PURETEC SOFTROL™ VOLUMETRIC WATER SOFTENER
Puretec SOL40-E3 Water Softener System
The Puretec SOL40-E3 is a WaterMark approved domestic water softener designed to reduce hardness minerals and the scale and spotting associated with hard water.
It combines Puretec's E3-matic volumetric control valve with a 40 L/min service flow rate and automatic regeneration based on programmed water hardness and actual water consumption.
The SOL40-E3 is a genuine ion-exchange water softener. Unlike cartridge-based antiscale systems, it requires water-softener salt, a drain connection and electrical power for the automatic control valve and regeneration process.
Quick answer:
the Puretec SOL40-E3 is a 40 L/min volumetric water softener designed to reduce calcium, magnesium and other hardness-related minerals. Puretec lists a nominal 18,000 litre capacity based on 100 ppm hardness, a 25 mm connection and automatic E3-matic regeneration that responds to water usage rather than simply regenerating on a fixed daily schedule.
PRODUCT AT A GLANCE
Puretec SOL40-E3 Key Details
40 L/min
Service Flow Rate
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18,000 L
Nominal Capacity*
25 mm
Inlet / Outlet
E3-matic
Volumetric Valve
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*Puretec's current product listing states 18,000 litres based on water hardness of 100 ppm. Actual capacity between regenerations changes with incoming hardness and programmed settings.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
Reduce Hardness Minerals & Scale
Hard water contains dissolved minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, that can contribute to scale deposits and spotting.
The SOL40-E3 uses water-softening media and regeneration to reduce hardness before the treated water continues through the property.
Hardness Reduction
Puretec specifies the SOL40-E3 for reducing calcium and minerals associated with hard water.
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Scale Reduction
Reducing hardness can reduce scale formation on compatible plumbing fixtures and water-using equipment.
Spotting Reduction
Puretec lists reduced scaling and spotting as key functions of the Softrol™ water-softening range.
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TRUE WATER SOFTENING
Different From a Cartridge-Based AntiScale System
The SOL40-E3 is designed to reduce water hardness rather than simply alter how hardness minerals behave.
Its softening media is periodically regenerated using water-softener salt. The electronic E3-matic valve monitors water usage and manages the regeneration process automatically according to the programmed hardness and system settings.
If measurable hardness reduction is the treatment objective, this type of ion-exchange softener performs a different job from salt-free scale-control media.
SMART VOLUMETRIC CONTROL
E3-matic Regeneration Based on Water Usage
The SOL40-E3 uses Puretec's Volumetric E3-matic valve.
Rather than regenerating simply because a fixed number of days has passed, the E3 system monitors water consumption and uses the programmed hardness information to determine when regeneration is required.
- Automatic volumetric operation
- Responds to actual water consumption
- Programmed around incoming hardness
- Regenerates only when required by the control settings
- Designed to reduce unnecessary salt and regeneration-water use compared with fixed-cycle operation
- Electronic control panel for setup and monitoring
CAPACITY
Water Hardness Directly Affects Capacity
Puretec lists the SOL40-E3 with a nominal capacity of 18,000 litres based on hardness of 100 ppm.
That figure should not be treated as a fixed number of litres between regenerations for every property. Harder incoming water consumes the softening capacity more quickly, while lower-hardness water places less demand on the media.
Test the incoming hardness before commissioning.
Puretec requires water analysis so the control valve can be programmed appropriately for the actual water conditions.
SALT REQUIREMENT
The SOL40-E3 Uses Water-Softener Salt
This is not a salt-free system.
Puretec's SOL-E3 installation guide requires suitable water-softener salt to be added to the integrated brine tank. The salt is used during regeneration to restore the softening media for continued hardness reduction.
Maximum Salt Storage
Puretec lists a maximum salt storage capacity of approximately 50 kg.
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Ongoing Maintenance
The salt level needs to be checked and replenished as required by water use, hardness and regeneration frequency.
