Kenmore Water System 300 Series User Manual

OWNER'S MANUAL  
Water Softeners  
With Deluxe Valve  
MODEL NOS.  
300 Series 625.383060  
300 Series 625.393060  
Warranty  
Caution:  
Read and follow all safety rules and operating  
instructions before first use of this product.  
• Installation  
Start Up / Setting Timer  
• How It Works  
• Care Of  
Questions ?  
or call toll free 1-800-426-9345 (M - F, 7AM - 8 PM CST)  
Repair or Parts ? Call toll free 1-800-366-7278  
Specifications  
• Repair Parts  
See back cover for other Sears service numbers.  
SAVE THIS MANUAL  
Use the plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals nearby  
the softener for future reference.  
Systems Tested and Certified by NSF International against  
NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for softener performance.  
Sears, Roebuck and Co., 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA  
PRINTED IN U.S.A.  
Part No. 7282580 (Rev. D 10/18/06)  
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Safety Guides ................................................................................................................................................. 4  
Unpack and Check Shipment ........................................................................................................................ 5  
Plan Your Installation: Tools Needed, Materials Needed........................................................................... 6-10  
Install Inlet/Outlet Adapters or Bypass Valves, Three Way Valves ...........................................................11-12  
Install Softener and Connect Pipes................................................................................................................13  
Connect Valve and Salt Tank Drains..............................................................................................................14  
Leak Test ........................................................................................................................................................15  
Electrical Requirements .................................................................................................................................16  
Install Covers and Restart Water Heater .......................................................................................................17  
Program the Timer ....................................................................................................................................18-19  
Sanitize the Water Softener ...........................................................................................................................20  
Add Salt to Storage Tank................................................................................................................................21  
Install Checklist ..............................................................................................................................................22  
Faceplate Timer Features .........................................................................................................................23-24  
How Your Water Softener Works ..............................................................................................................25-27  
Care of Your Water Softener.....................................................................................................................28-31  
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................32-33  
Service Tech Information...........................................................................................................................34-40  
Exploded Views and Parts Lists................................................................................................................42-47  
Sears Tech Support.........................................................................................................................Back Cover  
Salt Hole Cover  
FACTS AND FIGURES TO KEEP  
Fill in the blanks below and keep this book in a safe place  
so you always have these facts.  
Rating  
Decal  
Water Softener Model No.*____________________________________  
Serial Number ______________________________________________  
Date Installed_______________________________________________  
Water Hardness _____________________________ Grains Per Gallon  
Iron Content _________________________________ Parts Per Million  
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 rim, under the salt hole cover.  
Questions?  
Call the Kenmore Water Line at 1-800-426-9345  
or visit KenmoreWater.com  
For repair or replacement parts, call toll-free 1-800-366-7278  
See back cover for other Sears service numbers.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
3
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Safety Guides  
Y 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.  
Y Your Kenmore Water Softener will remove hardness minerals from water. This is measured in  
grains per gallon (gpg). It will also remove some clear water iron*. This is measured in parts  
per million(ppm). See the specifications page for the maximum limits of hardness and iron  
removal.  
Y A water softener will not improve other water problems such as acidity, tastes and odors, or  
iron other than clear water iron. lt will not purify contaminated water, or make unsafe water  
safe to drink.  
Y Check with your local public works department for plumbing, electric and sanitation codes.  
You must follow their guides as you install your softener. Use only LEAD FREE SOLDER  
AND FLUX, as required by federal and state codes, when installing soldered copper plumb-  
ing.  
Y Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Damage from freezing voids the softener war-  
ranty. See how to protect from freezing on page 31.  
CAUTION: Please read and comply with the following guides to prevent damage to the sof-  
tener or other property, personal injury, or possible fatal shock.  
Y This softener works on 24 volts only. Be sure to use only the transformer included.  
Plug it into a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household outlet that is grounded and properly  
protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuite breaker or fuse. If transformer is  
replaced, use only the authorized service Class II, 24 volt, 10 VA transformer.  
Y Unplug the transformer right away if the power cable should become damaged or frayed.  
Make repairs, or replace the transformer, before plugging back into the power outlet.  
Y Always unplug the softener from electrical power before removing outer valve covers.  
Y This system is not intended to be used for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of  
unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.  
* The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data.  
European Directive 2002/96/EC requires all electrical and electronic equipment to  
be disposed of according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)  
requirements. This directive or similar laws are in place nationally and can vary  
from region to region. Please refer to your state and local laws for proper disposal  
of this equipment.  
4
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Unpack and Check Your Carton  
INSPECT SHIPMENT  
Your water softener is shipped complete in one carton.  
Use care when handling the softener. DO NOT turn  
upside down. DO NOT drop, or set on sharp objects that  
could make a hole in the bottom. The water softener is  
heavy, do not try to lift it or move more than is necessary.  
Remove all items from your shipping carton.  
Check all items against the packing list below. Note any  
items lost or damaged in shipment.  
Note any damage to the shipping carton. Refer to the  
exploded view and parts list in the back of the manual for  
the part names and numbers of missing or damaged  
items.  
Contact the store where purchased if problems exist.  
Packing List  
PARTS DESCRIPTIONS  
SMALL PARTS  
Nozzle  
Assembly  
Valve  
Assembly  
Salt Hole  
Cover  
(Open)  
Installation  
Adaptors (2)  
Clips (2)  
Face  
Plate  
owner’s manual  
Cover  
(Main)  
Salt  
Storage  
Tank  
Bypass Valve  
O-Ring Seals (2)  
Brinewell  
Cover  
Resin  
Tank  
Brinewell  
Drain Tubing  
Tube Clamp  
Drain Elbow  
(installed on unit)  
Tube Adaptor  
Ground Clamp Kit  
Grommet  
Brine Valve  
Tube Clamp  
FIG. 1  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
5
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Plan Your Installation  
PLAN YOUR INSTALLATION  
It is recomended to read through the entire manual before  
beginning your installation. Follow all steps exactly. Reading this  
manual will also help you get all the benefits from your system.  
TOOLS NEEDED:  
• Safety glasses  
• Flathead screw driver  
• Phillips screw driver  
• Adjustable slip joint pliers  
Tape measure or ruler  
Safety Glasses  
Flathead Screwdriver  
Phillips Screwdriver  
Adjustable Slip Joint Pliers  
Tape Measure or Ruler  
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATIONS:  
SOLDERED COPPER  
• Tubing Cutter  
THREADED PIPE  
CPVC OR PVC PLASTIC  
• Hacksaw or Pipe Cutter  
• Pipe Wrenches  
• Hacksaw  
• Propane Torch  
• Adjustable Wrench  
• Primer and Solvent Cement  
approved for use on potable water-  
• Solid Core LEADFREE Solder  
• Paste Flux  
• Emery Cloth  
or Sandpaper  
• Pipe Threading Tool  
• Pipe Joint Compound approved  
for use on potable water  
THE PROPER ORDER TO INSTALL WATER TREATING EQUIPMENT  
(Shows sequence of equipment only. Seldom, if ever, would all items be needed.)  
Kitchen or Bathroom  
City Water Supply  
Cold Faucet  
Sediment or Taste &  
Odor Cartridge Filter  
OR  
Hard Water to  
Outside Faucets  
Cold, soft water  
Hot, soft water  
Well Water Supply  
Solution  
Dispensing  
System  
Pressure or  
Captive Air  
Tank  
Sediment  
Cartridge Filter  
(Optional  
Blending  
Tank  
Water  
Heater  
Location)  
Water  
Softener  
*Taste &  
Odor Filter  
Iron  
Filter  
Neutralizer  
Clarifying  
Filter  
• Always put an Iron Filter BEFORE the water softener.  
Well Water  
• Always put a Neutralizer BEFORE an Iron Filter, etc., as shown.  
* A Taste & Odor Filter may be used before or after the water  
softener.  
FIG. 2  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
6
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Plan Your Installation  
outside faucet  
(hard water)  
outside faucet  
(hard water)  
soft, cold  
water  
to R.O. faucet  
soft, hot  
water  
Soft water  
to Reverse  
Osmosis  
system  
Shut-off  
Valve  
reverse  
osmosis  
system  
reverse  
osmosis  
drain  
R.O.  
water  
heater  
hard  
water to  
house  
storage  
tank  
water  
meter  
air  
gap  
water  
softener  
main  
shutoff  
valve  
floor  
drain  
FIG. 3  
Typical Installation  
WHERE TO INSTALL THE WATER SOFTENER  
Review the following points before you choose a place to put your softener.  
1. Place as close as possible but always after, the  
pressure tank (well water) or water meter (city  
water). See Fig. 3.  
2. Place as close as possible to a water drain such as  
a floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe. See  
Fig. 3.  
3. Connect to the house main water pipe BEFORE  
THE WATER HEATER. See Fig. 3. Temperature of  
water going through the softener must not be  
more than 120°F (49°C). Hot water will damage  
inner softener parts. To reduce the risk of hot water  
backup, piping between the softener and water  
heater should be as long of a run as possible.  
4. Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft  
water and salt. See Fig. 3.  
6. Put the softener in a place where water damage is  
least likely to occur if it develops a leak. Sears or  
the manufacturer will not repair or pay for water  
damage.  
7. A grounded, 120V electrical outlet is needed within  
10 feet of the softener. See Fig. 3. This is to plug in  
the transformer. The softener has a 10 foot power  
cable. Be sure the outlet and transformer are in  
an inside place, to protect from wet weather. Use  
a continuously “live” outlet, which cannot be acci-  
dentally switched off.  
8. When installing in an outside location, you must take  
the steps necessary to assure the softener, installa-  
tion plumbing, and wiring, are protected from the  
elements, contamination, vandalism, etc.  
9. Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. The sun’s  
heat can melt plastic parts.  
5. Do not install in a place where the softener could  
freeze. Damage caused by freezing voids the war-  
ranty by Sears, Roebuck and Co.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
7
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Plan Your Installation  
Suggested Slab Foundation Installation  
outside  
- hard  
water heater  
kitchen  
Plug the softener transformer  
into an inside, 120 volt 60Hz  
electrical outlet. If an outside  
outlet is used, be sure it has  
approved weather protection.  
bathroom  
outside  
-soft  
For outside hard  
water, trench under-  
ground as needed.  
outside  
- hard  
bypass  
valve  
outside  
-soft  
WATERSOFTENER  
(install in garage, car port,  
or other sheltered area)  
water in  
Run drain tubing to laundry tub or  
p-trap inside home, if possible.  
Otherwise, run to a dry well.  
FIG. 4  
DRAW IN YOUR PIPES  
AND FITTINGS  
Your House Main Water Pipe  
Draw the plans for your “IN” and “OUT”  
piping here. Include all pipe, fittings and  
accessories you will use.  
Left  
Right  
Make a list of all materials you will need  
and buy them before you begin to install  
the water softener.  
* In what direction does the water flow?  
Be sure to plan “IN” and “OUT” piping so water  
flow is to the softener valve inlet. Plan a  
crossover if flow is from left to right.  
120V - 60Hz  
Electrical  
Outlet  
CROSS-OVER  
Main Water Pipe  
Raw Water  
Valve Outlet Side  
Soft Water  
Inlet  
Outlet  
Valve Inlet  
To Water Softener  
FIG. 5  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
8
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Plan Your Installation  
PIPE, FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED  
SOLDERED  
IN  
You must first decide how to run “in” and “out” pipes to  
the softener. Look at your house main water pipe at the  
point you will connect the softener. Is the pipe soldered  
copper, glued plastic, or threaded galvanized or brass?  
What is the pipe size? What kind of pipe and fittings is it  
easiest for you to work with, and what tools do you have?  
OUT  
1” NPT sweat  
adaptor (2)*  
Use teflon tape,  
pipe joint compound  
or both.  
Now look at the common plans for “in” and “out” piping  
on soldered copper. See Fig. 6. Use it as a guide to plan  
what materials you will need. Get all the materials you  
will need before you start.  
1” NPT  
adaptor  
2 of each  
included  
clip  
Use Fig. 5 to make a plan drawing for your specific  
installation. “In” and “out” fittings included with the soften-  
er are 1” NPT threaded adaptors. You should maintain  
the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe,  
up to the softener inlet and outlet. Use copper, brass,  
galvanized or PVC plastic pipe and fittings for the “in”  
and “out” pipes. Be sure to check local codes.  
Bypass Valve  
Valve  
Inlet  
1” NPT sweat  
adaptor (2)*  
OUT  
IN  
Note: If converting from galvanized to copper pipe  
use approved dielectric insulating connectors.  
Use teflon tape,  
pipe joint compound  
or both.  
ALWAYS install the bypass valve (that is included with  
the unit) or a three valve bypass. See Fig. 9 to13.  
Bypass valves let you turn off water to the softener if  
needed for repairs, but still have water in the house  
pipes.  
Drain tubing (3/8” inside diameter), is needed for the  
valve and salt tank drains. See Fig. 16. If a rigid valve  
drain is needed to comply with plumbing codes, you can  
buy the parts needed (see Fig. 16) to change the soften-  
er to a 1/2 inch minimum copper tubing drain.  
clip  
1” NPT  
adaptor  
2 of each  
included  
Valve  
Inlet  
FIG. 6  
*NOTE:  
For plumbing connection, buy 2 sweat adaptors and plumb  
directly to the inlet - outlet adaptors. Threads on the inlet - outlet  
adaptors are 1” NPT.  
CAUTION:  
DO ALL SOLDERING BEFORE CONNECTING SWEAT ADAP-  
TORS TO INLET-OUTLET ADAPTORS OR BYPASS VALVE.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
9
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Read Before Beginning Installation  
BEFORE INSTALLING CHECKS & TESTS  
If you have a well water system, look at the pressure  
gauge to find the water pressure. Call your local water  
department if you have city water. They will tell you what  
the water pressure is where you live.  
Your water supply needs to be checked for chemical  
analysis, water pressure and water flow rate. To accom-  
plish this, complete the following steps:  
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure  
Check Water’s Chemical Analysis: Sears sells a com-  
plete line of water treating equipment to correct various  
water problems. To be sure you have the proper type  
and size equipment, You must have your water tested.  
Your Sears store can give you a water test results for  
hardness, iron and acidity, and tell you what equipment  
you need. Simply take at least a 4 oz. sample of your  
water to Sears, and they will test it while you wait. If you  
need help to get your water tested, or if you have other  
questions about your water, ask at your Sears store.  
table on page 3.  
Check your water flow rate: A water flow of at least 3  
gallons per minute is needed. A lower flow will keep your  
softener from working as well as it should. Complete the  
following steps to make an easy check of your flow rate.  
1. Fully open two cold water faucets close to the point  
water enters the house.  
2. With both faucets open, fill a gallon container at one  
faucet while looking at a watch or clock to see how  
many seconds it takes.  
3. Empty the container and go to the second faucet (be  
sure BOTH faucets are still on). Fill the gallon container  
at the second faucet and see how many seconds it  
takes.  
4. Turn off both faucets. Now add the number of seconds  
it took to fill the container at both faucets.  
5. A total of 90 seconds, or less, means the system flow  
rate is good.  
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure  
table on page 3.  
Check Your Water Pressure: For your softener to work  
right, a water pressure of no lower than 20 pounds per  
square inch (psi) is needed in the house water pipes.  
The highest pressure allowed in the water pipes is 125  
psi. If pressure is over 125 psi, buy and install a pres-  
sure reducing valve in the water inlet pipe to the soften-  
er.  
NOTE: If water pressure during the day is 100 psi or  
more, pressure during the night may go over 125 psi.  
Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the  
flow.  
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure  
table on page 3.  
NOTE: Codes in the state of Massachusetts require  
installation by a licensed plumber. For installation,  
use plumbing code 248CMR of the Commonwealth  
of Massachusetts.  
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure  
table on page 3.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
10  
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Install Plastic Bypass Valve  
ASSEMBLE INLET OUTLET ADAPTORS,  
OR PLASTIC BYPASS VALVE  
Complete the following steps to assemble the adaptors or  
bypass valve.  
Shutoff  
Valve  
Shutoff  
Valve  
Pressure  
Tank  
1. Close the shutoff valve on the house main water pipe,  
near the water meter or pressure tank, to turn off the  
water. See Fig. 7.  
Water  
Meter  
Well  
Pump  
2. Shut off the gas or electric supply to the water heater.  
See Fig. 7.  
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.  
Gas  
Valve  
Electrical  
Panel  
4. Remove the main cover. Remove the salt hole cover  
first and then pull outward on the two tabs to release  
main cover. See Fig. 8.  
FIG. 7  
Cover (Main)  
Set both covers aside so they will not get scratched or bro-  
ken.  
Salt Hole Cover  
INSTALL SEARS BYPASS VALVE AND / OR THE  
INLET OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS  
NOTE: If you will not install the bypass valve because  
you will have a three (3) valve bypass, skip steps 6 &  
7, but do steps 5 and 8.  
5. Visually check and remove any foreign materials from  
the valve inlet and outlet ports. See Fig. 9. Carefully  
remove the two large plastic clips (you will use them).  
Check to be sure the turbine and turbine support are  
firmly in place. See Fig. 10.  
FIG. 8  
INSTALLING BYPASS VALVE, AND/OR  
BYPASS VALVE:  
INLET AND OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS  
6. Put a light coating of silicone grease on the o-ring seals  
and slide onto the bypass valve.  
Clip (2)  
7. Push the bypass valve into the softener valve as far as it  
will go. Snap the two large holding clips into place,  
from the top down as shown. See Fig. 11.  
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so  
the bypass valve will not pull out. See Fig. 11.  
Valve Outlet  
Included with  
Softener  
INLET AND OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS:  
8. Put a light coating of silicone grease on the o-ring seals  
and slide into the threaded adaptors. 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. 11.  
Included with  
Valve Inlet  
Softener  
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so  
the tubes will not pull out. See Fig. 11.  
FIG. 9  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
11  
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Install Plastic Bypass Valve  
INSTALLING HOLDING CLIPS  
Cross Section of Valve  
Black Clip  
Bypass Valve or  
Installation Adaptor  
Inlet or Outlet  
Before installing the bypass valve, or  
copper tube, be sure the turbine and  
support are firmly in place in the  
valve outlet port.  
Turbine  
Support  
Sensor Port  
O-Ring  
Clip Snaps into Place  
Between Larger Diameter Rings  
FIG. 11  
BYPASS VALVE TURNED DOWNWARD  
Turbine  
Turn bypass valve upside  
down to connect to floor  
level plumbing.  
FIG. 10  
OUT  
IN  
FIG. 12  
Install 3-Valve Bypass  
3 VALVE BYPASS  
INSTALLING 3 VALVE BYPASS AND PIPES  
Complete the following steps to install the three (3)  
valve bypass:  
• Cut the house main water pipe where you will con-  
nect the softener.  
• Loosely put together pipe, fittings, and the three  
(3) valves.  
• Place valve(s) within easy reach.  
When all pipe, fittings and valves make a good fit  
together, tighten all threaded joints (use pipe dope  
on outside threads), or solder all sweat joints.  
FIG. 13  
TO  
Softener Inlet  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
12  
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Locate Water Softener and Connect Pipes  
POSITION SOFTENER INTO PLACE  
Complete the following steps to position the softener.  
