Kenmore 625.34842 User manual

OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
625.348420
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
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Demand Special Edition
Water Softener
• Warranty
• Start Up /Setting Timer
• How It Works
• Care Of
• Specifications
• Repair Parts
Use plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals nearby
the softener for future reference.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
PRINTED IN U.S.A.

WARRANTY
I I
SEARS RESIDENTIAL WATER SOFTENER
FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON WATER SOFTENER
For one year from the date of purchase, when this water softener is installed and maintained
in accordance with our instructions, Sears will repair, free of charge, defects in material or work-
manship 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 SERVICE
CENTER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. This warranty applies only while this product
is in use in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from
state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
If you want your water softener professionally installed, talk to your Sears Salesman. He will arrange for a
prompt, quality installation by Sears Authorized Installers.
SEARS INSTALLATION POLICY
All installation labor arranged by Sears shall be
performed in a neat, workmanlike manner in
accordance with generally accepted trade practices.
Further, all installations shall comply with all local
laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Customer
shall also be protected, during installation, by
insurance relating to Property Damage, Workman's
Compensation and Public IJability.
SEARS INSTALLATION WARRANTY
In addition to any warranty extended to you on the
Sears merchandise involved, which warranty be-
comes effective the date the merchandise is installed,
should the workmanship of any Sears arranged
installation prove faulty within one year, Sears will,
upon notice from you, cause such faults to be
corrected at no additional cost to you.
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.1.
Serial Number
Date Installed
Water Hardness
Iron Content
*pH
Water Pressure
Water Flow Rate
Grains Per Gallon
Parts Per Million
Taste And/Or Odor
Pounds/Square Inch
Gallons Per Minute
1"The model number is on the rating decal, located on
the rim, under the salt hole cover.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
L !
PAGE
NO.
SECTION 1 SOFTENER START UP
A. SAFETY GUIDES
B. CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL
C. PROGRAM THE TIMER
D. SANITIZING THE WATER SOFTENER
E. FILL THE STORAGE TANK WITH SALT
4
5
6-7
8
9
SECTION 2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
A. FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES 10
B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION 11-13
SECTION 3 CARE OF YOU R SOFTEN ER
A. SALT: REFILLING STORAGE TANK, SALT BRIDGE
B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN
C. KEEP THE SOFTENER FROM FREEZING
D. HELPFUL HINTS CHECKLIST
14
15
16
17
SECTION 4 OTHER THINGS TO KNOW
A. DIMENSIONS/SPECIFICATIONS 18
SECTION 5 SERVICE TECH INFORMATION
A. TROUBLESHOOTING
B. ROTARY VALVE SERVICE
C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE
19-22
23
24-26
SECTION 6 REPAIR PARTS 29-31
3

SECTION 1 wATERSOFTENERSTART-UP
I I
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 18. 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
PLEASE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE FOL-
LOWING GUIDES TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO
THE SOFTENER OR OTHER PROPERTY,
PERSONAL INJURY, OR POSSIBLE FATAL
SHOCK.
•THIS SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLTS
ONLY. BE SURE TO USE THE TRANSFORMER
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.
4

SECTION 1 WATERSOFTENERSTART-UP
I I
lB. CHECK LIST OF ALL STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL
Refer to the Installation Manual, part no. 7159931, for
step-by-step guMes.
To be sure you have done all the steps to install the
softener, read the following list. Page numbers
referred to are in the Installation Manual
_/' Is the house water supply flow going into the
softener valve INLET? Trace piping to be sure.
See pages 10 and 11.
_/' Is the plumbing bypass valve (or 3 valves) set for
soft water service? See page 18.
v' Is the valve drain hose connected to the drain fit-
ting the right way? Does the drain hose run tO the
drain point without sharp bends or kinks that
could stop or reduce water flow? See page 16.
,/ Is the softener power cable connected to the
transformer, and is the transformer plugged into
an inside, ] 20V-60Hz electrical outlet? See page
20.
_/' Be sure to restart the water heater. See page 20.
brass
Valves
plastic
NOTE: The state of Massachusetts requires a licensed
plumber to perfk)rm the installation.
Water
Heater
5

