Kenmore Elite Hybrid Water Softener Owners Manual 7332880Eng_Sears

Kenmore-Water-System-625-385200-Users-Manual-328623 kenmore-water-system-625-385200-users-manual-328623

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2015-03-28

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Use & Care Guide
Manual de Uso y Cuidado

System tested and certified by NSF International
against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the reduction
of chlorine taste and odor, and Standard 44 for
hardness reduction, efficiency and the reduction
of barium and radium 226/228,
and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 372.

English / Español

Este sistema ha sido probado y certificado por
NSF International según la norma NSF/ANSI 42
para la reducción del sabor y el olor a cloro, y la
norma 44 para la reducción de la dureza, eficiencia
y la reducción del bario y del radio 226/228,
y certificado según la norma NSF/ANSI 372.

Kenmore Elite
Hybrid
Water
Softener
A water softener and a whole home filter in one
Model / Modelo No. 625.385200

Ablandador Híbrido de Agua

Un ablandador de agua con filtro integrado para toda la casa

Sears Brands Management Corporation
3333 Beverly Road
Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.
www.kenmorewater.com
www.kenmore.com
www.sears.com

P/N 7332880 (Rev. E 11/7/12)

Warranty
WARRANTY ON KENMORE ELITE HYBRID WATER SOFTENER
®

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON HYBRID WATER SOFTENER
When installed, operated and maintained according to all instructions supplied with the product, if this
Kenmore appliance fails due to a defect in material and workmanship within one year from the date of purchase, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free repair.

THREE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY ON ELECTRONIC PARTS
When installed, operated and maintained according to all instructions supplied with the product, if any of the
following electronic parts fail due to a defect in material or workmanship, call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange
for free part replacement: Brine Tank Light, Electronic Board, Sensor Housing, Wiring Harness, Transformer,
Micro Switch, Drive Motor, Power Cable. After the first year you must pay an initial trip charge.
TEN YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY AGAINST LEAKS
When installed, operated and maintained according to all instructions supplied with the product, if the water
softener tank or salt storage drum develops a leak within ten years from the date of purchase,
call 1-800-4-MY-HOME® to arrange for free tank or drum replacement. After the first year you must pay an
initial trip charge.
All warranty coverage does not include water softener resin or carbon, which are expendable items.
If this appliance is used for other than private family purposes, this warranty applies for only 90 days from
the date of purchase.

This warranty covers only defects in material and workmanship. Sears will NOT pay for:
1. A service technician to instruct the user in correct product installation, operation or maintenance.
2. A service technician to clean or maintain this product.
3. Damage to or failure of this product if it is not installed, operated or maintained according to the all
instructions supplied with the product.
4. Damage to or failure of this product resulting from accident, abuse, misuse or use for other than its intended purpose.
5. Damage to or failure of this product caused by the use of detergents, cleaners, chemicals or utensils other
than those recommended in all instructions supplied with the product.
6. Damage to or failure of parts or systems resulting from unauthorized modifications made to this product.

Disclaimer of implied warranties; limitation of remedies
Customer’s sole and exclusive remedy under this limited warranty shall be product repair as provided herein.
Implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose, are limited to
one year or the shortest period allowed by law. Sears shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages. Some states and provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitation on the duration of implied warranties of merchantability or fitness, so these exclusions or
limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty applies only while this appliance is used in the United States or Canada.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.

Sears Brands Management Corporation, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Table of Contents
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Safety Guides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Specifications & Performance Claims . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-5
Dimensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Packing List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Plan Your Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-8
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-12
Programming the Softener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-14
Flushing the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Adding Salt to the Storage Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
What Your Hybrid Water Softener Will Do . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Controller Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-20
Care of Your Water Softener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21-25
Exploded View & Parts List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26-29

Safety Guides
p Read all steps and guides carefully before installing

and using your new water softener. Follow all steps
exactly to correctly install. Failure to follow them
could cause personal injury or property damage.
Reading this manual will also help you to get all the
benefits from your water softener.
p Your Kenmore Elite® Hybrid Water Softener will
reduce 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 limit of hardness removal. It will also
reduce taste and odor in water, and will reduce barium and radium 226/228 in water (see performance
data sheet for details).
p A water softener will not improve other water problems
such as acidity or iron other than clear water iron.
p Do not attempt to use this product to make safe
drinking water from non-potable water sources. Do
not use the system on microbiologically unsafe water,
or water of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
p Check with your local public works department for
plumbing and sanitation codes. You must follow
their guides as you install the system. Follow your
local codes if they differ with guides in this manual.
In Massachusetts, plumbing code 248-CMR 3.00 and
10.00 shall be adhered to. Consult with a licensed
plumber.
* The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by Water Quality Association test data.

p Use only lead-free solder and flux for all sweat-solder
p
p
p

p
p
p

connections, as required by federal codes, when
installing soldered copper plumbing.
Use care when handling the water softener. Do not
turn upside down or drop.
Avoid installing in direct sunlight. Excessive heat may
cause distortion or other damage to non-metallic parts.
This water softener works on water pressures of 20 psi
(minimum) to 125 psi (maximum). If your house water
pressure is over the maximum, install a pressure reducing valve in the water supply pipe to the softener.
Temperature of the water supply to the softener must be
between 40°F and 120°F. Do not install on hot water.
If installing the water softener outdoors, do not locate
where it will be exposed to wet weather, direct sunlight
or extreme hot or cold temperatures.
This softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electrical power
only, supplied by a direct plug-in transformer (included). Be sure to use the included transformer and plug
it into a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household outlet that
is properly protected by an overcurrent device such as
a circuit breaker or fuse. If transformer is replaced,
use only the authorized service, Class II, 24V 10VA
transformer.
This water softener has a non-metallic valve system.
Installing it on metal plumbing will break electrical
continuity, which may interrupt grounding for the
home. You must restore electrical continuity in your
metal plumbing system (See Page 12).