MOVE SOFTENER INTO PLACE  
1. Grip under the ridge on the salt tank sidewall.  
2. Carefully rock back and forth into position.  
3. Move the softener into position.  
4. Place on a level and smooth surface. If needed, put a  
piece of 3/4” plywood, at least 17'' x 20'', under the  
Grip under ridge  
to move softener.  
tank. Then put spacers under the plywood to level the  
softener. See Fig. 14.  
NOTE: Do not put shims or spacers directly under  
the tank, without the plywood. The weight of the sof-  
tener, when full of salt and water, may cause the tank  
to puncture or break at the shim or spacer.  
CONNECT THE SOFTENER  
Plywood  
Shims  
Refer to your plan drawing. See Fig. 5.  
Measure, cut (thread if needed) and put all pipe and fit-  
tings together up to the main water pipe, or to the  
bypass valve(s) you installed in the previous step.  
FIG. 14  
CAUTION: Never solder fittings while connected to  
nonmetallic parts. Wait until soldered pipe has  
cooled before connection. See Fig. 15.  
TYPICAL SOLDERING  
CONNECTIONS  
CAUTION: Be careful when putting pipe fittings  
together. Do not cross thread, and do not overtight-  
en.  
Main Water Pipe  
Hard Water  
4. Solder  
1. Cut pipe to  
correct length.  
NOTE: To be certain 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 in a wet rag.  
2. Solder (WHEN  
COOL, do Step 3).  
3. Put threaded adaptor  
into bypass valve  
port.  
FIG. 15  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
13  
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Connect Valve and Salt Tank Drains  
tube is also best to use for an overhead drain. Use a  
copper drain tube if the softener is installed outside, or  
in the sunlight. Heat from the sun can soften, flatten  
and close up some kinds of tubes.  
CONNECT THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE  
Take a length of 3/8” inside diameter drain tubing and  
attach one end to the drain fitting. See Fig. 16. Use a  
tube clamp 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.  
To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, buy a  
compression fitting (1/4'' female pipe threads x 1/2''  
O.D. tube) and tubing from your local hardware store.  
CONNECT SALT TANK OVERFLOW TUBING  
1. Locate the rubber grommet, tube adaptor and tube  
clamp (see Fig. 16) that are in the parts bag.  
2. Push the grommet into the hole in the salt tank wall  
so half is inside and half is outside.  
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.  
Do not put the end of the hose into the drain or con-  
nect without the air gap.  
Place 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. Do not pinch the hose shut. The softener will  
not work if this drain hose is pinched, plugged,  
closed or restricted in any way. Direct drain flow  
down into drain from drain line as flow could possibly  
over shoot the drain cover.  
3. Push the bigger end of the tube adaptor into the  
grommet.  
4. Push one end of a length of 3/8'' I.D. tubing onto the  
tube adaptor, using the tube clamp to hold it in  
place.  
5. Put the other end of the tubing over the floor drain.  
IMPORTANT: Overflow water must run downward  
through the tubing. Do not raise the tubing higher  
than the grommet and tube adaptor. See Fig. 16.  
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. If you need an overhead drain, do not  
raise the hose more than 8' above the floor. A copper  
drain tube is best to use.  
IMPORTANT: Do not connect to the valve drain  
hose you installed in step 1. Both drains must  
have a separate hose or tube.  
NOTE: Overflow drain tubing is available from  
Sears. See parts list in back of manual.  
COPPER DRAIN TUBE: Local plumbing codes may  
require the use a copper valve drain tube. A copper  
1/4 NPT Threads  
Barbs  
Tube  
1/2” Outside Diameter  
Copper Tube  
Clamp  
Clip  
Drain  
(Not furnished)  
Fitting  
Cut Barbs from Drain  
Fitting (Pull clip and  
remove fitting from valve.)  
Comp Fitting. 1/4 NPT x  
1/2 in. O.D. Tube  
(Not furnished)  
Grommet  
Tube  
Adaptor  
To drain  
Tube  
point other  
than floor  
drain.  
Clamp  
STANDPIPE  
Support  
tubing in  
place as  
needed.  
Valve Drain Hose  
1-1/2”  
Air Gap  
1-1/2”  
Tie or Wire  
Air Gap  
NOTE: Overflow  
1-1/2” Air Gap  
Tubing in Place  
drain tubing is avail-  
able from Sears,  
Item No. 42-3433  
(20 ft).  
Overflow Drain Tubing  
FLOOR DRAIN  
LAUNDRY TUB  
FIG. 16  
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Leak Test  
LEAK TEST  
To check for leaks, complete the following steps:  
HOUSE MAIN WATER  
SHUTOFF VALVES  
CAUTION: To avoid water or air pressure dam-  
age to softener inner parts, and to flush pipe  
chips or other residue from the water pipes, be  
sure to do the following steps exactly as  
instructed.  
Shutoff Valve  
Pressure Tank  
Water  
Meter  
Shutoff Valve  
1. Fully open two cold, soft water faucets near the  
softener.  
2. Look at the pictures in Fig. 18 and 19 to deter-  
mine your kind of bypass valve(s). Place bypass  
valve(s) in “bypass” position. On a single valve,  
slide the stem inward to bypass. On a three (3)  
valve system, close the inlet and outlet valves and  
open the bypass valve.  
Well Pump  
FIG. 17  
3. Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff  
valve. Observe steady water flow from both open  
faucets.  
SINGLE BYPASS  
4. Place bypass valve(s) in SERVICE EXACTLY as  
follows: Keep soft water faucets open.  
a. Single Bypass Valve: Slowly, slide pull the  
valve stem outward toward service, pausing sev-  
eral times to allow the softener to pressurize slow-  
ly.  
Pull Stem Outward  
For Service  
Push Inward  
For Bypass  
b. Three Valve Bypass: Fully close the bypass  
valve and open the outlet valve. Slowly, open the  
inlet valve, pausing several times to allow the sof-  
tener to pressurize slowly.  
Note: Stem may be installed  
in either direction. The end  
with writing should be pulled  
out for service position.  
5. After about three minutes, open a hot water  
faucet for about one minute, or until all air is  
expelled, then close.  
FIG. 18  
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 previ-  
ous caution notes.  
VALVE BYPASS  
Bypass  
Valve  
FOR SERVICE  
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new  
softener, water coming from the taps may initial-  
ly be discolored. This normally occurs the first  
time water runs through the resin bed. The dis-  
colored water is not harmful, and the discol-  
oration will not last more than a few minutes.  
Close bypass valve.  
Open inlet & outlet  
valves.  
Outlet  
Valve  
Inlet  
Valve  
FOR BYPASS  
Open bypass valve.  
Close inlet & outlet  
valves.  
FIG. 19  
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Electrical Requirements  
INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP BETWEEN  
THE SOFTENER IN AND OUT PIPES  
COLD WATER PIPE GROUNDING  
The house cold water pipe (iron or copper) is often  
used to ground all electrical outlets in the home.  
Outlets are grounded to protect you from shock when  
you touch any electric appliance plugged into the out-  
let. If you installed the single bypass valve, the cold  
water pipe ground is broken. See Fig. 20 and 21.  
TO  
Valve Inlet  
Ground  
Clamp (2)  
IMPORTANT: Be sure the cold water pipe has  
direct metal to metal contact all the way to the  
ground. Plastic, rubber or other electrically insulat-  
ing parts such as hoses, fittings, washers or gas-  
kets can break the direct metal to metal contact.  
Also check the water meter (city water) or the well  
pump. Install #4 copper jumper wires, clamped  
tightly on both ends, across insulated parts. See  
Fig. 21.  
Screw with lock  
washer and nut  
FROM  
Valve Outlet  
FIG. 20  
To restore the ground, take the ground clamp kit that is  
in the parts bag. Install across the inlet and outlet cop-  
per tubes. See Fig. 20. Be sure good contact is made  
between the pipe and the clamps.  
WATER METER JUMPER WIRE  
Water Meter  
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET FOR  
YOUR SOFTENER  
The softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electric power.  
The included transformer changes standard 120 volt  
AC house power to 24 volts. You must plug the trans-  
former into a grounded, 120 volt outlet only. Be sure  
the outlet is always “live” so someone cannot turn it off  
by mistake. See Fig. 22.  
#4 Groundwire  
FIG. 21  
NOTE: The included transformer is made for inside  
use only. Be sure the electrical outlet you plug the  
transformer into is inside, to protect from weather.  
CONNECTING TRANSFORMER  
Transformer  
PLUG IN THE TRANSFORMER  
Plug the transformer into the electrical outlet.  
120V-60Hz  
Electrical  
Outlet  
Power Cable  
From Face Plate-Timer  
FIG. 22  
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Install Covers and Restart Water Heater  
INSTALL COVERS  
INSTALL COVERS  
After installing your water softener, replace the covers.  
Angle the covers so the main cover clips onto the back  
first, then bring down in front and clip on the two (2) tabs  
inside the rim of the salt hole and lower the salt cover  
closed. See Fig. 23.  
Cover  
(Main)  
Salt Hole  
Cover  
RESTART THE WATER HEATER  
Turn on the gas (or electric) supply to the water heater  
and light the pilot.  
YOUR PLUMBING INSTALLATION AND ELECTRICAL  
WORK ARE NOW COMPLETE.  
FIG. 23  
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Program The Timer  
Display  
UP Button  
Large Capacity  
DOWN Button  
SELECT Button  
REGENERATION Button  
FIG. 24  
PROGRAM THE TIMER  
1. When the transformer is plugged in, a model code and a  
test number (example: J1.1) show in the face plate. This  
will display for four (4) seconds. Then, 12:00 PM and  
the words SET TIME begin to flash.  
