Kenmore 625.38811 User manual

OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
Kenmore C-20
625.388110
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
(M - F, 7 am - 8 pm, CST)
For repair or replacement
parts, call this toll-free num-
ber...
1-800-366-7278
See back cover for other
Sears service numbers.
www, KenmoreWater, com
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Water Softener
with Deluxe Valve
• Warranty
• Start Up /Setting Timer
• How It Works
• Care Of
• Specifications
• Repair Parts
Use the plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals
nearby" the softener for future reference.
I Sears, Roebuck and Co., 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA I
PRINTED IN U.S.A. 7267326 (R_v. A3[23[04)

...........................................................................................................WARRANTY
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i_J_J_ _J_J_ _J_J,
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 workmanship in this water softener.
FULL TEN YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST LEAKS
For ten years from the date of purchase, Sears will furnish and install a new current
model water softener tank or salt storage drum, free of charge, if either the tank
or drum develop a leak.
TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT THE NEAREST SEARS
SERVICE CENTER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. This warranty ap-
plies 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 SEARS INSTALLATION WARRANTY
All installation labor arranged by Sears shall be per-
formed in a neat, workmanlike manner in accor-
dance with generally accepted trade practices. Fur-
ther, all installations shall comply with all local
laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Customer
shall also be protected, during installation, by insur-
ance relating to Property Damage, Workman's
Compensation and Public Liability.
In addition to any warranty extended to you on the
Sears merchandise involved, which warranty be-
comes effective the date the merchandise in
installed, should the workmanship of any Sears ar-
ranged 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 NoA-
Serial Number /
Date Installed rating decal
Water Hardness Grains Per Gallon (underside of
Iron Content Parts Per Million salt hole cover)
pH. Taste And /Or Odor
Water Pressure Pounds /Square Inch
Water Flow Rate Gallons Per Minute
The model number is on the rating decal, located on the rhn, under the salt hole coy er.
A

I............................................ OF CONTENTS
',_.........,_.......,_.......,_.......,_.......,_.......,_.......,_ TABLE
B
I_
0
N
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,_ _ ,_,
a_
B.
C.
D.
E.
a_
B_
a_
B_
C.
D.
a_
a_
WATER SOFTENER START UP
Safety Guides
Check List of Step-By-Step Guides To Install
Program The Timer ...................................
Sanitizing The Water Softener ..........................
Adding Salt to the Storage Tank ........................
HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
Faceplate _mer Features
Soft Water Service and Regeneration
CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
Salt: Refilling Storage Tank /Salt Bridge
Keeping The Water Softener Clean
Protect The Water Softener From Freezing
Checklist (Not Getting Soft Water)
ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER
Dimensions /Specifications
PAGE NO.
1-1
1-2
1-3, 1-4
1-5
1-6
2-1
2-2 to 24
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
4-1,4-2
B_
C.
a_
SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
Troubleshooting ...................................... 5-1 to 5-4
Rotary Valve Service 5-5
Water Flow Through The Softener Valve ................. 5-6 to 5-8
B_
C.
REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
Water Softener
Water Softener Parts List
Valve Assembly Parts List
6-1
6-2
6-3, 6-4
B

SECTION1 WATER SOFTENER START UP
S
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A. SAFETY GUIDES
•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 water softener will remove hardness minerals
and "clear water" iron* from water, up to the limits
shown on page 4-1. It will not remove other types of
iron, acids, tastes and odors, etc. It will not purify pol-
luted water or make it safe to drink.
•Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Dam-
age from freezing voids the softener warranty. See
page 3-3.
CAUTIONS
PLEASE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING
GUIDES TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SOFTENER
OR OTHER PROPERTY, PERSONAL INJURY, OR POS-
SIBLE FATAL SHOCK.
•THIS SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLTS ONLY. BE
SURE TO USE ONLY THE TRANSFORMER INCLUDED,
AND PLUG IT INTO A NOMINAL 120V, 60 CYCLE
HOUSEHOLD OUTLET THAT IS GROUNDED AND
PROPERLY PROTECTED BY AN OVERCURRENT DE-
VICE SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE. IF
TRANSFORMER IS REPLACED, USE ONLY THE AU-
THORIZED SERVICE, CLASS II, 24 VOLT, 10 VA
TRANSFORMER.
•Unplug the transformer right away if the power
cable should become damaged or frayed. Make re-
pairs, or replace 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.
* Capacity to remove clear water iron was tested in the
field by the manufacturer.
