Kenmore 625.3483400 User manual

PRINTED IN U.S.A.
SAVE THIS MANUAL Use plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals nearby
the softener for future reference.
Water Softeners
◆Warranty
◆Start Up / Setting Timer
◆How It Works
◆Care Of
◆Specifications
◆Repair Parts
        
OWNER’S
MANUAL
MODEL NOS.
625.3483400
Standard Capacity SST
625.3483500
Standard Capacity SST
Caution:
Read and Follow
All Safety Rules and
Operating Instructions
Before First Use of
This Product.
If you have questions when
installing, operating or main-
taining your softener, and
when setting the timer, call
this toll–free number...
1–800–426–9345

WARRANTY
2
SEARS RESIDENTIAL WATER SOFTENER
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON WATER SOFTENER
Foroneyearfromthedateofpurchase,whenthiswatersoftenerisinstalledandmaintained
in accordance with our instructions, Sears will repair, free of charge, defects in material or
workmanship in this water softener.
FULL TEN YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST LEAKS
For ten years from the date of purchase, Sears will furnish and install a new current model
water softener tank or salt storage drum, free of charge, if either the tank or drum develop
a leak.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT THE NEAREST SEARS SER-
VICE CENTER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. This warranty applies only while
this product is in use in the United States.
Thiswarrantygivesyouspecificlegalrights,andyoumayhaveotherrightswhichvaryfrom
state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
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SEARS INSTALLATION POLICY
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SEARS INSTALLATION WARRANTY
 ! ! & $!& %! ! &"  !
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!  ! !  !  ! ! &"
FACTS AND FIGURES TO KEEP
Fill in the blanks below and keep this book in a safe
place so you always have these facts.
Water Softener Model No.†
Serial Number
Date Installed
Water Hardness Grains Per Gallon
Iron Content Parts Per Million
*pH Taste And/Or Odor
Water Pressure Pounds/Square Inch
Water Flow Rate Gallons Per Minute
† The model number is on the rating decal, located
on the rim, under the salt hole cover.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
3
PAGE
NO.
SECTION 1 SOFTENER START UP
A. SAFETY GUIDES 4
B. CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL 5
C. PROGRAM THE TIMER 6
D. SANITIZING THE WATER SOFTENER 7
E. FILL THE STORAGE TANK WITH SALT 8
SECTION 2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
A. FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES 9-10
B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION 11-13
SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
A. SALT: REFILLING STORAGE TANK, SALT BRIDGE 14
B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN 15
C. KEEP THE SOFTENER FROM FREEZING 16
D. HELPFUL HINTS CHECKLIST 17
SECTION 4 OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
A. HOW TO “FINE-TUNE” YOUR WATER SOFTENER 18-20
B. DIMENSIONS/SPECIFICATIONS 21
SECTION 5 SERVICE TECH INFORMATION
A. ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS 22
B. REGENERATION CYCLE TIMES 23
C. TROUBLESHOOTING 24-26
D. ROTARY VALVE SERVICE 27
E. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE 28-30
SECTION 6 REPAIR PARTS 32-35

WATER SOFTENER START-UP
SECTION 1
4
1A. SAFETY GUIDES
▲Read all steps, guides and rules carefully be-
fore installing and using your new water softener.
Follow all steps exactly to correctly install. Fail-
ure to follow them could cause personal injury or
property damage. Reading this book will also
help you to get all of the benefits from your water
softener.
▲Your water softener will remove hardness min-
erals and “clear water” iron from water, up to the
limits shown on page 21. It will not remove other
types of iron, acids, tastes and odors, etc. It will
not purify polluted water or make it safe to drink.
▲Protect the softener and piping from freezing.
Damage from freezing voids the softener warran-
ty. See page 16.
CAUTIONS
PLEASEREADANDCOMPLYWITHTHEFOL-
LOWING GUIDES TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO
THE SOFTENER OR OTHER PROPERTY,
PERSONAL INJURY, OR POSSIBLE FATAL
SHOCK.
▲THIS SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLTS
ONLY.BESURETOUSETHETRANSFORMER
INCLUDED, AND PLUG IT INTO A 120V OUT-
LET.
▲Unplug the transformer right away if the
power cable should become damaged or
frayed. Make repairs before plugging back
into the power outlet.
▲Always unplug the softener from electrical
power before removing outer valve covers.

