Kenmore 625.38306 User manual

OWNER'S MANUAL
Water Softener
with Deluxe Valve
300 Series
MODEL NO. 625.383060
Caution:
Read and follow all safety rules and operating
instructions before first use of this product.
Questions ?
Visit www.KenmoreWater.com
or call toll free 1-800-426-9345 (M - F, 7 AM - 6 PM CST)
Repair or Parts ?Call toll free 1-800-469-4663
See back cover for other Sears service numbers.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Use the plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals nearby the
softener for future reference.
•Warranty
• Installation
• Start Up /Setting
• How It Works
• Care Of
• Specifications
• Repair Parts
Timer
System tested and certified by NSF
International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44
for water softener performance. ®
Printed on recycled paper
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
PRINTED IN U.S.A. www.KenmoreWater.com Part No. 7282580 (Rev. R 7/22/10)

WARRANTY ON WATER SOFTENER
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON WATER SOFTENER
When installed, operated and maintained according to all instructions supplied with the product, if this
Kenmore appliance fails due to a defect in material and workmanship within one year from the date of pur-
chase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME ®to arrange for free repair.
TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AGAINST LEAKS
When installed, operated and maintained according to all instructions supplied with the product, if the water
softener tank or salt storage drum develops a leak within ten years from the date of purchase, call 1-800-4-
MY-HOME ®to arrange for free tank or drum replacement. After the first year you must pay an initial trip
charge.
All warranty coverage does not include water softener resin, which is an expendable item.
If this water softener is ever used for other than private family purposes, all warranty coverage applies for
only 90 days from the date of purchase.
This warranty covers only defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT pay for:
1.A service technician to instruct the user in correct product installation, operation or maintenance.
2. A service technician to clean or maintain this product.
3. Damage to or failure of this product if it is not installed, operated or maintained according to the all instruc-
tions supplied with the product.
4. Damage to or failure of this product resulting from accident, abuse, misuse or use for other than its intend-
ed purpose.
5. Damage to or failure of this product caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, chemicals or utensils other
than those recommended in all instructions supplied with the product.
6. Damage to or failure of parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications made to this product.
Disclaimer of implied warranties; limitation of remedies
Customer's sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product repair as provided herein.
Implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to
one year or the shortest period allowed by law. Sears shall not be liable for incidental or consequential dam-
ages. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential dam-
ages, or limitation on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so these exclusions or
limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty applies only while this appliance is used in the United States or Canada.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
Sears Canada Inc., Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5B 2M5
2
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Guides ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Unpack and Check Shipment ........................................................................................................................ 5
Plan Your Installation: Tools Needed, Materials Needed ........................................................................... 6-10
Install Inlet/Outlet Adapters or Bypass Valves, Three Way Valves ........................................................... 11-12
Install Softener and Connect Pipes ................................................................................................................ 13
Connect Valve and Salt Tank Drains .............................................................................................................. 14
Leak Test ........................................................................................................................................................ 15
Electrical Requirements ................................................................................................................................. 16
Install Covers and Restart Water Heater ....................................................................................................... 17
Program the Timer .................................................................................................................................... 18-19
Sanitize the Water Softener ........................................................................................................................... 20
Add Salt to Storage Tank ................................................................................................................................ 21
Install Checklist .............................................................................................................................................. 22
Faceplate Timer Features ......................................................................................................................... 23-24
How Your Water Softener Works .............................................................................................................. 25-27
Care of Your Water Softener ..................................................................................................................... 28-31
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................ 32-33
Service Tech Information ........................................................................................................................... 34-40
Exploded Views and Parts Lists ................................................................................................................ 42-47
Sears Tech Support ......................................................................................................................... Back Cover
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
Iron Content
pH
Water Pressure
Water Flow Rate
Grains Per Gallon
Parts Per Million
Taste and/or Odor Pounds/Square Inch
Gallons Per Minute
Salt Hole Cover
!
*The model number is on the rating decal, located on the rim, under the salt hole cover.
Questions?
Call the Kenmore Water Line at 1-800-426-9345
or visit KenmoreWater.com
For repair or replacement parts, call toll-free 1-800-366-7278
See back cover for other Sears service numbers.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345

Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before installing and using your new water softener.
Follow all steps exactly to correctly install. Failure 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 Kenmore Water Softener will remove hardness minerals from water. This is measured in
grains per gallon (gpg). It will also remove some clear water iron*. This is measured in parts
per million(ppm). See the specifications page for the maximum limits of hardness and iron
removal.
• A water softener will not improve other water problems such as acidity, tastes and odors, or
iron other than clear water iron. It will not purify contaminated water, or make unsafe water
safe to drink.
Check with your local public works department for plumbing, electric and sanitation codes.
You must follow their guides as you install your softener. Use only LEAD FREE SOLDER
AND FLUX, as required by federal and state codes, when installing soldered copper plumb-
ing.
Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Damage from freezing voids the softener war-
ranty. See how to protect from freezing on page 31.
CAUTION: Please read and comply with the following guides to prevent damage to the sof-
tener or other property, personal injury, or possible fatal shock.
This softener works on 24 volts only. Be sure to use only the transformer included.
Plug it into a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household outlet that is grounded and properly
protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuit breaker or fuse. If transformer is
replaced, use only the authorized service Class II, 24 volt, 10 VA transformer.
• Unplug the transformer right away if the power cable should become damaged or frayed.
Make repairs, or replace the transformer, before plugging back into the power outlet.
• Always unplug the softener from electrical power before removing outer valve covers.
• This system is not intended to be used for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of
unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
* The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data.
European Directive 2002/96/EC requires all electrical and electronic equipment to
be disposed of according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
requirements. This directive or similar laws are in place nationally and can vary
from region to region. Please refer to your state and local laws for proper disposal
of this equipment.
4
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345

INSPECT SHIPMENT
Your water softener is shipped complete in one carton.
Use care when handling the softener. DO NOT turn
upside down. DO NOT drop, or set on sharp objects that
could make a hole in the bottom. The water softener is
heavy, do not try to lift it or move more than is necessary.
Remove all items from your shipping carton.
Check all items against the packing list below. Note any
items lost or damaged in shipment.
Note any damage to the shipping carton. Refer to the
exploded view and parts list in the back of the manual for
the part names and numbers of missing or damaged
items.
Contact the store where purchased if problems exist.
PARTS DESCRIPTIONS SMALL PARTS
Salt
Storac
Tank
Resin
Salt Hole
Cover
(Open)X',_
Nozzle Valve
Assembly Assembly
Face
Plate [ owner's manual ]
Cover
Brinewell
Cover [ j
Brinewell
Installation
Adaptors (2)
Clips (4) @
O
Drain Tubing
Bypass Valve
Brine Valve Ground Clamp Kit Grommet
4_ Tube Clamp
J
Tube Adaptor
_>._ Tube Clamp
FIG. 1
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345

PLAN YOUR INSTALLATION
It is recommended to read through the entire manual before
beginning your installation. Follow all steps exactly. Reading this
manual will also help you get all the benefits from your system.
TOOLS NEEDED:
• Safety glasses
• Flathead screw driver
• Phillips screw driver
• Adjustable slip joint pliers
• Tape measure or ruler J
Flathead Screwdriver
Safety Glasses Phillips Screwdriver Adjustable Slip Joint Pliers Tape Measure or Ruler
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATIONS:
SOLDERED COPPER
• Tubing Cutter
• Propane Torch
• Solid Core LEADFREE Solder
• Paste Flux
• Emery Cloth
or Sandpaper
THREADED PIPE
• Hacksaw or Pipe Cutter
• Pipe Wrenches
• Pipe Threading Tool
• Pipe Joint Compound approved
for use on potable water
CPVC OR PVC PLASTIC
• Hacksaw
• Adjustable Wrench
• Primer and Solvent Cement
approved for use on potable water-
THE PROPER ORDER TO INSTALL WATER TREATING EQUIPMENT
(Shows sequence of equipment only. Seldom, if ever, would all items be needed.)
Sediment or Taste &
Odor Cartridge Filter
Cold, soft water
Hot, soft water
Heater L, _
Kitchen or Bathroom City Water Supply
Cold Faucet
Water *Taste & Iron Neutralizer Clarifying
Softener Odor Filter Filter Filter
OR
•Always place an Iron Filter UPSTREAM of the water softener.
•Always place a Neutralizer UPSTREAM of an Iron Filter, etc., as shown.
*Place a Taste & Odor Filter UPSTREAM of a water softener on a chlorinated water supply
and DOWNSTREAM of a water softener on a non-chlorinated water supply.
Hard Water to _ D_
o deFa ce s
_ _ WeIt Water Supply I
Pressure or Dispensing
Captive Air System I
Tank [
I I I _ I [ Sediment
[ I [ _ _ _ [ [ I Cartridge Filter |
j LI U Ll U !
Welt Water
FIG. 2
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
6