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.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Specifications & Performance Claims
This model is efficiency rated. The efficiency rating is valid only at the minimum salt dose. The softener has a
demand initiated regeneration (D.I.R) feature that complies with specific performance specifications intended to minimize the amount of regenerant brine and water used in its operation.
This softener has a rated softener efficiency of not less than 3,350 grains of total hardness exchange per pound of salt
(based on sodium chloride) and shall not deliver more salt than its listed rating or be operated at a sustained maximum service flow rate greater than its listed rating. This softener has been proven to deliver soft water for at least ten
continuous minutes at the rated service flow rate. The rated salt efficiency is measured by laboratory tests described
in NSF/ANSI Standard 44. These tests represent the maximum possible efficiency that the system can achieve.
Operational efficiency is the actual efficiency after the system has been installed. It is typically less than the rated
efficiency, due to individual application factors including water hardness, water usage, and other contaminants that
reduce a softener's capacity.
While testing was performed under standard laboratory conditions, actual performance of the system may vary based
on local water conditions. This system has been tested according to NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for the reduction of
chlorine taste and odor. The concentration of the indicated substance in water entering the system was reduced to a
concentration less than or equal to the permissible limit for water leaving the system, as specified in NSF/ANSI
Standard 42.

SPECIFICATIONS
Model Code
Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Salt Dose)
Rated Efficiency (Grains/Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt Dose)
Water Used During Regeneration @ Minimum Salt Dose
Total Water Used Per Regeneration @ Maximum Salt Dose
Rated Service Flow Rate
Amount of High Capacity Ion Exchange Resin
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow
Water Supply Max. Hardness
Water Supply Max. Clear Water Iron
Water Pressure Limits (minimum / maximum)
Water Temperature Limits (minimum / maximum)
Minimum Water Supply Flow Rate
Intermittent Flow @ 15 psi
Maximum Drain Flow Rate
0.50 ppm
0.75 ppm
Rated Capacity at Chlorine Concentration*** of: 1.0 ppm
1.5 ppm
2.0 ppm

Model No. 625.385200
520
11,000 @ 2.6 lbs.
24,700 @ 7.8 lbs.
31,100 @ 13.4 lbs.
4,230 @ 2.6 lbs.
5.0 gallons / 1,000 grains
54.7 gallons
8.0 gpm
0.98 cu. ft.
6.5 psig
100 gpg
3 ppm*
20 - 125 psi
40 - 120 °F
3 gpm
13.7 gpm**
2.0 gpm
2,280,000 gal.§
1,520,000 gal.§
1,140,000 gal.§
760,000 gal.§
570,000 gal.§

* Capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data. State of Wisconsin
requires additional treatment if water supply contains clear water iron exceeding 5 ppm.
** Intermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for determining the softener’s rated capacity and efficiency. Continuous operation at flow rates
greater than the service flow rate may affect capacity and efficiency performance.
*** Typical residential chlorine concentration is 0.5 to 1.0 ppm.
§ From independent laboratory test data.
This system conforms to NSF/ANSI Standards 42 & 44 for the specific performance claims as
verified and substantiated by test data.
Variable Salt Dose: The salt dose is selected by the electronic controls at regeneration time
based on the amount needed.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Specifications & Performance Claims
PERFORMANCE CLAIMS
Contaminant

Influent Challenge Level

Barium
Radium 226/228
Substance
Chlorine

10 ±10% mg/L
25 pCi/L
Influent Challenge Level
2.0 ±10% mg/L

Maximum Allowable
Product Water Level
2.0 mg/L
5 pCi/L
Reduction Requirement
50%

Dimensions
17”
17"
3-3/4”
3-3/4"

OUT
OUT

21”
21"

IN
IN

IN
OUT
IN -- OUT

48”
48"
41-1/2”
41-1/2"

34”
34"

FRONT VIEW
FRONT
VIEW

SIDE VIEW
VIEW
SIDE

Figure 1

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Packing List
The parts required to assemble and install the water
softener are included with the unit. Thoroughly check
the water softener for possible shipping damage and
parts loss. Also inspect and note any damage to the
shipping carton.

Remove and discard (or recycle) all packing materials.
To avoid loss of small parts, we suggest you keep the
small parts in the parts bag until you are ready to use
them.

Small Parts

Bypass Valve

O-rings

Drain Hose

Installation
Adaptors

Hose Clamps

Adaptor Elbow

Grommet

Clips
(including 1 spare)

Figure 2

Plan Your Installation
THE PROPER ORDER TO INSTALL WATER TREATMENT EQUIPMENT
(Shows sequence of equipment only - not all items are needed in all applications)
Untreated Water to
Outside Faucets

Cold Water
to House
Hot Water
to House

Sediment
Cartridge
Filter
Water
Heater

City Water Supply

Hybrid
Water
Softener

Iron
Filter

Pressure
Tank

Well Water Supply
Well
Pump

Always locate an Iron Filter UPSTREAM of the Hybrid Water Softener.

Figure 3

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Plan Your Installation
TYPICAL INSTALLATION

Grounding wire must
connect metal pipes
Hard W

Soft, hot water

Soft W
a

ater Lin
e

ter Line

Soft Water
to R.O.
System

Shutoff
Valve

120V,
60 Hz

Hard
Water
to
House

Water
Heater

to R.O. Faucet

Reverse
Osmosis
System
R.O.
Storage
Tank

ain

Soft, cold water)

Outside Faucet
(hard water)

R.O. Dr

Outside Faucet
(hard water)

Water
Meter
Hybrid
Water
Softener

1-1/2”

Floor Air Gap
Drain

Main
Shutoff
Valve

Figure 4
WHERE TO INSTALL THE HYBRID WATER
SOFTENER

Review the following points before you choose a place
to put your softener:
1. Place as close as possible to, but always downstream
from, the pressure tank (well water) or water meter
(city water).
2. Place as close as possible to a water drain such as a
floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe (See Fig. 4).
3. Connect to the house main water pipe UPSTREAM
OF THE WATER HEATER (See Fig. 3). The 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 as possible.
4. Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt. See Fig. 4.

5. Do not install in a place where the softener could
freeze. Damage caused by freezing voids the warranty by Sears Brands Management Corporation.
6. Put the softener in a place where water damage is
least likely to occur if it develops a leak. Sears or
the manufacturer will not repair or pay for water
damage.
7. A grounded, 120V, 60 Hz. electrical outlet is needed
near the softener to plug in the transformer
(See Fig. 4). Be sure the outlet and transformer are
in an inside location, protected from wet weather.
Use a continuously “live” outlet, which cannot be
accidentally switched off.
8. When installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener, installation
plumbing, and wiring, are protected from the elements, direct sunlight, contamination, vandalism, etc.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Plan Your Installation
CHECK YOUR WATER PRESSURE BEFORE INSTALLING
For your water softener to work properly, incoming
water pressure in your house pipes must be no lower
than 20 pounds per square inch (psi). The highest
allowable pressure is 125 psi. If pressure is above 125

psi, buy and install a pressure reducing valve in the
pipe supplying water to the softener’s inlet.
NOTE: If water pressure during the day is 100 psi or
more, pressure during the night may go above
125 psi.

