How to SET TIME and PROGRAM CLACK WS1 3 button Valve

If you’re looking for a quick and easy video on how to set time and program a Clack WS1 3 button valve you’ve found it here! Whether your valve is on a water softener, iron filter, sediment or automatic back washing carbon filter this video is for you!
The Clack WS1 family of water treatment valves comes in different configurations. Today we’re talking about the 3 button or TC which means time clock valve. The biggest difference between these valves from the 4 and 5 button valves is that these are time activated instead of demand activated by your water usage.
Although these can be used on a water softener they are best used on back washable filters for Nextsand sediment or Carbon chemical removal like chlorine.
This valve has changed slightly over the years, the first versions did not have a power cell backup like this newer version and did not display the minutes when the current time is displayed.
I should mention that if you’ve invested in one of these valves on a piece of water filtration equipment from us, it will already be programmed. All you need to do is set the current time, frequency of back wash and regen time, all the other settings have been pre programmed. The rest of the information today is for getting into the programming to make more significant changes or for new applications or retro fitting valves onto your tank. I should also mention that if you ever want a basic manual for one of these valves, just remove the face plate and if it’s an older valve, you’ll find it there. If it’s a newer valve just use you QR scanner to get to the manual.
Let’s get started:
To Set Time of Day
1. Press “SET HOUR”. Adjust hours with up or down arrow.
3. Press “NEXT”. Adjust minutes with up or down arrow.
5. Press “NEXT” to complete and return to normal operation.
To Set Time of Regeneration
1. Press the SET HOUR and up arrow buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
2. Using the up or down buttons set the Hour
3. Press "NEXT". Do not change days override from 14.
3. Press “NEXT”. Using the up or down buttons set the Regeneration Time similar to setting the current time above.
4. Press “NEXT” returning to normal operation.
To Change Programming
1. Press “SET HOUR” and “UP” simultaneously for 3 seconds and release then again Press “SET HOUR” and “UP” simultaneously for 3 seconds and release.
2. Choose the desired programming by pressing the UP or DOWN button
3. If program P0 to P6 was selected, you will need to enter the minutes fill time. If program P7 to P9 was selected Press SET HOUR to go to minutes of fill. Note: For each minute of fill 0.5 gallons of water is added to the solution tank. With salt (sodium chloride) this equates to approximately 1 1 /2 pounds of salt per minute of fill.
4. Click the UP or DOWN to switch between 1-99 days or 7 Day. Press SET HOUR
5. Press SET HOUR until you get back to Current Time.
clackvalves.net...
To Enter Days between Regen
1. From normal mode, press SET HOUR + UP buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds and release
2. Regeneration Time: Set the clock to the hour the regeneration should occur by using the UP or DOWN buttons. An arrow points to PM after 12. Press SET HOUR to go to STEP 3ID.
3. Days To Regen: Set the number of days between regenerations. The allowable range is 1 to 99. Press SET HOUR to exit Installer Displays & Settings.
To Enter Settings for 7 day option
1. From normal mode, press SET HOUR + UP buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds and release.
2. Regeneration Time: Set the clock to the hour the regeneration should occur by using the UP or DOWN buttons. An arrow points to PM after 12. Press SET HOUR to go to STEP 3I7.
3. Current Day of Week: Set the current day of the week by using the UP or DOWN buttons (Sunday being d1). Press SET HOUR to go to STEP 4I7.
4. Sunday Regeneration: To regenerate on Sunday use the UP or DOWN button until the arrow points to Regen. If the arrow does not point to Regen a regeneration will not occur on Sunday. Continue for the other days of the week you want regeneration. Press SET HOUR
Done.
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Please comment or ask questions below. #garythewaterguy #waterfiltration

[@water_estore]

Clack WS1 water filtration valves come in different configurations! See how easy it is to program the Clack WS1TC or 3 button valve here.

[@MrBilodo]

Wow , i bought a house with a system like that in it, i did not have any idea how to deal with it, but thanks to you i feel like pro. thank you so much !

[@water_estore]

Glad I could help! Please share video with friends and family

[@gunslingergg78]

Great tutorial. I just had the circuit board go out and ordered one from you. Was confused on the -TC vs. -TB older boards but this answered my question. Fyi, I have a backwashable carbon filter.