shutoff
valve
FIG. 3
Typical Installation
WHERE TO INSTALL THE WATER SOFTENER
Review the following points before you choose a place to put your softener.
1. Place as close as possible but always after, the
pressure tank (well water) or water meter (city
water). See Fig. 3.
2. Place as close as possible to a water drain such as
a floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe. See
Fig. 3.
3. Connect to the house main water pipe BEFORE
THE WATER HEATER. See Fig. 3. Temperature of
water going through the softener must not be
more than 120°F (49°C). Hot water will damage
inner softener parts. To reduce the risk of hot water
backup, piping between the softener and water
heater should be as long of a run as possible.
4. Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt. See Fig. 3.
5. Do not install in a place where the softener could
freeze. Damage caused by freezing voids the war-
ranty by Sears Brands Management Corporation.
6. Put the softener in a place where water damage is
least likely to occur if it develops a leak. Sears or
the manufacturer will not repair or pay for water
damage.
7. A grounded, 120V electrical outlet is needed within
10 feet of the softener. See Fig. 3. This is to plug in
the transformer. The softener has a 10 foot power
cable. Be sure the outlet and transformer are in
an inside place, to protect from wet weather. Use
a continuously "live" outlet, which cannot be acci-
dentally switched off.
8. When installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener, installa-
tion plumbing, and wiring, are protected from the
elements, direct sunlight, contamination, vandalism,
etc.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345

Plug the softener transformer
into an inside, 120 volt 60Hz
electrical outlet. If an outside
outlet is used, be sure it has
approved weather protection.
Suggested Slab Foundation Installation
WATER SOFTENER
(install in garage, car port,
or other sheltered area)
water heater kitchen
r_q bathroom
outside I _L_ I I I
.,o. II I1 -°
lJ I
J _ oo°°
"-," bypass
valve outside
-soft
Run drain tubing to laundry tub or
p-trap inside home, if possible.
Otherwise, run to a dry well.
outside
-hard
outside
-hard
water in
For outside hard
water, trench under-
ground as needed.
FIG. 4
DRAW IN YOUR PIPES
AND FITTINGS
Draw the plans for your "IN" and "OUT"
piping here. Include all pipe, fittings and
accessories you will use.
Make a list of all materials you will need
and buy them before you begin to install
the water softener.
120V - 60Hz U
Electrical
Outlet
Left
Valve Outlet Side
Valve Inlet
Your House Main Water Pipe
Right
*In what direction does the water flow?
Be sure to plan "IN" and "OUT" piping so water
flow is to the softener valve inlet. Plan a
crossover if flow is from left to right.
Raw
CROSS-OVER
Main Water Pipe
Outlet
Soft Water
To Water Softener
FIG. 5
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
8

