Kenmore 625.383500 User manual

P/N 7325207 (Rev. B 2/1/11)
Printed on recycled paper/
Impreso en papel reciclado
Use & Care Guide
Manual de Uso y Cuidado
English / Español
Model / Modelo No. 625.383500
Kenmore®
Water Softener
with High Flow Valve
Ablandador de Agua
con válvula de alto flujo
System tested and certified by NSF
International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44
for hardness reduction and efficiency.
Este sistema ha sido probado y certificado
por NSF International de acuerdo a
Norma NSF/ANSI 44
para la reducción de la dureza y eficiencia.
®
Sears Brands Management Corporation
3333 Beverly Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.kenmorewater.com
www.kenmore.com
www.sears.com

2
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Warranty
WARRANTY ON KENMORE WATER SOFTENER
ONE YEAR IMITED 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 IMITED WARRANTY AGAINST EAKS
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 appliance is used for other than private family purposes, this warranty 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. amage to or failure of this product if it is not installed, operated or maintained according to the all
instructions supplied with the product.
4. amage to or failure of this product resulting from accident, abuse, misuse or use for other than its intend-
ed purpose.
5. amage 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. amage 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, I 60179 U.S.A.

3
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Table of Contents
Safety Guides
European irective 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.
pRead all steps and guides 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 manual will also help you to get all the
benefits from your water softener.
pYour 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.
pA water softener will not improve other water prob-
lems such as acidity, tastes and odors, or iron other
than clear water iron.
po not attempt to use this product to make safe
drinking water from non-potable water sources. o
not use the system on microbiologically unsafe water,
or water of unknown quality without adequate disin-
fection before or after the system.
pCheck with your local public works department for
plumbing and sanitation codes. You must follow
their guides as you install the system. Follow your
local codes if they differ with guides in this manual.
In Massachusetts, plumbing code 248-CMR 3.00 and
10.00 shall be adhered to. Consult with a licensed
plumber.
pUse only lead-free solder and flux for all sweat-solder
connections, as required by federal codes, when
installing soldered copper plumbing.
pUse care when handling the water softener. o not
turn upside down or drop.
pAvoid installing in direct sunlight. Excessive heat may
cause distortion or other damage to non-metallic parts.
pThis water softener works on water pressures of 20 psi
(minimum) to 125 psi (maximum). If your house water
pressure is over the maximum, install a pressure reduc-
ing valve in the water supply pipe to the softener.
pTemperature of the water supply to the softener must be
between 40°F and 120°F. o not install on hot water.
pIf installing the water softener outdoors, do not locate
where it will be exposed to wet weather, direct sunlight
or extreme hot or cold temperatures.
pThis softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electrical power
only, supplied by a direct plug-in transformer (includ-
ed). Be sure to use the included transformer and plug
it into a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household outlet that
is properly protected by an overcurrent device such as
a circuit breaker or fuse. If transformer is replaced,
use only the authorized service, Class II, 24V 10VA
transformer.
* The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated
by Water Quality Association test data.
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Specifications & imensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Plan Your Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-11
Programming the Softener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
Sanitizing the Water Softener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Adding Salt to the Storage Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Controller Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15-18
Care of Your Water Softener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19-22
Exploded View & Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27

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Specifications & Dimensions
47-3/4"
41-1/2"
IN - OUT
16-1/2"
19-3/4"
40-1/4"
FRONT VIEW SIDE VIEW
OUT IN
3-3/8"
IN - OUT
41-1/2”
47-3/4”
40-1/4”
19-3/4”
16-1/2”
3-3/8”
OUT IN
FRONT VIEW SI E VIEW Figure 1
Model No. 625.383500
Model Code 350
Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Salt ose)
12,600 @ 2.5 lbs.
26,900 @ 7.9 lbs.
32,100 @ 13.3 lbs.
Rated Efficiency (Grains/Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt ose) 5,040 @ 2.5 lbs.
Rated Service Flow Rate 8.0 gpm
Amount of High Capacity Ion Exchange Resin 0.83 cu. ft.
Pressure rop at Rated Service Flow 10 psig
Water Supply Max. Hardness 90 gpg
Water Supply Max. Clear Water Iron 8 ppm*
Water Pressure Limits (minimum / maximum) 20 - 125 psi
Water Temperature Limits (minimum / maximum) 40 - 120 °F
Minimum Water Supply Flow Rate 3 gpm
Intermittent Flow @ 15 psi 10 gpm**
Maximum rain Flow Rate 2.0 gpm
*Capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data. State of Wisconsin
requires additional treatment if water supply contains clear water iron exceeding 5 ppm.
**Intermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for detemi-
ning the softener’s rated capacity and efficiency. Continuous operation at flow rates
greater than the service flow rate may affect capacity and efficiency performance.
These systems conform to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and
substantiated by test data.
The efficiency rating is only valid at the stated salt dose. These softeners were efficiency
rated according to NSF/ANSI Standard 44.
Variable Salt Dose: The salt dose is selected by the electronic controls at regeneration time
based on the amount needed.