1-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION1 WATER SOFTENER START UP
B. CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL
_lb be sure you have done all the steps to install the
softener, read the following list. Refer to the Instal-
lation Manual, part no. 7267336, for step-by-step
guides.
Page numbers referred to are in the Installation
Manual unless otherwise noted.
m" Is the house water flow going INTO the softener
valve INLET? "lYace piping to be sure. See pages
2-4 and 2-5.
m" Is the plumbing bypass valve (or 3 valves) set for
SERVICE? Bypass valve(s) should always re-
main in soft water service position. Position in
"bypass" only if needed for softener repairs. See
FIG. 14, page 4-1 of this manual.
Is the valve drain hose connected the right way,
and without sharp bends or kinks that could
stop or reduce water flow? See page 3-5 in the
installation manual.
Page numbers referred to are in the Installation
Manual unless otherwise noted.
m" Is the transformer plugged into an inside, al-
ways live, grounded, 120V-60Hz electrical out-
let? See pages 3-8 and 3-9 in the installation
manual, and the wiring schematic on page 5-1 of
this manual.
Be sure to restart the water heater. See page
3-9.
plastic
VALVE
INLET
3va,veJl
Bypass Valve(s)
NOTE; Codes in the state of Massachusetts require installation
by alicensed plianber. For installation, use plumbing, code
Z48- CMR of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION1 WATER SOFTENER START UP
C. PROGRAM THE TIMER
display/I-
RECHARGE button
f
f_
_,._;TRONf_ BeQhaFge Tonight
WATER
_,__ up button
SOFTENER
down button
SELECT button
When the transformer is plugged in, a model code,
and a test number (example: $3.0) show in the face
plate display for 4 seconds. Then, 12:00 AM and
PRESENT TIME begin to flash.
53.0
=RESENT TIMtE j
Notes:
If SR --shows in the display, press the UP [Zg or
DOWN (_ button until SR17 is shown. Then, press
the SELECT button to set, and change to the flashing
PRESENT TIME display.
To check the model code, unplug the transformer at
the wall outlet and plug in again, if other than SR17
shows, see page 5-3 to 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
mean the timer will not accept a change from the
button you have pressed, telling you to use another
button. For example, while setting the hardness
(step 2), the beeper sounds repeatedly when the dis-
play reaches i using the DOWN button, or the high-
est hardness setting using the UP button.
_SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY
If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the dis-
play, press the SELECTbutton (FIG. 2) until they do,
or see the previous notes.
• 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.
Each press of the UP /DOWN buttons changes
the time by one minute. Holding the buttons in
changes the time rapidly.
1-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION1 WATER SOFTENER START UP
C. PROGRAM THE TIMER
m
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER I_ SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME
m
• Press the SELECT button once to display 25
(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 A, for future reference.
2S
If your water supply contains iron, compensate for
it by adding to the water hardness number. For ex-
ample, assume your water is 20 gpg hard and con-
tains 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 ppmiron x 5 = 10 +10
(times) 30 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 i between i and 25. Between 25 and the
highest number, the display changes 5 at a
time... 25, 30, 35, etc. Holding the UP or DOWN but-
ton in changes the display twice each second.
• Press the SELECT button to display 2:00 AM
(flashing) and RECHARGE TIME.
At the 2:00 AM recharge time _'_]0_"
setting, the softener begins re- '_
generation (see pages 2-3 and
2-4) at 2:00 AM, ending no later
than 4:00 AM. This is a good time in most house-
holds because water is not being used (see Auto-
matic Bypass, page 2- 4). 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 present time of day.
Note:
Each press of the UP /DOWN buttons changes the
display i hour. Holding the buttons in changes the
display twice each second.
• Press the SELECT button once again, to com-
plete initial programming, and RECHARGE TO-
NIGHT shows in the display.
IF YOU NEED HELP PROGRAMMING THE TIMER, CALL TOLL FREE,
NUMBER 1- 800 -426 - 9345.
SEE PAGE 2-1 FOR OTHER FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES.
1-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION1 WATER SOFTENER START UP
D. SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water soft-
ener clean and sanitary. 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 'at
when installing.
[The first time you sanitize your softener, be sure
to do all steps in the installation manual, and on
pages 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 of this manual first.
Note: Be certain the bypass valve is pulled out
to "service" position.
_!_ Lift the salt hole cover and use a pail to fill the
salt storage tank with 3 gallons of water.
[]Remove the brinewell cover (FIG. 3) and pour
about 3/4 ounce, or i to 2 tablespoons, of com-
mon 5.25%, unscented, household bleach (Clo-
rox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail Eagle, etc.) in the
softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell cover.