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PRE-FILTRATION
Puretec Recommends Carbon Pre-Filtration
The SOL40-E3 softening resin has a manufacturer-listed free-chlorine tolerance of 1 ppm.
Puretec states that high chlorine levels can permanently damage the softening resin and recommends carbon pre-filtration where chlorine exceeds this level. Puretec also recommends a carbon pre-filter more generally to help protect against chlorine spikes and prolong resin life.
A whole-house pre-filter and a water softener perform different jobs.
The softener is for hardness reduction. Sediment, chlorine, taste and odour treatment should be handled by suitable upstream filtration where required.
INSTALLATION ORDER
Position the Softener Correctly in the Water Treatment Train
Puretec specifies the softener for installation in the water supply line before the water heater.
Where other filtration equipment is installed, the correct order should be selected around the water analysis and Puretec installation guidance.
- Test incoming water before selecting settings
- Install suitable pre-filtration where required
- Install the softener before the water heater
- Provide an accessible drain
- Provide a non-switched power supply
- Allow space for servicing and salt replenishment
SPECIFICATIONS
Puretec SOL40-E3 Technical Details
| Specification |
Puretec SOL40-E3 |
| Model |
SOL40-E3 |
| Product Type |
Softrol™ volumetric domestic water softener |
| Valve |
Volumetric E3-matic |
| Service Flow Rate |
40 L/min |
| Nominal Capacity |
18,000 litres based on 100 ppm hardness |
| Operating Pressure |
138–862 kPa |
| Pressure Limiting |
Approved pressure limiting device required where line pressure exceeds 500 kPa |
| Operating Temperature |
0–48°C; protect from freezing |
| Electrical Connection |
240V / 50Hz listed in current SOL-E3 user guide |
| Inlet / Outlet |
25 mm / 1" |
| Drain Connection |
5/8" |
| Overflow Connection |
5/8" |
| Width |
350 mm |
| Height |
1125 mm |
| Depth |
490 mm |
| Dry Weight |
37 kg |
| Maximum Salt Storage |
50 kg |
| WaterMark |
WaterMark approved |
| Replacement Media Kit |
Puretec RMK-SOL40 |
DIMENSIONS
Allow Space for the Cabinet & Servicing
1125 mm
Height
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350 mm
Width
490 mm
Depth
37 kg
Dry Weight
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Allow additional room for plumbing, drain and overflow lines, electrical connection, opening the cabinet and replenishing salt.
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
What the SOL40-E3 Needs
Puretec states that SOL-E3 installation should be completed by qualified tradespeople.
- Incoming water analysis before setup
- Firm, level and fully supported installation surface
- 25 mm inlet and outlet plumbing
- Suitable drain connection
- Suitable overflow connection
- Non-switched 240V power source
- Approved pressure limiting where pressure exceeds 500 kPa
- Approved backflow prevention for point-of-entry installation
- Protection from freezing and extreme temperatures
- Space for servicing and salt replenishment
DRAINAGE
Regeneration Requires a Drain
A conventional water softener regenerates its media, so the SOL40-E3 requires a suitable drain connection.
Puretec lists a 5/8" drain connection and a separate 5/8" overflow connection.
Drainage needs to be planned before installation.
The system should be positioned as close as practical to a suitable drain while meeting the manufacturer's plumbing and installation requirements.
PRESSURE REQUIREMENTS
138–862 kPa Operating Range
Puretec lists an operating pressure range of 138–862 kPa for the SOL-E3 range.
However, where line pressure exceeds 500 kPa, Puretec specifies that an approved pressure limiting device must be installed to comply with the applicable Australian and New Zealand plumbing requirements.
WHAT IT DOES NOT DO
A Water Softener Is Not a Complete Filtration System
The SOL40-E3 is designed primarily for hardness reduction.