5
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Packing ist
Ground Clamp
Kit 20 ft. rain Hose
Bypass Valve
Adaptor Elbow
Installation
Adaptors
Hose Clamps Grommet
The parts required to assemble and install the water
softener are included with the unit. Thoroughly check
the water softener for possible shipping damage and
parts loss. Also inspect and note any damage to the
shipping carton.
Remove and discard (or recycle) all packing materials.
To avoid loss of small parts, we suggest you keep the
small parts in the parts bag until you are ready to use
them.
Small Parts
Clips
(including 1 spare)
Figure 2
Plan Your Installation
THE PROPER ORDER TO INSTA WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT
(Shows sequence of equipment only - not all items are needed in all applications)
Central
Water
Filtration
System
Sediment
Cartridge
Filter
Water
Heater
Water
Softener
Untreated Water to
Outside Faucets
Hot Water
to House
Cold Water
to House
Iron
Filter
Pressure
Tank
City Water Supply
Well Water Supply
Well
Pump
OR
Figure 3
=Always locate an Iron Filter UPSTREAM of the water softener.
=Locate a Central Water Filtration System UPSTREAM of the water softener on a chlorinated
water supply, or OWNSTREAM of the water softener on a non-chlorinated water supply.

6
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Plan Your Installation
TYPICA INSTA ATION
5. o not install in a place where the softener could
freeze. amage 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, 60 Hz. electrical outlet is needed
within 10 feet of the softener to plug in the trans-
former (See Fig. 4). Be sure the outlet and trans-
former are in an inside location, protected from wet
weather. Use a continuously “live” outlet, which can-
not be accidentally switched off.
8. When installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener, installation
plumbing, and wiring, are protected from the ele-
ments, direct sunlight, contamination, vandalism, etc.
Water
Heater
Water
Softener
Outside Faucet
(hard water) Outside Faucet
(hard water)
Soft, cold water)
Soft, hot water
Hard Water Line
Figure 4
WHERE TO INSTA THE WATER SOFTENER
Review the following points before you choose a place
to put your softener:
1. Place as close as possible to, but always downstream
from, the pressure tank (well water) or water meter
(city water).
2. Place as close as possible to a water drain such as a
floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe (See Fig.
4).
3. Connect to the house main water pipe UPSTREAM
OF THE WATER HEATER (See Fig. 3). The tempera-
ture 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 as possible.
4. Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt. See Fig. 4.
Soft Water Line
Shutoff
Valve
120V,
60 Hz
to R.O. Faucet
1-1/2”
Air Gap
Floor
rain
Main
Shutoff
Valve
R.O.
Storage
Tank
Reverse
Osmosis
System
Hard
Water
to
House
R.O. rain
Soft Water
to R.O.
System
Water
Meter

7
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Plan Your Installation
psi, buy and install a pressure reducing valve in the
pipe supplying water to the softener’s inlet.
NOTE: If water pressure during the day is 100 psi or
more, pressure during the night may go above
125 psi.
Installation
For your water softener to work properly, incoming
water pressure in your house pipes must be no lower
than 20 pounds per square inch (psi). The highest
allowable pressure is 125 psi. If pressure is above 125
CHECK YOUR WATER PRESSURE BEFORE INSTA ING
5. Visually check and remove any foreign mate-
rials from the valve inlet and outlet ports (see
Fig. 6). Carefully remove the two large plastic
clips (you will use them). Check to be sure
the turbine and support are firmly in place
(see Fig. 7).
NOTE: If you will not install the included bypass
valve because you will have a 3-valve
bypass in your plumbing, skip step 6, but
perform step 7.
Complete the following steps to assemble the adaptors
and/or the included single bypass valve.
1. Close the shutoff valve on the house main water pipe,
near the water meter or pressure tank, to turn off the
water.
2. Shut off the gas or electric supply to the water
heater.
3. Open the highest and lowest water faucets in your
house. This will let water drain from the pipes.
Close faucets after water has drained.
4. Remove the top cover. Pull outward on the two tabs
to release top cover (see Fig. 5). The salt lid remains
attached to the top cover when removed. Set both
covers aside so they will not get scratched or broken.
INSTA SING E BYPASS VA VE AND/OR THREADED INSTA ATION ADAPTORS
SING E BYPASS VA VE:
6. Push the bypass valve into the softener valve’s inlet
and outlet ports as far as it will go. Snap the two
large holding clips into place, from the top down as
shown (see Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so
the bypass valve will not pull out.
IN ET AND OUT ET THREADED ADAPTORS:
7. Push the adaptors into the valve inlet and outlet
ports, or bypass valve ports, as far as they will go.
Both adaptors are the same and fit either port. Snap
the two large holding clips into place, as shown (see
Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so
the adaptors will not pull out.
Salt Lid
Top Cover
Single
Bypass Valve
Figure 5
Figure 6
Clips Threaded
Installation
Adaptors
Valve
Outlet
Valve Inlet
Clip
Clip