[]Press the ON/OFF-HOED button and hold for3
seconds to start a recharge. This first recharge
does several things.
• It draws the bleachinto and through the softener
to sanitize it.
salt hole cover
brinewell cover
(remove and add about
3[4 o_. bleach)
brirlewell
w_tter, J
about 3gallons
• It fills the salt tank to the water level needed.
• It gets all the air out of the resin tank.
• It prepares the resin bed (see page 2-3) for ser-
vice and flushes residual chlorine from the soften-
er.
Notes:
This recharge takes about 2 hours.
You can sanitize the softener with or without salt
in the storage tank.
)
F
(t9 Recommended by the water Quality Association. On some
water supplies, the water softener may need periodic
disinfecting.
1-5
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

E. ADDING SALT TO STORAGE TANK
Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed for each
and every regeneration. The water for making brine
is metered into the salt storage tank by the softener.
However, you must keep salt in the tank, but it is not
necessary to keep it full. It is best to fill the storage
tank one quarter to one half full, and to refill it
more often. Salt bridging (see page 3-1) occurs
more often when conditions are humid and the tank
is filled to the top.
Fill the tank with NUGGET or PELLET water soft-
ener 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.
If you choose Potassium Chloride (KC1) as a regen-
erant, following these suggestions will help give
you years of maintenance free service.
1) Place only one bag of KC1 in your softener at a
time (the salt storage tank should contain no more
than 60 pounds of KC1 at any one time).
2) A softener using KC1 should not be placed in
areas with temperature fluctuations and high hu-
midity (KC1 will harden in these environments and
may make the softener inoperable).
3) Check the brine tank and brine well (black tube in
salt storage tank) monthly. If hardening is present,
pour small amounts of warm water on hardened
areas until they loosen.
4) If your softener does not have a KC1 salt setting
you must increase your hardness setting by 25% to
ensure continuous soft water as in example below.
Kaw Water Hardel_ss
(grams per $aLLcq0Svft_ner setting wheil usu_ KCI
5gp$ 7gp$
i0$p$ 13 $p$
15 $p$ 19$p$
$p$ 26gp$
*25%_
26 $p$ 32.gp$
30 $p$ 38 gp$
35 $p$ 44gp$
40 $p$ 50 gp$
WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON REMOV-
ING 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 content. It is recommended to use Sears
Resin Bed Cleaner 42- 34426, for periodic treatments
to keep your resin bed clean. This is available at
your local Sears store.
brinewell
Gov_r
brinewell --
saJt
storage
_t&qk
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 so-
dium. That is equivalent to eating 2-1/2 slices of
white bread.
Persons who are concerned about their drinking
water should consider a Kenmore Drinking Water
System that will remove or reduce in excess of 90%
of the sodium and other drinking water contami-
nants.
1-6
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
A. FACEPLATE TIMER FEATURES
S
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•EXTRA RECHARGE
Sometimes, a manually started
regeneration (recharge) may be
desired, or needed. Two exam-
ples are:
- You have used more water than
usual (guests visiting) and you
may run out of soft water before
the next timer started regenera-
tion.
- You did not refill the softener
with salt before it was gone. After
you refill with salt:
You can start a regeneration right
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 RECHARGE button
and hold for 3 seconds. RE- 3; !o_w_
CHARGE NOW begins to flash ,_C.A_aE
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 ,_ j,_ ]
RECHARGE button. RE- =1,=_ !
CHARGE TONIGHT flashes in REC.ARGETO.lO.T]
the display, and the softener be-
gins regeneration at the next preset recharge time.
Press and release the RECHARGE button once more
if you decide to cancel the regeneration, and RE-
CHARGE 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 pow-
er comes on again, you have to reset the present
time only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS
and RECHARGE TIME never require resetting un-
less a change is desired.Even if the timer is incorrect
after a long power outage, the softener works as it
should to keep your water soft. However, regenera-
tions may occur at the wrong time of day until you
reset the timer to the correct time of day.
•ERROR CODE
An error code could appear in b_ .. n
the face plate display if a prob- _--_ L! t
lem occurs in the softener elec-
tronics. If you see an error code
instead of the present time of day, turn to page 5-2
under "_lYoubleshooting" to resolve the problem.
IF YOU NEED HELP PROGRAMMING THE TIMER, CALL TOLL FREE,
NUMBER 1- 800-426- 9345.