Installation

INSTALL SINGLE BYPASS VALVE AND/OR THREADED INSTALLATION ADAPTORS

Complete the following steps to assemble the adaptors
and/or the included single bypass valve.
1. Close the shutoff valve on the house main water pipe,
near the water meter or pressure tank, to turn off the
water.
2. Shut off the gas or electric supply to the water
heater.
3. Open the highest and lowest water faucets in your
house. This will let water drain from the pipes.
Close faucets after water has drained.
4. Remove the top cover. Pull outward on the two tabs
to release top cover (see Fig. 5). The salt lid remains
attached to the top cover when removed. Set both
covers aside so they will not get scratched or broken.
Salt Lid

Top Cover

SINGLE BYPASS VALVE:
6. Lightly coat the o-rings with silicone grease and slide
them onto the bypass valve. Push the bypass valve
into the softener valve’s inlet and outlet ports as far
as it will go. Snap the two large holding clips into
place, from the top down as shown (see Fig. 8).
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so
the bypass valve will not pull out.
INLET AND OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS:
7. Lightly coat the o-rings with silicone grease and slide
them onto the installation 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. 8).
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so
the adaptors will not pull out.
Clips
Valve
Outlet

Figure 5

5. Visually check and remove any foreign materials from the valve inlet and outlet ports (see
Fig. 6). Carefully remove the two large plastic
clips (you will use them). Check to be sure
the turbine and support are firmly in place
(see Fig. 7).
NOTE: If you will not install the included bypass
valve because you will have a 3-valve
bypass in your plumbing, skip step 6, but
perform step 7.

Threaded
Installation
Adaptors

O-Rings

Clip

Valve Inlet
O-Rings
Clip

Single
Bypass Valve

Figure 6

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Installation
INSTALL SINGLE BYPASS VALVE (cont.)

Before installing the bypass valve and/or installation
adaptors, make sure that the turbine and support are
firmly in place inside the softener valve’s outlet port.
Turbine
Support

Valve Outlet

Turbine

Valve Inlet or Outlet

Plastic Clip

O-Ring
Plastic clip snaps
into groove in
bypass or adaptor

Figure 8

ALTERNATE BYPASS VALVE INSTALLATION

OUT

Measure, cut (thread if needed) and put together all
pipe and fittings up to the main water pipe. Make sure
that the incoming water supply pipe goes to the valve
inlet side.
CAUTION: Never solder fittings while connected to
nonmetallic parts. Wait until soldered pipe
has cooled before connection. See Fig. 10.
CAUTION: Be careful when putting pipe fittings together. Do not cross thread, and do not overtighten.

Main
Wate
rP

ipe

Figure 7

INSTALL HOLDING CLIPS
Bypass Valve or
Installation Adaptor

ASSEMBLE INLET AND OUTLET PLUMBING

4. Solder.
NOTE: To be certain
that heat will not
travel down the pipe
and into the bypass
valve or installation
adaptors, wrap the
bottom of the pipe
and the bypass valve
with a wet rag.

Incoming
Hard
Water

1. Cut pipe to
correct length
2. Solder. When
cool, do step 3.

O-Ring
IN

3. Put threaded
adaptor into
bypass valve
port.

Clip

Figure 10

If connecting to floor
level plumbing, install
the bypass valve turned
downward, as shown.

Figure 9

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Installation
CONNECT THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE

Take a length of 3/8” inside diameter drain tubing
(supplied) and attach one end to the drain fitting (see
Fig. 11). Use a tube clamp from the parts bag to hold it
in place. Put the other end of the tubing over a floor
drain, into a laundry tub, standpipe, or other suitable
drain. Check your local codes.
Leave an air gap of about 1-1/ 2'' between the end of
the hose and the drain. This gap is needed so you
don’t get a backflow of sewer water into the softener.
Do not put the end of the hose into the drain or connect without the air gap.
Locate and support the hose so it does not kink or have
sharp bends. Secure the hose end so water pressure
does not cause the hose to “whip”. Tie or wire it in
place. 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 overshoot
the drain cover.
Keep the hose lower than the drain fitting. In some
homes, to get to a drain you must raise the hose and
run it overhead. Do not raise the hose more than 8 feet
above the floor.

COPPER DRAIN TUBE: Local plumbing codes may
require the use a copper valve drain tube. A copper
tube is also best to use if running a drain line overhead.
To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, purchase
a compression fitting (1/4'' female pipe threads x 1/2''
O.D. tube) and tubing from your local hardware store.

CONNECT SALT TANK OVERFLOW HOSE

1. Locate the rubber grommet, adaptor elbow and tube
clamp (see Fig. 11) that are in the parts bag.
2. Push the grommet into the hole in the salt tank wall
so that half is inside and half is outside.
3. Push the larger end of the adaptor into the grommet.
4. Push one end of a length of 3/8'' I.D. tubing (supplied) onto the tube adaptor, using a tube clamp
from the parts bag to hold it in place.
5. Put the other end of the tubing over the floor drain.
IMPORTANT: Overflow water must run down by gravity
through the tubing. Do not raise the tubing higher than the adaptor (see Fig. 11).
IMPORTANT: Do not connect this hose to the valve
drain hose you just installed (see above).
Both drains must have a separate hose.
Clip

Drain
Fitting

Valve
Drain Hose

Salt Tank
Overflow Hose

Compression Fitting, 1/4 NPT x
1/2” O.D. Tube (not supplied)

Cut barbs from drain fitting (pull clip and remove
fitting from valve)

Tube
Adaptor
Tube
Clamp

NOTE: Drain Hose
(20 ft.) is included.
See also parts list.

SUBSTITUTING RIGID DRAIN LINE

Barbs

Tube
Clamp
Grommet

1/4 NPT
Threads

Tie or wire
tubing in
place

1-1/2”
Air Gap

FLOOR DRAIN

To drain
point other
than floor
drain.
Support tubing in place
as needed.