[@water_estore]

Yes, they typically use the 3 button TC valve, but not always. Sometimes they use a 5 button.

[@danlatta4842]

Thank you for making this video. It was very well done and easy to follow.

[@water_estore]

Glad it was helpful! Please share with friends and family.

[@Clarkfamilyorchards]

I have a question: first of all thank you so much for helping me understand my water softener and sulphur filter systems much better. I know you said to stagger the water softener and carbon filter in this video, but what about water softener and sulphur filter? They were both set for 2:00am by installer. If I set water softener to 2:00am and sulphur filter to 4:00am is that ok? Any reason I shouldn’t? Thank you!

[@water_estore]

Yes, all water filtration should be staggered, your installer should know better! 2 am and 4 am is perfect.

[@CANNIMAGINE]

Thank you for the info I have this on my water softener and I bought it two years ago. The circuit board has burned out three times I just ordered a new one this time and will install it myself. Do these go bad frequently normally?

[@water_estore]

No, you need to plug it into a surge suppressor since your voltage must spike occasionally killing the board. We have the replacement boards here waterestore.com/products/clack-ws1-3-button-circuit-board-v3108tc

[@CANNIMAGINE]

@@water_estore Thanks I ordered it. The system is on its own breaker box, is there a surge protector that is for outdoor and not crazy expensive?

[@NYFreeman]

Gary, to me, you are the Water Filtration god online.

[@water_estore]

Thank you! Please share with friends and family!

[@miguelfiallo6573]

Thanks for your terrific videos. How do I change from pre-fill to post fill outflow in this three button clack? I notice that my water just soften for one or two days..I change from 7 days to 3 days cycle...I wonder if a post fill would be better for my home. Thanks

[@water_estore]

I am not sure how especially with a 3 button valve and don't recommend changing over as there is quite a bit invloved to do the change.

[@Mark-z4c5j]

My clack ws1 screen has the arrow flashing on the '''min refill" I do have salt in my brine tank and water is just now visible, should I just add some additional salt at this time, or is there another issue. I have learned A LOT from your videos, Thanx.

[@water_estore]

No, nothing needs to be added.

[@Mark-z4c5j]

@@water_estore Thanx for your response, understand now that the "min Fill" is minutes to fill. I still have the flashing arrow pointing to the Min Fill, yet everything seems to be working correctly. Is there a setting in the program steps that lets you adjust or at least check how many minutes are set in that part of the program. I have not seen that mentioned in any of your videos. My system is 17 years old, but still works great, I have the iron/sulfur filter with the 3 button clack and softner with the 5 button clack. Again, thank you for your videos.

[@water_estore]

From the size of the system (30,000 grains) and lbs of salt the valve calculates minutes of fill.

[@kentholthaus1014]

Hi Gary, I have one of these systems for my house and I am getting an E1 error. When I was trying to troubleshoot it I had read that it could possibly be that the motor was shot or not functioning properly, however when I removed the motor and turned it back on the motor spun just fine but the error still remained. The valve seems to move just fine when I manually move the gears and so I am wondering if you think the board is bad or if there is something else I should be checking? Thank you!

[@water_estore]

This video should help kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJDSd2itasl1Z7c

[@guachito33]

new house here, the builder put this valve in my softener, and the 5 button Clack valve in the filter, doesn’t make sense i Guess ?? so this basically means i cannot set the hardness or the regeneration days in my softener ? how often is the softener gonna regenerate ?

[@water_estore]

You would need to calculate the frequency of regeneration just like we did 30 years ago when no water softeners were metered.

[@SATXDONKEY]

Brother I can’t find the 4 button version. I need to find out where my salt setting is so I can adjust it if needed. Unless it automatically goes with whatever the grain capacity is. Thanks for any info

[@water_estore]

This video should help kzbin.infoc6r7qUK8to4

[@HaydenHarrison412]

Hi Gary. When the clock is set at 12 hrs, does DAY 1 start at midnight? I have DAY 1 set as Sunday and my Regen is set for DAY 2 at 2am which I am hoping is Monday at 2am?