2-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION
SERVICE REGENERATION
When the softener is giving you soft water, it is
called "Service". During service, hard water comes
from the house main water pipe into the softener.
Inside the softener resin tank is a bed made up of
thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads (FIG. 5). As
hard water passes through the bed, each bead at-
tracts and holds the hardness minerals. This is
called ion-exchanging. 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 hold all of the hardness miner-
als they can, and cleaning with salt brine is needed.
This cleaning is called regeneration or recharge. Re-
generation is started at 2:00 a.m. by the electronic
timer (see page 2-5). It takes place in 5 stages or
cycles. These are:
I ILL i BACKWASH
BRINING FAST RINSE
[] BRINE RINSE
[] FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine.
Brine is needed to clean the hardness minerals from
the resin beads. _lb make the brine, water flows into
the salt storage area during the fill stage as shown
in FIG. 6. 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
soft water hardwater
OUT IN
Water Flow Through
the Softener in Service
soft water hard water
OUT IN
saltstorage
tank
brinevalve
\NXN\
saltstorage
tank(salt
brinevalve resin tank
resinbed fill water
2-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION
[] BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved
from the salt storage area, into the resin tank. Inside
the resin tank, brine deans 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 service water used between regen-
erations,
- - the amount of resin in the softener,
- - how fast the brine goes through the bed.
The nozzle and venturi (FIG. 7) make suction to take
brine from the salt tank and put it into the resin tank.
They keep the brine flow down to a very slow rate
to get the best resin cleaning with the least salt.
[] BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine is moved
into the resin tank, the brine valve closes. Water
keeps flowing the same way it did during brining
except the brine flow has stopped. Hardness miner-
als and brine flush from the resin tank to the drain.
Brining and brine rinse together vary in the length
of time they take, relative to the fill cycle length.
Water Flow Through the Softener
in Brining and Brine Rinse
hard water ha.rd water
bYP_S OUT t } IN
no_le &
drain
and to the drain. The bed lifts and expands for good
cleaning.
Water Flow Through the
Softener in Backwash
hard water hard water
bY_sOUTI ! iN
drain
resinbedlifted
andexpanded
[] 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. 9).
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
softwater hardwater
ou, I '"
brine valve
\\\\ •
\
brine
[] BACKWASH: During backwash, water flows
UP through the resin tank (FIG. 8) at a fast rate to
flush iron minerals, dirt and sediments from the bed
drain
2-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION2 , , I HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION
AUTOMATIC BYPASS
During the brining, brine rinse and backwash cycles
of regeneration, HARD water goes through the soft-
ener valve and to the house pipes. If a faucet is
opened, hard water is there for your needs. Howev-
er, you should not use hot water, if possible, because
the water heater will refill with hard water. The soft-
ener, as factory programmed, regenerates from 2:00
AM to about 4:00 AM, a time when not much water
is used.
If you start your day earlier in the morning (prior ro
4:00 AM), you may want to change the recharge
starting time. Set the recharge time to 12:00 AM or
1:00 AM (page 1-4). 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 main parts of the softener's electronics are []
a WATER METER, and [] a COMPUTER.
[] WATER METER-- The water meter is in the soft-
ener valve outlet. As water flows through the meter,
it sends electric pulses to the computer. The com-
puter changes the pulses to a measure in gallons of
water.
[] COMPUTER -- The computer is part of the
faceplate timer circuit board. It is programmed to
know the softener's capacity (how many grains of
hardness minerals it will take out of the water before
a regeneration is needed). When starting the soften-
er, page 1- 4, you set it for the grains per gallon (gpg)
hardness of the water.
"lb find a regeneration pattern best for your needs,
the computer uses: (1) 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 toward providing you with soft
water for the longest time and 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 set) it will schedule a regeneration.
RECHARGE TONIGHT displays until the
regeneration begins. When the regeneration begins,
RECHARGE TONIGHT goes off and RECHARGE
NOW flashes during the regeneration.
2-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION3 CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
A. SALT: ADDING TO STORAGE TANK, SALT BRIDGE
S
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WHEN TO ADD SALT: Check the
salt level a few weeks after you
install the softener and every
week after that. Add salt to the
storage tank when the salt height
is reduced to about 1/4 full (see
note on page 1-6). Never let the
softener use all the salt before adding. Without
salt, you will soon have hard water.
Note:
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 1-6 FOR DIRECTIONS ON ADDING SALT.
SALT BRIDGE
Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the
salt storage tank. It is usually caused by high hu-
midity 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 wa-
ter to make brine. Without brine, the resin bed does
not regenerate and you will have hard water.