8
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Installation
INSTA SING E BYPASS VA VE (cont.)
Before installing the bypass valve and/or installation
adaptors, make sure that the turbine and support are
firmly in place inside the softener valve’s outlet port.
Figure 7
Figure 8
Figure 9
Turbine
Support
Valve Outlet Turbine
INSTA HO DING C IPS
Bypass Valve or
Installation Adaptor
Plastic Clip
O-RingValve Inlet or Outlet
Plastic clip snaps
into groove in
bypass or adaptor
If connecting to floor
level plumbing, install
the bypass valve turned
downward, as shown.
IN OUT
A TERNATE BYPASS VA VE INSTA ATION
ASSEMB E IN ET AND OUT ET P UMBING
Measure, cut (thread if needed) and put together all
pipe and fittings up to the main water pipe. Make sure
that the incoming water supply pipe goes to the valve
inlet side.
CAUTION: Never solder fittings while connected to
nonmetallic parts. Wait until soldered pipe
has cooled before connection. See Fig. 10.
CAUTION: Be careful when putting pipe fittings togeth-
er. o not cross thread, and do not over-
tighten.
Figure 10
Incoming
Hard
Water
Main Water Pipe
1. Cut pipe to
correct length
2. Solder. When
cool, do step 3.
3. Put threaded
adaptor into
bypass valve
port.
4. Solder.
NOTE: To be certain
that heat will not
travel down the pipe
and into the bypass
valve or installation
adaptors, wrap the
bottom of the pipe
and the bypass valve
with a wet rag.
IN

9
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Installation
CONNECT THE VA VE DRAIN HOSE
Take a length of 3/8” inside diameter drain tubing
(supplied) and attach one end to the drain fitting (see
Fig. 11). Use a tube clamp from the parts bag to hold it
in place. Put the other end of the tubing over a floor
drain, into a laundry tub, standpipe, or other suitable
drain. Check your local codes.
Leave an air gap of about 1-1/ 2'' between the end of
the hose and the drain. This gap is needed so you
don’t get a backflow of sewer water into the softener.
o not put the end of the hose into the drain or con-
nect without the air gap.
Locate and support the hose so it does not kink or have
sharp bends. Secure the hose end so water pressure
does not cause the hose to “whip”. Tie or wire it in
place. o not pinch the hose shut. The softener will
not work if this drain hose is pinched, plugged, closed
or restricted in any way. irect drain flow down into
drain from drain line as flow could possibly overshoot
the drain cover.
Keep the hose lower than the drain fitting. In some
homes, to get to a drain you must raise the hose and
run it overhead. o not raise the hose more than 8 feet
above the floor.
COPPER DRAIN TUBE: Local plumbing codes may
require the use a copper valve drain tube. A copper
tube is also best to use if running a drain line overhead.
To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, purchase
a compression fitting (1/4'' female pipe threads x 1/2''
O. . tube) and tubing from your local hardware store.
CONNECT SA T TANK OVERF OW HOSE
1. Locate the rubber grommet, adaptor elbow and tube
clamp (see Fig. 11) that are in the parts bag.
2. Push the grommet into the hole in the salt tank wall
so that half is inside and half is outside.
3. Push the larger end of the adaptor into the grommet.
4. Push one end of a length of 3/8'' I. . tubing (sup-
plied) onto the tube adaptor, using a tube clamp
from the parts bag to hold it in place.
5. Put the other end of the tubing over the floor drain.
IMPORTANT: Overflow water must run down by gravity
through the tubing. o not raise the tub-
ing higher than the adaptor (see Fig. 11).
IMPORTANT: o not connect this hose to the valve
drain hose you just installed (see above).
Both drains must have a separate hose.
Figure 11
Valve
rain Hose
Salt Tank
Overflow Hose FLOOR RAIN LAUN RY TUB
STAN PIPE
1-1/2”
Air Gap
1-1/2”
Air Gap
1-1/2”
Air Gap
Tie or wire
tubing in
place
To drain
point other
than floor
drain.
Support tub-
ing in place
as needed.
NOTE: rain Hose
(20 ft.) is included.
See also parts list.
Tube
Clamp
Tube
Adaptor
Grommet
Tube
Clamp
rain
Fitting
Clip
Cut barbs from
drain fitting (pull
clip and remove
fitting from valve) Compression Fitting,
1/4 NPT x 1/2” O. .
Tube (not supplied)
1/2” Outside
iameter Copper
Tube (not supplied)
Barbs
1/4 NPT
Threads SUBSTITUTING RIGI RAIN LINE

