Installation: Viqua IHS22-D4 UV Water Disinfection System Owner Manual

Overview

The IHS22-D4 UV Water Disinfection System is a whole-home treatment unit designed to improve potable water quality through staged filtration and ultraviolet disinfection. It combines sediment filtration, carbon filtration, and UV treatment in one permanently plumbed system.

The system is intended for residential applications where water may contain suspended particles, unwanted taste or odor, and microbiological contaminants. UV treatment is a physical process: it does not add chemicals to the water and does not leave a disinfectant residual in downstream plumbing.

For dependable operation, the water must meet the system’s chemistry limits, the complete plumbing network should be disinfected during commissioning, and the UV lamp should be replaced with a genuine factory-supplied replacement at the required interval.

Specifications

• Model: IHS22-D4
• Maximum operating pressure: 100 psi (689 kPa)
• Minimum operating pressure: 4 psi (27.5 kPa)
• Ambient operating temperature: 36°F to 122°F (2°C to 50°C)
• Maximum relative humidity: 95%
• Rated flow at 16 mJ/cm²: 16 gpm (60 lpm)
• Rated flow at 30 mJ/cm²: 12 gpm (45 lpm)
• Rated flow at 40 mJ/cm²: 9 gpm (34 lpm)
• Electrical input: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum current: 1 A
• Power consumption: 50 W
• UV lamp power: 40 W
• UV chamber material: 304 stainless steel
• Inlet and outlet: 3/4-inch NPT
• Overall length: approximately 25.5 inches
• Minimum clearance below unit: 4 inches for filter changes
• Minimum clearance above unit: 16 inches for lamp removal
• Recommended water hardness: below 7 grains per gallon (120 mg/L)
• Maximum iron: 0.3 ppm (0.3 mg/L)
• Maximum manganese: 0.05 ppm (0.05 mg/L)
• Maximum turbidity: 1 NTU
• Maximum tannins: 0.1 ppm (0.1 mg/L)
• Minimum UV transmittance: 75%
• Nominal lamp service life: approximately 9,000 operating hours

Detailed Description

Water enters the integrated treatment assembly through the inlet and passes through the pre-filtration stages before reaching the UV chamber. The sediment filter helps reduce suspended material that could shield microorganisms from UV energy. The carbon filter supports reduction of selected taste, odor, and chemical-related impurities. The UV chamber then exposes the flowing water to ultraviolet energy.

The principal components include the UV chamber, quartz sleeve, UV lamp, lamp connector, controller, chamber bracket, sleeve bolt, O-rings, sediment filter, carbon filter, filter sumps, sump wrench, power cord, and reference card. The controller supplies power to the lamp, tracks lamp service time, displays operating information, and provides audible and visual alarms.

A main shut-off valve should be installed before the system. Additional shut-off valves simplify servicing, while an optional bypass assembly can provide temporary water service if the UV unit is unavailable. The controller should be mounted above the chamber and away from water sources.

Safety

• Read the complete operating and maintenance instructions before installation, operation, or servicing.
• Disconnect electrical power before performing maintenance, and shut off the water supply before opening filter housings or the chamber.
• Release system pressure before removing cartridges, sumps, the quartz sleeve, or other pressurized components.
• Connect the controller only to a properly grounded outlet protected by a GFCI or an RCD with a rated residual operating current no greater than 30 mA.
• Do not modify the grounding plug or use an adapter. Have an unsuitable outlet corrected by a qualified electrician.
• Keep water away from the controller, lamp connector, and other electrical components. Do not energize the system if these parts are wet.
• Never operate the UV lamp outside the chamber. Direct UV exposure can injure eyes and skin.
• Do not use the unit if the cord or plug is damaged, or if the equipment has been dropped or otherwise damaged.
• Install and store the system indoors. Protect it from weather and freezing temperatures.
• Do not place combustible or flammable materials near the system.
• The lamp contains mercury. If it breaks, avoid contact with the debris and do not use a vacuum cleaner. Follow local requirements for mercury waste.
• Water held in the chamber during extended periods without flow can become approximately 60°C and may cause scalding. Run water carefully until the heated water has been purged.
• After the controller is powered, wait at least five minutes before sending water through the system.
• Use metal fittings and at least 10 inches of copper pipe at the chamber outlet to reduce concerns related to thermal expansion and UV exposure.
• Keep children and untrained people from handling or playing with the system.

