Kinetico K5 User manual

Owner’s Manual • Guide d’utilisation • Manual del usuario
K5 Drinking Water Station

Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
Kinetico K5
Drinking Water Station
Owner’s Manual
Congratulations for choosing Kinetico to improve the quality of your water.
You will immediately begin to notice the numerous benefits of having quality
water in your home and the benefits of having a Kinetico water treatment
system.
Since 1970, Kinetico Incorporated has designed and manufactured products
to improve the quality of your water. Kinetico offers a complete line of
quality water systems to solve your water problems. Pioneers in non-electric,
demand operated water treatment, Kinetico continually sets the direction for
the entire water quality industry.
© 2012 Kinetico Incorporated
“Kinetico,” the Kinetico logo, the “QuickFlo Drinking Water, Storage Tank” with
logo, “MACguard”, “EverClean” and “PureMometer” are trademarks in the United
States, other countries or both, of Kinetico Incorporated, Newbury, Ohio.

Table of Contents
Using the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station ·············································· 2
How Your K5 Drinking Water Station Works ················································· 3
What Makes Your K5 Drinking Water Station Different
Is What Makes It Better ······················································································· 6
System Accessories ······························································································ 7
Maintaining Your K5 Drinking Water Station ················································· 8
Filter Changes ····························································································· 8
Shutting Off the System ··········································································· 9
Nitrate/Nitrite Kit ······················································································· 9
Cartridge Changes and Sanitization ······························································· 10
Replacement Filter Cartridges ··········································································· 11
System Specifications ························································································· 12
Maintenance Record ···························································································· 13
Version Francaise ································································································· F1
Version Espanõl ····································································································E1
Kine t ico Inc o rp o ra t e d
10845 Kinsman Rd.
Newbury, Ohio, 44065
USA
www.kinetico.com
Kinetico Canada Incorporated
21 Parr Blvd., Unit 10
Bolton, ON L7E 4G3
Canada
www.kinetico.com
Kine tico De n m a rk
ApS
Sandvadsvej7
4600 Køge
Denmark
Kine t ico UK Lim it e d
Bridge House
Park Gate Business
Centre
Chandler’s Way
Park Gate SO 31 1FQ
England
www.kinetico.co.uk
Kine t ico F ra n ce
Sarl
B.P. 80528 Osny
95528 Cergy-Pontoise Cedex
France
www.kinetico.fr
Kine t ico Ge rm a n y Gm b H
Bunzlauerstrasse 12-D
Höher-Grenzhausen
Germany 56203

Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
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2
Using the Kinetico K5
Drinking Water Station
Water is the most important resource liquid in the
world. And although the water you use for
drinking and cooking constitutes less than one
percent of all water used in the home, its quality is
probably most important to you.
Experts suggest you drink approximately eight,
eight-ounce glasses of water per day. Now that you have a
Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station, you can rest assured you’re drinking
clean, high quality water. And it will taste great too. With a Kinetico K5
Drinking Water Station, drinking those eight glasses of water will be a
pleasure, not a chore.
How To Use High Quality Drinking Water
Since Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Stations significantly reduce heavy
metals (such as lead), chemicals, minerals, and unpleasant tastes and odors
in your water*, you may want to make some adjustments when using
Kinetico Drinking Water for cooking.
* The contaminants listed are not necessarily in your water.
Let your taste buds decide how much water to use.
When mixing concentrated juices and drinks or making gelatin, tea or
coffee, you may need to adjust the amount of water used. You may find
that you can use less coffee or tea and still get the desired taste. Or in the
case of concentrated drinks, you can add more water without getting a
watered-down taste. Also, it probably won’t be necessary for you to
descale your automatic coffee maker with vinegar as recommended.
Kinetico Drinking Water is ideal for cooking and baking.
Don’t forget to use water from your Kinetico K5
Drinking Water Station for cooking pasta, and
washing fruits and vegetables. Whenever a
recipe calls for water, reach for your special
drinking water tap.

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3
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5
Use Kinetico Drinking Water in irons and small humidifiers/vaporizers.
For extended operation and easier maintenance, use Kinetico Drinking
Water in irons and small humidifiers. You’ll no longer have to buy
distilled water or suffer the consequences of using common tap water in
irons and humidifiers. Since water produced by your system has a reduced
mineral content, it’s ideal for use in these appliances and it’s available right
at your kitchen sink.
Make ice cubes with Kinetico Drinking Water.
If your refrigerator/freezer is equipped with an ice
maker, you may want to consider running a line
from your system to the ice maker. If you don’t
have an ice maker, be sure to fill your ice cube
trays with Kinetico Drinking Water. Either
way, you’ll be able to enjoy better tasting and
clearer ice cubes.
Houseplants and pets like Kinetico Drinking Water too.
Don’t forget about your plants and pets. Just like you, they’ll love Kinetico
Drinking Water.
How Your Drinking Water Station Works
The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station offers exclusive seven-stage
protection to ensure you’re always getting good, clean water. The K5
Drinking Water Station reduces the heavy metals, chemicals, minerals, and
objectionable tastes and odors that may be in your water. We even offer a
cartridge that adds valuable minerals to your treated drinking water.
Stage 1 – Prefilter
The first filtration stage prepares the water for the reverse osmosis process.
The five-micron filter captures sediment and small particulate matter, and
reduces chlorine protecting the reverse osmosis membrane and enhancing its
performance.
Replacement Cartridges:
Sediment Prefilter – Part number 9309A
Carbon and Sediment Prefilter – Part number 9461A

Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
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Stage 2 – Reverse Osmosis Membrane
After prefiltration, the water travels to the reverse osmosis membrane
where the primary cleaning is performed. Here, water is forced through a
semipermeable membrane under pressure, and most minerals, chemicals
or objectionable matter that might have been in your water are flushed
down the drain.
Replacement:
Reverse Osmosis Membrane – Part number 12752
Stage 3 – Auxiliary Filter #1
The next two stages allow you the flexibility to meet your needs, by
offering you a variety of cartridges.
VOC Guard – removes volatile organic compounds. See performance
data sheet for a list of contaminants.
Arsenic Guard* – by working with the RO membrane, the Arsenic
Guard is able to remove both trivalent arsenic and pentavalent arsenic. See
performance data sheet for more information on the two forms of arsenic.
Perchlorate Guard* – removes perchlorate, a by-product from rocket
and jet fuel, found in various locations around the world.
Chloramine Guard* – removes chloramine, a chemical used to treat
approximately 1/3 of US municipal water sources.
Mineral Plus* – this exciting new innovation adds beneficial minerals,
such as magnesium and calcium, to your drinking water. This cartridge
will also enhance the taste of your treated water.
Replacement Cartridges:
VOC Guard – Part number 12778
Arsenic Guard – Part number 11781
Perchlorate Guard – Part number 11682
Chloramine Guard – Part number 13766
Mineral Plus – Part number 13041
* Tested and verified by independent laboratory testing.

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Stage 4 – Auxiliary Filter #2
Purefecta Bacteria/Virus Guard – is certified by the WQA to remove
more than 99.99% of viruses and 99.99999% of bacteria. When used with
the VOC guard and an air charge tank, the system is a WQA certified
microbiological purifier. The Purefecta Bacteria/Virus Guard can only be
used in the auxiliary #2 position.
Replacement Cartridges:
Purefecta Bacteria/Virus Guard – Part number 12873
Optional Cartridge Placement:
VOC Guard – Part number 12778
Arsenic Guard – Part number 11781
Perchlorate Guard – Part number 11682
Chloramine Guard – Part number 13766
Mineral Plus – Part number 13041
Note: When using the VOC Guard in the auxiliary #2 position, the
Chloramine Guard must be used in the auxiliary #1 position.
Stage 5 – Storage Tank
After the water is processed through the first four stages, it is stored in a
tank until needed. Unlike all other storage tanks available, the “water on
water” tank with QuickFlo technology uses your home’s water pressure to
deliver Kinetico Water from your storage tank to your drinking water
faucet. Since the storage tank uses your home’s water pressure rather than
a pressurized air charge, you’ll have a steady, consistent flow of water from
your tap, even if your storage tank is almost empty.
Stage 6 – Postfilter Polisher
After leaving the storage tank, the water travels to the next stage of
protection, the MACguard® Filter. Containing activated carbon, the
MACguard Filter gives a final polish to your water, further reducing
unpleasant tastes and odors.
Replacement Cartridges:
Taste and Odor Filter – Part number 9306B
Stage 7 – Faucet
The final protection stage is a custom, decorator, lead-free tap, which is
mounted on your sink. With this tap, you can be sure that lead won’t be
added into your drinking water.

Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
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What Makes Your Drinking Water System
Different is What Makes It Better
Like other Kinetico equipment, the Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station is
non-electric and demand operated. With demand operation, Kinetico
systems produce high quality drinking water, while they maximize water
efficiency and performance.
EverClean®Rinse
After shutdown, the system initiates
the EverClean Rinse feature, which is
patented and exclusive to Kinetico. The
membrane’s surface is automatically
cleansed with and left to bathe in clean,
processed water. The system then
depressurizes the membrane. These
actions extend the useful life of the
membrane, enables it to maintain a
high level of performance and prevents
inorganic contaminants from migrating
into the treated water during shutoff.
MACguard Filter
One of the system’s most unique features is the automatic shutoff of the
MACguard Filter. (“MAC” stands for Metered Automatic Cartridge.)
After 500 gal (1895 L) of water have been processed through the
MACguard Filter, it shuts off (no flow or fine stream) to alert you that the
filter is exhausted. The filter cannot be reset, and no more water can be
drawn from the system. This signals the need to change the prefilter and
postfilter cartridges, but more importantly, it prevents you from using the
cartridges beyond their capacity. If overused, cartridges lose their filtration
ability.
PureMometer®Filter Life Indicator
Your system is equipped with the PureMometer (rhymes with
thermometer) Filter Life Indicator so you can tell how much capacity
remains in your filter cartridges. Use the PureMometer to estimate when
to purchase replacement prefilter and postfilter cartridges so you won’t be
surprised when the failsafe MACguard Filter shuts down the system.
Feed
water in
Contaminants
flushed to drain
Processed
water out
Reverse
Osmosis
membrane

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System Accessories
Your system may also include the following upgrades, which are available
from your local Kinetico dealer.
Decorator Finish, Lead-Free Taps
Choose from highly stylish decorator taps to complement your decor.
Available in Classic Chrome (standard), Brilliant Nickel, Satin
Nickel/Stainless, Antique Bronze/Copper, Polished Brass, Light Biscuit,
Arctic White and Black Licorice.
Oversized Storage Tank
A larger storage tank supplies more water on demand for larger families.
There’s no need to do anything special to your system. Simply enjoy your
clean, clear Kinetico Water.

Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
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Maintaining Your Drinking Water System
The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station is engineered to take the
guesswork out of quality water. It will tell you when routine maintenance
needs to be performed to keep your drinking water system working properly.
Filter Changes
If you open your tap and don’t get any water, or only get a small stream, it
could mean one of two things: your storage tank is out of water and the
drinking water system is making more, or your MACguard Filter has shut
off. Check your system’s PureMometer to see if the MACguard Filter has
shut off. Periodically checking the PureMometer could alert you of
upcoming filter shutdown before it happens. If the MACguard Filter has
not shut off, wait an hour or two and try to draw water from the faucet
again.
How long a MACguard Filter cartridge will last depends on your drinking
water usage. It could last anywhere from a few months to a few years. An
average family of four with average drinking water use can expect the
cartridge to last approximately nine months to one year. Kinetico
recommends annual cartridge replacements even if your system has not
shut off.
When your MACguard Filter does shut off, we recommend you call your
local, authorized Kinetico dealer. They will change your cartridges,
completely sanitize your system, check your water and make sure your
system is operating properly. If you choose to install your new cartridges
yourself, follow the instructions carefully. Never attempt to remove the
prefilter or postfilter cartridges without first depressurizing the system.
Be sure to completely sanitize your system by following the instructions
provided in the “Sanitization Procedure” section of this owner’s manual to
prevent contamination from human contact.

9
Shutting Off the System
If you should ever discover a problem with your drinking water system,
turn off the water supply to the system. Then call your local, authorized
Kinetico dealer for service.
NOTE: The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station’s operational, maintenance
and replacement instructions must be followed to ensure proper
system performance. The reverse osmosis system contains a
replaceable component critical to the efficiency of the system. Any
replacement reverse osmosis component must be identical to the one
listed here to assure the same efficiency and contaminant reduction
performance. Recommended hardness is zero to 10 gpg for extended
product life. Do not use where water is microbiologically unsafe or
with water of unknown quality. Systems claiming cyst reduction may
be used on disinfected water containing filterable cysts. You may also
want to drain the drinking water storage tank upon your return to
ensure the freshest water.
Nitrate/Nitrite Kit
If you purchased your system specifically for nitrate reduction, Kinetico
recommends periodic (quarterly) testing with a nitrate/nitrite test kit
(Part No. 7329) to assure that nitrate/nitrites are being reduced to
acceptable levels.

Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station
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Cartridge Changes and Sanitization
If you choose to change the cartridges on your Kinetico K5 Drinking Water
Station yourself, you must use a sanitization kit available from your Kinetico
dealer. Follow the instructions to fully sanitize your system. Wash your
hands thoroughly and do not touch any internal portions of the system. Or
call your local, authorized Kinetico dealer who can change the necessary
filters, disinfect your system and analyze your water to be sure it is of the best
quality.
NOTE: Although great care is taken to provide a sanitized drinking water
unit, possible contamination can result from vendor products,
assembly, packaging, shipping or extended storage time. Proper
sanitization is required.
IMPORTANT: Do not drink water from system during sanitization.
WARNING: To avoid possible injury and property damage, this system must
be properly depressurized before attempting to remove any
cartridge or other component.
WARNING: After completing the sanitization procedure, the tank must be
filled and drained twice before water can be consumed.
WARNING: Safety glasses and rubber/latex gloves must be worn during
sanitization.