WATER SOFTENER START-UP
SECTION 1
5
1B. CHECK LIST OF ALL STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL
Refer to the Installation Manual, part no. 7141417,
for stepĆbyĆstep gui es.
To be sure you have one all the steps to install the
softener, rea the following list. Page numbers
referre to are in the  
✔Is the house water flow going INTO the softenĆ
er valve INLET? Trace piping to be sure. See
pages 10 an 11.
✔Is the plumbing bypass valve (or 3 valves) set
for SERVICE? See page 18.
✔Is the valve rain hose connecte the right
way, an without sharp ben s or kinks that
coul stop or re uce water flow? See page 16.
✔Is the softener power cable connecte to the
transformer, an is the transformer plugge
into   120VĆ60Hz electrical outlet?
See page 20.
✔Be sure to restart the water heater. See page 20. brass 3–valve
plastic
Bypass
Valves
Water
Heater

WATER SOFTENER START-UP
SECTION 1
6
1C. PROGRAM THE TIMER
FIG. 1
ON / OFF VACATION
RECHARGE NOW
Solid State Water Softener
display buttons
Standard Capacity
HOLD
PRESENT TIME AND DAY
RECHARGE TIME
RECHARGE DAY
SET / CLEAR





1. SET THE TIMER
When the transformer is plugged into the ele Ć
tri al outlet, 12:00 AM, SUnday began to flash
in the time display. Set the ime of day and
present day of week as follows:
a. SET TIME OF DAY
1. Press the PRESENT TIME AND DAY button 
on e. The hour display ontinues to flash.
2. Press the SET/CLEAR button until the presĆ
ent hour of the day shows in the display. Be
sure AM for morning hours, or PM for afterĆ
noon and evening hours shows.
NOTE:
Press SET/CLEAR and qui kly release to move the
hour display ahead 1 at a time to the orre t hour.
Or, hold the SET/CLEAR button to move the
display ahead 2 hours ea h se ond, to the orre t
hour.
3. Press button on e to steady the hour disĆ
play, and minutes begin to flash. Repeat step
a2 to set the orre t minutes.
4. Press button again to steady the minute disĆ
play (day will begin flashing). Figure 2 shows
the timer set at 3:30 PM. See step b to set the
present day.
b. SET PRESENT DAY OF WEEK
1. Press the SET/CLEAR button to set the presĆ
ent day of the week in the display.
NOTE:
Press SET/CLEAR and qui kly release to move the
day display 1 at a time. Or, hold the SET/CLEAR
button to move the day display ahead 2 days ea h
se ond.
2. Press the PRESENT TIME AND DAY button 
again to steady the entire display. Figure 2
shows the timer set at TUesday.
FIG. 2
.
.
TU
PM
EXAMPLE: This drawing
shows 3:30 PM as the
present time of day, and
TUesday is the current
day of the week.
   
  
   
 
 
  





No o her se ings are needed after installing
your water softener. The softener is fa tory set to
regenerate every Monday, Wednesday and SaturĆ
day (beginning at 2:00 AM). For most families, this
gives enough soft water for their needs. However,
if you wan he sof ener o regenera e a a
differen ime, or on differen days, or o se
for he mos efficiency, see FineĆTuning
Your Wa er Sof ener," page 18.
SEE PAGE 9 FOR OTHER TIMER CONTROLS
AND FEATURES.