1/2” Outside
Diameter Copper
Tube (not supplied)

STANDPIPE
1-1/2”
Air Gap
1-1/2”
Air Gap

LAUNDRY TUB

Figure 11

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Installation
METAL PIPE GROUNDING
(parts not included)

Ground Wire

Clamp (2)

Figure 12

METAL WATER PIPE GROUNDING

IMPORTANT: This water softener has a non-metallic
valve system. Installing it on metal
plumbing will break electrical continuity,
which may interrupt grounding for the
home. You must restore electrical continuity in your metal plumbing system.
If you installed a 3-valve bypass system (Fig. 14), electrical continuity will be maintained. If you installed the
non-metallic bypass valve (Fig. 13), restore the ground
as follows:
Install a #4 copper wire (parts not included) across the
removed section of metal water pipe, securely clamping
it at both ends (See Fig. 12). Be sure the pipes are
clean under the clamps, to assure good contact.
NOTE: If you are installing a sediment filter or other
item(s) into the plumbing system, along with the
water softener, be sure to restore electrical continuity across all removed metal pipe sections.

INSTALL COVERS

After installing your water softener, put the covers on.
Angle the covers so the top cover clips onto the back
first, then bring down in front and clip on the tabs
inside the rim and lower the salt lid closed (See Fig. 5).

CONNECT TO ELECTRICAL POWER

The softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electrical power.
The included transformer changes standard 120 volt AC
house power to 24 volts. You must plug the water softener’s transformer into a grounded, 120 volt outlet only.
Be sure the outlet is always “live” so it cannot be
switched off by mistake.
NOTE: The electrical outlet you plug the transformer
into must be indoors, protected from weather.

RINSE OUT CARBON FINES

Small particles of carbon filtration material are generated during manufacturing and shipping, which will exit
the media tank with the first water flow. These carbon
“fines” are not harmful, but give the water a gray color
and should be rinsed down the drain before any water
from the softener is directed to the home’s faucets or
water heater.
CAUTION: To avoid water or air pressure damage 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.
1. Make sure the softener’s valve drain hose is hooked
up and the open end directed to a floor drain, laundry tub or other suitable type of drain.
2. The system should be connected to electrical power.
3. Place bypass valve(s) in “bypass” position (see
Figures 13 & 14). On a single valve, slide the stem
inward to bypass. On a 3-valve bypass, close the
inlet and outlet valves and open the bypass valve.
4. Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff valve.
5. Initiate a regeneration by pressing and holding for 3
seconds the REGENERATION button (see Figure 15
on page 13). The valve motor will start running and
the valve will advance to the “Fill” position.
6. After you hear the valve motor stop running (valve in
“Fill” position), press, but do not hold, the REGENERATION button. The valve will advance to the “Brine”
position.
7. After you hear the valve motor stop running (valve in
“Brine” position), press, but do not hold, the REGENERATION button. The valve will advance to the
“Backwash” position.
8. Once the unit is in backwash, place bypass valve(s)
in SERVICE, EXACTLY as follows:
a. Single Bypass Valve: Slowly, slide pull the valve
stem outward toward service, pausing several times
to allow the softener to pressurize gradually.
b. 3-Valve Bypass: Fully close the bypass valve and
open the outlet valve. Slowly open the inlet valve,
pausing several times to allow the softener to pressurize gradually.
9. Let the softener complete the backwash and fast
rinse cycles (takes about 20 minutes). When the
regeneration ends, the softener’s valve returns to the
service position.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Installation
LEAK TEST

To check for leaks, complete the following steps:
1. Fully open two nearby cold water faucets downstream from the softener.
2. Observe steady weater flow from both open faucets.
3 After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet
for about one minute, or until all air is expelled, then
close.
4. Close both cold water faucets.
5. Check your plumbing work for leaks, and fix right
away if any are found. Be sure to observe previous
caution notes.
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new softener,
water coming from the taps may initially be 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.

SINGLE BYPASS VALVE

Pull stem outward
for Service
Push inward
for Bypass

Figure 13
3-VALVE BYPASS

RESTART THE WATER HEATER

FOR SERVICE
Close bypass valve.
Open inlet & outlet
valves.

YOUR PLUMBING INSTALLATION AND
ELECTRICAL WORK ARE NOW COMPLETE.

FOR BYPASS
Open bypass valve.
Close inlet & outlet
valves.

Turn on the gas (or electric) supply to the water heater
and light the pilot.

Outlet
Valve

Bypass
Valve
Inlet
Valve

Figure 14

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Programming the Softener
Display

REGENERATION button

SELECT button

UP button

press for tonight

Select
hold for immediate

Set
Salt
Level

SET SALT LEVEL button

BLUE LIGHT (see below)

Water
Use

WATER USE button

DOWN button

Figure 15

BLUE LIGHT

When the Kenmore Elite® Hybrid Water Softener is
connected to electrical power, the blue light on the control panel will be on or flashing, as follows:
= Blue light flashing rapidly, with “PRESENT TIME”
shown in the display and the clock flashing slowly The present time needs to be set, either during initial
start up or after a long power outage. See “Set
Present Time of Day”, at right.
= Blue light flashing slowly, along with the salt level
indicators in the display - The salt monitor system
indicates a low salt level and needs to be set. See
“Salt Monitor System” on Page 17.
= Blue light flashing rapidly, with “Err” shown in the
display - The electronic self-diagnostics have detected a problem. See “Troubleshooting” on Page 22.
= Blue light on steady (not flashing) - The system has
power applied and does not require any attention.

PROGRAM THE SOFTENER

When the transformer is plugged into the electrical outlet, the model code (520) and a test number (example:
J3.0), are briefly shown in the display. Then the words
“PRESENT TIME” appear and 12:00 PM begins to flash.

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

Figure 16

If the words “PRESENT TIME" do not show in the display, press the SELECT button a few times until they do.

Figure 17

1. Press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to set the
present time. Up moves the display ahead; down
sets the time back. Be sure AM or PM is correct.
NOTE: Press buttons and quickly release to slowly
advance the display. Hold the buttons down for
fast advance.
2. When the correct time is displayed, press the SELECT
button, and the display will change to show the
“Hardness” screen.
continued on next page

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Programming the Softener
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

If you completed the previous step, the word “HARDNESS" should show in the display. Otherwise, press the
SELECT button several times until it does.

Figure 18

1. Press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to set the
hardness of your water supply, in grains per gallon.
The default is 25.
NOTE: If your water supply contains iron, compensate
for it by adding to the water hardness number.
For example, assume your water is 20 gpg hard
and contains 2 ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness
number for each 1 ppm of iron. In this example,
you would use 30 for your hardness number.
20 gpg hardness
2 ppm iron x 5 = 10 +10
(times)
30 HARDNESS NUMBER
If your water supply contains iron, it is recommended that you clean your water softener resin
bed at least every 6 months. Your local Sears
store has Water Softener Cleaner (Part Number
34427) available.