10
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Installation
Figure 12
SING E BYPASS VA VE
Figure 13
3-VA VE BYPASS
Pull stem outward
for Service
Push inward
for Bypass
Bypass
Valve
Inlet
Valve
Outlet
Valve
FOR SERVICE
Close bypass valve.
Open inlet & outlet
valves.
FOR BYPASS
Open bypass valve.
Close inlet & outlet
valves.
EAK TEST
To check for leaks, complete the following steps:
CAUTION: To avoid water or air pressure damage to
soft ener inner parts, and to flush pipe chips
or other residue from the water pipes, be
sure to do the following steps exactly as
instructed.
1. Fully open two nearby cold water faucets down-
stream from the softener.
2. Place bypass valve(s) in “bypass” position (see
Figures 12 & 13). On a single valve, slide the stem
inward to bypass. On a 3-valve bypass, close the
inlet and outlet valves and open the bypass valve.
3. Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff valve.
Observe steady water flow from both open faucets.
4. Place bypass valve(s) in SERVICE, EXACTLY as fol-
lows: Keep soft water faucets open.
a. Single Bypass Valve: Slowly, slide pull the valve
stem outward toward service, pausing several times
to allow the softener to pressurize gradually.
b. 3-Valve Bypass: Fully close the bypass valve and
open the outlet valve. Slowly open the inlet valve,
pausing several times to allow the softener to pres-
surize gradually.
5. After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet
for about one minute, or until all air is expelled, then
close.
6. Close both cold water faucets.
7. Check your plumbing work for leaks, and fix right
away if any are found. Be sure to observe previous
caution notes.
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new softener,
water coming from the taps may initially be dis-
colored. This normally occurs the first time
water runs through the resin bed. The discol-
ored water is not harmful, and the discoloration
will not last more than a few minutes.

11
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Installation
INSTA GROUNDING C AMP
The house cold water pipe (iron or copper) is often used
to ground all electrical outlets in the home. To maintain
this ground, use the ground clamp kit included in the
parts bag. Install the ground clamp across the inlet
and outlet metal pipes (see Fig. 14). Make sure good
contact is made between the pipe and the clamps.
INSTA COVERS
After installing your water softener, put the covers on.
Angle the covers so the top cover clips onto the back
first, then bring down in front and clip on the tabs
inside the rim and lower the salt lid closed (See Fig. 5).
CONNECT TO E ECTRICA POWER
The softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electrical power.
The included transformer changes standard 120 volt AC
house power to 24 volts. You must plug the water soft-
ener’s transformer into a grounded, 120 volt outlet only.
Be sure the outlet is always “live” so it cannot be
switched off by mistake.
NOTE: The electrical outlet you plug the transformer
into must be indoors, protected from weather.
RESTART THE WATER HEATER
Turn on the gas (or electric) supply to the water heater
and light the pilot.
YOUR P UMBING INSTA ATION AND
E ECTRICA WORK ARE NOW COMP ETE.
Figure 14
META PIPE GROUNDING
TO
Valve Inlet
FROM
Valve Inlet
Ground
Clamp
(2 halves)
Screw with
lockwasher
& nut

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Programming the Softener
Salt
Select
press for tonight
hold for immediate
Salt
Level
Low
LEVEL
SALT
ALARM
SALT
Set
Figure 15
OWN button
UP button SELECT buttonisplaySET SALT LEVEL button
TANK LIGHT
button
LOW SALT indicatorREGENERATION button
PROGRAM THE SOFTENER
When the transformer is plugged into the electrical out-
let, the model code (350) and a test number (example:
J3.0), are briefly shown in the display. Then the words
“PRESENT TIME” appear and 12:00 PM begins to flash.
Figure 16
Figure 17
SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY
If the words “PRESENT TIME" do not show in the dis-
play, press the SELECT button a few times until they do.
1. Press the rUP or sOWN buttons to set the
present time. Up moves the display ahead; down
sets the time back. Be sure AM or PM is correct.
NOTE: Press buttons and quickly release to slowly
advance the display. Hold the buttons down for
fast advance.
2. When the correct time is displayed, press the SELECT
button, and the display will change to show the
“Hardness” screen.
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER
If you completed the previous step, the word “HAR -
NESS" should show in the display. Otherwise, press the
SELECT button several times until they do.
1. Press the rUP or sOWN buttons to set the
hardness of your water supply, in grains per gallon.
The default is 25.
NOTE: If your water supply contains iron, compensate
for it by adding to the water hardness number.
For example, assume your water is 20 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 30 for your hardness number.
20 gpg hardness
2 ppm iron x 5 = 10 +10
(times) 30 HAR NESS NUMBER
If your water supply contains iron, it is recom-
mended that you clean your water softener resin
bed at least every 6 months. Your local Sears
store has Water Softener Cleaner (Part Number
34427) available.
2. When finished setting your water’s hardness number,
press the SELECT button, and the display will change
to show the “Recharge Time” screen.
Figure 18