WATER SOFTENER START-UP
SECTION 1
7
1D. SANITIZING THE WATER SOFTENER
Care is taken at the actory to keep your water
so tener clean and sanitary. Materials used to
make the so tener will not in ect or contaminate
your water supply, and will not cause bacteria to
orm or grow. However, during shipping, storage,
installing and operating, bacteria could get into
the so tener. For this reason, sanitizing as ollows
is suggested①when installing.
1. Li t the salt hole cover and use a pail or hose to
ill the salt storage tank with at least 3 gallons
o water.
2. Remove the brinewell cover (FIG. 3) and pour
about 3/4 ounce o common 5.25% household
bleach (Clorox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail,
Eagle, etc.) in the so tener brinewell.
3. Press the ON/OFFĆHOLD button and  
  to start a recharge. This irst recharge
does several things.
Ċ It draws the bleach into and through the
so tener to sanitize it.
Ċ It ills the salt tank to the water level needĆ
ed.
Ċ It gets all the air out o the resin tank.
Ċ It makes the resin bed (see page 11) ready
or service.
NOTES:
This recharge takes about 2 hours.
You can sanitize the softener   
 salt in the storage tank.
①Recommended by the Water Quality Association. On
some water supplies, the water softener may need
periodicdisinfecting.Sanitizewithorwithoutsaltinthe
storage tank.
FIG. 3
Water,
About 3 Gallons
Brinewell
Cover
(remove and add
about 3/4 oz. bleach)
Brinewell
hose
Salt Hole
Cover

WATER SOFTENER START-UP
SECTION 1
8
1E. FILL THE STORAGE TANK WITH SALT
Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed for each
and every regeneration. he water for making
brine is metered into the salt storage tank by the
softener. However, you must keep the tank filled
with salt.
Fill the tank with NUGGE or PELLE water
softener salt. DO NO use rock salts, as they have
dirt and sediments that will stop the softener from
working.
Before filling, be sure the brinewell cover is in
place on the top of the brinewell. Salt storage
capacity is shown on page 21.
NOTE:
In humid areas, it is best to fill the storage tank
halfĆfull, and to refill it more often. Salt bridging
(see page 14) occurs more often when conditions
are humid.
WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON RE-
MOVING ADDITIVES — Some salts have an
additive to help the softener handle iron in the
water supply. Although this additive may help to
keep the softener resin clean, it may also release
corrosive fumes that will weaken and shorten the
life of some softener parts.
FIG. 4
Brinewell
Cover
Brinewell
Salt
Storage
Tank
SODIUM INFORMA ION: Water softeners using
sodium chloride for regeneration add sodium to
the water. Persons who are on sodium restricted
diets should consider the added sodium as part of
their overall sodium intake.
For example, if your water supply is 15 grains
hard, you would have to drink 3 quarts of softened
water to consume 335 milligrams of sodium. hat
is equivalent to eating 2Ć1/2 slices of white bread.
Persons who are concerned about their drinking
water should consider a Sears Drinking Water
System that will remove or reduce in excess of
90% of the sodium and other drinking water
contaminants.
You have now finished the water softener start up.  the sanitizing recharge, on
page 7, the softener will be giving you soft water.

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SECTION 2
9
2A. FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES
RECHARGE NOW —If you have guests visiting,
or other times when you use more water than
usual, you ould begin to run out of soft water. If
the softener is not s heduled to regenerate for
another day or 2, you would get hard water until
then. If this happens, or you think it might
happen, press and  in the HOLDĆRECHARGE
NOW button for 3 se onds until RCHG shows.
RCHG will flash in the display during the
regeneration, whi h lasts under 2 hours.
NOTE:
Avoid using HOT water while the softener
regenerates, be ause bypass hard water will refill
the water heater (see Automati Bypass," page
13).
FIG. 5
.
.
PM
RCHG
   
  
   
 
 
  





VACATION — The day you leave on va ation, or
other long absen e, press (DO NOT HOLD IN) the
ON/OFF VACATION button . VAC begins to
flash in the display (FIG. 6). The timer will keep
time, but the softener will not regenerate to waste
water and salt.
NOTE:
Whie in VACATION, the softener will go through a
regeneration if the RECHARGE NOW feature is
used (see above).
To shut off the water supply to the softener, use
the plumbing bypass valve(s), FIG. 16, page 21.
WHEN YOU RETURN, press the VACATION,
button again to return the softener to servi e, and
the orre t time of day in the display. Remember
to do this or the softener will not regenerate
and ou will soon have hard water.
FIG. 6
   
  
   
 
 
  





ERROR CODE
An error ode ould appear in the fa e plate
display if a problem o urs in the softener
ele troni s. If you see an error ode instead of the
present time of day, please all you lo al Sears
Servi e Department for servi e.
Continued