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Replacement Filter Cartridges
To ensure optimum performance, continued warranty coverage and that
your system continues to comply with NSF/ANSI standards, you must
replace the prefilter and postfilter cartridges annually or upon system
shutoff, whichever occurs first. Use the following chart to determine
which filters are appropriate for your system.
Location
Cartridge Part Number
Prefilter (A) Sediment Prefilter (non -chlorinated feed)- Part
number 9309A
Carbon/Sediment Prefilter (chlorinated feed)- Part
number 9461A
Auxiliary #1 (B) VOC Guard - Part number 12778
Arsenic Guard - Part number 11781
Perchlorate Guard - Part number 11682
Chloramine Guard - Part number 13766
Mineral Plus - Part number 13041
RO Membrane (C) Part number 12752
Auxiliary #2 (D) Purefecta Bacteria/Virus Guard -Part number 12873
VOC Guard - Part number 12778
Arsenic Guard - Part number 11781
Perchlorate Guard - Part number 11682
Chloramine Guard - Part number 13766
Mineral Plus - Part number 13041
MACguard Postfilter (E) Taste and Odor Postfilter - 9306B
A
B
C
D
E
Auxiliary 1
Auxiliary 2

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System Specifications
TDS maximum level <3000 ppm*
pH Range: 3-11
Pressure Ranges: 35-120 psi (2.41-8.27 bar),
40 psi (2.76 bar) minimum for nitrate reduction
Temperature Range 35˚-100˚F (2˚-38˚C)
Water Supply 0-10 grains per gallon hardness, 0 - 0.1 iron
Rated Filter Capacity
(Auxiliary and Postfilter) 500 gallons (1895 L)
Maximum Daily Production Rate 75 gpd (283 Lpd)
Membrane Discharge Water/Product
Water Ration: 1 to 1
Discharge Water/Product
Water Ratio:
3.0 to 1.0
Typical Product Water Production
Rate: 40.6 gpd (153.7 Lpd)
Efficiency Rating 24.4%
Recovery Rating 39.9%
*Note: TDS levels above 1,500mg/L must have greater than 50 psi.
Tested and certified by NSF International and WQA against NSF/ANSI Standards 42,
53 and 58 for the reduction of claims specified on the Performance Data Sheet. Conforms
to CSA Standard B483.1 – Drinking Water Treatment Systems (refer to the
Performance Data Sheet for individual contaminants and reduction performance).
Do not use with water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or
after the system. Systems certified for cyst reduction may be used on disinfected water that may contain filterable cysts.
The Kinetico K5 Drinking Water Station is acceptable for treatment of influent concentrations of no more than 27
mg/L nitrate and 3 mg/L nitrite in combination measured as N and are certified for nitrate/nitrite reduction only for
water supplies with a pressure of 280 kPa (40 psi) or greater.
NSF International certified our product performance, and reviewed our manufacturing facility and procedures to assure
product consistency and integrity. They also assure that our literature accurately reflects our product capabilities. The
system and installation must comply with state/provincial and local laws and regulations.
* The K5 system with Purefecta cartridge is tested and certified by the WQA against NSF P231—Microbiological
Water Purifiers. See Purefecta data sheet for specifics. The K5 system is certified by the WQA against NSF P231-
Microbiological Water Purifiers based on the recommendations set forth in the USEPA Guide Standard and Protocol
for Microbiological Water Purifiers (OPP Task Force Report, 1987). The K5 with the Purefecta cartridge is not
intended to convert wastewater or raw sewage into drinking water.
Conforms to NSF/ANSI 58 for pentavalent arsenic reduction. See performance data sheet and Arsenic facts sheet
section for an explanation of reduction performance. The following cartridges are not NSF or WQA Certified: Arsenic
Guard, Perchlorate Guard, Chloramine Guard, and Mineral Plus.
This system has been tested for the treatment of water containing pentavalent arsenic (also known as As(V), As(+5), or
arsenate) at concentrations of 0.30 mg/L or less. This system reduces pentavalent arsenic, but may not remove other
forms of arsenic. This system is to be used on water supplies containing a detectable free chlorine residual or on water
supplies that have been demonstrated to contain only pentavalent arsenic. Treatment with chloramine (combined
chlorine) is not sufficient to ensure complete conversion of trivalent arsenic to pentavalent arsenic. Please see the Arsenic
Facts section of the Performance Data Sheet for further information.
U.S. Patent numbers 4,698,164; ,629,568; 4,650,586
Canadian Patent number 1,323,310

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Maintenance Record
Kinetico Drinking Water Model:
Prefilter Type:
MACguard Postfilter Type:
Date
Prefilter
Changed
Postfilter
Changed
Membrane
Changed
TDS of
Treated
Water
Sanitized