SECTION 1 WATERSOFTENERSTART-UP
! !
lC. PROGRAM THE TIMER
DOWN
display UP button button
\ \ /
Se°rsW°terL'°e [ ] ( V_" Kenmore
forCustomerAssistance
1-800-426-9345 DemandWaterSoftener
_RECHARGE TONIGHT
RECHARGE NOW
J
SEL EC T button
ON/OFF-HOLD button
(Recharge Tonight-Now)
When the transformer is plugged in, the model code
SR]7 shows in the face plate display for a few
seconds, followed by a test number (example: $3.0).
After the test number, ]2:00 AM begins to flash.
PRESENT TIME and RECHARGE TONIGHT show at
the bottom of the display.
CODE ]
I_RESENT TIME
NOTE:
If SR --is flashing in the display, press the UP [_
button (FIG. 1) until SR]7 shows. Then, press the
SELECT button to display the flashing 12:00 AM. If
other than SR17 shows, when the transformer is
plugged in, please see page 1"7to reset.
SOUND "BEEPER": A "beeper" sounds while
pressing buttons for timer set-up. One beep signals a
change in the face plate display. Repeated beeps
means the timer will not accept a change from the
button you have pressed, telling you to use another
button. For example, in setting the hardness (step 2),
the beeper sounds repeatedly when the display
reaches 1 using the DOWN button, or the highest
hardness setting using the UP button.
1. SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY:
NOTE:
If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the dis-
play, press the SELECT button (FIG. 1) until they do.
• Press the [_ UP/DOWN {_ buttons to set the
present time. Press UP to move the display ahead;
press DOWN tO move the time backward.
If the present time is between noon
and midnight, be sure PM shows.
If the present time is between
midnight and noon, be sure AM
shows.
PRESENT TIME I
'RESENT TIME
NOTE:
Each press of the UP or DOWN buttons changes the
time by ] minute. Pressing and hoMing the buttons
changes the time 32 minutes each second.
6

SECTION 1 waterSOFTENERSTART-UP
! !
lC. PROGRAM THE TIMER
2. SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER:
• Press the SELECT button once to display 15
(flashing) and HARDNESS.
The grains per gallon (gpg) hard-
ness of your water supply is on
your water analysis report. Be sure
to enter water test results on page
2, for future reference.
I d_ r
HARDNESS
NOTE:
If your water supply contains iron, compensate for it
by adding to the water hardness number. For
examp& assume .you; water is 15 gpg hard and
contains 2 ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness number
._)r each 1/)/)m of iron. In this example, you would
use 25 _)r your hardness number.
15 gpg hardness
2 ppm iron x 5 = 10 +10
(times) 25 HARDNESS NUMBER
• Press the {_ UP/DOWN {_] buttons to set your
water hardness number in the display. The DOWN
button moves the display to 1. The UP button moves
the display to the highest setting (see maximum
setting for your model in the specifications).
NOTE:
Each press of the UP/DOWN button changes the
display by 1 between ] and 25. Between 25 and the
highest number, the display changes 5 at a time... 25,
30, 35, etc. Continuous pressure on the UP or DOWN
button changes the display twice each second.
3. SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME:
• Press the SELECT button once to display 2:00 AM
(flashing) and RECHARGE TIME.
At the 2:00 AM RECHARGE TIME
setting, the softener begins regen-
eration (see pages 11 and 12) at
2:00 AM, ending no later than 4:00
AM. This is a good time in most
households because water is not
being used (see AUTOMATIC BY-
PASS, page 13).
If a different RECHARGE TIME setting would be
better for your household, do the following.
• Press the {_ UP/DOWN{_ buttons to set the
desired RECHARGE starting hour. Be sure to observe
the AM-PM as you did when setting the time of clay.
NOTE:
Each press of the UP/DOWN buttons changes the
display 1 hour. Continuous pressure on the UP or
DOWN button changes the display twice each
second.
•Press the SELECT button once again, to return
the present time (steady) of clay and RECHARGE
TONIGHT in the display.
IRECHARGE TONIGHT,J
IF YOU NEED HELP PROGRAMMING THE TIMER, CALl. TOLL FREE, NUMBER 1-800- 426- 9345.
SEE PAGE 10 FOR OTHER FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES.
7