Model 38306  
NOTE: If “- - - -” shows in the display, press the UP or  
DOWN button until either S 25, for model 38306, or  
S 26, for model 39306, shows in the display. Then,  
press the SELECT button to set, and change to the  
flashing SET TIME display.  
2. To check the model code, unplug the transformer at the  
wall outlet and plug in again. If other than S 25 or S 26  
shows, refer to the Troubleshooting Section.  
Model 39306  
SOUND “BEEPER”: A “beeper” sounds while pressing  
buttons for timer setup. 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, the beeper sounds repeatedly when the display  
reaches 1 using the DOWN button, or the highest hard-  
ness setting using the UP button.  
FIG. 25  
SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY  
If the words SET TIME do not show in the display, press the  
SELECT button until they do show in the display. Press the  
UP or 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 or  
DOWN buttons changes the time by one (1) minute. Holding  
the buttons in changes the time 32 minutes each second.  
FIG. 26  
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Program The Timer  
SET SALT LEVEL  
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER  
To set the water hardness number, complete the follow-  
ing steps:  
To set the salt level, complete the following steps:  
1. Press the SELECT button to display SET SALT  
LEVEL and a flashing 0 (zero). See page 21, for  
instructions on adding salt to the salt storage tank.  
The face plate timer has a salt monitor with an indi-  
cator light to remind you to add salt to the storage  
tank.  
1. Press the SELECT button once to display the words  
SET HARDNESS and a flashing 25. The grains per  
gallon (gpg) hardness of your water supply is on your  
water analysis report. Be sure to enter water test  
results on the Facts & Figure Chart on page 3.  
2. If your water supply contains iron, compensate for it  
by adding to the water hardness number. For exam-  
ple, assume your water is 20 gpg hard and contains  
2 ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness number for each I  
ppm of iron. In this example, you would use 30 for  
your hardness number.  
NOTE:You must set salt level each time salt is  
added to the water softener.  
2. To set this monitor system, lift the salt hole cover  
and level the salt in the storage tank. The salt level  
decal, on the brinewell inside the tank, has numbers  
from 0 to 8. Observe the highest number the leveled  
salt is at, or closest to. Press the UP or DOWN but-  
tons until the number corresponds with the salt level  
number. At level 2 or below, the indicator LED will  
flash. If you wish to turn this feature off, press the  
DOWN button past 0, and the word “OFF” flashes in  
the display.  
2 ppm iron x 5 = 10  
20 gpg hardness  
+10  
30 HARDNESS NUMBER  
3. Press the UP or 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).  
3. Press the SELECT button once again, to complete  
initial programming, and the current time of day will  
show in the display.  
NOTE: Each press of the UP or DOWN button  
changes the display by 1 between 1 and 25.  
Between 25 and the highest number, the display  
changes 5 at a time (25, 30, 35, etc.) Holding the  
UP or DOWN button in changes the display twice  
each second.  
SET REGENERATION TIME  
To complete setting the regeneration time, complete the  
following steps:  
1. Press the SELECT button to display the words SET  
RECHARGE TIME and a flashing 2:00 AM.  
2. At the 2:00 AM recharge time setting, the softener  
begins regeneration (see pages 25 - 27) at 2:00 AM.  
This is a good time in most households because  
water is not being used. If a different recharge time  
setting would be better for your household, complete  
the following step.  
3. Press the UP or 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 or DOWN buttons  
changes the display one hour. Holding the but-  
tons in changes the display twice each second.  
FIG. 27  
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Sanitize The Water Softener  
SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER  
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water softener clean  
and sanitary. Materials used to make the softener will not  
infect or contaminate your water supply, or cause bacteria to  
form or grow. However, during shipping, storage, installing  
and operating, bacteria could get into the softener.  
Salt Hole Cover  
SANITIZE YOUR WATER SOFTENER AS FOLLOWS:  
1. Be certain the bypass valve is pulled out to  
“service” position.  
Brinewell Cover  
(Remove and  
add about  
2. Lift the salt hole cover and using a pail add up to 3 gallons  
of water to the salt storage tank.  
3/4 oz. bleach)  
3. Remove the brine well cover (Fig. 28) and pour about 3/4  
1
ounce, or 1 to 2 tablespoons, of common 5.25% , unscent-  
ed, household bleach (Clorox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail,  
Eagle, etc.) in the softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell  
cover.  
Brinewell  
4. Press the REGENERATION button and hold for 3 seconds  
to start a recharge. This first recharge does several things.  
• It draws the bleach into and through the softener to sani-  
tize it.  
Water  
About 3 gallons  
• 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 25) for service and  
flushes residual chlorine from the softener.  
NOTE: This recharge takes about 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hours,  
depending on the salt type setting.  
FIG. 28  
NOTE: During a recharge the water softener bypasses  
raw water to the home. You will not get salty water or  
affect the regeneration cycle if water is used at this time.  
You can sanitize the softener with or without salt in the  
storage tank.  
1
Recommended by the Water Quality Association.  
On some water supplies, the water softener may need peri-  
odic disinfecting.  
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.  
To drain the water heater, open a hot water faucet and let it  
run until the water runs cold. Then close the faucet.  
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new softener,  
water coming from the taps may initially be discolored.  
This normally occurs the first time water runs through  
the resin bed. The discolored water is not harmful, and  
the discoloration will not last more than a few minutes.  
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Adding Salt To The Storage Tank  
ADDING SALT TO THE 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. You  
must keep salt in the tank, but because the water soften-  
er is very efficient, it is not necessary to keep it full.  
Especially in humid areas, it is best to fill the storage  
tank one quarter to one half full, and to add salt more  
often. Salt bridging occurs more often when conditions  
are humid.  
Brinewell  
Cover  
Use NUGGET or PELLET water softener salt. DO NOT  
use rock salts, as they have dirt and sediments that will  
stop the softener from working.To maintain optimum per-  
formance of your water softener, the salt tank should be  
cleaned out every 2 to 3 years.  
Brinewell  
Before adding salt, be sure the brinewell cover is in place  
on the top of the brinewell. It is recommended to set the  
salt monitor system, although it is not required for proper  
operation.  
Salt  
Storage  
Tank  
NOTE: The salt monitor system is calibrated to the  
density of nugget or pellet water softener salt. The  
monitor will not work as accurately with other types  
of salt including rock and solar.  
If you choose Potassium Chloride (KCI) as a regenerant,  
following these suggestions will help give you years of  
maintenance free service.  
FIG.29  
1. Place only one bag of KCI in your softener at a time  
(the salt storage tank should contain no more than  
60 pounds of KCI at any one time).  
2. A softener using KCI should not be placed in areas  
with temperature fluctuations and high humidity (KCI  
will harden in these environments and may make the  
softener inoperable).  
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.  
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.  
WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON  
REMOVING ADDITIVES  
4. If your softener does not have a KCI salt setting you  
must increase your hardness setting by 25% to ensure  
continuous soft water as in example below.  
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 recom-  
mended to use Sears Resin Bed Cleaner (refer to the  
Parts List in back of manual for part number) for period-  
ic treatments to keep your resin bed clean. This is avail-  
able at your local Sears store.  
Raw Water Hardness  
(Grains Per Gallon)  
5 gpg  
Softener Setting  
When Using KCI  
7 gpg  
10 gpg  
13 gpg  
15 gpg  
19 gpg  
20 gpg  
+ 25 % =  
25 gpg  
25 gpg  
32 gpg  
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 contaminants.  
30 gpg  
38 gpg  
35 gpg  
44 gpg  
40 gpg  
50 gpg  
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Check List  
CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO  
INSTALL  
Water Supply  
Review the following list to ensure you have completed all  
the installation procedures.  
____1. Check the incoming water. Has incoming water  
been tested?  
Valve Inlet  
____2. Remove cardboard packaging from salt tank.  
____3. Is the incoming water going to the valve inlet?  
Bypass Valve(s)  
Plastic  
____4. Is the bypass valve placed into the service  
position?  
____5. Is the ground clamp installed?  
____6. Are the drain lines clamped and secured?  
____7. Is the unit plugged into a continuously live outlet?  
____8. Has salt been added to the salt tank?  
____9. Has the unit been sanitized? See page 20.  
Note: Stem may be installed in  
either direction. The end with writ-  
ing should be pulled out for service  
position.  
Bypass  
Valve  
Outlet  
Valve  
FOR SERVICE  
Inlet  
Valve  
Close bypass valve.  
Open inlet & outlet  
valves.  
3-Valve  
FIG. 30  
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Faceplate Timer Features  
EXTRA RECHARGE  
Sometimes, a manually started regeneration (recharge)  
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 timer  
started regeneration.  
You did not refill the softener with salt before it was  
gone. Add salt to the softener before regenerating.  
You can start a regeneration right away, or you can set  
the timer to regenerate at the next 2:00 AM (or other pre-  
set recharge time).  
RECHARGE NOW  
Press the REGENERATION button and hold for 3 sec-  
onds. The words RECHARGE NOW begin to flash in the  
display, and the softener enters the fill cycle of regenera-  
tion right away. This regeneration will last for about 2  
hours. Then, you will have soft water again.  
FIG. 31  
FIG. 32  
RECHARGE TONIGHT  
Press and release (do not hold) the REGENERATION  
button. RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes in the display,  
and the softener begins regeneration at the next preset  
recharge time. Press and release the RECHARGE but-  
ton once more if you decide to cancel the regeneration,  
and RECHARGE TONIGHT will not flash in the display.  
SALT MONITOR SYSTEM  
The face plate timer has a low salt monitor with an indi-  
cator light to remind you to add salt to the storage tank.  