Setup and Operation

Installation

1. Choose an indoor location with sufficient space above the chamber for lamp and sleeve removal and at least 4 inches below the unit for filter servicing.
2. Turn off the main water supply and complete the plumbing connections.
3. Secure the system bracket to the wall using suitable lag bolts.
4. Slide the controller onto its mounting bracket and place the reference card between the controller and bracket.
5. Connect the power cord to the controller, but do not connect it to the GFCI outlet yet.
6. Fit the O-ring on the quartz sleeve and carefully insert the sleeve into the chamber. Confirm that it is centered.
7. Install the sleeve bolt and tighten it by hand. Do not overtighten.
8. Insert the UV lamp into the quartz sleeve and thread it into the sleeve bolt until it reaches the stop.
9. Secure the green ground wire and red strain-relief wire to the chamber with the grounding screw.
10. Align the lamp connector pins, press the connector onto the lamp, and confirm that the retaining ring clicks into place on both sides.
11. Connect the controller to the GFCI-protected power source.
12. Open faucets, turn on the water supply, and inspect every connection for leaks.

Initial Plumbing Disinfection

Because UV treatment does not provide a residual disinfectant, the plumbing downstream of the unit must be sanitized after installation. Repeat this process whenever the system has been shut down for service, left without power, bypassed, or rendered inoperative.

1. Keep the controller connected to power throughout the disinfection process.
2. Close all faucets and shut off the water supply.
3. Press the pressure-release button to relieve pressure from the filter housings.
4. Remove the sump drain plug, catch the water in a container, and reinstall the plug.
5. Remove the filter sumps with the sump wrench. The housings may be heavy when filled with water.
6. Remove the cartridges and pour two cups of 5.25% household bleach solution into each sump. Do not use hydrogen peroxide.
7. Reinstall the sumps.
8. Open each faucet, turn on cold water, and then hot water if available, until bleach odor is detected.
9. Close the faucets and leave the bleach solution in the plumbing for 30 minutes.
10. Shut off the water, remove the sumps, reinstall the cartridges, and reinstall the sumps.
11. Flush every water outlet until the bleach odor is gone, for at least five minutes.
12. Press the pressure button to purge trapped air and check the system for leaks.

Controller Functions and Indicators

• Lamp timer display: Counts down from 365 days to indicate the remaining time before scheduled lamp replacement.
• Lamp timer reset: After installing a new lamp, press and hold the reset button for five seconds to restore the timer to 365 days.
• Mute button: Silences the audible alarm temporarily. A lamp-age alarm can be muted for seven days, up to four times, and then for 24 hours. Other alarms can be muted for 24 hours.
• Normal operation: The controller status indicator is green, the lamp status is normal, and no alarm is sounding.
• Lamp ignition or run fault: A red controller indication, flashing red lamp indication, and beeping signal a lamp connection or lamp failure. Disconnect power, check the connection, restore power, and replace the lamp if the fault returns.
• Lamp nearing end of life: A green controller indication and yellow lamp indication warn that replacement will soon be required.
• Lamp at end of life: A green controller indication with flashing red lamp indication and chirping means the lamp should be replaced.
• Lamp life exceeded: A similar flashing red lamp indication identifies an overdue replacement. Install a new lamp and reset the timer.
• AC voltage out of range: Flashing red indicators and an alarm identify an electrical supply outside the operating range. Normal operation resumes when voltage returns above 93 V and below 265 V.
• Controller fault: Disconnect power, wait at least 30 seconds for the controller to shut down fully, and restore power. If the fault repeats, the controller requires replacement.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Routine Maintenance

• Inspect the controller regularly to confirm that power indicators are active and no alarm is present.
• Replace the UV lamp every year under continuous use. For a seasonal property, replacement may be performed every two years when the unit is used seasonally.
• Replace filter cartridges approximately three or four times per year, depending on water quality and consumption.
• A gradual pressure reduction after the filter assembly indicates that the cartridges may be nearing the end of their useful life.
• Apply a generous amount of suitable lubricant to the sump O-rings whenever the sumps are reinstalled.
• Drain the chamber before closing a seasonal property or leaving the unit where freezing may occur.
• Use genuine replacement lamps. Similar-looking lamps or visible blue light do not confirm equivalent UV output or disinfection performance.

UV Lamp Replacement

1. Close all faucets, shut off the water supply, and press the pressure button to release cartridge pressure.
2. Disconnect the main power source and allow the unit to cool for 10 minutes.
3. Remove the lamp connector by pulling its tabs outward and then upward.
4. Hold the sleeve bolt with one hand, turn the lamp counterclockwise, and lift it out of the chamber.
5. Insert the new lamp into the quartz sleeve and thread it into the sleeve bolt until it reaches the stop.
6. Reconnect the green ground wire and red strain-relief wire to the chamber.
7. Align and fully seat the lamp connector until it clicks into position on both sides.
8. Restore power and hold the lamp timer reset button for five seconds.
9. Open water inlets and faucets, then close the faucets and inspect for leaks.