SECTION 1 wATERSOFTENERSTART-UP
I I
1D. SANITIZING THE WATER SOFTENER
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water
softener clean and sanitaw. Materials used to make
the softener will not infect or contaminate your water
supply, and will not cause bacteria to form or grow.
However, during shipping, storage, installing and
operating, bacteria could get into the softener. For
this reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested (_ when
installing.
1. The first time you sanitize your softener, be sure to
do all steps in the installation manual, and on pages
5, 6 and 7 of this manual first.
2. Lift the salt hole cover and use a pail or hose to fill
the salt storage tank with at least 3 gallons of water.
3. Remove the brinewell cover and pour about 3/4
ounce, or ] to 2 tablespoons, of common 5.25%
household bleach (Clorox, Linco, BoPeep, White
Sail, Eagle, etc.) in the softener brinewell.
4. Press the ON/OFF-HOLD button and holdfi_r 3
seconds to start a recharge. This first recharge does
several things.
I It draws the bleach into and through the soft-
ener to sanitize it.
I It fills the salt tank to the water level
needed.
I It gets all the air out of the resin tank.
I It makes the resin bed (see page 11) ready for
service.
NOTES:
This recharge takes about 2 hours.
You can sanitize the softener with or without
salt in the storage tank.
ADD WATER
Salt Hole
Cover
hose
Water,
About 3 Gallons
Brinewell
Cover
(remove and add
about 3/4 oz. bleach)
Brinewell
Recommended by the Water Quality Association. On
some water supplies, the water softener may need periodic
disinfecting. Sanitize with or without salt in the storage
tank.
8

SECTION 1 wATERSOFTENERSTART-UP
I I
1E. FILL THE STORAGE TANK WITH SALT
Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed for each and
eveu regeneration. The water for making brine is
metered into the salt storage tank by the softener.
However, you must keep tile tank filled with salt.
Fill the tank with NUGGET or PELLET water softener
salt. DO NOT 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 18.
NOTE:
In humid areas, it is best to fill the storage tank
half-full, and to refill it more often. Salt bridging (see
page 14) occurs more often when conditions are
humid.
Water softening salt with iron removing addi-
tives -- 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.
ADD SALT
Brinewell
Cover
Sodium Information: 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. That is
equivalent to eating 2-1/2 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. AFTER THE SANITIZING RECHARGE,
ON PAGE 8, THE SOFTENER WILL BE GIVING YOU SOFT WATER.
9

SECTION 2 .ow YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
I I
2A. FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES
EXTRA RECHARGE
Sometimes, a manually started regeneration (re-
charge) may be desired, or needed. Two examples
aye:
-- You have used more water than usual (guests
visiting) and you may run out of soft water before the
next timer started regeneration.
-- You did not refill the softener with salt before it
was gone.
You can start a regeneration fight away, or you can
set the timer to regenerate at the next 2:00 AM (or
other preset recharge time). Do the following.
RECHARGE NOW
• Press the ON/OFF--HOLD
button and bold for :_seconds. 3" ! "_
• _ I|_p M
RECHARGE NOW begins to RECHARGENOW
flash in the display, and the
softener enters the fill cycle of regeneration right
away. This regeneration will last for about 2
hours. Then, you will have soft water again.
RECHARGE TONIGHT
• Press and release (do not
hold) the ON/OFF-HOLD but- ] 3:18 TM
ton. RECHARGE TONIGHT RECHARGETONIGHT
flashes in the display, and the
softener begins regeneration at the next preset
recharge time. If you decide to cancel the regen-
eration before it has started, press and release the
ON/OFF-HOLD button once more to turn off the
flashing RECHARGE TONIGHT.
PROGRAM MEMORY
If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time
display is blank but the face plate timer keeps the
correct time for about 6 hours. When electrical
power comes on again, you have to reset the present
time only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS
and RECHARGE TIME never require resetting unless
a change is desired.
Even if the timer is incorrect after a long power
outage, the softener works as it should to keep you
water soft. However, regenerations may occur at the
wrong time of clay until you reset the timer to the
correct time of day.
ERROR CODE
An error code could appear in the face plate display
if a problem occurs in the softener electronics. If you
see an error code instead of the time of clay, please
call you local Sears Service Department for service.
IF YOU NEED HELP ON THE USE OF THE TIMER FEATURES, CALL TOLL FREE,
NUMBER 1-800- 426-9345.
10