To set this monitor system:  
1. Lift the salt hole cover and level the salt in the storage  
tank.  
2. The salt level decal, on the brinewell inside the tank,  
has numbers from 0 to 8. Observe the number the lev-  
eled salt is at or closest to.  
FIG. 33  
3. Press SELECT once to get to the Set Salt Level  
screen. Now press the UP or DOWN buttons until the  
number corresponds with the salt level number. At  
level 2 or below, the indicator LED will flash. If you  
wish to turn this feature off, press the DOWN button  
past 0, and the word “OFF” flashes in the display.  
NOTE: You must set salt level each time salt is  
added to the water softener.  
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Faceplate Timer Features  
California Efficiency Requirement  
Your Kenmore Water Softener has a “High Efficiency”  
feature with an “ON” or “OFF” setting. This softener  
setting is shipped in the “OFF” position, which utilizes  
the maximum rated capacity while most often achiev-  
ing maximum salt efficiencies. When installing this unit  
in the State of California, you MUST turn this setting to  
the “ON” position which may initiate more frequent  
recharges, however it will operate at 4000 grains per  
pound of salt or higher.  
EFFICIENCY MODE  
When this feature is ON, the water softener will operate  
at salt efficiencies of 4000 grains of hardness per pound  
of salt or higher. (May recharge more often using smaller  
salt dosage and less water). Installations in the state of  
California require this setting to be turned ON. This  
softener is shipped in the OFF setting.  
FIG. 34  
To turn this setting ON:  
1. Press and hold the SELECT button until the display  
shows 000--.  
2. Then press (do not hold) the SELECT button again.  
Use the UP arrow to turn ON.  
3. Press SELECT to enter and return to normal running  
screen. The efficiency icon will only be displayed when  
this feature is ON.  
PROGRAM MEMORY  
If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time dis-  
play is blank but the face plate timer keeps the correct  
time for about 6 hours. When electrical power comes on  
again, you have to reset the present time only if the dis-  
play is flashing. The HARDNESS, RECHARGE TIME  
and SALT LEVEL never require resetting unless a  
change is desired. Even if the timer is incorrect after a  
long power outage, the softener works as it should to  
keep your water soft, however, regenerations 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 the face plate display if a  
problem occurs in the softener electronics. Turn to the  
Troubleshooting section to resolve the problem and/or  
call the Kenmore Water Line number listed below.  
FIG. 35  
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How Your Water Softener Works  
SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION  
WATER FLOW THROUGH  
THE SOFTENER IN SERVICE  
SERVICE  
When the softener is giving you soft water, it is called  
“Service”. See Fig. 36. During service, hard water  
comes from the house main water pipe into the soften-  
er. Inside the softener resin tank is a bed made up of  
thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads. As hard water  
passes through the bed, each bead attracts 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 minerals they can, and cleaning with salt  
brine is needed. This cleaning is called regeneration or  
recharge. Regeneration is started at 2:00 a.m. by the  
electronic timer. It takes place in 5 stages or cycles.  
Soft Water Hard Water  
OUT IN  
Salt Storage Tank  
(Salt not shown)  
Brine Valve  
Resin Tank  
Resin Bed  
These are: 1. Fill  
2. Brining  
3. Brine Rinse  
4. Backwash  
5. Fast Rinse  
FIG. 36  
REGENERATION  
The five steps listed above are described in detail over  
the next several pages.  
WATER FLOW THROUGH  
THE SOFTENER IN FILL  
FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine. Brine is  
needed to clean the hardness minerals from the resin  
beads. To make the brine, water flows into the salt stor-  
age area during the fill stage. See Fig. 37. Fill cycle  
length depends on how much soft water making capaci-  
ty 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 hard-  
ness minerals from the resin bed.  
Soft Water Hard Water  
OUT IN  
Salt Storage Tank  
Brine Valve  
Fill Water  
FIG. 37  
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How Your Water Softener Works  
SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION  
WATER FLOW THROUGH  
THE SOFTENER IN  
BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved from the  
salt storage area, into the resin tank. See Fig. 38.  
Inside the resin tank, brine cleans hardness minerals  
from the resin beads and they are discharged out the  
drain. How much brine is needed to clean the resin  
depends on:  
• The amount of water used between regenerations.  
• The amount of resin in the softener,  
• How fast the brine goes through the bed.  
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE  
Hard Water  
Hard Water  
Bypass OUT IN  
Nozzle & Venturi  
Drain  
The nozzle and venturi makes 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 Valve  
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 minerals 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. See Fig. 38.  
Brine  
FIG. 38  
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE  
SOFTENER IN BACKWASH  
BACKWASH: During backwash, water flows UP  
through the resin tank at a fast rate to flush iron miner-  
als, dirt and sediments from the bed and to the drain.  
The bed lifts and expands for good cleaning. See Fig.  
39.  
Hard Water  
Hard Water  
Bypass OUT IN  
Drain  
Resin Bed Lifted  
and Expanded  
FIG. 39  
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How Your Water Softener Works  
FAST RINSE: Backwash is followed by a fast flow of  
WATER FLOW THROUGH  
THE SOFTENER  
water down through the resin tank. The fast flow packs  
the resin bed and gets it ready for return to service.  
See Fig. 40.  
IN FAST RINSE  
Soft Water Hard Water  
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.  
OUT IN  
Drain  
SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION  
AUTOMATIC BYPASS  
During the brining, brine rinse and backwash cycles of  
regeneration, HARD water goes through the softener  
valve and to the house pipes. If a faucet is opened, hard  
water is there for your needs. However, you should not  
use hot water, if possible, because the water heater will  
refill with hard water. The softener, as factory pro-  
grammed, regenerates from 2:00 AM to about 4:20 AM, a  
time when not much water is used.  
FIG. 40  
If you start your day prior to 4 AM, you may need to  
change the recharge starting time. Set the recharge time  
to 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM. 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 softener valve  
outlet. As water flows through the meter, it sends electric  
pulses to the computer. The computer changes the puls-  
es 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 softener, you set it for the grains per  
gallon (gpg) hardness of the water.  
To find a regeneration pattern best for your needs, the  
computer uses:  
(1) water usage from the meter  
(2) hardness setting  
(3) softener capacity  
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 regenera-  
tion starting time (2:00 AM, or as otherwise set) it will  
schedule a regeneration. When the regeneration  
begins, RECHARGE NOW flashes in the display during  
the regeneration.  
(4) time since the last regeneration.  
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Care Of Your Water Softener  
SALT BRIDGE  
SALT BRIDGE  
Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt  
storage tank. It is usually caused by high humidity or the  
wrong kind of salt. When the salt bridges, an empty  
space forms between the water and salt. Then salt will  
not dissolve (melt) in the water to make brine. Without  
brine, the resin bed does not regenerate and you will  
have hard water.  
Push tool into  
salt bridge to break  
1” - 2”  
Pencil Mark  
Broom Handle  
If the storage tank is full of salt, it is hard to tell if you  
have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is  
under it. The following is the best way to check for a salt  
bridge.  
Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the tank.  
Hold a broom handle, or like tool, up to the softener as  
shown in Fig. 41. 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.  
Salt  
Salt Bridge  
empty space  
Water Level  
FIG. 41  
If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out. Then  
fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only.  
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Care Of Your Water Softener  
CLEANING NOZZLE & VENTURI  
KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN  
NOZZLE & VENTURI  
Cap  
A clean nozzle and venturi (see Fig. 42) is a must for  
the softener to work right. This small unit moves brine  
from the salt storage tank to the resin tank during  
regeneration. If it becomes plugged with sand, silt, dirt,  
etc., the softener will not work and you will get hard  
water.  
O-Ring Seal  
Screen  
Support  
Screen  
To clean the nozzle and venturi, complete the following  
steps:  
*Flow Plug  
Screen  
Nozzle & Venturi  
1. Remove the softener top cover. Be sure the softener  
is in service cycle (no water pressure at nozzle and  
venturi).  
2. Turn off the cap from the nozzle and venturi housing.  
3. Lift out the screen support and screen. Do not lose  
the large o-ring seal.  
4. Remove 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.  
Gasket  
IMPORTANT: Be sure small holes in  
the gasket are centered directly  
over the small holes in the nozzle &  
venturi housing.  
*Flow Plug  
(HVDC)  
Nozzle & Venturi  
Housing  
*Install with numbered side up concave  
side down. Be sure the largest flow plug  
is located in the nozzle & venturi housing.  
5. Carefully replace all parts in the correct order.  
6. Lubricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease or  
Vaseline and place in position.  
7. Install and tighten the cap, by hand only. Do not  
FIG. 42  
overtighten, which may break the cap or housing.  
IRON FROM RESIN BED  
Your water softener takes hardness minerals (calcium  
and magnesium) out of the water. It can also control  
some “clear water” iron. See maximum allowed in the  
specifications section in this manual. With clear water  
iron, water from a faucet is clear when first put into a  
glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the water begins to cloud  
or turn rust colored. A water softener WILL NOT remove  
any iron which makes the water cloudy or rusty as it  
comes from the faucet (called red water iron). To take  
red water iron out of water, or over the maximum of  
clear water iron, an iron filter or other equipment is  
needed. Your local Sears store has trained people to  
help you with iron water problems.  
If your water supply has clear water iron, even though  
less than the maximum allowed, regular resin bed  
cleaning is needed. Your local Sears store has resin  
bed cleaner for this. See Parts List in back of manual  
for part numbers. Clean the bed at least every six (6)  
months. If iron shows up in the soft water before six (6)  
months, clean more often. Printed instructions are on  
the resin bed cleaner bottle.  