Do not use water during lamp replacement. After replacing the lamp, complete the plumbing disinfection procedure before returning the system to normal service.

Quartz Sleeve Cleaning

Mineral buildup on the quartz sleeve blocks UV energy and can reduce disinfection performance. Clean the sleeve whenever deposits affect its transparency.

1. Shut off the water, drain the lines, depressurize the system, and place a small container beneath the chamber.
2. Remove the UV lamp.
3. Unscrew the sleeve bolt while supporting the sleeve with the other hand. The sleeve may remain attached to the bolt.
4. Clean the sleeve with a cloth moistened with CLR, vinegar, or another mild acid, then rinse thoroughly with water.
5. Replace the sleeve if it remains dirty or has scratches, cracks, or other damage.
6. Fit the O-ring, return the sleeve to the chamber, center it, and reinstall the sleeve bolt hand-tight.
7. Reassemble the lamp and connector, then perform the plumbing disinfection procedure.

Filter Cartridge Replacement

1. Disconnect power and allow the equipment to cool for 10 minutes.
2. Shut off the water supply and close all faucets.
3. Press the pressure-release button.
4. Remove the drain plug, catch the water, and reinstall the plug.
5. Remove the filter housings with the sump wrench.
6. Discard the used cartridges and install the correct replacements.
7. Reinstall the housings, ensuring each cartridge is centered and each O-ring is properly seated.
8. Open a downstream faucet, restore power, and turn on the water supply.
9. Close the faucet and press the pressure button to purge air from the housings.

Troubleshooting

• No power: Reset the GFCI or circuit breaker. If a surge suppressor has failed, replace it. A damaged controller may also require replacement.
• GFCI or breaker trips repeatedly: Check for moisture at the lamp pins or connector, dry the connection, and inspect for leaks or condensation. A short circuit may require controller replacement.
• Leak at an inlet or outlet: Clean the threads, reseal with thread-sealing tape, and retighten the fitting.
• Leak near the UV chamber: Condensation may form when humid air contacts a cold chamber. Reduce humidity or relocate the equipment. If the chamber O-ring is damaged, deteriorated, or incorrectly positioned, replace or reseat it. Confirm that the lamp and sleeve assembly is correctly installed and hand-tight.
• Filter housing leak: Remove the sump, clean the O-ring and threads, verify that the O-ring is correctly fitted, and reinstall the housing. Also check that the cartridge is centered and undamaged.
• Lamp timer display is blank: Confirm that the system is plugged in and that the outlet has power. Check the fuse or breaker and inspect the power cord.
• Alarm condition: Use the controller indicators to identify whether the issue involves lamp ignition, lamp age, voltage, or the controller itself.
• Water tests still show bacterial contamination: Ensure the UV unit is the final treatment stage, disinfect all downstream distribution lines, remove dead-end piping where possible, and flush the plumbing with chlorine.
• Water is hot after an extended no-flow period: Run water carefully until the heated chamber water has been discharged. Avoid skin contact with the initial flow.

Warranty

The UV chamber is covered against defects in materials and workmanship for ten years from the date of purchase. Electrical and hardware components, including the controller, are covered for three years.

UV lamps, quartz sleeves, and UV sensors are covered for one year. Warranty coverage depends on proper sizing, installation, operation, and maintenance. Damage caused by misuse, accidents, unsuitable installation, improper maintenance, natural events, or unauthorized changes is excluded. Replacement parts are covered only for the remainder of the original applicable warranty period.

Using non-genuine replacement lamps or sleeves can compromise disinfection performance and may affect warranty coverage.

Pros & Cons

• Pros: Combines sediment filtration, carbon filtration, and UV treatment in one whole-home assembly.
• Pros: Supports flow rates up to 12 gpm at the stated 30 mJ/cm² dose.
• Pros: Uses a physical disinfection process without adding treatment chemicals to the water.
• Pros: Includes a lamp countdown timer, audible alarms, visual indicators, and a lamp reset function.
• Cons: Requires suitable incoming water chemistry and adequate UV transmittance for intended performance.
• Cons: The quartz sleeve needs periodic cleaning when minerals accumulate.
• Cons: The UV lamp requires scheduled replacement, and downstream plumbing must be disinfected because UV leaves no residual protection.
• Cons: Installation and servicing involve pressurized water, electrical connections, UV radiation, and mercury-containing lamp components.