2. When finished setting your water’s hardness number,
press the SELECT button, and the display will change
to show the “Recharge Time” screen.

SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) START TIME
If you completed the previous step, the words “RECHARGE TIME" should show in the display. Otherwise,
press the SELECT button several times until they do.

Figure 19

1. The softener’s default recharge start time is 2:00 AM.
This is normally a time of day when water is not
being used in the household. Hard water bypasses
the softener if the household draws water during the
recharge cycle. If a different recharge start time is
desired, press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to
change the time, in 1-hour increments. Be sure AM or
PM is correct.
2. When the desired recharge start time is displayed,
press the SELECT button, and the display will change
to show one of the “Salt Type” screens shown below.

SET SALT TYPE

Figure 20

If you completed the previous step, either “NaCl” (for
Sodium Chloride) or “KCl” (for Potassium Chloride)
should show in the display. Otherwise, press the
SELECT button several times until one of them does.
1. Press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to set the type
of salt you will be using in your water softener. The
default is NaCl (standard Sodium Chloride water softener salt). If you will be using KCl (Potassium
Chloride) instead, be sure to set salt type to KCl. This
setting adjusts the regeneration cycle times to compensate for the different rate at which KCl dissolves.
See also the following page for more information on
salt types.
2. When the correct salt type is displayed, press the
SELECT button, and the display will return to the normal run (time of day) screen.

Figure 21

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Flushing the System
After all installation steps have been completed:
1. Make sure the bypass valve(s) is in the “service”
(open) position.
2. Start a recharge: Press the REGENERATION button
and hold for 3 seconds, until “RECHARGE”, “Serv”
and “Fill” begin to flash in the display. The recharge
will take about 2 hours to complete.
3. After the recharge has completed, fully open a cold
water faucet, downstream from the softener, and
allow 50 gallons of water to pass through the system.
This should take at least 20 minutes.
4. Close the faucet.

Your new Sears softener is now softening the water for
your household needs. However, your WATER HEATER
is filled with hard water. To have fully soft water right
away, you can drain the water heater so it refills with
soft water. If you don’t drain the water heater, it will
take a few days before you have fully soft water.
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new softener,
water coming from the taps may initially be 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.

Adding Salt to the Storage Tank
ADDING SALT TO THE STORAGE TANK

You must keep salt in the tank, but it is not necessary to
fill it full. Especially in humid areas, it is best to fill the
storage tank no more than half full, and to add salt
more often. Salt “bridging” occurs more often when
conditions are humid.
Use NUGGET or PELLET water softener salt. DO NOT
use rock salts, as they have dirt and sediments that will
stop the softener from working. To maintain optimum
performance of your water softener, the salt tank
should be cleaned out every 2 to 3 years.

POTASSIUM CHLORIDE (KCl) SALT

If you choose Potassium Chloride (KCl) as a regenerant,
following these suggestions will help give you years of
maintenance free service.
1. Place only one bag of KCl in your softener at a time
(the salt storage tank should contain no more than
60 pounds of KCl at any one time).
2. A softener using KCl should not be placed in areas
with temperature fluctuations and high humidity (KCl
will harden in these environments and may make the
softener inoperable).
3. Check the brine tank and brinewell (black tube in
salt storage tank) monthly. If hardening is present,
pour small amounts of warm water onto hardened
areas until they loosen.

4. Be sure to set “Salt Type” on the controller to “KCl”.
This setting adjusts the regeneration cycle times to
compensate for the different rate at which KCl dissolves. See “Set Salt Type” on the previous page.
Persons who are on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium
intake. For example, if your water supply is 15 grains
hard, 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.
Persons who are concerned about their drinking water
should consider a Kenmore reverse osmosis drinking
water system that will remove in excess of 90% of the
sodium and other drinking water contaminants.

WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON
REMOVING ADDITIVES

Some salts have an additive to help the softener handle
iron in the water supply. These salts may be used if
your water supply has a high iron content. It is recommended to use Sears Water Softener Cleaner (refer to
the parts list in back of manual for part number) for
periodic treatments to keep your resin bed clean. This
is available at your local Sears store.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

What Your Hybrid Water Softener Will Do
The Kenmore Elite® Hybrid Water Softener has been
designed to include two different types of media, a
high quality media that reduces tastes and odors and a
high efficiency media to remove hardness minerals.

This Hybrid Water Softener will provide you and your
home all the benefits of soft water, while providing
whole home chlorine taste and odor reduction and barium and radium 226/228 reduction. You can have fil-

tered water from your kitchen faucet for food preparation and drink, in the bath and shower which will
reduce chlorine’s aesthetic effect on your skin and hair,
and at every bathroom sink for brushing your teeth.
There are no filters to change.

Based on NSF-tested rated capacity under NSF/ANSI
Standard 42*, the Kenmore Elite® Hybrid Water
Softener has an estimated useful life for chlorine taste
and odor reduction of over 10 years.
*NSF rated capacity is 570,000 gallons.

Controller Features
EXTRA RECHARGE

Sometimes, a manually initiated recharge (regeneration)
may be desired, or needed. Two examples are:
= You have used more water than usual (guests visiting)
and you may run out of soft water before the next
automatic regeneration.
= You did not add salt to the softener before it ran out.
Add salt to the softener before regenerating.
You can start a regeneration immediately, or you can
set the controller to regenerate at the next preset
recharge time (2:00 AM, or as set).

RECHARGE NOW

Press the REGENERATION button and hold for 3 seconds, until the words “RECHARGE”, “Serv” and “Fill”
begin to flash in the display. The softener enters the fill
cycle of regeneration immediately. This regeneration
will take about 2 hours to complete. Then, you will
have soft water again.
NOTE: If the “Clean Feature” is set ON, the normal
regeneration cycle is preceded by a cleaning
backwash and rinse. The words “CLEAN” and
“Bkwsh” or “Rinse” flash in the display, along
with the minutes of the clean cycle remaining.

Figure 22
RECHARGE TONIGHT

Press and release (do not hold) the REGENERATION
button. “RECHARGE TONIGHT” will begin flashing in
the display, and the softener will begin regeneration at
the next preset recharge time (2:00 AM, or as set). If
you decide to cancel the regeneration before it starts,
press and release the REGENERATION button once
more. “RECHARGE TONIGHT” will stop flashing in the
display.