SECTION 2 .ow YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
I I
2B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
SERVICE
When the softener is giving you soft water, it is called
"Service". During service, hard water flows through
the house main water pipe and into the softener.
Inside of the softener resin tank is a bed made up of
thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads (FIG. 4). As
hard water passes through the bed, each bead
attracts and holds the hardness minerals. This is
called ion-exchanging. It is much like a magnet
attracting and holding metals. Water without the
hardness minerals (soft water) flows out of the
softener and into the house soft water pipes.
After a period of time, the resin beads become
coated with hardness minerals and they have to be
cleaned. This cleaning is called regeneration or
recharge. Regeneration is started at 2:00 a.m. by the
electronic timer (see page 13). It takes place in 5
stages or cycles. These are:
_-I FILL
r_ BRINING
r_ BRINE RINSE
E] BACKWASH
r_ FAST RINSE
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN SERVICE
soft water hard water
OUT IN
salt storage
tank (salt -.
not shown) *"
brine valve
\\\\\\\ resin tank
resin bed
REGENERATION
[] FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine. Brine
is needed to clean the hardness minerals from the
resin beads. To make the brine, water flows into the
salt storage area during the fill stage as shown in FIG.
5. Fill cycle length depends on how much soft water
making capacity you have used since the last
regeneration. As you use more water, fill time
increases so more brine is made. The greater
amount of brine cleans more hardness minerals from
the resin bed.
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN FILL
salt storage
tank ...... _.
brine valv_ \
soft water
OUT
\
fill water
hard water
IN
!
11

SECTION 2 .ow YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
I I
2B. SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
EZ]BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved
from the salt storage area, into the resin tank. Inside
the resin tank, 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. 6) make suction to
move brine from the salt tank into the resin tank.
They keep the brine flow down tO a veI3r slow rate tO
get the best resin cleaning with the least salt.
[] BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine is sucked OUt
of the salt tank, the brine valve closes. Water keeps
flowing through the resin tank the same way it did
during brining except the brine flow has stopped.
Hardness minerals and brine flush from the resin
tank to the drain. Brining and brine rinse together
vary in length of time they take, relative to the fill
cycle length.
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN BRINING AND
BRINE RINSE
hard water hard water
bypass OUT t ! IN
nozzle &
venturi drain
brine valve
\\\
\,\ brine
[]BACKWASH: During backwash, water flows UP
through the resin tank (FIG. 7) 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.
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN BACKWASH
hard water, hard water
bypass OUT t ! IN
(:_ drain
resin bed lifted
and expanded
E_]FAST RINSE: Backwash is followed by a fast flow
of water down through the resin tank. The fast flow
packs the resin bed and gets it ready for return to
service (FIG. 8).
After fast rinse, the softener returns tO service. Hard
water goes into the resin tank where the resin bed
again takes out the hardness minerals. Soft water
goes to the house soft water pipes.
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN FAST RINSE
soft water hard water
out0 I '"
drain
12