Salt Bridge
pushtoolinto salt
bridge tobreak
If the storage tankis 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. 10. Make a pencil mark on
the handle, 1" or 2" below the top height of the rim.
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.
1n_2n
pencil
m&rR
broom
handle
salt
salt
brid,ge
water
level
If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out.
Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only.
3-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN
NOZZLE & VENTURI
A clean nozzle and venturi (FIG. 11) is a must for the
softener to work right. This small unit moves brine
from the salt storage tank to the resin tank during re-
generation. If it becomes plugged with sand, silt,
dirt, etc., the softener will not work and you will get
hard water.
"lb 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).
1) Turn off the cap from the nozzle and venturi hous-
ing.
2) Lift out the screen support and screen, do not lose
the large o-ring seal.
3) Then the nozzle and venturi. Wash and rinse the
parts in warm water until clean. If needed, use a
small brush to remove iron or dirt. Also check and
clean the gasket, flow plugs and screens.
Carefully replace all parts in the correct order. Lu-
bricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease or Vase-
line and place in position. Install and tighten the
cap, by hand only. Do not overtighten and break
the cap or housing.
Cleaning Nozzle & Venturi
Gap
(HVDO)
Nozzle & Venturi
Housing
IRON FROM 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 al-
lowed in the specifications on page 4-1. With clear
water iron, water from a faucet is clear when first
put into a glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the water be-
gins 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). "lb take red water iron out of water,
or over the maximum of clear water iron, an iron ill-
ter 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. Your local Sears store
has resin bed cleaner, Item No. 42-34426 for this.
Clean the bed at least every 6 months. If iron shows
up in the soft water before 6 months, clean more
often. Printed instructions are on the resin bed
cleaner bottle.
3-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION 3 CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
C. PROTECT THE WATER 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. _lb
drain the softener:
[]Close the shut-off valve on the house main wa-
ter pipe, near the water meter or pressure tank.
[]Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent
pressure in the softener.
[]Refer to FIG. 14 on page 4-1. Move the stem in
a single bypass valve to bypass. Close the inlet
and outlet valve in a 3-valve bypass system, and
open the bypass valve. If you want water in the
house pipes again, reopen the shut-off valve on
the main water pipe.
Drain All Water From Softener
i
i
i
drain wood block
i,
I
[]Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet. Re- _ Looking at FIG. 12, lay a piece of 2 inch thick
move the salt hole cover and the main cover, board near the floor drain. Move the softener
_lhke off both drain hoses, close to the drain. SLOWLY and CAREFULLY,
tip it over until the rim rests on the wood block
[]Carefully remove the large holding clips at the over not
with the inlet and outlet the drain. Do
softener inlet and outlet (see Key No. 66, on page allow the softener's weight to rest on the inlet
6- 3). Separate the softener from the copper and outlet fittings or they will break.
tubes, or from the bypass valve. [] Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches
[]Remove the brinewell cover and disconnect the and hold until all water 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.
brine valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi as-
sembly (see page 3-2). Lift the brine valve out of
the brinewell. Tip the brine valve upside down
to drain water.
3-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION3 CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
D. 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 your-
self 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, call Kenmore Water Line at 1-800-426-9345.
Note:
1. Also read ERROR CODE, page 2-1.
2. If an error code is not displayed, press and hold the SELECT button until the display changes. Then, press
the SELECT button again and hold until a flashing SR code appears. It must show SR17. If any other number
shows, the face plate computer is working on incorrect input and would probably be the cause of the problem.
To set SR17, press either the UPI_ or DOWNI_ button. When the correct model code shows, press SELECT
to return a flashing 12:00 AM display. Reset the present time, hardness numbeT, etc., pages 1-3 and 1-4.
PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION
No soft water No salt (or salt bridged) in the storage tank
Transformer unplugged at the wall outlet,
or power cable leads loose from the
electronic board, 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 sometimes Hardness number setting too low
Refill with salt, or break the salt bridge (page
3-1). Press ON/OFF-HOLD (RECHARGE
NOW) button and hold for 3 seconds to start a
regeneration (see page 2-1).
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 2-1.
Look at FIG.14 on page 4-1. 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 3-2).
The drain hose must not have kinks, sharp
bends, or be raised too high above the
softener (see page 3-5 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 1-4 to
reset. Press and release the SELECT button
until the present time shows in the display.
Incorrect SR code selected. See above.