[@water_estore]

I don't know for sure, but I think that you are correct.

[@Marcus_Hildebrandt]

Hi Gary! Thank you for this informative video. We just got this model installed with pressure and brine tank (KMnO₄). What program (PO to P9) should we use for iron filtering? It's currently in P1, but it's using an awful lot of water from our well. Could we switch to a shorter program, e.g. one that doesn't use the second backwash? Thank you!

[@water_estore]

Great question. P1 is not for an iron filter, it is for a water softener. You need to switch to P7

[@Marcus_Hildebrandt]

@@water_estore thank you. I will look into that. 👍

[@cc423266]

Gary, My Clack WS1 3 button unit only displays military time. Is there a way to change it? Nothing in the instructions.

[@water_estore]

I seem to recall something about this on older models but there is nothing in the manual. If I come across it I will let you know.

[@jthomas9994]

Hey gary is there a way to change the settings on the WS1 3 button as far as hardness? I think mine is set too high and using too much salt. Thanks so much!

[@water_estore]

You need to calculate how many gallons of water usage and set regen frequency based on water softener size and hardness. The manual is here envirowatertec.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Clack-3-button.pdf I realize that is not easy to do. The easy way? extend the days between regen by one, try it for a month. If water is still soft extend it another day. Keep going until you start getting hard water.

[@jthomas9994]

@@water_estore Thanks Gary YOU ARE THE MAN!

[@thewalkz1]

Hello Gary, my WS1TC backflush water continues to flow even after the cycle completes. I can close bypass valves temporarily and reopen to stop flow. Next backflush might shut off properly or may continue to flow. Please advise what I must do. Thank you!

[@water_estore]

the valve needs to be rebuilt. We have the kits here waterestore.com/products/clack-ws1-fob-c-k-rebuild-kit-wrench-no-injector

[@thewalkz1]

@@water_estore thank you, Gary. My entire system is less than 3 years old. Do you know what is the warranty period for the Clack valve.

[@water_estore]

5 years for the valve.

[@andy_the_great-og]

I have the same clack valve in the video. I can set the time of day. However, holding the "Set" and "Up arrow" (5 seconds) does not get me into the menu settings to adjust the regen time, etc. Is there a lockout feature on this valve? If so, what is the method to unlock it? Thanks.

[@water_estore]

Yes, it is locked. This video shows you how to unlock kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIaWqIpobrdqn6csi=G9lqsd3ctt-i9xoV

[@DrewHurst-z5c]

Hi Gary, What would cause the filter to blow all the media out? We set up routinely with a little media coming out when getting air out of the line. We backwashed it two more times with no media coming out. Came back this morning and it was blowing the media out and system in error backwashing mode

[@water_estore]

Typically, this happens when the top basket or bottom basket in the water softener becomes cracked or just fails. It happens very seldom, but it's a pain when it does. You will need to replace the riser tube and basket waterestore.com/products/hum-riser-tube-and-upper-screen-replacement-combo and the media waterestore.com/products/excelclear-premium-grade-water-softener-media-1-cubic-foot

[@highlymotivated86]

What happens if your softener and filter regen at the same time?

[@water_estore]

You won't have neough flow to either one to backwash the media fully.

[@billm6580]

Hi Gary, I have a Clack 3 button like this one in your demonstration. Recently it started using a lot of water in the chlorine tank which it uses for regeneration. Like half the tank. My chlorine water tank used to last a month or more. Now it’s half empty after one regeneration. Any idea what would cause this to happen? Thanks

[@water_estore]

Sorry, I really don’t know what it could be

[@dougsibley7008]

I have a new system and can't find the manual. Do you recognize the control in the picture.

[@dougsibley7008]

Whoops I can't attach a picture

[@water_estore]

You can email it to info@ waterestore.com

[@taniairisbarreto4424]

HI! what happens if you press the set and the down button? I pressed that by accident and it made a noise. Not sure what it did! Thank you!

[@water_estore]

You get into the programming but if you didn’t change anything you should be fine

[@taniairisbarreto4424]

@@water_estore yeah I didn’t change anything. It’s going to Regin tonight so we will see!