Figure 23

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Controller Features
SALT MONITOR SYSTEM

The water softener has a blue light that will flash to
remind you to add salt to the storage tank.
NOTE: You must set salt level each time salt is added
to the water softener.
NOTE: The salt monitor system estimates salt levels, and
accuracy will vary with different salts.
To set this monitor system:
1. Lift the salt lid and level the salt in the storage tank.
2. The yellow salt level decal, on the brinewell inside
the tank, has numbers from 0 to 8 (see Fig. 24).
Observe the highest number the leveled salt is at, or
closest to.
press for tonight

SALT
LEVEL

Salt Level
Bars
Salt
Level

Brinewell

OPTIONAL SETTINGS:
= SALT EFFICIENCY
= CLEAN FEATURE
= CLEAN FEATURE MINUTES
= 97% FEATURE
= 12 / 24 HOUR CLOCK
= GALLONS / LITERS
= MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS
= BACKWASH & FAST RINSE TIMES

1. To set any of these options, press and hold SELECT
for 3 seconds until “000” shows in the display. Then
press (do not hold) SELECT again to display one of
the “Salt Efficiency” screens shown below.

hold for immediate

Set
Salt
Level

Decal

Figure 24

3. Press the SET SALT LEVEL button as many times as
necessary to make the salt level bars in the display
(see Fig. 24) match the number on the decal. At
level 2 or below, the salt level bars, signal level indicators and blue light will flash.
4. If you want to turn the salt monitor off, press the SET
SALT LEVEL button past 8, until “OFF” shows in the
display next to the number 8.

Efficiency Icon

Figure 26

SALT EFFICIENCY: When this feature is ON, the
water softener will operate at salt efficiencies of
4000 grains of hardness per pound of salt or higher.
The softener may recharge more often using smaller
salt dosage and less water. This softener is shipped
with the efficiency feature set OFF. Installations in
the State of California require this setting to be
turned ON. Use the r UP or s DOWN buttons to
change between OFF and ON.

California Efficiency Requirement

Figure 25

Your Kenmore Water Softener has a “High
Efficiency” feature that can be set ON or OFF.
This softener is shipped with the efficiency feature
set OFF, which will utilize the maximum rated
capacity while most often achieving maximum salt
efficiencies. When installing this unit in the State
of California, you MUST turn the efficiency feature
ON. The softener may initiate more frequent
recharges, but it will operate at 4000 grains per
pound of salt or higher.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Controller Features
2. Press SELECT again to display one of the “Clean”
screens shown below.

Figure 27
CLEAN: This feature is beneficial on water supplies
containing iron and/or high amounts of sediments
(sand, silt, dirt, etc.). When set to ON, a backwash
and fast rinse cycle will occur first, preceding the
normal regeneration sequence. This provides extra
cleaning of the resin bed before it is regenerated
with the salt brine. To conserve water, if your water
supply does not contain iron or sediments, be sure
this feature is set to OFF. The default is OFF. Use
the r UP or s DOWN buttons to change between
OFF and ON.

4. Press SELECT again to display the “97%” screen.

Figure 29
97% FEATURE: The 97% Feature can save salt and
water by regenerating when 97% of the softener’s
capacity has been used up. With this feature ON,
the regeneration can occur at any time (whenever
the system has reached 97% of its capacity). The
default is OFF. If this feature is desired, turn it on by
pressing the r UP button.

5. Press SELECT again to display the “12 or 24 hr”
screen.

3. Press SELECT again to display the “Clean Time”
screen shown below.

Figure 30
Figure 28
CLEAN FEATURE MINUTES: If you have set the
Clean Feature ON, the length of the extra backwash
cycle automatically is set to 2 minutes. However, you
can adjust this time from 1 to 15 minutes in length.
To change this cycle time, use the r UP button to
increase the time, or the s DOWN button to shorten the time. If no change is desired, continue to next
step.

12 OR 24 HOUR CLOCK: All time displays are shown
in standard clock time (1 to 12 AM; and 1 to 12 PM)
at the 12 hr default setting. If 24 hour time format is
desired, set to 24 hr by pressing the r UP button.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Controller Features
6. Press SELECT again to display the “Gallons or Liters”
screen.

Figure 31
GALLON OR LITER READINGS: Water usage and
flow rate displays are shown in gallons at the default
setting. If you prefer liters, change this setting from
“Gals” to “Liter” by pressing the r UP button.

7. Press SELECT again to display the “Recharge Days”
screen.

8. Press SELECT again to display the “Backwash Time”
setting screen.

Figure 33
BACKWASH & FAST RINSE TIMES: If you experience
salty tasting water after regeneration, you may need
to increase the backwash and fast rinse times. The
default backwash time is 13 minutes and the default
fast rinse time is 6 minutes. However, you may
increase or decrease the backwash and fast rinse
times, in 1 minute increments.
If you wish to change the backwash time, use the r
UP or s DOWN buttons to set the backwash time
between 1 and 30 minutes. Then press SELECT to
display the “Fast Rinse Time” setting screen.

Figure 32
MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS: The
electronic controller automatically determines regeneration frequency. This provides the greatest operating efficiency and, under most conditions this feature
will be left in its default mode. However, you can set
this feature to force a regeneration every set number
of days. You may want to do this if, for example,
your water supply contains iron and you want the
softener to regenerate at least once every few days
to keep the resin bed clean. Use the r UP or s
DOWN buttons to change the number of days (up to
15). If no change is desired, continue to next step.

Figure 34
If you wish to change the fast rinse time, use the
r UP or s DOWN buttons to set the fast rinse
time between 1 and 30 minutes.

9. Press SELECT to return to the normal run (time of
day) screen.

TANK LIGHT

A light inside the salt storage tank will come on whenever you open the salt lid. A “Tank Light” icon is displayed when this light is on. The light turns off when
you close the salt lid. It will also turn off automatically
after 15 minutes if the salt lid is left open.

Tank Light
Icon

Figure 35
Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Controller Features
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER

To view the flow rate through the softener in gallons (or
liters) per minute, press the WATER USE button. If soft
water is in use, the flow rate will be displayed to the
nearest tenth of a gallon (or liter). The display will
show “0” when all faucets and water using appliances
are off.

Figure 36
AVERAGE DAILY GALLONS OR LITERS

Press the WATER USE button a second time to display
the average number of gallons (or liters) of soft water
that the household uses each day. This water usage
figure is recalculated daily by the elctronic controller.
To turn this display off, press the WATER USE button
once again.