SECTION 2 .ow YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
L I
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 ff)r your needs.
However, you should not use HOT water, if possible,
because the water heater will refill with hard water.
The softener regenerates from 2:00 AM to about 4:00
AM, (you can change this time.., see page 7). In most
homes, 2-4 AM is a time when not much water is
used, if any.
If you get up early in the morning and you can hear
the softener regenerating, change the time setting.
Set the recharge start time to ]2:00 AM or ] :00 AM
(page 7). Then regeneration will start and end that
much earlier and your water heater will not refill with
hard water if a hot faucet is opened.
ELECTRONICS
Two m_dn parts of the softeneffs electronics are [] a
WATER METER, and [] a COMPUTER.
[] WATER METER I The water meter is in the
softener valve outlet. As water flows through the
meter, it sends electric pulses to the computer. The
computer changes the pulses to a measure in gallons
of water.
[] COMPUTER I The computer is part of the timer
circuit board. It is programmed to know the
softeneffs capacity (how many grains of hardness
minerals it will take out of the water before a
regeneration is needed). When starting the softener,
page 7, you set it for the groins per gallon (gpg)
hardness of the water.
To find a regeneration pattern best for your needs,
the computer uses: (]) water usage from the meter,
(2) hardness setting, (3) softener capacity, and (4)
time since the last regeneration. The computer
always adjusts this pattern to your water using habits.
It works to provide you with soft water for the
longest time, at the most efficient salt usage.
Softening capacity is used as hard water goes
through the softener and hardness minerals are
removed. When the computer determines that only
enough capacity remains to provide soft water up to
the next regeneration starting time (2:00 AM, or as
otherwise se0, it will schedule a regeneration.
_CtlARGE TONIG[IT displays until the regenera-
tion begins. When the regeneration begins, TO-
NIGHT goes off and I_CI_IARGE NOW flashes
during the 2 hour regeneration.
13

SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
I I
3A. SALT...REFILLING STORAGE TANK/BREAKING A SALT BRIDGE
WHEN TO REFILl, WITH SALT: Check the salt level
a few weeks after you install the softener and every
week after that. Refill when the storage tank is
about 1/3 full. Never let the softener use all the salt
before refilling. Without salt, you will soon have hard
water.
IMPORTANT:
You will have a loss in softening capacity and
may get partly hard water if less than 10
inches of salt is in the storage tank.
PLEASE SEE PAGE 9 FOR SALT FILLING DIRECTIONS.
SALT BRIDGE
Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the
salt storage tank. It is usually caused by high
humidity or the wrong kind of salt. When the salt
bridges, an empty space forms between the water
and salt. Then salt will not dissolve (melt) in the
water to make brine. Without brine, the resin bed
does not regenerate and you will have hard water.
If the storage tank is full of salt, it is hard to tell if you
have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge
is under it. The following is the best way to check for
a salt bridge.
Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the
tank. Hold a broom handle, or like tool, up to the
softener as shown in FIG. 9. Make a pencil mark on
the handle, 1." or 2" below the top height of the rim,
as shown. Then, carefully push it straight down into
the salt. If a hard object is felt before the pencil mark
gets to the top of the tank, it's most likely a salt
bridge. Carefully push into the bridge in a few places
to break it. Do not try to break the salt bridge by
pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You
may damage the tank.
If the wrong kind of salt was the cause of the bridge,
take it OUt. Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt
only.
SALT BRIDGE
pencil
mark
J
broom handle
push tool into salt
bridge to break
1
salt
salt bridge
I water level
14

SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
I I
3B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN
COVERS
To 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.
They may scratch and dull the surface.
NOZZLE AND VENTURI
A clean nozzle and venturi (FIG. ] 0) is a must for the
softener to work right. This 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.
To 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, holding
the housing tightly with I hand, turn the cap off. Do
not lose the large o-ring seal. Lift out the screen
support and screen, then the nozzle and venturi.
Wash anti 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 o-ring seal with silicone grease or
Vaseline and place in position. Install and tighten the
cap, by hand only. Do not over-tighten and
break the cap or housing.
CLEANING THE NOZZLE & VEN-
TURI
Cap
, ---:: - i
\/
O-ring Seal _0
Screen Support
Screen _._ _._<, *Flow Plug
Nozzle & Venturi __//- (1-EP)
_- 'Screen
Gasket _@ /
NOTE: Be sure holes in the
gasket align with the holes atthe
bottom of the nozzle & venturi
housing. *Flow Plug
(HVDC)
Nozzle & Venturi
Housing
*INSTALL WITH
NUMBERED SIDE UP
CONCAVE SIDE DOWN.
IRON FROM THE RESIN BED
Your water softener takes hardness minerals (cal-
cium and magnesium) out of the water. Also, it can
control some "clear water" iron. See maximum
allowed in the specifications on page ] 8. With clear
water iron, water from a faucet is clear when first put
into a glass. After ] 5 to 30 minutes, the water begins
to cloud or turn rust colored. A water softener will
not remove any iron which makes the water cloudy
or rusty as it comes from the faucet (called red water
iron). To 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. 42-34426 for this. Clean the bed at
least eve1T 6months. If iron appears in the soft water
before 6 months, clean more often. Printed instruc-
tions 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.
15

SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
I I
3C. KEEP THE SOFTENER FROM FREEZING
If the softener is installed where it could freeze
(summer cabin, lake home, etc.), you must drain all
water from it to stop possible freeze damage. To
drain the softener:
1. Close the shut-off 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.
eIf a single bypass valve is installed, move the
stem into bypass. See FIG. 12 on page 18. In a
3-valve bypass system, close the inlet and outlet
valve and open the bypass valve. If you want
water in the house pipes again, reopen the
shut-off valve on the main water pipe.
4. Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet.
5. Remove the salt hole cover and the main cover.
Take off both drain hoses.
6. Carefully remove the large holding clips at the
softener inlet and outlet (see Key No. 6], on page
30). Separate the softener from the adaptors or
bypass valve.
7. Remove the brinewell cover and disconnect the
brine valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi
assembly (see page 23). Lift the brine valve out of
the brinewell. Tip the brine valve upside down to
drain out water.
8.
9.
DRAIN WATER FROM THE
SOFTENER
drain wood block
Looking at FIG. ] ], lay a piece of 2 inch thick
board near the floor drain. Move the softener
close to the drain. Slowly and carefully, tip it
over until the rim rests on the wood block with
the inlet and outlet over the drain. Do not allow
the softener's weight to rest on the inlet and
outlet fittings or they will break.
Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches
and hold until all zuatc_ _has drained. Leave the
softener laying like this until you are ready to use
it. Plug the inlet and outlet with rags to keep dirt,
bugs, etc. out.
16

SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR SOFTENER
I I
3D. HELPFUL HINTS CHECKLIST
... TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY
If your water softener fails to work, make the following easy checks. Often, you will find what's wrong yourself
and you won't have to call and wait for service. If, after making the checks, your softener still does not work
right, call your Sears Service Department, or call toll free, number 1-800-426-9345 for telephone assistance.
NOTE:
1. Also read ERROR CODE, page ] 0.
2. If an error code is not dispIayed, press and bold the SELECT button until (example: 000- -) shows in the
display. Then, press SELECT again and bold until an SR code appears. It must show SR 17. If any other SR
number shows, the softener computer is working on incorrect input and this would probably be the cause of
the problem. To set SR 1.7, press either the UP (_ or DOWN[_buEon. Then, press SELECT to return a flashing
12:00 AM display, and reset the umer on page 6.
PROBLEM
No soft water
CAUSE
Faucet or fixture may be plumbed to
hard water
No salt (or salt bridged) in the storage
tank
Transfomer unplugged at the wall
outlet, or power cable leads loose, fuse
blown, circuit breaker popped, or circuit
switched off.
Manual bypass valve(s) in bypass
position
Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle &
venturi
Valve drain hose plugged
Water hard Hardness number setting too low
sometimes
Using hot water when softener is
regenerating
Increase in the grains of hardness in
your water supply
CORRECTION
From the outlet of the water softener, trace the water flow
paths in your house pipes. If soft water is not directed to
a faucet or fixture where it is wanted, consult a plumber.
To conserve salt, the installer may have isolated some
fixtures (outside faucets, toilets, etc.) from soft water.
Refill with salt, or break the salt bridge (page 14). Press
ON/OFF-HOLD (RECHARGE NOW) button and hold for
3 seconds to start a regeneration (see page 10).
Check for loss of power due to any of these and correct.
With the power back on, look at the time display and read
PROGRAM MEMORY, page 10.
Look at FIG. 12 on page 18. Move the stem in a single
valve to service. In a 3-valve bypass, open the inlet and
outlet valves, and be sure to fully close the bypass valve.
Take apart and clean or replace damaged parts (see page
15).
The drain hose must not have kinks, sharp bends, or be
raised too high above the softener (see page 16 in your
installation manual).
Press and release the SELECT button until HARDNESS
shows in the display. Read the hardness number in the
display and be sure the same grains per gallon number is
shown on your water analysis report. See page 7 to reset.
Press and release the SELECT button until the present
time shows in the display.
Avoid using hot water during this time because the water
heater refills with hard water (see Automatic Bypass, page
13).
Ask your Sears retail or catalog store for a new water
analysis. Then make a new hardness number setting
(page 7).
17