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Care Of Your Water Softener  
PROTECT THE WATER SOFTENER FROM  
DRAIN ALL WATER FROM SOFTENER  
FREEZING  
If the softener is installed where it could freeze (sum-  
mer cabin, lake home, etc.), you must drain all water  
from it to stop possible freeze damage. To drain the sof-  
tener:  
1. Close the shut-off valve on the house main water  
pipe, near the water meter or pressure tank.  
2. Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent pres-  
sure in the softener.  
Floor Drain  
3. 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.  
FIG. 43  
Wood Block  
4. Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet. Remove  
the salt hole cover and the main cover. Take off both  
drain hoses.  
5. Carefully remove the large holding clips at the soften-  
er inlet and outlet. Separate the softener from the  
plastic installation adaptors, or from the bypass  
valve.  
6. Remove the brinewell cover and disconnect the brine  
valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi assembly. Lift  
the brine valve out of the brinewell. Tip the brine  
valve upside down to drain water.  
7. Lay a piece of 2 inch thick board near the floor drain.  
Move the softener close to the drain. SLOWLY and  
CAREFULLY, tip it over until the rim rests on the  
wood block with the inlet and outlet over the drain.  
Do not allow the softener’s weight to rest on the  
inlet and outlet fittings or they will break.  
8. Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches 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.  
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Care Of Your Water Softener  
CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY  
If your water softener fails to work, 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 sof-  
tener still does not work, call your Sears Service Department.  
1. Also read ERROR CODE.  
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 code appears. It must show S 25 for Model 38306, or S 26 for  
Model 39306. If any other number shows, the face plate computer is working on incorrect input and would proba-  
bly be the cause of the problem. To set S 25 or S 26, press either the UP or DOWN button. When the correct  
model code shows, press SELECT to return a flashing 12:00 AM display. Reset the present time, hardness num-  
ber, etc.  
PROBLEM  
No soft water  
CAUSE  
CORRECTION  
Add salt, see page 22, or break the salt bridge,  
see page 29. Press REGENERATION button  
and hold to start a regeneration, see page 23.  
No salt (or salt bridged) in the storage tank  
Transformer unplugged at the wall outlet, or  
power cable leads loose from the electronic  
Check for loss of power due to any of these  
and correct. With the power back on, look at  
board, fuse blown, circuit breaker popped, or the time display and read PROGRAM MEMO-  
circuit switched off.  
RY, see page 24.  
Manual bypass valve(s) in bypass position  
Look at Fig. 18 & 19 on page 15. Move the  
stem in a single valve to service. In a 3-valve  
bypass, open the inlet and outlet valve, and be  
sure to fully close the bypass valve.  
Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle venturi  
Valve drain hose plugged ir restricted  
Take apart and clean or replace damaged  
parts, see page 29.  
The drain hose must not have kinks, sharp  
bends, or be raised too high above the soften-  
er, see page 14.  
Hardness number setting too low  
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  
as on your water analysis report. See page 19  
to reset. Press and release the SELECT button  
until the present time shows in the display.  
Water hard sometimes  
Using hot water when softener is regenerat-  
ing  
Avoid using hot water during this time because  
the water heater refills with hard water, see  
Automatic Bypass, page 27.  
Increase in the grains of hardness in your  
water supply  
Ask your Sears retail store for a new water  
analysis. Then make a new hardness number  
setting, page 19.  
Restricted drain line  
Check for kinks, bends or obstructions, see  
page 14.  
Brine tank flooded  
Plugged or dirty nozzle & venturi  
Valve rotor-disc & seals  
Take apart and clean or replace damaged  
parts, see page 29.  
Check for scratches or grooves, replace if  
needed.  
Restricted drain line  
Check for kinks, bends or obstructions, see  
page 14.  
Salty tasting water  
immediately after  
regeneration  
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Specifications  
F
BYPASS VALVES  
Bypass valve(s) should always remain in soft water  
service position. Position in “bypass” only if needed for  
softener repairs.  
SINGLE BYPASS  
pull stem  
outward for  
service  
E
B
D
A
C
push  
inward for  
bypass  
3 VALVE BYPASS  
Bypass  
valve  
Inches  
40-1/4  
8
CM  
102.2  
20.3  
FOR SERVICE  
close bypass valve  
Salt Tank Height  
A
B
open inlet & outlet valves  
Resin Tank Diameter  
(nominal)  
Outlet  
valve  
FOR BYPASS  
open bypass  
close inlet & outlet  
Inlet  
valve  
Resin Tank Height (nominal)  
Inlet-Outlet Height  
Overall Height  
Length  
40  
101.6  
105.4  
121.3  
50.2  
41.9  
8.6  
C
D
E
41-1/2  
47-3/4  
19-3/4  
16-1/2  
3-3/8  
1
F
F
2
Width  
Distance between inlet-outlet  
centerlines  
-
FIG. 44  
MODEL 38306 TIMER CODE S 25  
MODEL 39306 TIMER CODE S 26  
WATER SUPPLY TO WATER SOFTENER  
Minimum water system flow (gpm)  
Minimum-maximum water pressure (psi)  
Minimum-maximum water temperature (°F)  
Maximum water hardness (gpg)  
Maximum “clear water” iron (ppm)*  
SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER  
Type of salt needed  
MODEL 38306  
MODEL 39306  
3
20 - 125  
40 - 120  
95  
3
20 - 125  
40 - 120  
95  
7
7
nugget or pellet  
Alternate type of salt  
pure, evaporated, compacted water softener salt  
gpm = gallons per minute  
psi = pounds per square inch  
gpg = grains per gallon  
ppm = parts per million  
* Capacity to remove clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data. State of Wisconsin requires additional treatment if water supply contains  
greater than 5 ppm clear water iron.  
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Specifications  
FIG. 45  
Intermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for determining the soften-  
ers rated capacity and efficiency. Continuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate  
may affect capacity and efficiency performance.  
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS  
MODEL 38306  
high capacity  
.78  
MODEL 39306  
high capacity  
.78  
Type of ion exchange material  
Amount of resin (cu. ft.)  
Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Pounds Salt Dose)  
11,800 @ 2.3  
25,300 @ 7.4  
30,200 @ 12.5  
11,800 @ 2.3  
25,300 @ 7.4  
30,200 @ 12.5  
Efficiency Rating (Grains / Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt Dose)  
Rated Service Flow Rate (gpm)  
5120 @ 2.3  
5120 @ 2.3  
7.5  
14  
7.5  
14  
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow Rate (psi)  
Intermittent Flow Rate @ 15 psi (gpm)  
7.9  
2.0  
7.9  
2.0  
Max. Drain Flow Rate (gpm) to Drain During Regeneration Cycle  
These systems conform to NSF / ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiat-  
ed by test data.  
The efficiency rating is only valid at the minimum stated salt dosage. These softeners were efficiency  
rated acocording to NSF / ANSI Standard 44.  
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Service Tech Information  
Back of Timer (PWA)  
WIRING SCHEMATIC  
AC INPUT  
MOTOR  
POS. / TURBINE  
Valve  
Motor  
24 VAC  
Transformer  
grn  
OUT  
GND  
Position  
Switch  
NO  
NC  
Turbine  
Sensor  
+5  
brn  
FACEPLATE  
Large Capacity  
FIG. 46  
Keep this manual with your water softener. If repairs are  
needed, the service technician must have the informa-  
tion on the following pages.  
5. The valve drain hose must be free of kinks and  
sharp bends, and not elevated over 8 ft. above  
the floor.  
6. Is there salt in the storage tank?  
ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST  
1. Does the time display show the correct time of  
day?  
7. Is the brine tubing connected? Brine tubing con-  
nects to nozzle venturi and brine valve assembly.  
If display is blank, check power source to the sof-  
tener.  
8. Is the brine valve float set right?  
9. Press the SELECT button two times to display the  
hardness setting.  
If time is flashing, power was off for over 6 hours.  
The softener resumes normal operation but regen-  
erations occur at the wrong time.  
Be sure it is the correct setting for the household’s  
water supply. (Make a hardness test of the raw water  
and compare with the hardness setting. Also test a  
soft water sample to verify if a problem exists.) Press  
the SELECT button twice more to return to present  
time in the display.  
If an error code (Example: Err3) shows in the face-  
plate display, go to AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC  
DIAGNOSTICS.  
2. Plumbing bypass valve(s) must be fully in service  
position.  
If you do not find the problem after making initial  
checks, do the MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONIC  
DIAGNOSTICS, and the MANUAL ADVANCE REGEN-  
ERATION CHECK.  
3. The inlet and outlet pipes must connect to the  
softener inlet and outlet respectively.  
4. Is the transformer plugged into a “live”, grounded  
wall outlet, and the power cable fastened secure-  
ly to the controller?  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
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Service Tech Information  
The faceplate timer (PWA) computer has a self-diag-  
nostic function for the electrical system, except put  
power and water meter. The computer monitors elec-  
tronic components and circuits for correct operation. If a  
malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the face-  
plate display.  
The chart below shows the error codes that could  
appear, and the possible defects for each code.  
FIG. 47  
POSSIBLE DEFECT  
CODE  
Err1, Err3, Err4  
Err5  
MOST LIKELY  
LESS LIKELY  
motor inoperative / wiring harness or connection to switch / position switch . valve defect causing high torque  
faceplate timer (PWA)  
While an error code appears in the display, all face  
plate buttons are inoperable except the SELECT button.  
SELECT remains operational so the service person can  
make the MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONIC DIAG-  
NOSTICS (below) to further isolate the defect, and  
check the water meter.  
PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING ERROR CODE  
FROM FACEPLATE:  
FIG. 48  
• Unplug transformer from outlet.  
• Correct defect  
• Plug in transformer.  
• Wait for 8 minutes.  
The error code will return if the defect was not corrected.  
MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS DIAGNOSTICS:  
To enter diagnostics, press the SELECT button until  
000 - - shows in the display. See Fig. 48.  
TURBINE OPERATION: If no water is flowing through  
the softener, the turbine indicator displays three zeros.  
When water is flowing, the flow bar scrolls across the  
display, and a 000 to 199 count repeats for each gallon  
of water passing through the turbine. To check for posi-  
tive operation of the turbine if zeros are shown, open a  
nearby soft water faucet and observe the turbine count  
and flow bar. If you don’t get a reading in the display,  
with faucet open, pull the sensor from the valve outlet  
port. Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the  
sensor. You should get a reading in the display. If you  
get a reading, unhook the in and out plumbing and  
check the turbine for binding.  
Motor  
Position Switch  
Sensor  
Housing  
Turbine  
Turbine  
Support  
and Shaft  
POSITION SWITCH STATUS: With the valve in service,  
or any of the recharge cycles, the switch indicator will  
show open, while the valve is rotating from one position  
to another, the indicator will show the switch closed. A  
defect is probable if indications vary from this pattern.  
Valve Outlet  
FIG. 49  
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Service Tech Information  
TROUBLESHOOTING  
VALVE POSITION INDICATORS:  
Depending on the valve position, the following indica-  
tors show in the display:  
IN  
OUT  
Position markers  
(Valve in service)  
Indicator  
Valve Position  
Serv.....................................Service  
Fill........................................Fill  
Brine....................................Brining/Brine Rinse  
Bkwsh..................................Backwash  
Rinse...................................Fast Rinse  
When the valve is rotating from one cycle to another,  
both indicators flash. For example, if the valve is in  
transition between fill and brining, both Fill and Brine  
flash. Upon reaching brining position, Fill goes off and  
Brine is on steady. The time display shows the minutes  
of the cycle remaining.  
MOTOR  
FIG. 50  
NOTE: If the faceplate is left in a diagnostic display  
(or a flashing display when setting times or hard-  
ness), present time automatically returns if a button  
is not pressed within 4 minutes. To return to the  
diagnostic display, repeat step 1.  
TIMER PWA REPLACEMENT  
Be sure the valve is in service position when  
replacing the timer PWA (observe valve cycle indi-  
cator). If after installing and programming the replace-  
ment timer PWA, the valve is not in service position, do  
the following to assure correct cycle orientation, or tim-  
ing, between the faceplate and valve.  
OTHER INFORMATION  
While in this diagnostic screen, the following information  
is available and may be beneficial for various reasons.  
This information is retained by the computer from the  
first time electrical power is applied to the faceplate.  
Use the MANUAL ADVANCE procedures with the  
REGENERATION button, advance through the  
recharge cycles until the valve stops in service position,  
and RECHARGE no longer flashes in the display.  
• Press and hold the UP button to display the number of  
days this faceplate has had electrical power applied.  
• Press and hold the DOWN button to display the num-  
ber of regenerations initiated by this faceplate since  
the model code number was entered.  
NOTE: The valve motor may automatically drive  
through several valve positions while searching for  
service. If an error code occurs, unplug the trans-  
former, then plug in again.  
• Press the REGENERATION button to advance the  
valve to each position and observe the switch and  
position indicators to verify component operation, or to  
possibly isolate a defect.  
• Press and hold the SELECT button for 3 seconds until  
either S 25 or S 26 shows in the display, see Fig. 51.  
MODEL 38306  
This code identifies the softener nominal capacity  
size. If the wrong number shows, the softener will  
operate on incorrect programming. Do the following as  
needed.  
S 25 or S 26 does show: Press the SELECT button  
MODEL 39306  
FIG. 51  
to return to the present time display.  
To change the number: Press the UP or DOWN but-  
ton until the correct code shows. Then, press the  
SELECT button and reset the timer.  
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Service Tech Information  
MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK  
This check verifies proper operation of the valve  
motor, brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow  
rates, and other controller functions. Always make the  
initial checks, and the manual initiated diagnos-  
tics.  
NOTE: The faceplate display must show a steady  
time (not flashing). If an error code shows, first  
press the SELECT button to enter the diagnostic  
display.  
Brine Valve  
Float Setting  
1. Press the REGENERATION button and hold in for 3  
seconds. RECHARGE NOW begins to flash in the  
display as the softener enters the fill cycle of regen-  
eration. Remove the brinewell cover and, using a  
flashlight, observe fill water entering the tank.  
Float Stop  
Float  
2. When FILL is on steady, remove the brinewell cover  
and, using a flashlight, observe fill water entering  
the tank.  
10”  
3. If water does not enter the tank, look for an  
obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine tub-  
ing, or brine valve riser pipe.  
FIG. 52  
CYCLE FLOW RATES (GALLONS PER MIN.)  
FILL (flow to salt storage tank)  
BRINING (flow to drain)  
0.3 (1.1 liters)  
.15 (.57 liters)  
.1 (.38 liters)  
2.0 (7.6 liters)  
2.0 (7.6 liters)  
BRINE RINSE (flow to drain)  
MAX. BACKWASH (flow to drain)  
MAX. FAST RINSE (flow to drain)  
4. After observing fill, press the REGENERATION but-  
ton to move the softener into brining. A slow flow of  
water to the drain will begin. Verify brine draw from  
the brine tank by shining a flashlight into the  
brinewell and observing a noticeable drop in the liq-  
uid level.  
6. Again press REGENERATION to move the softener  
into backwash. Look for a fast flow of water from the  
drain hose.  
NOTE: Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing  
water with salt contact.  
5. If the softener does not draw brine:  
• nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective  
• nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket  
• restricted drain (check drain fitting and hose)  
• defective nozzle and venturi seal  
7. An obstructed flow indicates a plugged top distributor,  
backwash flow plug or drain hose.  
8. Press REGENERATION to move the softener into fast  
rinse. Again look for a fast drain flow. Allow the soften-  
er to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any brine that  
may remain in the resin tank from the brining cycle  
test.  
• other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor & disc,  
wave washer, etc.)  
NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated  
drain hose may cause back pressure, stopping  
brine draw.  
9. To return the softener to service, press REGENERA-  
TION once more.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
37  
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Service Tech Information  
ROTARY VALVE SERVICE  
Motor  
IMPORTANT: Before working on the valve, turn off the  
water supply and disconnect from electrical power.  
TO RELIEVE PRESSURE:  
• 3 VALVE BYPASS: Close the inlet valve and open a  
soft water faucet. Then close the outlet valve and open  
the bypass valve.  
Switch  
Motor Plate  
• SEARS SPECIAL BYPASS: Slide the bypass valve  
stem to bypass position. Loosen three hex head screws  
toward the back side of the valve to allow pressure  
water to bleed out. Catch water with a rag.  
Cam & Gear  
DISASSEMBLY  
To remove a part or group of parts, refer to the valve  
drawing. A common screwdriver or nut driver, Phillips  
screwdriver and pliers are the only tools needed to com-  
pletely disassemble.  
O-Ring Seals  
Wave Washer  
Rotor & Disc  
O-Ring  
SERVICING THE VALVE  
Inspect all o-rings, seals and gaskets for wear or defects.  
Wear-Strip  
Seal  
Inspect the bottom surface of the rotor for scratches,  
chips or wear.  
Note: If replacement is needed, be sure to use the  
current replacement part.  
Rotor Seal  
Drain Seal  
ASSEMBLY  
Be sure all parts are in place and in the proper position.  
Lubricate ALL o-rings and seals with FDA approved sili-  
cone grease. To install the rotor seal, first place the seal  
into the valve groove, rounded side down (see cross-sec-  
tion). Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the seal’s  
crossing ribs. Then, carefully center the wear strip on the  
seal, and push it downward onto the seal.  
Nozzle & Venturi Seal  
See Nozzle  
Assembly Service  
Install the nozzle and venturi seal and drain seal.  
Assemble wave washer bearing, the wave washer, and  
two o-rings, onto the rotor top shaft. Then center the rotor  
in the valve body, on the rotor seal.  
FIG. 53  
Lower the cover onto the valve body and rotor shaft. Then  
install the cover holding screws. Before tightening the  
screws, install the valve cam and gear.  
Then, turn the rotor (clockwise only) to service position.  
Tighten the screws using a criss-cross pattern. If a torque  
wrench is available, torque to 30-40 inch pounds. Do not  
over tighten.  
Lubricate the gear on the motor, and the valve cam gear  
with Molykote grease, or other high quality gear lubricant.  
Be sure to orient switch as shown, with lever toward the  
cam.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
38  
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Service Tech Information  
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE  
SERVICE CYCLE  
SERVICE CYCLE  
Hard water enters the valve inlet port. Internal  
valve porting routes the water down and out the  
top distributor, into the resin tank. Hard water is  
softened as it passes through the resin bed, then  
enters the bottom distributor. Soft water flows back  
into the valve and out the valve outlet, to the  
house soft water pipes.  
From Valve Inlet  
(Hard Water)  
Top Distributor  
Resin Tank  
To Valve Inlet  
(Soft Water)  
Position  
Switch  
Bottom  
Distributor  
FIG. 54  
FILL CYCLE  
valve cam  
position switch  
rotor & disc  
FILL CYCLE  
fill flow  
plug  
To begin a regeneration, the electronic timer ener-  
gizes the circuit to the valve motor. The valve  
motor rotates the rotor and disc and the valve cam  
until the position switch lever drops, to open the  
motor circuit and position the valve in FILL. As the  
rotor and disc rotates, the port opens for SOFT  
water fin through the venturi. Fill flow continues to  
the brine valve, and into the salt storage tank. Soft  
water is still available to the house lines.in.  
from Valve Inlet  
(hard water)  
fill water  
(soft)  
Top Distributor  
Resin Tank  
To Valve Outlet  
(Soft Water)  
Position  
Switch  
bottom  
distributor  
FIG. 55  
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE CYCLE  
Venturi  
Nozzle  
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE CYCLES  
After fill, timer/switch action allows the motor to  
turn the rotor and disc into BRINING position.  