Using hot water when softener is Avoidusinghotwaterduringthistimebecause
regenerating the water heater refills with hard water (see
Automatic Bypass, page 2-4).
Increase in the grains of hardness in your Ask your Sears retail store for a new water
water supply analysis. Then make a new hardness number
setting (page 1-4).
Brine tank flooded Restricted drain line Check for kinks, bends or obstructions (see
page 3-5 in your installation manual).
Plugged or dirty nozzle & venturi Take apart and clean or replace damaged
parts (see page 3-2).
Valve-rotor disc & seals Check for scratches or grooves, replace if
needed.
3-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION4 KNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER
A. DIMENSIONS /SPECIFICATIONS
S
C
N
i_J_J_ _J_J_ _J_.
i_J_ _J_J_ _J_.
F
A
B
C
D
E
F1
F2
GM
Salt Tank Height 34-1/2 102.2
Resin Tank Diameter 8 20.3
(nominal)
Resin Tank Height 35 101.6
(nominal)
Inlet-Outlet Height 36-1/2 105.4
Overall Height 46 116.8
Length 18 49.5
Width 11-1/2 41,9
Distance between inlet- 3-3/8 8.6
outlet center lines
BYPASS VALVES
Bypass valve(s) should always remain in soft
water service position, Position in "bypass" only
if needed for softener repairs.
IN OUT SINGLE BYPASS
PULL STEM
OUTWARD
FOR
SERVICE
3-VALVE BYPASS
FOR SERVICE
close bypass valve
open inlet & outlet valves
FOR BYPASS
open bypass valve
close inlet & outlet valves
OUT
Outlet
Valve
IN
Bypass
1_ Valve
Inlet
Va_e
KENMORE 0-20 TIMER SR CODE SR17
Note: Please see the rating decal for operating capacity, salt usage and service flow rate/pressure loss
performance specifications. Performance specifications NSF/ANSI 44 standard requirements. The rating
decal is located on the rim, under the salt hole cover (see page A, inside front cover).
WATER SUPPLY TO WATER SOFTENER
Minimum water system flow (gpm)
Minimum-Max. water pressure (psi).
Minimum-Max. water temperature (°F)
Maximum water hardness (gpg)
Maximum "clear water" iron (ppm)
3
20 - 125
40- 120
41
5
SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER
Type of salt needed
Alternate type of salt
nugget or pellet
pure, evaporated, compacted
water softener salt
4-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION4 KNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER
A. DIMENSIONS /SPECIFICATIONS
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Type of ion exchange material (resin)
Amount of rosin (cuft)
Total rogeneration time
Efficiency Rating
Max. DrainFlow Rate (gpm)
high capacity
0.62
approximately 110 minutes
@ 3.7 salt dose
4940 @ 1.8 Ib salt
0.9
gpm = gallons per minute gpg = grains per gallon
psi = pounds per square inch ppm = parts per million
4-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION5 SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
S
C
N
A. TROUBLESHOOTING
WIRING SCHEMATIC 'i?i
9m
brN
valve
motor
FACEPLATE
display
RECHARGE button
(Recharge Tonight - Now)
UP button
jJ DOWN button
_SELECT button
Keep this manual with your water softener. If repairs are needed, the service technician must have
the information on the following 8 pages. For telephone assistance, call toll free, 1-800-426-9345.
ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST
_Does the time display show the correct time of
day?
- - If display is blank, check power source to the
softener.
- - If time is flashing, power was off for over 24
hours. The softener resumes normal operation
but regenerations occur at the wrong time.
-- If an error code (Example: Err3) shows in the
faceplate display, go to AUTOMATIC ELEC-
TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS.
_lJ Plumbing bypass valve(s) must be fully in ser-
vice position.
_The inlet and outlet pipes must connect to the
softener inlet and outlet respectively.
_Is the transformer plugged into a "live",
grounded wall outlet, and the power cable fas-
tened securely to the controller?
_l_The valve drain hose must be free of kinks and
sharp bends, and not elevated over 8 ft. above the
floor.
Remove the top cover and salt tank cover.
_Is there salt in the storage tank?
_Is the brine tubing connected? (See water flow
diagrams).
_Is the brine valve float set right? (See page 5-4).
_ 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 hard-
ness test of the raw water and compare with the
hardness setting. Also test a soft water sample to
verify if a problem exists.) Press the SELECT but-
ton twice more to return to present time in the
display.
If you do not find the problem after making initial
checks, do the MANUAL INITIATED ELEC-
TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS, and the MANUAL AD-
VANCE REGENERATION CHECK.
5-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line