a continuous supply of softened water.
Low Salt Alarm: Models WS455 and WS555 are equipped with an audible alarm and display message ("SALt") to remind users to check and refill the salt level.
Flow Indicator: During normal operation, a flow indicator flashes on the display at a rate of one litre per pulse when water is passing through the softener.
Manual Regeneration: While typically automatic, a manual regeneration can be initiated if required. This can be set to occur at 2:00 AM ("Recharge Tonight") or immediately.
Blending Control: A blending knob on the left side of the valve allows users to adjust the water's softness level to their preference.

Important Technical Specifications:

The BWT WS Range includes several models (WS255, WS355, WS455, WS555, WS655, WS755) with varying capacities and dimensions.

General Specifications:

Operating Pressure: Designed to operate efficiently with incoming water pressure between 1.7 to 5 BAR. If pressure falls outside these limits, a booster pump or pressure-limiting valve may be required.
Operating Temperature: Must be protected from temperatures under 5°C or above 40°C.
Electrical Connection: Powered by low voltage via a plug-in transformer connected to a switched socket.
Drain Connection: Flexible drain hose connects to a standpipe or drain with a minimum 20mm air gap. The drain can be raised up to 3 meters above the valve head if water pressure is 3 BAR or more.
Overflow Connection: Rigid plastic 3/4" overflow pipe (not supplied) connects to the rear of the cabinet and must discharge to a visible location outside the building.
Salt Type: Care cubes (tablet salt) are recommended for all models. WS455 and WS555 models can also use block salt.
Salt Level: Essential to maintain a salt level no lower than 150mm in depth from the base of the brine cabinet for effective operation.
Power Loss Memory: The AMECS system retains programming parameters for up to 72 hours during a power outage. If power loss exceeds 72 hours, the time of day will need to be reset.

Model-Specific Specifications (from the provided table):

Specification	WS255	WS355	WS455	WS555	WS655	WS755
Size (Litres)	10	14	10	14	20	25
Height (mm)	532	602	532	602	804	804
Width (mm)	270	270	270	270	270	270
Depth (mm)	480	480	480	480	480	480
Unit weight (empty) (Kg)	18	22	18	22	27	32
Unit weight (in service) (Kg)	40	50	40	50	61	66
Max. peak flow rate (L/min)*	30 (50)	30 (50)	50	50	30 (50)	30 (50)
Max. continuous flow rate (L/min)	25 (30)	25 (30)	30	30	25 (30)	25 (30)
Basic flow rate (L/min)	24	26	24	26	28	28
Min. flow rate (L/min)*	10 (10)	10 (10)	10 (10)	10 (10)	10 (10)	10 (10)
Min/Max salt usage (Kg)**	1.2-2.0	1.2-2.4	0.3-1.2	0.6-2.0	0.9-2.5	1.2-3.0
Water used per regen. (Litres)**	<75	<80	<75	<80	<125	<145
Max. pressure (bar)	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0	5.0
Min. pressure (bar)	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7	1.7
Max. water temp (°C)	49	49	49	49	49	49
Min. water temp (°C)	5	5	5	5	5	5
Primary voltage a.c. (V)	220	220	220	220	220	220
Secondary voltage d.c. (V)	12	12	12	12	12	12
Inlet / outlet connections (BSP)	3/4"	3/4"	3/4"	3/4"	3/4"	3/4"
Drain connection (tube)	1/2"	1/2"	1/2"	1/2"	1/2"	1/2"
Salt storage Capacity (Kg)	N/A/12	N/A/16	8/12	8/16	N/A/24	N/A/24
Max. Softened Water Cap. (Litres)	1667	2500	1667	2500	3333	4167

*Flow rates are from 10 L/min up to a peak of 50 L/min. Below 10 L/min, hardness may not be effectively removed. Sustained peak flow rates for over 10 minutes can reduce softener capacity. **The proportional brining system adjusts water and salt amounts based on usage patterns.

Usage Features:

Easy Read Display: Custom backlit display for clear visibility.
Programming Procedure: Simple steps to set the time of day, water hardness (using a supplied test kit), and recharge time.
Salt Type Selection (WS455/WS555): Users can select between block salt (BS) or care cubes (CC) for optimal performance.
Installation Flexibility: Can be installed in various plumbing systems (Static Head, combination boilers, unvented fully pressurized systems). Specific guidelines are provided for loft installations, including the need for a container with overflow.
Drinking Water Provision: Installation must include at least one drinking water tap not fed by the softener, as softened water contains a small amount of sodium.
Bypass Arrangement: The unit can be bypassed/isolated from the mains water supply, useful for holidays or maintenance.
Frost Protection: Drain hose and pipework must be protected from freezing temperatures.

Maintenance Features:

Regular Salt Checks: Users are reminded to check the salt and water level in the brine cabinet weekly.
Cleaning: The unit can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild detergent. Abrasive or solvent-based cleaners should be avoided.
Service: Regular service is recommended. Contact BWT for details.
Troubleshooting Guide: A comprehensive checklist is provided for common issues such as water remaining hard, water level in the brine cabinet reaching overflow, no water, constant drain flow, excessive salt usage, and electronic display errors.
Resetting Salt Alarm: For WS455/WS555, filling the brine tank and pressing the SET key twice resets the low salt alarm.
Water Level Adjustment: In case of overflow or other issues, the water level can be reduced by half, and a manual regeneration initiated.

The BWT WS Range Water Softener is designed for domestic use and comes with a minimum 12-month warranty against faulty materials and workmanship. Extended warranty options are also available.