Water flow is directed to the nozzle. Suction, creat-  
ed by the nozzle and venturi, draws brine from the  
salt storage tank and injects it into the resin bed  
via the bottom distributor. Flow continues out the  
top distributor and to the drain. Hard water is avail-  
able at the valve outlet.  
Drain  
from valve inlet  
(Hard Water)  
Brine from Salt  
Storage Tank  
Bypass Hard  
Water To  
Valve Outlet  
When the brine valve closes to end brine draw,  
water flow continues in the same directions to  
slowly RINSE brine from the resin bed and to the  
drain.  
Position  
Switch  
FIG. 56  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
39  
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Service Tech Information  
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE  
BACKWASH CYCLE  
BACKWASH CYCLE  
Flow Plug  
Timer/switch action again allows the motor to turn  
the rotor & disc to place the valve in BACKWASH,  
stopping water flow to the nozzle. Water is routed  
down and out the bottom distributor, up through  
the bed, and out the top distributor to the drain.  
The fast flow (controlled by a flow plug in the drain  
fitting) flushes dirt, sediments, iron deposits,  
remaining brine and hardness to the drain.  
Drain  
Bypass Hard  
Water To Valve  
Outlet  
Position  
Switch  
FIG. 57  
FAST RINSE CYCLE  
FAST RINSE CYCLE  
During FAST RINSE, the rotor & disc is positioned  
so water flow enters the resin tank through the top  
distributor, and exits through the bottom distributor,  
to the drain.  
Drain  
Soft Water  
To Valve Outlet  
The electronic timer again energizes the motor to  
return the valve to service. As the valve rotates,  
the position switch lever drops to open the circuit.  
The valve remains positioned in service until the  
electronic timer initiates the next regeneration.  
Position  
Switch  
FIG. 58  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
40  
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Notes  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
41  
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Exploded View  
Kenmore  
4
2
MODEL Nos.  
625.383060 and  
625.393060  
3
1
5
28  
6
27  
26  
7
Rating Decal  
Location  
25  
24  
23  
22  
21  
8
9
20  
19  
10  
11  
12  
13  
17  
18  
16  
15  
14  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
42  
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Parts List  
Kenmore MODEL Nos. 625.383060 and 625.393060  
A. WATER SOFTENER COMPLETE  
Key No.  
1
Part Number  
----  
Part Description  
Cover Lock (Required for shipping only)  
Rim Insert (Required for shipping only)  
Cover (main)  
1
----  
2
3
7284095  
7284134  
7284142  
7275907  
7288544  
7284582  
7284566  
7284621  
7219888  
7082150  
7003847  
7100819  
7137913  
7287140  
7284613  
0900431  
1103200  
9003500  
7239155  
7105047  
0502272  
7287166  
7170270  
7077870  
7170254  
7170296  
7141001  
7176292  
7088033  
3442699  
7287205  
Salt Hole Cover (order following decal)  
Instruction Decal  
4
Transformer, 24V-10VA  
Timer Repl. (PWA)  
5
6
Faceplate (order following decal)  
Faceplate Decal  
7
Rim  
8
9
Brinewell Cover  
Wing Nut, 1/4"  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
O-Ring  
Brinewell  
Decal, Salt Level ꢁ  
Salt Storage Drum  
Plastic Screw, 1/4" x 5/8"  
Tube Clamp ꢀ  
Tube Adaptor ꢀ  
Grommet ꢀ  
Brine Valve Assembly (also see pages 44 & 45)  
Replacement Distributor  
Resin  
Resin Tank (including Key No. 20)  
O-Ring, 2-3/4" x 3"  
Top Distributor  
O-Ring, 13/16" x 1-1/16"  
O-Ring, 2-7/8" x 3-1/4"  
Vapor Barrier  
Clamp Section (2 required)  
Clamp Retainer (2 required)  
Resin Bed Cleaner  
Parts Bag (includes parts marked with a pages 43,  
45 & 47). Order manuals separately if needed.  
Owner’s Manual  
7282580  
Not illustrated.  
Aligns with top of brinewell.  
Included in parts bag.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
43  
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Exploded View  
Kenmore  
19  
MODEL Nos.  
625.383060 and  
625.393060  
18  
1
2
17  
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
16  
15  
14  
10  
11  
13  
12  
INLET - OUTLET  
GROUNDING CLAMPS  
20  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
44  
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Parts List  
Kenmore MODEL Nos. 625.383060 and 625.393060  
B. BRINE VALVE ASSEMBLY  
Key No.  
Part Number  
7168647  
0513860  
7097202  
0516947  
7220627  
7092278  
7170288  
0516211  
0516924  
1205500  
7092252  
7080653  
7131365  
7094979  
7092294  
7176161  
7221746  
7113016  
7171349  
7248706  
Part Description  
Ceramic Weight  
Float Stop  
Float (includes Key No. 4)  
Float Seal  
Float Rod & Stem  
Guide Cap  
O-Ring, 15/16" x 1-3/16"  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Seal  
9
Retainer, Bottom Seal  
Clip  
Brine Valve Body  
Clip  
Screen  
Insert  
Retaining Ring  
O-Ring, 15/16" x 9/16"  
Brine Tube  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
Tubing Assembly (includes Key Nos. 14, 15 & 16)  
Cone Screen  
Grounding Kit ꢀ  
Included in parts bag, see page 43.  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
45  
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Exploded View  
3
1
2
47  
46  
48  
3
4
45  
44  
5
6
7
43  
8
39  
9
10  
11  
12  
Wear-Strip  
Seal  
38  
37  
42  
13  
14  
Cross-Section  
View  
36  
35  
40  
15  
16  
34  
17  
33  
32  
41  
20  
21  
22  
23  
28  
18  
31  
19  
24  
30  
25  
27  
29  
26  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
46  
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Parts List  
Key  
No.  
Part  
Key  
Part  
Number  
Part Description  
No.  
Number  
Part Description  
Cone Screen  
Flow Plug, .3 gpm  
Nozzle & Venturi Gasket Kit  
Gasket (only)  
Flow Plug, .1 gpm  
Screen  
Screen Support  
O-Ring, 1-1/8" x 1-3/8"  
Cap  
Wire Harness (Sensor)  
O-Ring  
Valve Cover  
Screw, #10-14 x 2 (5 req.)  
Expansion Pin  
Switch  
1
2
7224087  
7286039  
Screw, #8-32 x 1" (2 req.)  
Motor (incl. 2 ea. of  
Key No. 1)  
Screw, #6-20 x 3/8" (2 req.)  
Motor Plate  
Bearing  
32  
33  
34  
7095030  
1148800  
7187772  
7204362  
0521829  
7146043  
7167659  
7170262  
7199729  
7276076  
0900060  
7085263  
7074123  
7077472  
7030713  
7117816  
7070412  
7254260  
3
4
5
6
7
0900857  
7231385  
0503288  
7284964  
7142942  
0900431  
7024160  
7170327  
0501228  
7170238  
7170212  
7082087  
7199232  
7170246  
7116713  
7278442  
35  
36  
37  
38  
39  
40  
41  
42  
43  
44  
45  
46  
47  
48  
Cam and Gear  
Clip (Drain)  
8
9
Tubing Clamp ꢀ  
Drain Hose Assembly  
O-Ring, 5/8" x 13/16"  
Flow Plug  
O-Ring, 7/16" x 5/8"  
O-Ring, 3/4" x 15/16"  
Wave Washer  
Rotor & Disc  
O-Ring, 3-3/8" x 3-5/8"  
Clip (4 req.) ꢀ  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
Spacer  
Screw, #4-24 x 1-1/8 (flat head)  
Installation Adaptor Kit,  
(includes 2 copper tubes,  
nuts, clips & washers) ꢁ  
Installation Adaptor, 1"NPT  
(2 req.) ꢀ  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
29  
30  
31  
7170288  
7134224  
7170204  
7092642  
7129889  
2204101  
7117858  
7082053  
7081764  
7081201  
7170319  
7081104  
1202600  
O-Ring (2 req.) ꢀ  
Rotor Seal  
O-Ring, 3/8" x 9/16"  
Plug (Drain Seal)  
Spring  
Turbine Support and Shaft  
Turbine  
Valve Body  
Seal (Nozzle & Venturi)  
Retainer (Nozzle & Venturi)  
O-Ring, 1/4" x 3/8" (2 req.)  
Nozzle & Venturi Housing  
Nut - Ferrule  
7187065  
7129716  
Nozzle & Venturi Assembly  
(incl. Key Nos. 30 & 32-39)  
Seal Kit (incl. Key Nos. 12, 13,  
16, 20, 21 & 27)  
Drain Tubing, 3/8" I.D. x 20  
Flexible Connectors, 3/4"  
Flexible Connectors, 1"  
42-3433  
42-34401  
42-34403  
7123613  
Silicone Grease (for O-Rings)  
Not included  
Not illustrated  
Included in parts bag, see page 43.  
17  
100  
Key  
No.  
Part  
99  
98  
Number  
Part Description  
97  
98  
99  
100  
101  
0502206  
7271262  
7105013  
7129855  
7170288  
7278434  
Retainer Ring  
Bypass Body  
O-Ring, 13/16" x 1" (4 req.)  
Stem  
O-Ring, 15/16" x 1-3/16" (2 req.)  
Bypass Valve (Complete) ꢀ  
101  
97  
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345  
47  
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