SECTION 4 OTaERTa,.GSTOW.OW
I I
4A. DIMENSIONS/SPECIFICATIONS
BYPASS VALVES
SINGLE-PLASTIC
OUTWARD
FOR
Bypass
SINGLE-BRASS
Push q;..
For SH
Bypass IINWARD
I FOR
ISERVICE
3-VALVE
SE_RVICE
Close Bypass Valve
Open Inlet & Outlet Valves
BYPASS
Open Bypass Valve
Close Inlet & Outlet Valves
Outlet
Valve
Bypass
Valve
i Inlet
Valve
A
_F_
l ....
x" \
/\
II
I
I
I
\/
D
C
E
INCHES CM
A Salt Tank Height 40-1/4 102.2
B Resin Tank Diameter (nominal) 8 20.3
C Resin Tank Height (nominal) 40 101.6
D Inlet-Outlet Height 41-1/2 105.4
E Overall Height 46 116.8
F1 Length 19-1/2 49.5
F2 Width 16-1/2 41.9
-- Distance between inlet-outlet 3-3/8 8.6
center lines
MODEL NO. 625.348420 TIMER SR CODE SR17
NOTE:
Ple_tse see the r_tting (tec_fl for w_tter softener oper_tting cap_tcity, s_flt us_tge _tn(t servk:e flow r_tte/pressure loss
perform_mce specific_ttions. Performance specific_ttions are v_flidated by the W_tter Qu_flity Associ_ttion (WQA).
The r_tting dec_fl is loc_tted on the rim, under the s_flt hole cover (see p_tge 28).
WATER SUPPLY TO WATER SOFTENER
MINIMUM WATER SYSTEM FLOW (gpm) 3
MINIMUM-MAXIMUM WATER PRESSURE (psi) ..... 20-120
MAXIMUM WATER TEMPERATURE (°F) 120
MAXIMUM WATER HARDNESS (gpg) 90*
MAXMUM "CLEAR WATER" IRON (ppm) 3
SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER
TYPE OF SALT NEEDED Nugget/Pellet
ALTERNATE TYPE OF SALT -- Pure, evaporated, compacted
water softener salt
STORAGE CAPACITY (pounds) 200
*Do not exceed this number when setting hardness in step 2,
page 7. The maximum setting available is 95.
OTHERS
TYPE OF ION EXCHANGE MATERIAL (resin)
AMOUNT OF RESIN (cu.ft.)-
REGENERATION (RECHARGE) CYCLE TIME (min.)
FILL 2-8
BRINING/BRINE RINSE 103
BACKWASH 7
FAST RINSE 3
TOTAL REGENERATION TI ME 115-121
High Capacity
.6
gpm = gallons per minute
gpg = grains per gallon psi = pounds per square inch ppm = parts per million
18

