Manual Better Free: Harvey Hv3 Water Softener Installation
While Harvey Water Softeners often recommends professional installation , you can find a free installation manual for block salt softeners
online, which covers core steps for the HV3 and similar models. www.harveywatersofteners.co.uk Pre-Installation Checklist Water Pressure : Must be between 1.7 and 6.0 bar
. Use a pressure limiting valve if your pressure exceeds 6 bar. : Install on firm, level ground near the main water supply inlet. : Ensure it is close to the rising main drain facility
: Do not install next to a boiler (excessive heat) or in areas prone to UK Water Softeners Installation Steps Drain the Main
: Turn off the stopcock and run the kitchen cold tap until it stops to empty the rising main. Install Bypass & Check Valve : Cut the rising main and fit a three-valve bypass system harvey hv3 water softener installation manual free
. Ensure a non-return check valve is fitted before the bypass. Connect Hoses
: Use approved flexible hoses to connect the bypass to the softener. Straight ends typically connect to the bypass valves, while angled ends connect to the softener. Plumb the Drain
: Run a drain hose from the softener to an upstand or outside drain. Ensure a minimum 20mm air gap at the end of the drain to prevent siphoning. Set Up Overflows
: Connect the overflow pipe from the side of the cabinet. This must run through an outside wall and be visible at its exit. UK Water Softeners Commissioning & Setup Insert the brine well (plastic tube) into the salt tank
: Slowly open the inlet valve, then the outlet and kitchen tap to flush the pipework for a few minutes. Loading Salt
: Manually fill the cabinet with water until the salt platform is covered by about , then place two salt blocks in the bays. Digital Integration : If your HV3 includes an , download the myHarvey app to pair the device and monitor salt levels. UK Water Softeners or instructions for setting up the BLOCK SALT SOFTENER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1.2 Third-Party PDF Archives (Use With Caution)
Sites like Manualslib.com, Manuals.plus, or Archive.org sometimes host scanned copies. When searching for “harvey hv3 water softener installation manual free PDF,” filter by file type (PDF) and check the upload date. Older versions may not reflect new plumbing codes (UK Water Supply Regulations).
Step 4: Brine Tank Assembly
- Insert the brine well (plastic tube) into the salt tank.
- Connect the small suction tube from the HV3 head to the brine tank's float valve.
- Fill with 40-60kg of water softener salt tablets (not rock salt or block salt unless specified).
Why the Harvey HV3? A Quick Primer
Before cutting into your pipework, it helps to understand the machine. Unlike single-cylinder electric softeners, the HV3 uses a twin-tank system. While one tank softens your water, the other automatically regenerates using a simple water turbine (no electricity). This means: Phase 5: Commissioning (Pages 19-20)
- Continuous soft water 24/7.
- Lower running costs (no power, less salt waste).
- Complex plumbing – The bypass and brine tank setup is more involved than a single-tank unit.
Because of this complexity, installing an HV3 without a manual is a recipe for flooding and voided warranties.
Part 1: Is a "Free" Harvey HV3 Manual Available Online?
Yes, but with caveats. Harvey Water Softeners (a brand owned by the Harvey Group) does not always publicly host every revision of their manuals on their main website. However, you can find legitimate free copies through:
1.1 Official Harvey Support Portal
- Go to the official Harvey website and navigate to their Support or Downloads section.
- Look for “Product Manuals” or “Legacy Products.”
- The HV3 is a current model, so you may need to enter your unit’s serial number (found on a sticker behind the front panel) to access the exact manual revision.
Phase 5: Commissioning (Pages 19-20)
- Perform a manual regeneration (press REGEN for 5 seconds).
- Check for leaks at every fitting.
- Run the kitchen cold tap for 10 minutes (first water may be brown – resin fines, harmless).
- Test soft water with a soap test: should produce abundant lather.
B. Plumbing Connections (The Bypass System)
The Harvey HV3 typically uses a 22mm or 28mm High Flow Bypass Valve.
- Isolate Water: Turn off the main water supply and drain residual water from the taps.
- Cut Pipes: Cut into the mains supply pipe where the softener will be situated.
- Install Bypass: Fit the bypass valve assembly. This usually consists of:
- Inlet: Connected to the mains water supply coming into the house.
- Outlet: Connected to the pipe feeding the rest of the house (soft water).
- Drain: Connected to the waste trap/drain.
- Connect the Softener: Place the softener cabinet under the bypass valve. Connect the flexible hoses (provided with the kit) from the valve to the softener head:
- Connect the Inlet hose.
- Connect the Outlet hose.
- Connect the Drain hose.
- Connect the Overflow hose (to the salt tank).