Figure 37
RECHARGE TIME REMAINING & VALVE
POSITION INDICATORS

One of the valve position indicators (Serv, Fill, Brine,
Bkwsh, Rinse) is displayed while the softener is recharging. RECHARGE flashes in the display and, beginning
with Brine, the minutes of recharge remaining before
return to service appears in place of the present time.
When the valve is moving from one cycle to another,
both position indicators are flashing.

PROGRAM MEMORY

If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time display is blank but the electronic controller keeps the correct time for several hours. When electrical power
comes on again, you will have to reset the present time
only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS and
RECHARGE TIME never require resetting unless a
change is desired. Even if the clock is incorrect after a
long power outage, the softener works as it should to
keep your water soft, however, regenerations may occur
at the wrong time of day until you reset the clock to the
correct time of day.

KENMORE’S ULTRA CLEANSING FEATURE

The ultra cleansing feature keeps larger particles of
sediment from entering the home’s plumbing system. As
water passes through the softener, the larger sediment
particles are collected in the integrated basket and
then rinsed to the drain before each regeneration. The
ultra cleansing feature provides added protection for
water using appliances by reducing the chance of larger particles entering the various products valves and
screens. The “Clean Feature” may be turned ON to
provide an extra backwash that will help keep the ultra
cleansing screen clean. The default is OFF.
IMPORTANT: The ultra cleansing feature is not intended
to replace pretreatment filtration. For
problem water applications, additional
sediment filtration is recommended.
Sears offers a full line of dedicated sediment filtration
products.
Ultra Cleansing Screen

Resin
Tank

Top
Distributor

Figure 38

Figure 39

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Care of Your Water Softener
SALT BRIDGE

Sometimes, a hard crust or salt “bridge” forms in the
brine tank. It is usually caused by high humidity or the
wrong kind of salt. When the salt “bridges,” an empty
space forms between the water and the salt. Then, salt
will not dissolve in the water to make brine. Without
brine, the resin bed is not recharged and hard water
will result.
If the storage tank is full of salt, it is difficult to tell if
you have a salt bridge. A bridge may be underneath
loose salt. Take a broom handle, or like tool, and hold
it next to the water softener. Measure the distance
from the floor to the rim of the water softener. Then,
gently push the broom handle straight down into the
salt. If a hard object is felt before the pencil mark is
even with the top, it is most likely a salt bridge. Gently
push into the bridge in several places to break it. Do
not use any sharp or pointed objects as you may puncture the brine tank. Do not try to break the salt bridge
by pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You may
damage the tank.

Push tool into
salt bridge
to break
1” - 2”

Pencil
Mark
Broom
Handle

Salt

Salt Bridge

Empty Space
Water Level

Figure 40

Service Information
ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST

1. Does the time display show the correct time of day?
= If display is blank, check power source to the softener.
= If time is flashing, power was off for a long period. The softener resumes normal operation but
regenerations occur at the wrong time.
= If an error code (example: “Err3”) shows in the display, go to “Troubleshooting”.
2. Are bypass valve(s) fully in service position?
3. Are the inlet and outlet pipes connected to the softener inlet and outlet respectively?
4. Is the softener’s transformer plugged into a “live”,
grounded wall outlet, and the power cable fastened
securely to the controller?

5. Is the valve drain hose free of kinks and sharp bends,
and not elevated more than 8 ft. above the floor?
6. Is there salt in the storage tank?
7. Is the brine tubing connected? Brine tubing connects
to nozzle/venturi and brine valve assembly.
8. Press the SELECT button twice to display the hardness setting. Make sure it is correct for the household’s water supply. Perform a hardness test of the
untreated incoming water and compare with the
hardness setting. Also test a soft water sample to
verify if a problem exists. Press the SELECT button
several more times to return to present time display.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Service Information
TROUBLESHOOTING

If your water softener does not work properly, make the following easy checks. Often, you will find what is wrong
yourself and you won’t have to call and wait for service. If you do not find anything wrong while making the checks,
and your softener still does not work properly, call your Sears Service Department.

PROBLEM

CAUSE

No soft water

No salt in the storage tank.

No soft water & display is blank

Transformer unplugged at wall outlet, or
power cable disconnected from back of
electronic board or transformer malfunction.

Add salt and then use RECHARGE NOW
feature.
Check for loss of power and correct.
Reprogram electronic control and then use
RECHARGE NOW feature.

Salt storage tank “bridged”.

Refer to “Breaking a Salt Bridge”.

No soft water & salt
level not dropping
No soft water & salt
storage tank full of
water
Intermittent hard
water

Fuse blown, circuit breaker tripped, or circuit switched off (see “Power Outage
Memory”).
Bypass valve(s) in “bypass” position.

Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle & venturi assembly
Valve drain hose is plugged or restricted.
Incorrect time set.

Incorrect water hardness set.
Hot water being used when softener is
regenerating.
Possible increase in water hardness.

Brine tank flooded

Valve drain hose is plugged or restricted.

Salty tasting water
immediately after
regeneration

Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle & venturi assembly.
Backwash and fast rinse cycle times are not
long enough.
Valve drain hose is plugged or restricted.

Error code appears
(example: “Err3”)

CORRECTION

Fault in electronic controller or wiring harness connections to position switch, position
switch inoperable or motor inoperable.

Replace fuse, reset circuit breaker, or switch
circuit on, and then use RECHARGE NOW
feature.
Move bypass valve(s) to “service” position.

Take apart, clean and inspect nozzle & venturi (see instruction decal under salt lid).
Hose must not have any kinks, sharp bends or
any water flow blockage (See “Valve Drain
Requirements”).
Check and change time setting.

Refer to “Set Water Hardness Number” to
set correctly.
Avoid using hot water while the softener is
regenerating, as the water heater will fill with
hard water.
Test untreated water for hardness and iron.
Program the water softener accordingly (see
“Set Water Hardness Number”).

Hose must not have any kinks, sharp bends or
any water flow blockage (See “Valve Drain
Requirements”).
Take apart, clean and inspect nozzle & venturi (see “Cleaning the Nozzle & Venturi”).
Increase backwash & fast rinse times (see
“Back Wash & Fast Rinse Times”).
Hose must not have any kinks, sharp bends or
any water flow blockage (see “Valve Drain
Requirements”).
Unplug power cord. Check all wiring connections to be sure they are secure. Plug in
power cord and wait 8 minutes. If error
code returns, call Kenmore Water Line.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Service Information
MANUALLY INITIATED ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS
1. To enter diagnostics, press the SELECT button and
hold for three seconds. The display will change to
show turbine count, valve cycle position, and position
switch status (open or closed).