SECTION 5 SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
I I
5A. TROU BLES HOOTI NG
Keep this manual with your water softener. If repairs are needed, the SelWice technician must have the
informadon on the following pages. For telephone assistance, call toll free, 1-800-426-9345.
110
VAC
TRANSFORMER
24VAC
IIRCUIT BOARD
li'
()
ii
I=
__ Shield
BINE
ENSOR
WIRING SCHEMATIC
NO
Wh .0-"_ POSITION SWITCH
0
grn NO
fUP button
display "7
ON/OFF-HOLD button "
(Recharge Tonight-Now)
Sears WaterLine
for CustomerAssistance
1-800-426-9345 _ _._ ...............
JSELECT button DOWN
button
ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST
1. Does the time display show the correct time of day?
2.
-If display is blank, check power source to the
softener.
- If time is flashing, power was off for over 6 hours.
The softener resumes normal operation but regen-
erations occur at the wrong time.
- If an error code (Example: Err 03) shows in the face
plate display, go to Azdomatic iZ/ectromic Dia/qmos-
tics.
Plumbing bypass valve(s) must be in Full Service
position.
3. The inlet and outlet pipes must connect to the
softener valve inlet and outlet respectively.
4. Is the transformer plugged into a "live", grounded
wall outlet, and is the power cable fastened securely?
5. The valve drain hose must be flee of kinks and sharp
bends, and not elevated over 8 ft. above the floor.
REMOVE THE TOP COVER AND SALT TANK COVER
6. Is there salt in the storage tank?
7. Is the brine tubing connected? (See water flow
diagrams).
8. Is the brine valve float set right? (See page 22).
9. Press the SELECT button 2 times to display the
hardness setting. Be sure it is the correct setting for
the household's water supply. (Make a hardness test
of the raw water and compare with the hardness
setting. Also test a soft water sample to verify if a
problem exists.) Press SELECT twice more to return
the time of day display.
If you do not find the problem after making initial checks,
do the Mamlal Initiated Electronic Diagnostics, and the
Manual Advance Regeneration Check.
19

SECTION 5 SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
I I
5A. TROU BLES HOOTI NG
AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS
The face plate computer has a self-diagnostic
function for the electrical system (except input
power and water meter). The computer monitors the
electronic components and circuits
for correct operation. If a malfunc- _.._ i"t__
tion occurs, an error code appears I_| I U_
in the face plate display.
The chart below shows the em)r codes that couM
appear, and the possible ctefects for each code.
While an error code appears in the display, all face
plate buttons are inoperable except the SELECT
button. The SELECT button remains operational so
the service person can make the Manual Initiated
Electronic Diagnostics to further isolate the defect,
and check the water meter.
CODE
Err 01
Err 02
Err 03
Err 04
Err 05
POSSIBLE DEFECT
MOST LIKELY -" "-- LESS LIKELY
motor inoperative /wiring harness or connection to switch /position switch /face plate
face plate
motor inoperative /face plate
face plate /position switch
face plate
PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING ERROR CODE FROM FACE PLATE: 1.Unplug transformer 2. Correct defect 3. Plug-in
transformer 4. Wait for 6minutes. The error code will return if"the defect was not corrected.
MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONIC DIAG-
NOSTICS
1. To enter diagnostics, press and hold the SELECT
button until 000 -- shows in the ctisplay.
TURBINE SWITCHES
nnn ___ I
uuu _ p
-I--F,
WATER METER (A) SWITCH (B)
A° The first 3 ctigits indicate water meter operation
as follows:
000 (stead39 = Soft water not in use, and no
flow through the meter.
i OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET i
POSITION
SWITCH
_ MOTOR
VALVE
OUTLET
SENSOR
HOUSING
TURBINE
IRBINE
SUPPORT AND
SHAFT
000 to 199 (continuaD = Repeats display for
each gallon of water passing through the meter.
If you don't get a reading in the display, with the
faucet ()pen, pull the sensor from the valve outlet
port. Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of
the sensor. You should get a reading in the display. If
you get a reading, unhook the in and out plumbing
and check the turbine for binding.
B° The letter (P) and clash (or dashes) indicate POSI-
TION switch operation. If the letter appears, the
switch is closed. If the clash shows, the switch is
()pen.
Use the ON/OFF-HOLD (Recharge Now) button
to manually advance the valve into each cycle
and check correct switch operation.
20