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SECTION 2
10
2A. FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES
TIMER “POWER-OUTAGE MEMORY” — If
l ctrical pow r to th tim r go s off, th
m mory" built into tim r circuitry k ps all
s ttings for 6 hours (minimum) or mor . Th
display is blank and th soft n r will not
r g n rat . Wh n l ctrical pow r com s on, 1 of
2 things will happ n.
1. Th pr s nt tim of day will show, m aning th
tim r m mory has k pt all s ttings.
NOTE:
If th soft n r was in a r g n ration wh n pow r
was lost, it will now finish th cycl .
2. Th display will show a tim , but it will b
flashing. Th tim r m mory did not k p th
tim s ttings and th y must b r s t (pag 6).
The flashing display is to remind you to reset
the timer.
NOTE:
Wh n pow r com s on, th flashing display
r turns to a tim of 12:00 AM Sunday, th n b gins
to k p tim again. If you do not r s t all tim
s ttings, th soft n r will r g n rat 3 days ach
w k. How v r, r g n ration will most lik ly b
on th wrong days and at th wrong tim .
If th soft n r was in a r g n ration wh n pow r
w nt off, th valv will r turn to s rvic position
without finishing th r g n ration cycl . If your
wat r tast s salty:
-- us RECHARGE NOW (s pag 9) to start
anoth r r g n ration, or
-- op n 1 or mor soft wat r fauc ts and allow to
run until th salt tast is gon .

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SECTION 2
11
2B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
SERVICE
W en t e softener is giving you soft water, it is
called Service". During service, ard water comes
from t e ouse main water pipe into t e softener.
Inside t e softener resin tank is a bed made up of
t ousands of tiny, plastic resin beads (FIG. 7). As
ard water passes t roug t e bed, eac bead
attracts and olds t e ardness minerals. T is is
called ionĆexc anging. It is muc like a magnet
attracting and olding metals. Water wit out t e
ardness minerals (soft water) flows out of t e
softener and into t e ouse soft water pipes.
After a period of time, t e resin beads become
coated wit ardness minerals and t ey ave to be
cleaned. T is cleaning is called rec arge, or
regeneration.
Regeneration is started at about 2:00 a.m. (factory
setting) by t e timer. It takes place in 5 stages or
cycles. T ese are:
FILL
BRINING
BRINE RINSE
BACKWASH
FAST RINSE
1
2
3
4
5
FIG. 7 WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN SERVICE
Resin Bed
Resin Tank
SaltStorage
Tank
SoftWater
OUT
HardWater
IN
REGENERATION
FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine.
Brine is needed to clean t e ardness minerals
from t e resin beads. To make t e brine, soft water
flows into t e salt storage area during t e fill cycle
as s own in FIG. 8.
T e lengt of t e fill cycle is factory set to provide
softening capacity for an average family. You can
reset t is time w en fineĆtuning" t e water
softener, pages 18 t roug 20.
FIG. 8 WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN FILL
Salt
Storage Tank
(salt not shown)
HardWater
IN
SoftWater
OUT
Fill Water

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SECTION 2
12
2B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved
from the salt storage area, into the resin tan .
Inside the resin tan , brine cleans hardness
minerals from the resin beads and they are
discharged out the drain. How much brine is
needed to clean the resin depends on:
-- the amount of resin in the softener.
-- how fast the brine goes through the bed.
The nozzle and venturi (FIG. 9) ma es the suction
to ta e brine from the salt tan and put it into the
resin tan . It eeps the brine flow down to a very
slow rate to get the best resin cleaning with the
least salt.
BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine goes into
the resin tan , the brine valve closes. Water eeps
flowing the same way it did during brining, except
the brine flow has stopped. Hardness minerals
and brine flush from the resin tan to the drain.
FIG. 9 WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN BRINING AND
BRINE RINSE
Drain
HardWater
IN
HardWater
BYPASS
Nozzle &
Venturi
Brine Valve
brine
BACKWASH: During bac wash, water flows
UP through the resin tan (FIG. 10) at a fast rate to
flush iron minerals, dirt and sediments from the
bed and to the drain. The bed lifts and expands for
good cleaning.
FIG. 10 WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN BACKWASH
HardWater
BYPASS
HardWater
IN
Drain
resinbedlifted
and expanded
FAST RINSE: Bac wash is followed by a fast
flow of water down through the resin tan . The
fast flow pac s the resin bed and gets it ready for
return to service (FIG. 11).
After fast rinse, the softener returns to service.
Hard water goes into the resin tan where the
resin bed again ta es out the hardness minerals.
Soft water goes to the house soft water pipes.
FIG. 11 WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN FAST RINSE
Drain
HardWater
IN
SoftWater
OUT