[@leopoldsaroyan927]

no rolex , this guys works not for the money, good, i continue

[@water_estore]

Thanks for watching! By the way you might want to check out my Water Softener Live Stream Q&A tonight at 7 PM Eastern Time here kzbin.info/www/bejne/emnNo2VteaaYock

[@sergethomas8853]

Hello, I love your videos! Do you have a link to the clack 3 buttons (no QR code) that has the relay? I need to configure the card so that it triggers an ozone maker for ozone injection. Thanks!

[@water_estore]

No I do not. I have never heard of it being used this way.

[@mrharryon]

Hi Gary. When i push the up and down button together the process not start. Maybe You have some solutions. I don't have any errors on display. How to start IT¿

[@water_estore]

Did you hold them down for 5 seconds?

[@mrharryon]

@@water_estore Yes, I did. There is not any error on display. Everything looks ok but manualny start don't worki:-(

[@jthomas9994]

Hi Gary. My plumber put in a WS1TC a few years ago - wish I would have known this is not good as a water softner. Is there a way to change how much salt it uses? Im filling it every month and even though Im in FL I think thats a LOT of salt! Thanks so much!

[@water_estore]

The amount of salt used depends on the settings. I would first make sure yours is set properly. You can change the dasy between regeneration to longer intervals but it depnds on how much water you use and your hardness.

[@jthomas9994]

@@water_estore Hey thanks! Can you show how to adjust this on the 3 button model please? I see it for the others but not for this model.

[@cg5926]

How do you change the backwash schedule on the 5 button valve?

[@water_estore]

You need to pick one of the programs. What do you want to accomplish?

[@jthomas9994]

Hey Gary! Ok another issue. All of a sudden in my house Im getting what Im calling cilica in the faucets; its clogging EVERYTHING! I bypassed the WS1TC and it stopped but I now have city water. Can a Clack softner like this be repaired - Im thinking its the resin membrane, or is it better to call it a day and get a new system? Thanks for your help!

[@water_estore]

The resin may be breaking down. You would need to replace the resin or the softener.

[@jthomas9994]

@@water_estore Hi Gary! LOL you are the MAN! Unfortunately the resin tank is shot - not covered by the Clack tank warranty. New softner because FL water has SO MUCH sulfur in it (Im on city water and its terrible) that my coffee is horrible! I appreciate ALL of your help!

[@alexandersanzo6007]

Gary I have a 3 button one on a carbón filter and a 4 button on a softener, do You have the same vídeo on the 4 button one? And Also does the carbón go before the softener or after?

[@water_estore]

I don't have one specifically for the 4 button but this video includes that valve kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWfVaKSLgJ2npZY Carbon goes before the softener.

[@TheBasscrawler1]

Hello Thank you for helping me was very helpful to your video. Saludos desde México 🇲🇽

[@water_estore]

Glad to hear that! Please share video with friends and family.

[@axolotllifeaquatics4492]

PLEASE HELP!!!! I had a company install a tank with this head. They were supposed to instruct me on how to use it and they were supposed to set up a brine tank and teach me how to do a manual regeneration. They never did and never show up. I have gone and purchased a brink tank but I can't figure out how and where to connect it to the system. I've looked at the manual but it doesn't say. Please help me!

[@water_estore]

You first need to know what you purchased. Did you purchase a water softener or something else? If it didn't come with a brine tank I would be suspicious if it actaully is a water softener. What does it say on your invoice. This exact valve (3 control buttons on the front) is almost never used on a water softener anymore.

[@axolotllifeaquatics4492]

@GarytheWaterGuy it is this 3 button valve. We are just using it to remove ammonia using turbidex. Turbidex can be regenerated using salt. I use it in my aquarium hobby from time to time to remove ammonia spikes quickly. I have regenerated it using water softener salt before but not in this unit. I have never used this valve and don't know where to attach the 3/8ths inch hose. Once I get it attached I can figure out how to to a regeneration. I've only had the units a short time but I don't want to go too long without regenerating the turbidex

[@snowshoes2000]

E-2. SHOWN AFTER 8 DAYS OF NO POWER. SHOULD PC BOARD BE REPLACED.?

