Installation: Ao Smith ClearHome Whole-House Cartridge Filter Housing AOS-CH-1000 Owner Manual

Overview

The ClearHome Whole-House Cartridge Filter Housing AOS-CH-1000 is a cartridge-based water filtration housing designed for whole-home installation. It can serve as pre-filtration or post-filtration in a larger water treatment system, or operate as a single-tank filter when paired with a suitable cartridge.

The tank arrives assembled, but the cartridge is supplied separately. The system should be installed by a qualified plumber or water treatment professional, while cartridge replacement can be performed by an owner familiar with the shutoff, depressurization, and sealing procedures.

Choose a cartridge that matches the water-quality concern and required flow. Available cartridge types include sediment depth filters, carbon block filters, chloramine-reduction cartridges, contaminant-reduction cartridges, and Nano AL cartridges.

Specifications

• Model: AOS-CH-1000
• System type: Whole-house cartridge filter housing
• Housing size: 10-inch diameter by approximately 43-inch height with included fittings
• Rated service flow for certified performance: 4.8 gallons per minute
• Peak flow shown for certified performance: 8 gallons per minute
• Certified capacity for listed contaminant claims: 75,327 gallons; peak-flow capacity may be listed as 88,000 gallons
• Operating pressure range: 20 to 125 psi
• Operating temperature range: 40°F to 110°F
• Inlet and outlet connections: 1-inch NPT connections at the bypass or control-valve assembly
• Bottom drain connection: 3/4-inch CTS push connection with 7/8-inch outside diameter
• Replacement cartridge: Sold separately
• Electrical power: Not required for the cartridge housing itself

How It Works

Incoming supply water enters the housing through the inlet side of the bypass assembly and passes through the installed cartridge. The cartridge captures or reduces substances according to its media type and rated performance. Treated water then leaves through the outlet and continues to the home's distribution plumbing.

The main housing includes a cartridge tank, housing body, housing base, CT cap, CT nut, sealing O-ring, and connection fitting assembly. A bottom drain can be used to rinse debris from the tank and cartridge and to release pressure before service.

Certified reduction claims apply only when the correct cartridge, housing, connection arrangement, operating conditions, and maintenance procedures are used together. A cartridge's micron rating, media type, flow limit, and capacity determine how it should be used.

Safety

• Do not use the system with microbiologically unsafe or unknown water unless adequate disinfection occurs before or after filtration.
• Never open the housing while it is pressurized. Shut off the water and release pressure before removing the CT nut or cap.
• Install the housing on a firm, level surface. The plumbing must not be used to support the weight of the filter or compensate for major pipe misalignment.
• Protect the unit, fittings, and drain from temperatures below 33°F to prevent freezing damage.
• Do not expose the housing to vacuum conditions. If a vacuum could develop, provide suitable vacuum-breaking protection.
• Keep at least 10 feet of piping between the filter outlet and the inlet of a water heater.
• Use plumber's tape on applicable NPT, drain-line, and threaded connections. Do not apply pipe dope or sealant to O-ring nut connections.
• Do not use petroleum jelly, oil, hydrocarbon lubricant, or spray silicone on the system. Food-grade silicone may be used sparingly where specified for a sealing O-ring.
• Do not use a pipe wrench on plastic nuts or caps, and do not strike or pry the caps with a screwdriver.
• If a drain is not installed, plug the drain opening securely. An unused, open drain connection can allow water to escape.
• Follow applicable plumbing, electrical-grounding, and local code requirements.

Bypass Valve Positions

The bypass assembly uses two independently operated plug valves with red arrow-shaped handles. Handle direction indicates the water-flow path.

• Normal operation: Both handles point in the direction of the engraved flow arrows. Water passes through the filter.
• Bypass: Both handles point toward the center of the bypass. The filter is isolated and untreated water continues to the building.
• Diagnostic: The inlet handle points toward the control valve while the outlet handle points toward the center of the bypass. Supply water reaches the system and building, but water from the system does not enter the building. Rinse the system before returning to normal operation.
• Shut off: The inlet handle points toward the bypass center and the outlet handle points away from the control valve. Water is shut off to the building, and opening a tap can depressurize the system.

Setup and Installation

Choose the Installation Location

Place the ClearHome Whole-House Cartridge Filter Housing AOS-CH-1000 close to a suitable drain whenever possible. Cartridge service can release water from the housing, so position the unit where spills can be controlled and the cartridge can be removed without damaging nearby equipment.

Confirm that the location supports the housing on a firm, flat surface and remains within the specified pressure and temperature ranges. Plan the plumbing before connecting the unit, including any bypasses for outside hydrants, kitchen cold-water lines, or other outlets that should remain untreated.

Connect the Plumbing

1. Install the bypass assembly on the main valve or make equivalent provisions in the plumbing for service isolation.
2. Install a shutoff valve on the inlet side and connect the supply line to the bypass inlet at the rear right side when facing the unit.
3. Connect the treated-water outlet to the home's distribution plumbing using compatible fittings.
4. Assemble plumbing fittings onto the plumbing system before attaching the fitting nuts, split rings, and O-rings to the filter assembly.
5. Allow soldered joints to cool and solvent cement to cure before installing components containing plastic parts or O-rings.
6. Keep solder flux, primer, and solvent cement away from O-rings, split rings, bypass components, and the control valve.
7. If metal plumbing is electrically grounded through the cold-water piping, install an appropriate bonding strap or jumper between the inlet and outlet pipes.

Install the Drain

The bottom drain is intended for rinsing the tank and cartridge and for relieving pressure during cartridge service. Ensure the drain can handle the system's rinse flow and provide an air gap of at least the larger of two pipe diameters or 1 inch where required by the installation.