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
SECTION 2
13
2B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
AUTOMATIC BYPASS
During the brining, brine rinse and backwash
cycles of regeneration, HARD water goes through
the softener valve and to the house pipes. If a
faucet is opened, hard water is there for your
needs. However, you should not use HOT water, if
possible, because the water heater will refill with
hard water. The softener regenerates fro 2:00
AM to about 4:00 AM, (you can set anyti e), a ti e
when not uch water is used.
If you get up early in the orning and you can
hear the softener regenerating, change the ti e
setting. Set the recharge ti e to 12:00 AM or 1:00
AM (page 18). Then regeneration will start and
end that uch earlier and your water heater will
not refill with hard water if a hot faucet is opened.

CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
SECTION 3
14
3A. SALT…REFILLING STORAGE TANK/BREAKING A SALT BRIDGE
WHEN TO REFILL WITH SALT: C eck t e salt
level a few weeks after you install t e softener and
every week after t at. Refill when the sto age
tank is about 1/3 full. Never let t e softener use
all t e salt before refilling. Wit out salt, you will
soon ave ard water.
IMPORTANT:
You will have a loss in softening capacity and
may get pa tly ha d wate if less than 10
inches of salt is in the sto age tank.
PLEASE SEE PAGE 8 FOR SALT FILLING DIRECTIONS.
SALT BRIDGE
Sometimes, a ard crust or salt bridge forms in t e
salt storage tank. It is usually caused by ig
umidity or t e wrong kind of salt. W en t e salt
bridges, an empty space forms between t e water
and salt. T en salt will not dissolve (melt) in t e
water to make brine. Wit out brine, t e resin bed
does not regenerate and you will ave ard water.
If t e storage tank is full of salt, it is ard to tell if
you ave a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but t e
bridge is under it. T e following is t e best way to
c eck for a salt bridge.
Salt s ould be loose all t e way to t e bottom of
t e tank. Hold a broom andle, or like tool, up to
t e softener as s own in FIG. 12. Make a pencil
mark on t e andle, 1, or 2, below t e top eig t
of t e rim. T en, carefully pus it straig t down
into t e salt. If a ard object is felt before t e pencil
mark gets to t e top of t e tank, it's most likely a
salt bridge. Carefully pus into t e bridge in a few
places to break it. Do not t y to b eak the salt
b idge by pounding on the outside of the salt
tank. You may damage it.
If t e wrong kind of salt made t e bridge, take it
out. T en fill t e tank wit nugget or pellet salt
only.
FIG. 12 A SALT BRIDGE
Broom Handle
push tool into salt
bridge to break
Salt
Salt Bridge
Water Level
Pencil
Mark
1” – 2”

CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
SECTION 3
15
3B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN
COVERS
o keep your new Sears water softener looking
nice, apply a coat of paste wax and repeat once a
year. When dusty, wipe it with a damp cloth to
keep it sparkling.
NOTE:
Never use cleaners having ammonia or abrasives.
hey may scratch and dull the surface.
NOZZLE AND VENTURI
A clean nozzle and venturi (FIG. 13) is a must for
the softener to work right. his small unit moves
brine from the salt storage tank to the resin tank
during regeneration. If it becomes plugged with
sand, silt, dirt, etc., the softener will not work and
you will get hard water.
o get to the nozzle and venturi, remove the
softener top cover. Be sure the softener is in
service cycle (no water pressure at nozzle and
venturi), then turn off the cap from the nozzle and
venturi housing. DO NO LOSE HE LARGE
OĆRING SEAL. Lift out the screen support and
screen, then the nozzle and venturi. Wash and
rinse the parts in warm water until clean. If
needed, use a small brush to remove iron or dirt.
Also check and clean the gasket.
Carefully replace all parts in the correct order.
Lubricate the oĆring seal with silicone grease or
Vaseline and place in position. Install and tighten
the cap, by hand only. Do not overtighten and
break the cap or housing.
FIG. 13
*INSTALL WITH
NUMBERED SIDE UP
CONCAVE SIDE DOWN.
Cap
O–ring Seal
Screen Support
Screen
Nozzle & Venturi
Gasket
*Flow Plug
(1–EP)
Nozzle & Venturi
Housing
Screen
IMPORTANT: Be sure holes in
the gasket center directly
over the matching holes in the
nozzle & venturi housing.
IRON FROM THE RESIN BED
Your water softener takes hardness minerals
(calcium and magnesium) out of the water. Also, it
can control some clear water" iron0see maximum
allowed in the specifications on page 21. With
clear water iron, water from a faucet is clear when
first put into a glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the
water begins to cloud or turn rust colored. A water
softener WILL NO remove any iron which makes
the water cloudy or rusty as it comes from the
faucet (called red water iron). o take red water
iron out of water, or over the maximum of clear
water iron, an iron filter or other equipment is
needed. Your local Sears store has trained people
to help you with iron water problems.
If your water supply has clear water iron, even
though less than the maximum allowed, regular
resin bed cleaning is needed. Sears has resin bed
cleaner, Stock No. 42Ć34426 for this. Clean the bed
at least every 6 months. If iron shows up in the soft
water before 6 months, clean more often. Printed
instructions are on the resin bed cleaner bottle.
If you have questions about cleaning and maintaining your softener, call
toll free, number 1-800-426-9345.

CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
SECTION 3
16
3C. KEEP THE SOFTENER FROM FREEZING
If the softener is installe where it coul freeze
(summer cabin, lake home, etc.), you must rain
all water from it to stop possible freeze amage.
To rain the softener Ċ
1. Close the shutĆoff valve on the house main
water pipe, near the water meter or pressure
tank.
2. Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent
pressure in the softener.
3. Looking at FIG. 16 on page 21, move the stem
in a single bypass valve to bypass. Close the
inlet an outlet valve in a 3Ćvalve bypass
system, an open the bypass valve. If you want
water in the house pipes again, reopen the
shutĆoff valve on the main water pipe.
4. Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet.
Remove the salt hole cover an the main
cover. Take off both rain hoses.
5. Carefully remove the large hol ing clips at the
softener inlet an outlet (see Key No. 61, on
page 34). Separate the softener from the
a aptors or bypass valve.
6. Remove the brinewell cover an isconnect
the brine valve tubing at the nozzle an venturi
assembly (see page 34). Lift the brine valve out
of the brinewell. Tip the brine valve upsi e
own to rain out water.
FIG. 14 DRAIN WATER FROM THE
SOFTENER
wood block
floor drain
7. Looking at FIG. 14, lay a piece of 2 inch thick
boar near the floor rain. Move the softener
close to the rain. SLOWLY an CAREFULLY
tip it over until the rim rests on the woo block
with the inlet an outlet over the rain. Do not
allow the softener's weight to rest on the
inlet and outlet fittings or they will break.
8. Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches
an hol until all water has raine . Leave the
softener laying like this until you are rea y to
use it. Plug the inlet an outlet with rags to
keep irt, bugs, etc. out.

CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
SECTION 3
17
3D. HELPFUL HINTS CHECKLIST
... TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY
NOTE:
Read ERROR CODE", page 9. If your water softener fails to wor , ma e the following easy chec s. Often,
you will find what's wrong yourself and you won't have to call and wait for service. If, after ma ing the
chec s, your softener still does not wor right, call your Sears Service Department, or call toll free, number
1-800-426-9345 for telephone assistance.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
NO SOFT WATER No salt in the storage tank Refill with salt (see page 8). Use the
RECHARGE NOW button to start a
regeneration (see page 9).
Transformer unplugged at the wall outlet, or
power cable disconnected Check for loss of power and correct. Reset the times, then use the RECHARGE NOW
button to start a regeneration (see page 9).
Fuse blown, circuit breaker popped, or circuit
switched off — SEE “TIMER
POWER-OUTAGE MEMORY”, PAGE 10.
Replace fuse, reset circuit breaker, or
switch circuit on. Reset times and use the
RECHARGE NOW button to start a
regeneration.
Timer in the vacation (vac) position See VACATION feature to return the
softener to service (page 9).
No regenerations set on the timer See pages 18-20 to select and program a
schedule. Use the RECHARGE NOW
button to start an immediate regeneration.
Manual bypass valve(s) in bypass position See FIG. 16, page 21. Move stem in single
bypass valve to SERVICE.
Salt in storage tank bridged Refer to page 14 to break.
Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle & venturi Take apart and clean (see page 15) or
replace damaged parts.
Valve drain hose plugged Hose must not have kinks, sharp bends, or
any water flow blockage (see page 16 in
your installation manual).
WATER HARD SOMETIMES Regenerations too few Referto pages 18-20 to find correct setting.
More water being used See pages 18-20 for correct regeneration
setting.
Hotwaterusedwhensoftenerisregenerating Avoid using hot water as the water heater
refills with hard water (see “Automatic
Bypass” on page 13).
Possible increase in water hardness Ask your Sears retail or catalog store for a
new water analysis.
Leaking faucet or toilet valve A small leak will waste hundreds of gallons
ofwaterinafewdays.Fixallplumbingleaks
and always fully close faucets.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
SECTION 4
18
4A. HOW TO “FINE-TUNE” YOUR SOFTENER
It is not hard to fineĆtune your softener, but it does
take a few minutes of your time to do it right. You
may save up to 500 pounds or more of salt each
year with proper tuning. Read the following
carefully.
To have soft water all the time, the softener must
regenerate, or recharge a certain number of times
in each 7 day period. How many times to
regenerate (set the timer) depends on 3 things.
The number of people in your home Ċ tells
you how much water is used.
The grains per gallon (GPG) hardness of your
water supply Ċ listed on your water analysis
report (see page 2 in your Installation Manual,
or page 2 of this manual).
NOTE:
If your water supply contains iron, compensate for
it by adding to the water hardness number. For
example, assume your water is 15 gpg hard and
contains 2 ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness
number for each 1 ppm of iron. In this example,
you would use 25 for your hardness number.
15 gpg hardness
2 ppm iron x 5 = 10 +10
(times) 25 HARDNESS NUMBER
How much salt is used each regeneration Ċ
determined by the length of the fill cycle (see
pages 19 and 20).
REGENERATION TABLE: The table (page 20)
makes it easy fo you to pick the best regeneration
and fill time setting to use.
Step 1 Ċ Go down the side of the table to the
number of persons in your family, or the number
of people in the house using water.
Step 2 Ċ Across the top of the table, find the
column listing the grains per gallon hardness of
your water.
Step 3 Ċ Read across and down the table to find
the point where steps 1 and 2 meet. At this
meeting point, suggested days to regenerate, and
fill cycle minutes needed are shown.
TO SET THE TIMER FOR DAYS OF REGEN-
ERATION AND FILL MINUTES, DO THE FOL-
LOWING.
NOTE:
Remember, the timer is factory set for Monday,
ednesday and Saturday regenerations starting at
2:00 AM. Fill time is factory set for 16 minutes.
SET DAYS AND TIME OF REGENERA-
TION, OR RECHARGE
Press the RECHARGE TIME button once to
display the factory set regeneration days and
starting time (flashing). To change the regenĆ
eration start time, do step b following. OtherĆ
wise go to step c.
FIG. 15
   
 
 