- It is not a sediment filter
- It is not a carbon filter for chlorine, taste or odour
- It is not a UV treatment system
- It is not a reverse-osmosis system
- It should not be used as a substitute for required disinfection
- It does not eliminate the need for suitable pre-filtration where water conditions require it
Puretec advises against using the system on microbiologically unsafe water or water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
The SOL40-E3 should be selected as part of the overall water-treatment requirement, not treated as a universal purifier.
WHO IS IT FOR?
When the SOL40-E3 May Be Suitable
- Your incoming water has measurable hardness
- You want true hardness reduction rather than salt-free scale control
- You require up to 40 L/min service flow
- You have suitable space for the 1125 mm high cabinet
- You have access to a suitable drain
- You can provide a non-switched power source
- You are prepared to maintain the salt supply
- Your installation can accommodate suitable pre-filtration where required
SOL30-E3 VS SOL40-E3
Choose the Model Around Required Flow & Capacity
| Feature |
SOL30-E3 |
SOL40-E3 |
| Valve |
Volumetric E3-matic |
Volumetric E3-matic |
| Service Flow |
30 L/min |
40 L/min |
| Current Puretec Nominal Capacity |
12,000 litres |
18,000 litres |
| Connection |
25 mm |
25 mm |
| Dry Weight |
29 kg |
37 kg |
Capacity figures are affected by incoming hardness. System selection should consider both peak flow and the actual water analysis.
MAINTENANCE
Salt, Resin & System Condition Need Ongoing Attention
Salt Supply
Check the brine tank and replenish appropriate water-softener salt as required.
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Softening Media
Puretec lists the RMK-SOL40 replacement media kit specifically for SOL40 systems.
Pre-Filter
If a Puretec whole-house pre-filter is fitted, service its cartridges according to the applicable product instructions.
Leaks & Deterioration
Puretec recommends regularly examining the system for leakage or deterioration.
Hardness Check
Hardness testing can be used when commissioning or checking softener performance and settings.
Control Settings
The E3 valve should remain correctly programmed for the incoming hardness and installation conditions.
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ACCESSORIES
Puretec Accessories Listed for the SOL40-E3
WTV5000 Bypass Assembly
Optional bypass assembly for testing and maintenance.
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WTV5050 Blending Valve
Optional blending valve where partial hardness removal is required.
PTE30 Hardness Test Kit
Puretec total-hardness titration test kit for checking water hardness.
WTV5090 Microswitch
Optional microswitch for automation of compatible external equipment.
SS5000 SoftenerSafe
Puretec lists SoftenerSafe media as an accessory for compatible maintenance applications.
RMK-SOL40
Genuine Puretec replacement media kit for the SOL40 water-softener system.
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WARRANTY
Puretec SOL40-E3 Warranty
Puretec currently lists the SOL40-E3 with a 6-year warranty, structured as 1 year parts and labour plus 5 years parts only, excluding consumables and subject to Puretec's warranty terms.
Puretec also offers an extended warranty arrangement for qualifying Softrol™ installations.
Qualifying extended warranty:
when the SOL40-E3 is installed with an eligible Puretec whole-house pre-filter and the required Puretec cartridges and Softrol™ media are routinely replaced in accordance with product instructions, Puretec states the Softrol™ warranty can extend to 10 years from purchase — 1 year parts and labour plus 9 years parts only, excluding consumables and subject to the full warranty conditions.
Puretec currently identifies qualifying pre-filter models including WH2-55, WH2-60, FilterWall F3, F4, F5 and F6.
ORDERING OPTIONS
Choose How You Want to Order
Supply Only
Order the Puretec SOL40-E3 for delivery to supported Australian locations where you already have an appropriately qualified installer.
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Add Pre-Filtration
Consider an appropriate Puretec whole-house carbon filtration system where chlorine protection or broader whole-house filtration is required.
Supply & Installation
Professional installation may be available in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas, subject to site access, drainage, power and plumbing requirements.