PIPE,FITTINGS,OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED
You must first decide how to run "in" and "out" pipes to
the softener. Look at your house main water pipe at the
point you will connect the softener. Is the pipe soldered
copper, glued plastic, or threaded galvanized or brass?
What is the pipe size? What kind of pipe and fittings is it
easiest for you to work with, and what tools do you have?
Now look at the common plans for "in" and "out" piping
on soldered copper. See Fig. 6. Use it as a guide to plan
what materials you will need. Get all the materials you
will need before you start.
Use Fig. 5 to make a plan drawing for your specific
installation. "In" and "out" fittings included with the soften-
er are 1" NPT threaded adaptors. You should maintain
the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe,
up to the softener inlet and outlet. Use copper, brass,
galvanized or PVC plastic pipe and fittings for the "in"
and "out" pipes. Be sure to check local codes.
Note: If converting from galvanized to copper pipe
use approved dielectric insulating connectors.
ALWAYS install the bypass valve (that is included with
the unit) or a three valve bypass. See Fig. 9 to13.
Bypass valves let you turn off water to the softener if
needed for repairs, but still have water in the house
pipes.
Drain tubing (3/8" inside diameter), is needed for the
valve and salt tank drains. See Fig. 16. If a rigid valve
drain is needed to comply with plumbing codes, you can
buy the parts needed (see Fig. 16) to change the soften-
er to a 1/2 inch minimum copper tubing drain.
OUT IN
1" NPT sweat
adaptor (2)*
-1/
Use teflon tape,
pipe joint compound ,,.
or both. _ [_ 1" NPT
_L'" adaptor t 2 of each
_ _ _ included
clip
ass Valve
Valve
Inlet
Use teflon tape,
pipe joint compound
or both.
1" NPT sweat
adaptor (2)*
Valve
Inlet
OUT IN
1" NPT clip
adaptor /
_/ 2of each
included
FIG. 6
*NOTE:
For plumbing connection, buy 2 sweat adaptors and plumb
directly to the inlet - outlet adaptors. Threads on the inlet - outlet
adaptors are 1" NPT.
CAUTION:
DO ALL SOLDERING BEFORE CONNECTING SWEAT ADAP-
TORS TO INLET-OUTLET ADAPTORS OR BYPASS VALVE.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345

BEFORE INSTALLING CHECKS & TESTS
Your water supply needs to be checked for chemical
analysis, water pressure and water flow rate. To accom-
plish this, complete the following steps:
Check Water's Chemical Analysis: Sears sells a com-
plete line of water treating equipment to correct various
water problems. To be sure you have the proper type
and size equipment, You must have your water tested.
Your Sears store can give you a water test results for
hardness, iron and acidity, and tell you what equipment
you need. Simply take at least a 4 oz. sample of your
water to Sears, and they will test it while you wait. If you
need help to get your water tested, or if you have other
questions about your water, ask at your Sears store.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
Check Your Water Pressure: For your softener to work
right, a water pressure of no lower than 20 pounds per
square inch (psi) is needed in the house water pipes.
The highest pressure allowed in the water pipes is 125
psi. If pressure is over 125 psi, buy and install a pres-
sure reducing valve in the water inlet pipe to the soften-
er.
NOTE: If water pressure during the day is 100 psi or
more, pressure during the night may go over 125 psL
Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the
flow.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
If you have a well water system, look at the pressure
gauge to find the water pressure. Call your local water
department if you have city water. They will tell you what
the water pressure is where you live.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
Check your water flow rate: A water flow of at least 3
gallons per minute is needed. A lower flow will keep your
softener from working as well as it should. Complete the
following steps to make an easy check of your flow rate.
1. Fully open two cold water faucets close to the point
water enters the house.
2. With both faucets open, fill a gallon container at one
faucet while looking at a watch or clock to see how
many seconds it takes.
3. Empty the container and go to the second faucet (be
sure BOTH faucets are still on). Fillthe gallon container
at the second faucet and see how many seconds it
takes.
4. Turn off both faucets. Now add the number of seconds
it took to fill the container at both faucets.
5. A total of 90 seconds, or less, means the system flow
rate is good.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
NOTE: Codes in the state of Massachusetts require
installation by a licensed plumber. For installation,
use plumbing code 248CMR of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
10