.
.
AM
MO WE SA



NOTE:
Read Automatic Bypass" page 13, when choosing
a regeneration starting time other than 2:00 AM.
Press the SET/CLEAR button until the deĆ
sired regeneration starting time shows in the
display.
NOTE:
Press SET/CLEAR and quickly release to move the
display ahead 1 hour at a time. Or, hold the
SET/CLEAR button to move the display ahead 2
hours each second.
Enter Results Here For Future Reference.
Days To Regenerate Fill Cycle
Minutes
SU MO TU WE TH FR SA
– circle suggested days –
.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
SECTION 4
19
4A. HOW TO “FINE-TUNE” YOUR SOFTENER
c.Press the ECHA GE DAY button and
SUnday begins to flash.
–– If you  regenerations on Sunday (from
regeneration table), press the SET/CLEA button
to display ON.
––If you    Sunday regenerations, press
the SET/CLEA button to display OFF.
d.Press the ECHA GE DAY button again to
display a flashing MOnday and ON (factory set
recharge). As you did in step c, use the SET/
CLEA button to change the display from
ON to OFF, or from OFF to ON.
e.Press ECHA GE DAY button to display a
flashing TUesday, WEdnesday, etc., each time
using the SET/CLEA button to display eiĆ
ther ON or OFF as needed.
After recharge is either set or cancelled for SAtĆ
urday, press the P ESENT TIME AND DAY
button once again to return the present
time and day display.
2.SET THE FILL CYCLE MINUTES
a.Press and  the ECHA GE TIME button
until FILL shows in the display, then release
button . After a few seconds, the fill cycle
minutes (factory setting…16) will flash.
b.Press the SET/CLEA button to set the minĆ
utes of fill cycle needed, as shown in the reĆ
generation table.
NOTE:
You may get hard water between regenerations if
you set the timer for fewer fill minutes than the
egeneration Table shows you to set. A higher
setting than needed will waste salt.
NOTE:
Press SET/CLEA and quickly release to move the
display ahead 1 minute at a time. Or,  the
SET/CLEA button to move the display ahead 2
minutes each second. THE DISPLAY BEGINS
OVE AT 0 AFTE PASSING 59.
c.Press P ESENT TIME AND DAY button to
return the present time and day display.
TO SET the P ESENT TIME OF DAY, and DAY OF
WEEK, see page 6.
If you need help to program the timer, call toll free,
number 1-800- 426-9345.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
SECTION 4
20
4A. HOW TO “FINE-TUNE” YOUR SOFTENER
REGENERATION TABLE
WATER HARDNESS – GRAINS PER GALLON
Up to
56 to 10 11 to 15 16 to 20 21 to 25 26 to 30 31 to 35 36 to 40 41 to 45 46 to 50 51 to 60 61 to 70
1
PERSON
IN THE
M M M M M M M M M
TH M TH M TH M TH 1
PERSON
IN THE
IN
THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 11 11 11 11 11 13 16 11 11 11 13
IN
THE
HOUSEHOLD
2
PERSONS
IN THE
M M M M M
TH M TH M TH M TH M W
S
M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH
S
2
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 11 11 16 11 11 13 16 11 12 11 13 HOUSEHOLD
3
PERSONS
IN THE
M M M
TH M TH M TH M W
S
M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY 3
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 11 11 11 15 11 13 11 12 11 11 11 HOUSEHOLD
4
PERSONS
IN THE
M M M
TH M TH M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S SU
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY 4
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 16 11 16 12 11 13 11 11 11 12 15 HOUSEHOLD
5
PERSONS
IN THE
M M
TH M TH M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY 5
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 11 15 12 11 11 13 12 11 13 18 25 HOUSEHOLD
6
PERSONS
IN THE
M M
TH M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY 6
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 12 15 18 HOUSEHOLD
7
PERSONS
IN THE
M M
TH M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH F
S
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY 7
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 13 13 13 13 13 11 13 16 HOUSEHOLD
8
PERSONS
IN THE
M M
TH M T TH
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY 8
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 16 16 11 11 12 14 16 HOUSEHOLD
9
PERSONS
IN THE
M
TH M W
S
M T
TH
S
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY EVERY DAY 9
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 11 12 11 11 15 20 HOUSEHOLD
10
PERSONS
IN THE
M
TH M W
S
M T
TH F
S
M T
TH F
S SU
EVERY
DAY EVERY DAY 10
PERSONS
IN THE
HOUSEHOLD 11 12 11 12 13 18 HOUSEHOLD
DAYS TO REGENERATE: M = Monday, T = Tuesday, W = Wednesday
TH = Thursday, F = Friday, S = Saturday, SU = Sunday
(factory set for Monday, Wednesday and Saturday)
MINUTE-LENGTH OF FILL CYCLE NEEDED
(factory set for 16 minutes)
M T W
TH F
S SU
2
LEGEND:
MINUTES OF FILL @ 0.1 GPM
MIN.
LBS.
MIN.
LBS.
POUNDS OF SALT USED EACH REGENERATION
9 1011121314151617192025
2.6 2.9 3.2 3.5 3.8 4.1 4.4 4.6 4.9 5.5 5.8 7.2