1. Loosen the drain fitting's locking cap by turning it counterclockwise no more than one-half turn, leaving a small visible gap.
2. Prepare the drain pipe by removing burrs and sharp edges, then push it fully into the fitting.
3. Turn the locking cap clockwise by hand until it stops and the gap disappears. Do not use tools or overtighten.

Prepare the Cartridge

Insert the cartridge with its distributor riser positioned at the top of the tank. After installation, new cartridges must be flushed for at least 10 minutes before filtered water is used. Direct the initial flush to an appropriate drain or outlet.

Cartridge Options

Select replacement media according to the intended application rather than choosing solely by micron rating. A finer cartridge may capture smaller particles but can load more quickly or restrict flow sooner.

• Double-pleated depth filters: Available in 10-inch by 5-micron, 20-inch by 10-micron, and 50-inch by 20-micron configurations.
• String-wound or meltblown depth filters: Available in 20-inch by 5-micron and 50-inch by 20-micron configurations.
• Carbon block filters: Available in 3-micron and 20-micron versions.
• Chloramine-reduction carbon block: Available in a 3-micron configuration.
• Contaminant-reduction carbon block: Available in a 0.5-micron configuration.
• Nano AL cartridge: Available as a 20-inch cartridge with Nano AL and silver-impregnated double-pleated construction.

Certified lead, PFOA/PFOS, or cyst-reduction results apply only to the designated cartridge and complete system configuration. Actual service life depends on incoming water quality, flow, contaminant loading, and water consumption.

Cartridge Replacement

1. Move the bypass inlet and outlet controls to isolate the vessel from household water pressure.
2. Open the bottom drain briefly to release pressure, then close it. If no bottom drain is installed, close the filter inlet and open a downstream outlet to relieve pressure.
3. Disconnect the bypass from the valve assembly using the inlet and outlet head nuts. Do not loosen nuts that connect directly to pressurized plumbing.
4. Turn the CT nut counterclockwise and remove it only after pressure has been released.
5. Lift the CT cap and head assembly upward to expose the cartridge.
6. Pull out the used cartridge carefully. It will retain water, so place it in a suitable bucket to prevent spills.
7. Remove the new cartridge from its packaging and take off any protective plastic. Keep its data label for reference.
8. Inspect the sealing O-ring and apply only an appropriate food-grade silicone lubricant when needed. Do not use petroleum jelly, pipe dope, or oil.
9. Place the new cartridge into the housing with the distributor riser facing upward.
10. Reinstall the CT cap and head assembly. Ensure the adapter enters the top of the cartridge correctly, then press the assembly down firmly.
11. Turn the CT nut clockwise and tighten it securely by hand or with the approved service wrench.
12. When supplied with a certified cartridge, attach its data label to the tank below the CT nut.
13. Reconnect the cartridge tank to the bypass assembly and secure both connection nuts.
14. Open the treated-water line and slowly return the bypass to normal operation.
15. Allow the tank to fill gradually, then inspect the housing, bypass, and connections for leaks.
16. Flush the new cartridge for at least 10 minutes before using the water.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Rinse the cartridge and tank periodically through the bottom drain to remove accumulated debris. Regular flushing can help extend cartridge life and reduce drain blockage. The rinse frequency depends on sediment loading and water use.

Inspect the housing, fittings, O-ring, bypass connections, and drain during cartridge service. Replace worn sealing components rather than attempting to compensate for damage by overtightening.

Approved replacement parts include the CT nut, CT cap, size 370 O-ring, housing body, housing base, fitting assembly, and CT service wrench. Use compatible cartridges and components intended for this housing.

Troubleshooting

• Low pressure from the system: The cartridge may be fouled, the cartridge flow rate may have been exceeded, or debris may be blocking the tank inlet. Replace the cartridge, select a higher-flow cartridge when appropriate, and clean the inlet area.
• Short cartridge life: The selected micron rating may be too fine, the source water may contain a heavy particle load, or excessive flow may be passing through the cartridge. Consider a different rating or multiple tanks after evaluating raw-water conditions and water consumption.
• Blocked drain: Debris may have accumulated because the tank was not rinsed often enough. Flush the drain and rinse the system more frequently.
• Water appears at the outlet while the system is isolated: Check the bypass position and inspect the building plumbing for a possible cross-connection that allows water to bypass the intended flow path.
• Leak after cartridge replacement: Shut off and depressurize the system, then inspect the O-ring, cap seating, CT nut, and bypass connections for contamination, damage, or incorrect alignment.

Warranty

The tank and filter solutions are covered against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original installation date when installed according to the manufacturer's specifications. The inlet/outlet head assemblies carry a five-year materials-and-workmanship warranty.

Warranty coverage does not include damage caused by improper installation, operation, maintenance, freezing, flooding, fire, accidents, chemical attack, oxidizing agents, misuse, unsuitable applications, unauthorized modifications, non-approved cartridges or parts, unsupported plumbing connections, or normal-wear components such as O-rings. Labor and costs associated with removing or reinstalling the equipment are also excluded.

The warranty applies to the original owner and does not extend to use outside the specified operating conditions, with non-potable water, or beyond the product's service life. Changing or removing the product information label can also affect coverage.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Whole-house filtration; flexible cartridge selection; optional bypass operation; bottom drain for rinsing and pressure relief; multiple fitting assemblies; no operating power required for the housing.
• Cons: Cartridge is purchased separately; installation requires careful plumbing and pressure management; cartridge life varies with sediment and water quality; the housing needs adequate floor space and a nearby drain for convenient service.