13
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Programming the Softener
If you completed the previous step, the words “RE -
CHARGE TIME" should show in the display. Otherwise,
press the SELECT button several times until they do.
1. The softener’s default recharge start time is 2:00 AM.
This is normally a time of day when water is not
being used in the household. Hard water bypasses
the softener if the household draws water during the
recharge cycle. If a different recharge start time is
desired, press the rUP or sOWN buttons to
change the time, in 1-hour increments. Be sure AM or
PM is correct.
2. When the desired recharge start time is displayed,
press the SELECT button, and the display will return
to the normal run (time of day) screen.
SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) START TIME
Figure 19
Figure 20

14
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Sanitizing the Softener
SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER
1. Open salt lid, remove the brinewell cover and pour
about 3 oz. (6 tablespoons) of household bleach into
the softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell cover.
2. Make sure the bypass valve(s) is in the “service”
(open) position.
3. Start a recharge: Press the REGENERATION button
and hold for 3 seconds, until “RECHARGE”, “Serv”
and “Fill” begin to flash in the display. This recharge
draws the sanitizing bleach into and through the
water softener. Any air remaining in the unit is
purged to the drain.
4. After the recharge has completed, fully open a cold
water faucet, downstream from the softener, and
allow 50 gallons of water to pass through the sys-
tem. This should take at least 20 minutes. Close the
faucet.
Your new Sears softener is now softening the water for
your household needs. However, your WATER HEATER
is filled with hard water. To have fully soft water right
away, you can drain the water heater so it refills with
soft water. If you don’t drain the water heater, it will
take a few days before you have fully soft water.
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new softener,
water coming from the taps may initially be dis-
colored. This normally occurs the first time
water runs through the resin bed. The discol-
ored water is not harmful, and the discoloration
will not last more than a few minutes.
Adding Salt to the Storage Tank
Untreated Water Hardness
(grains per gallon)
Softener Setting when
using KCl salt (add 25%)
5 gpg 7 gpg
10 gpg 13 gpg
15 gpg 19 gpg
20 gpg 25 gpg
25 gpg 35 gpg
30 gpg 40 gpg
35 gpg 45 gpg
40 gpg 50 gpg
ADDING SA T TO THE STORAGE TANK
You must keep salt in the tank, but it is not necessary to
fill it full. Especially in humid areas, it is best to fill the
storage tank no more than half full, and to add salt
more often. Salt “bridging” occurs more often when
conditions are humid.
Use NUGGET or PELLET water softener salt. O NOT
use rock salts, as they have dirt and sediments that will
stop the softener from working. To maintain optimum
performance of your water softener, the salt tank
should be cleaned out every 2 to 3 years.
POTASSIUM CH ORIDE (KCl) SA T
If you choose Potassium Chloride (KCl) as a regenerant,
following these suggestions will help give you years of
maintenance free service.
1. Place only one bag of KCl in your softener at a time
(the salt storage tank should contain no more than
60 pounds of KCl at any one time).
2. A softener using KCl should not be placed in areas
with temperature fluctuations and high humidity (KCl
will harden in these environments and may make the
softener inoperable).
3. Check the brine tank and brinewell (black tube in
salt storage tank) monthly. If hardening is present,
pour small amounts of warm water onto hardened
areas until they loosen.
4. If your softener does not have a KCl salt setting, you
must increase your hardness setting by 25% to
ensure continuous soft water. See table at right.
Persons who are on sodium restricted diets should con-
sider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium
intake. For example, if your water supply is 15 grains
hard, and you drank 3 quarts of softened water you
would consume 335 milligrams of sodium. That is
equivalent to eating 2-1/2 slices of white bread.
WATER SOFTENING SA T WITH IRON
REMOVING ADDITIVES
Some salts have an additive to help the softener handle
iron in the water supply. These salts may be used if
your water supply has a high iron con tent. It is recom-
mended to use Sears Water Softener Clean er (refer to
the parts list in back of manual for part number) for
periodic treatments to keep your resin bed clean. This
is available at your local Sears store.
Persons who are concerned about their drinking water
should consider a Kenmore reverse osmosis drinking
water system that will remove in excess of 90% of the
sodium and other drinking water contaminants.