[@water_estore]

I don’t think so. Try the advice from this video first kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJDSd2itasl1Z7c

[@shandusa]

Is Clack the same as HUM?

[@water_estore]

All of our HUM Water filtration products use Clack valves.

[@theharperclan5950]

Hi Gary. How many minutes of fill should the valve be set to for a 60,000 grain water softener? How much salt should I be using per regeneration?

[@water_estore]

You would set the salt usage to 15 lbs per regeneration. The valve will calculate the number of minutes of fill.

[@yenly2070]

Hi Gary, I'm in the US and looking into water filtration for my new home. A local company has what they called a Clack Millennium II that is a softener and carbon filtration. I can't find anything online when searching for Clack Millennium II. Do you have any info regarding Clack Millennium II? Is it just a WS1 or WS1TC?

[@water_estore]

I believe you also sent an email and I mentioned that they likley just created that brand themselves. So I do not know, why not ask them?

[@rossparise6293]

Hi Gary, is there a way to set the minimum fill? I find that the salt basin does not refill enough during a regen

[@water_estore]

The salt setting determines how much water goes into the brine tank. the higher the salt setting the more water.

[@MrMehocom]

Hi Gary, I have the same 3-button backwash clack head, but just recently I started to hear steady noise coming from inside parts, becoming more noticeable by removing the electronic board. Sounds like pressure releasing .. hissing sound. Is there any pressure valve or controller that you recommend to check?

[@water_estore]

I would check the info in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/iJnZpKOIaLV0rZo

[@MrMehocom]

@@water_estore the noise stops on bypass.. no water leaks on the drain, but I’ll try to open it up and see what’s going on inside. Thanks

[@MrMehocom]

@@water_estore i followed your video and found one of the seal pack inside rubber rings was chipped off, I replaced the seal pack with the piston and the sounds is gone away : ) thank you so much! I’m glad I found your video

[@mariahharmonpharmd3286]

Hi Gary! Your videos are so informative! What P setting would you recommend for softening water that is rated at 17-18 hardness?

[@water_estore]

I don't like to use 3 button clack valves for water softeners but I would use P1

[@mariahharmonpharmd3286]

@@water_estore thanks! Do you know where I can find pricing for the 5-button terminal? Maybe we'll just change that out.

[@jaimesalazar3963]

Thanks m, been looking for this

[@water_estore]

Glad I could help

[@osho817]

Hi.. Thanks for video.. Can you make video how to Install fill switch assembly or micro switch to use backwash signal for feed pump startup ...

[@water_estore]

I don't know anything about this. Why would you need it?

[@osho817]

@@water_estore Thanks for your response. Feed pumps working level based so while tank level high pump standby mode even regeneration / Backwash if happened.

[@Official.ink93]

Mine is won’t turn on, I took my board to my buddys house and turns on right away

[@water_estore]

Likely need a new power supply. We have them here waterestore.com/products/clack-ws1-replacement-transformer-clk-v3186

[@bwells6381]

Clickity Clack. One of the worst valves available.

[@water_estore]

Why? I believe that the Clack WS1 valve is the best after working with and servicing it and countless others for almost 20 years. What do you base your comment on?

[@bwells6381]

@@water_estore I too base it on experience, as I too am a water technician. We quit selling them do to our tech support line being over burdened with support calls.

[@water_estore]

@@bwells6381 Sorry to hear, I have never heard this before from anyone else, every Clack dealer that I know absolutely loves them. Can you be more specific as to what those calls were about? Was it parts that were failing or what else could it have been? If part failures, what parts? I would love to know.

[@ameerkurawley9001]

I just got one, and I’m in africa where there isn’t really support for it. I’ve followed your video to set up as well as manual. But my brine tank keeps overflowing and every couple of hours a lot of water is coming out of the drain from the clack valve. Technician here is saying valves are faulty and not closing correctly

[@veronicabonet2003]

Hi Gary. Can you tell me why is the small tank stays full with water? I'm talking about the tank where I put in the pellets.

[@water_estore]

When it gopes through it's cycle it sucks out the water then adds more. Are you sure it is the same water you are seeing? This video should help kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp6taGamh7SKgNU