Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide: Programming a Clack Water Softener Valve (Velora Water Technician Field Manual – WS1 / WS1.25 / CI / Similar Models)

This includes safe general parameters for a typical household (3–5 people, 150–300 gal/day, 1 cu ft resin) plus hard resets, factory resets, and little technician secrets for troubleshooting and advanced use.

Safety & Prep Tips:

• Bypass the valve initially.

• Confirm resin volume, piston, injector, and media.

• Use your water testing checklist.

• Charge backup battery for 24+ hours.

1. Basic Navigation & Buttons

• SET CLOCK: Set time.

• NEXT (↑ or ▶): Advance.

• DOWN (▽): Decrease.

• REGEN: Manual regen.

• Advanced: Hold NEXT + DOWN (or NEXT + UP) for 3–5 seconds.

2. Set Time of Day

• Press SET CLOCK → Adjust hour/minutes → Save. Typical: Regeneration at 2:00 AM.

3. OEM / Advanced Programming (Core Setup)

Enter with NEXT + DOWN for 3–5 sec.

Safe General Parameters for Typical Household (1 cu ft resin):

• Valve Type: WS1 (or 1.25).

• Treatment: SOFTENING.

• Brining: dn (Downflow).

• Refill: Post (or Pre).

• Hardness: Compensated (raw gpg + ~5 gpg per ppm iron). Example: 15 gpg + 1 ppm iron → 20 gpg.

• Capacity: 24,000 grains (efficient ~80% of rated).

• Regen Mode: AUTO (metered).

• Day Override: 7–14 days (shorter for iron/tannins).

• Salt Dosage: ~9–10 lbs per cu ft.

• Cycle Times (downflow):

  • Backwash 1: 8 min

  • Brine Draw: 60 min

  • Backwash 2: 6–8 min

  • Rinse: 4–6 min

  • Fill: Adjusted for salt.

How to Perform: Use arrows to adjust, NEXT to advance, REGEN to exit/save.

4. Installer Settings

Enter via NEXT + UP (or manual). Confirm hardness, reserve (~20–30% daily use), override.

5. Hard Resets & Factory Reset (Key Technician Secrets)

• Quick Electronics Reset / Re-Sync (after maintenance or errors): Hold NEXT + REGEN for 3–5 seconds. Display flashes, shows software version, returns to service position. Alternative: Unplug power jack (black wire) from board, wait 1–2 minutes, plug back in.

• Master / Factory Reset (wipes programming to defaults): Press NEXT + DOWN to reach Service/OEM screen. Then press UP + DOWN simultaneously to reset. Valve returns to basic defaults — re-program from scratch.

• Unlock Locked Valve (common after failed attempts): Press DOWN, NEXT, UP, SET CLOCK in sequence. Then try advanced mode again.

• Double Regeneration: Press REGEN once (REGEN TODAY flashes), then hold REGEN 3+ seconds for immediate full cycle.

Technician Secrets & Pro Tips:

• Secret Diagnostics Mode: Hold UP + DOWN for 3 seconds (may need unlock first). Press again for Valve History (usage stats, error logs, regen counts — gold for troubleshooting).

• After any drive/motor work: Always do the NEXT + REGEN reset to re-establish piston position.

• Error Code Fix: Most errors (motor, position) clear with quick reset or power cycle. Persistent? Check seals/piston for debris.

• Salt Efficiency Hack: Set capacity conservatively (e.g., 24k grains) and use lower salt (6–8 lbs/cu ft) for eco setups.

• Iron/Tannins/Silica: Shorten override to 3–7 days + consider specialty resin.

• Pro Move: Take photos of settings screen before/after. Document in your checklist.

6. Manual Regeneration Test

• Press REGEN → Hold for immediate start.

• Observe full cycle (listen for brine draw suction).

  
  

7. Post-Programming Verification

• Full regen + pre/post water tests (hardness <1–3 gpg).

• Document everything.

Field Notes:

• Source: ☐ Municipal ☐ Well ☐ Lake

• Resin (cu ft): ______

• Tested Hardness: ______ gpg | Compensated: ______

• Salt / Capacity: ______

• Technician Notes / Client Signature / Date:

Pair this with your water testing checklist for complete Velora Water installs. These resets and diagnostics save tons of service calls.