Salt
press for tonight
hold for immediate
Salt
Level
Low
LEVEL
SALT
ALARM
SALT
Set
15
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Controller Features
Figure 21
Figure 22
EXTRA RECHARGE
Sometimes, a manually initiated recharge (regeneration)
may be desired, or needed. Two examples are:
=You have used more water than usual (guests visiting)
and you may run out of soft water before the next
automatic regeneration.
=You did not add salt to the softener before it ran out.
Add salt to the softener before regenerating.
You can start a regeneration immediately, or you can
set the controller to regenerate at the next preset
recharge time (2:00 AM, or as set).
RECHARGE NOW
Press the REGENERATION button and hold for 3 sec-
onds, until the words “RECHARGE”, “Serv” and “Fill”
begin to flash in the display. The softener enters the fill
cycle of regeneration immediately. This regeneration
will take about 2 hours to complete. Then, you will
have soft water again.
NOTE: If the “Clean Feature” is set ON, the normal
regeneration cycle is preceded by a cleaning
backwash and rinse. The words “CLEAN” and
“Bkwsh” or “Rinse” flash in the display, along
with the minutes of the clean cycle remaining.
RECHARGE TONIGHT
Press and release (do not hold) the REGENERATION
button. “RECHARGE TONIGHT” will begin flashing in
the display, and the softener will begin regeneration at
the next preset recharge time (2:00 AM, or as set). If
you decide to cancel the regeneration before it starts,
press and release the REGENERATION button once
more. “RECHARGE TONIGHT” will stop flashing in the
display.
3. Press the SET SALT LEVEL button as many times as
necessary to make the salt level bars in the display
(see Fig. 23) match the number on the decal. At
level 2 or below, the “Low Salt" indicator will flash.
4. If you want to turn the salt monitor off, press the SET
SALT LEVEL button past 8, until “OFF” shows in the
display next to the number 8.
SA T MONITOR SYSTEM
The water softener has a salt monitor indicator light to
remind you to add salt to the storage tank.
NOTE: You must set salt level each time salt is added
to the water softener.
NOTE: The salt monitor system estimates salt levels, and
accuracy will vary with different salts.
To set this monitor system:
1. Lift the salt lid and level the salt in the storage tank.
2. The yellow salt level decal, on the brinewell inside
the tank, has numbers from 0 to 8 (see Fig. 23).
Observe the highest number the leveled salt is at, or
closest to.
Figure 23
LEVEL
SALT
Salt
Level
ecal
Salt Level
Bars
Brinewell
Figure 24

Figure 26
Figure 27
16
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Controller Features
OPTIONA SETTINGS:
=SA T EFFICIENCY
=C EAN FEATURE
=C EAN FEATURE MINUTES
=MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERA-
TIONS
=97% FEATURE
=12 / 24 HOUR C OCK
=BACKWASH & FAST RINSE TIMES
1. To set any of these options, press and hold SELECT
for 3 seconds until “000” shows in the display. Then
press (do not hold) SELECT again to display one of
the “Salt Efficiency” screens shown below.
SA T EFFICIENCY: When this feature is ON, the
water softener will operate at salt efficiencies of
4000 grains of hardness per pound of salt or higher.
The softener may recharge more often using smaller
salt dosage and less water. This softener is shipped
with the efficiency feature set OFF. Installations in
the State of California require this setting to be
turned ON. Use the rUP or sOWN buttons to
change between OFF and ON.
Figure 25
California Efficiency Requirement
Your Kenmore Water Softener has a “High
Efficiency” feature that can be set ON or OFF.
This softener is shipped with the efficiency feature
set OFF, which will utilize the maximum rated
capacity while most often achieving maximum salt
efficiencies. When installing this unit in the State
of California, you MUST turn the efficiency feature
ON. The softener may initiate more frequent
recharges, but it will operate at 4000 grains per
pound of salt or higher.
Efficiency Icon
2. Press SELECT again to display one of the “Clean”
screens shown below.
C EAN: This feature is beneficial on water supplies
containing iron and/or high amounts of sediments
(sand, silt, dirt, etc.). When set to ON, a backwash
and fast rinse cycle will occur first, preceding the
normal regeneration sequence. This provides extra
cleaning of the resin bed before it is regenerated
with the salt brine. To conserve water, if your water
supply does not contain iron or sediments, be sure
this feature is set to OFF. The default is OFF. Use
the rUP or sOWN buttons to change between
OFF and ON.
3. Press SELECT again to display the “Clean Time”
screen shown below.
C EAN FEATURE MINUTES: If you have set the
Clean Feature ON, the length of the extra backwash
cycle auto matically is set to 2 minutes. However, you
can ad just this time from 1 to 15 minutes in length.
To change this cycle time, use the rUP button to
increase the time, or the sOWN button to short-
en the time. If no change is desired, continue to next
step.