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BEFORE ORDERING
Check These Details First
- Incoming water hardness has been tested
- A 40 L/min softener is appropriate for the property
- A suitable 25 mm plumbing connection can be provided
- A suitable drain and overflow arrangement is available
- A non-switched electrical supply is available
- There is sufficient space for the 1125 × 350 × 490 mm cabinet
- There is space to access and refill the salt compartment
- Incoming chlorine and other water conditions have been considered
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions About the Puretec SOL40-E3
What Does the SOL40-E3 Do?
It reduces hardness minerals such as calcium and magnesium to reduce scaling and spotting associated with hard water.
What Is the Flow Rate?
Puretec lists a service flow rate of 40 litres per minute.
What Is the Capacity?
Puretec's current product listing states 18,000 litres based on hardness of 100 ppm. Actual capacity between regenerations changes with water hardness and system settings.
Does It Need Salt?
Yes. The SOL40-E3 uses water-softener salt as part of the regeneration process.
How Much Salt Can It Hold?
The current SOL-E3 user guide lists a maximum salt storage capacity of 50 kg.
Does It Need Electricity?
Yes. The E3-matic electronic control valve requires power. Puretec's current user guide lists a 240V / 50Hz electrical connection.
Does It Need a Drain?
Yes. The system requires drainage for regeneration and also has a separate overflow connection.
How Often Does It Regenerate?
There is no universal fixed number of days. The E3-matic valve uses volumetric control and calculates regeneration according to programmed hardness and water consumption.
Is It WaterMark Approved?
Yes. Puretec identifies the SOL40-E3 as a WaterMark approved water softener.
What Size Are the Connections?
The current manufacturer specifications list 25 mm / 1-inch inlet and outlet connections.
What Pressure Does It Need?
Puretec lists 138–862 kPa operating pressure. An approved pressure limiting device is required where the line pressure exceeds 500 kPa.
Does It Remove Chlorine?
The SOL40-E3 is a water softener, not a carbon chlorine filter. Puretec recommends suitable carbon pre-filtration to protect the softening resin from chlorine.
Can It Be Used Without a Pre-Filter?
The exact requirement depends on incoming water, but Puretec recommends carbon pre-filtration to protect against chlorine spikes and prolong resin life. High free-chlorine levels can damage the resin.
Is It a Salt-Free AntiScale System?
No. The SOL40-E3 is a conventional regenerating water softener using softening resin and water-softener salt.
What Replacement Media Does It Use?
Puretec lists the RMK-SOL40 as the replacement media kit for SOL40 systems.
Can Installed Today Install It?
Professional installation may be available in eligible Brisbane and Gold Coast service areas where the site can accommodate the required water connections, drain, overflow, power supply and commissioning requirements.
WHY INSTALLED TODAY
Supply the Genuine Puretec System, Add Installation Where Required
Supply Only Available
Purchase the Puretec SOL40-E3 without installation where you already have an appropriately qualified tradesperson.
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Manufacturer-Based Specifications
System sizing, pressure, flow, salt, drainage and pre-filtration requirements are matched to current Puretec product information rather than generic softener claims.
Installation Capability
Installed Today can also support eligible local installations where water analysis, plumbing, drainage, power and site access are suitable.
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FINAL CHECK
Is the Puretec SOL40-E3 Right for Your Property?
The Puretec SOL40-E3 Softrol™ Water Softener is designed for properties that require genuine hardness reduction and need a service flow rate of up to 40 L/min.
It uses Puretec's volumetric E3-matic valve, requires water-softener salt, power and drainage, and is listed with a nominal 18,000 litre capacity at 100 ppm hardness. The cabinet measures approximately 1125 mm high × 350 mm wide × 490 mm deep and has a maximum salt storage capacity of 50 kg.
Before ordering, test the incoming hardness, check chlorine and other water conditions, confirm sufficient flow capacity, allow for the 25 mm plumbing connection, drain, overflow and power supply, and consider suitable Puretec whole-house pre-filtration to protect the softening media. Correct sizing and commissioning are important because regeneration frequency and practical capacity depend on the actual incoming water and household consumption.