Figure 29
Figure 30
17
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Controller Features
4. Press SELECT again to display the “Recharge ays”
screen.
MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS: The
electronic controller automatically determines regen-
eration fre quency. This provides the greatest operat-
ing efficiency and, under most conditions this feature
will be left in its default mode. However, you can
set this feature to force a regeneration every set
number of days. You may want to do this if, for
exam ple, your water supply contains iron and you
want the softener to regenerate at least once every
few days to keep the resin bed clean. Use the r
UP or sOWN buttons to change the number of
days (up to 6).
5. Press SELECT again to display the “97%” screen.
97% FEATURE: The 97% Feature can save salt and
water by regenerating when 97% of the softener’s
capacity has been used up. With this feature ON,
the regeneration can occur at any time (whenever
the system has reached 97% of its capacity). The
default is OFF. If this feature is desired, turn it on by
pressing the rUP button.
Figure 28
Example:
Set to 4 days maxi mum
between regenerations
efault isplay
6. Press SELECT again to display the “12 or 24 hr”
screen.
12 OR 24 HOUR C OCK: All time displays are shown
in standard clock time (1 to 12 AM; and 1 to 12 PM)
at the 12 hr default setting. If 24 hour time format is
desired, set to 24 hr by pressing the rUP button.
7. Press SELECT again to display the alternating screens
shown in Figure 31.
BACKWASH & FAST RINSE TIMES: If you experience
salty tasting water after regeneration, you may need
to increase the backwash and fast rinse times. The
cycle times during regenerations are determined by
the softener’s electronic controller. However, you may
increase the backwash and fast rinse times, in 1
minute increments. If you wish to increase the back-
wash time, use the rUP button to add up to 15 min-
utes to the backwash time. Then press SELECT to dis-
play the alternating screens shown in Figure 32.
If you wish to increase the fast rinse time, use the
rUP button to add up to 15 minutes to the fast
rinse time.
8. Press SELECT to return to the normal run (time of
day) screen.
Figure 31
Figure 32

18
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Controller Features
Figure 34
Figure 33
Figure 35
TANK IGHT
To turn on the light inside the salt storage tank, press
the TANK LIGHT button on the faceplate. Press this
button again to turn the light off. It will also turn off
automatically after 15 minutes.
RECHARGE TIME REMAINING & VA VE
POSITION INDICATORS
One of the valve position indicators (Serv, Fill, Brine,
Bkwsh, Rinse) is displayed while the softener is recharg -
ing. RECHARGE flashes in the display and, beginning
with Brine, the minutes of recharge remaining before
return to service appears in place of the present time.
When the valve is moving from one cycle to another,
both position indica tors are flashing.
WATER F OW THROUGH THE SOFTENER
If soft water is in use, the water flow bars continually
scroll across the display. The bars scroll slowly when
water flow is slow, and move faster as water flow
increases. The flow bars do not show when all faucets
and water using appliances are off.
Tank Light
Icon
PROGRAM MEMORY
If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time dis-
play is blank but the electronic controller keeps the cor-
rect time for several hours. When electrical power
comes on again, you will have to reset the present time
only if the display is flashing. The HAR NESS and
RECHARGE TIME never require resetting unless a
change is desired. Even if the clock is incorrect after a
long power outage, the softener works as it should to
keep your water soft, however, regenerations may occur
at the wrong time of day until you reset the clock to the
correct time of day.
KENMORE’S U TRA C EANSING FEATURE
The ultra cleansing feature keeps larger particles of
sediment from entering the home’s plumbing system. As
water passes through the softener, the larger sediment
particles are collected in the integrated basket and
then rinsed to the drain before each regeneration. The
ultra cleansing feature provides added protection for
water using appliances by reducing the chance of larg-
er particles entering the various products valves and
screens. The “Clean Feature” may be turned ON to
provide an extra backwash that will help keep the ultra
cleansing screen clean. The default is OFF.
IMPORTANT: The ultra cleansing feature is not intended
to replace pretreatment filtration. For
problem water applications, additional
sediment filtration is recommended.
Sears offers a full line of dedicated sediment filtration
products.
Figure 36
Flow bars scroll when soft water is in use
Valve
Position
Indicator
Recharge
Time
Remaining
Top
istributor
Ultra Cleansing Screen
Resin
Tank

19
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Care of Your Water Softener
SA T BRIDGE
Sometimes, a hard crust or salt “bridge” forms in the
brine 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 the salt. Then, salt
will not dissolve in the water to make brine. Without
brine, the resin bed is not recharged and hard water
will result.
If the storage tank is full of salt, it is difficult to tell if
you have a salt bridge. A bridge may be underneath
loose salt. Take a broom handle, or like tool, and hold
it next to the water softener. Measure the distance
from the floor to the rim of the water softener. Then,
gently push the broom handle straight down into the
salt. If a hard object is felt before the pencil mark is
even with the top, it is most likely a salt bridge. Gently
push into the bridge in several places to break it. o
not use any sharp or pointed objects as you may punc-
ture the brine tank. o not try to break the salt bridge
by pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You may
damage the tank. Figure 37
Salt Bridge
Salt
Empty Space
Water Level
1” - 2”
Pencil
Mark
Broom
Handle
Push tool into
salt bridge
to break
Service Information
A WAYS MAKE THESE INITIA CHECKS FIRST
1. oes the time display show the correct time of day?
=If display is blank, check power source to the sof-
tener.
=If time is flashing, power was off for a long peri-
od. The softener resumes normal operation but
regenerations occur at the wrong time.
=If an error code (example: “Err3”) shows in the dis-
play, go to “Troubleshooting”.
2. Are bypass valve(s) fully in service position?
3. Are the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the sof-
tener inlet and outlet respectively?
4. Is the softener’s transformer plugged into a “live”,
grounded wall outlet, and the power cable fastened
securely to the controller?
5. Is the valve drain hose free of kinks and sharp bends,
and not elevated more than 8 ft. above the floor?
6. Is there salt in the storage tank?
7. Is the brine tubing connected? Brine tubing connects
to nozzle/venturi and brine valve assembly.
8. Press the SELECT button twice to display the hard-
ness setting. Make sure it is correct for the house-
hold’s water supply. Perform a hardness test of the
untreated incoming water and compare with the
hardness setting. Also test a soft water sample to
verify if a problem exists. Press the SELECT button
several more times to return to present time display.

20
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Service Information
TROUB ESHOOTING
If your water softener does not work properly, make the following easy checks. Often, you will find what is wrong
yourself and you won’t have to call and wait for service. If you do not find anything wrong while making the checks,
and your softener still does not work properly, call your Sears Service epartment.
PROB EM CAUSE CORRECTION
No soft water No salt in the storage tank. Add salt and then use RECHARGE NOW
feature.
No soft water & dis-
play is blank
Transformer unplugged at wall outlet, or
power cable disconnected from back of
electronic board or transformer malfunction.
Check for loss of power and correct.
Reprogram electronic control and then use
RECHARGE NOW feature.
Fuse blown, circuit breaker tripped, or cir-
cuit switched off (see “Power Outage
Memory”).
Replace fuse, reset circuit breaker, or switch
circuit on, and then use RECHARGE NOW
feature.
No soft water & salt
level not dropping
Salt storage tank “bridged”. Refer to “Breaking a Salt Bridge”.
Bypass valve(s) in “bypass” position. Move bypass valve(s) to “service” position.
No soft water & salt
storage tank full of
water
irty, plugged or damaged nozzle & ven-
turi assembly
Take apart, clean and inspect nozzle & ven-
turi (see instruction decal under salt lid).
Valve drain hose is plugged or restricted. Hose must not have any kinks, sharp bends or
any water flow blockage (See “Valve rain
Requirements”).
Intermittent hard
water
Incorrect time set. Check and change time setting.
Incorrect water hardness set. Refer to “Set Water Hardness Number” to
set correctly.
Hot water being used when softener is
regenerating.
Avoid using hot water while the softener is
regenerating, as the water heater will fill with
hard water.
Possible increase in water hardness. Test untreated water for hardness and iron.
Program the water softener accordingly (see
“Set Water Hardness Number”).
Brine tank flooded Valve drain hose is plugged or restricted. Hose must not have any kinks, sharp bends or
any water flow blockage (See “Valve rain
Requirements”).
irty, plugged or damaged nozzle & ven-
turi assembly.
Take apart, clean and inspect nozzle & ven-
turi (see “Cleaning the Nozzle & Venturi”).
Salty tasting water
immediately after
regeneration
Backwash and fast rinse cycle times are not
long enough.
Increase backwash & fast rinse times (see
“Back Wash & Fast Rinse Times”).
Valve drain hose is plugged or restricted. Hose must not have any kinks, sharp bends or
any water flow blockage (see “Valve rain
Requirements”).
Error code appears
(example: “Err3”)
Fault in electronic controller or wiring har-
ness connections to position switch, position
switch inoperable or motor inoperable.
Unplug power cord. Check all wiring con-
nections to be sure they are secure. Plug in
power cord and wait 6 minutes. If error
code returns, call Kenmore Water Line.