Valve Position Indicator

Number of Days since
the last Regeneration

Motor
Sensor
Housing

Position
Switch

Turbine

Turbine Count
(No Water Flowing)
Position Switch Indicator (Open)

Figure 41

TURBINE OPERATION: If no water is flowing through
the softener, the turbine indicator displays three zeros.
When water is flowing, a 000 to 140 count repeats for
each gallon of water passing through the turbine. To
check for positive operation of the turbine if zeros are
shown, open a nearby soft water faucet and observe
the turbine count. If you don’t get a reading in the display with faucet open, pull the sensor housing from the
valve outlet port (see Fig. 43). 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
inlet and outlet plumbing and check the turbine for
binding.
POSITION SWITCH STATUS: With the valve in service,
or any of the recharge cycle positions, the position
switch indicator will show the switch open. While the
valve is rotating from one position to another, the position switch indicator will show the switch closed. There
is likely a problem if indications vary from this pattern.
Minutes of Cycle (example: Fill) Remaining

Valve Outlet

Turbine
Support
& Shaft

Figure 43

= Press and hold the s DOWN button to display the

number of regenerations initiated by this controller
since the model code number was entered.

NOTE: If the electronic controller is left in the diagnostic display (or a flashing display when setting
times or hardness), the normal time of day display automatically returns if a button has not
been pressed for 4 minutes. To return to the
diagnostic display, repeat step 1, above.

RESETTING TO FACTORY DEFAULTS

To reset the electronic controller to its factory default
for all settings (time, hardness, etc.):
1. Press the SELECT button and hold it until the display
changes twice to show the flashing model code.
2. Press the r UP button to display a flashing “SoS”.

Turbine Count
(Water Flowing)

Figure 42

OTHER INFORMATION: While in the diagnostics
screen, the following information is available and may
be beneficial for various reasons. This information is
retained by the electronic controller from the first time
electrical power is applied to the unit.
= Press and hold the r UP button to display the number of days this controller has had electrical power
applied.

Figure 44

3. Press the SELECT button, and the electronic controller
will restart.
4. Set the present time, hardness, etc., as described on
pages 13 & 14.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Service 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 first, and perform the manually initiated electronic diagnostics.
NOTE: The display must show a steady time (not flashing). If an error code shows, first press the
SELECT button to enter the diagnostic display.
1. Press the REGENERATION button and hold in for 3
seconds. “RECHARGE”, “Serv” and “Fill” begin to
flash in the display as the softener enters the fill
cycle of regeneration.
2. When valve reaches “Fill” position, remove the
brinewell cover and, using a flashlight, observe fill
water entering the tank.
3. If water does not enter the tank, look for an
obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine tubing,
or brine valve riser pipe.
4. After observing fill, press the REGENERATION button
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 liquid level.
5. If the softener does not draw brine:
= nozzle and/or venturi dirty
= nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket
= restricted drain (check drain fitting and hose)
= ineffective nozzle and venturi seal
= other inner valve problem (rotor seal, rotor & disc,
wave washer, etc.)

Position Markers
(valve in service)

Motor
Cam

Figure 45

NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated
drain hose may cause back pressure, stopping
brine draw.
6. Again press REGENERATION to move the softener
into backwash. Look for a fast flow of water from
the drain hose.
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
softener to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any
brine that may remain in the resin tank from the
brining cycle test.
9. To return the softener to service, press REGENERATION once more.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Service Information
WIRING SCHEMATIC

Back of Controller (PWA)

AC INPUT

POS. / TURBINE

MOTOR

Valve
Motor
24 VAC
Transformer

grn

Turbine
Sensor

OUT
GND
+5

brn

NO
NC

Position
Switch

Figure 46

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Water Softener Exploded View
Kenmore
Model No.
625.385200

Valve Assembly
See Pages 28 & 29
for parts

2
3
5

28
27

26
7
8

10
9

11
12
13

Rating Decal
Location

18
17
19
20

24
22
21

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Softener Parts List
Key
No.
1

7329803

7330600

3
4

7275907
7329942

7330626

7265025

–

7112963

7
8
9
10
11

Part No.

á
á

13
14
15

7077870
7247996
0502272
7175149
7327584
7124415
7325508

–

7327576

16
17
18

á
á

Description
Top Cover
Salt Lid (includes Kenmore badge
& instruction decal)
Transformer, 24V, 10VA
Repl. Electronic Controller (PWA)
Faceplate
(includes faceplate decal)
Ultra Cleansing Screen
Distributor O-Ring Kit
(includes Key Nos. 7-9)
O-Ring, 2-7/8” x 3-1/4”
O-Ring, 13/16” x 1-1/16”
O-Ring, 2-3/4” x 3”
Top Distributor
Repl. Resin Tank, 10” x 40”
Resin
Activated Carbon
Repl. Bottom Distributor
Gravel
Salt Storage Tank
Brinewell Mounting Hardware Kit
(includes Key Nos. 16-18)
Screw, 1/4-20 x 5/8”
O-Ring, 1/4” x 1/2”
Wing Nut, 1/4-20

Key
No.

Part No.

–

7214375

19
20

–

7331258

21
22
23
24
25
26

7219888
7325396
7232446

–

7331177

27
28
29
30
31

á
á

7171349
7310202
7327568
3442707

7278581

7332880

Description
Brinewell Assembly
(includes Key Nos. 19 & 20)
Brinewell
Decal, Salt Level
Overflow Hose Adaptor Kit
(includes Key Nos. 21-23)
Adaptor Elbow
Grommet
Hose Clamp
Brinewell Cover
Rim
Vapor Barrier
Tank Neck Clamp Kit
(includes 2 ea. of Key Nos. 27 & 28)
Clamp Section (2 req.)
Retainer Clip (2 req.)
Cone Screen
Brine Valve Assembly
Float, Stem & Guide Assembly
Water Softener Cleaner Ù
Parts Bag (includes
4 ea. of Key Nos. 70 & 72,
3 ea. of Key No. 71,
2 ea. of Key No. 23,
1 ea. of Key Nos. 21 & 22)
Owner’s Manual

¢ Not illustrated.
Ù Not included with water softener.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Valve Assembly Exploded View
50
51
52

55
56

93
92

Wear Strip

Cross-Section
View

67
68
63

Seal

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Valve Parts List
Key
No.
50
51
52
53
54
55

Part No.

Description

7224087
7286039
7231393
0900857
7171250
7283489

–

7331169

56
57
58
59
60
–
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68

Screw, #8-32 x 1” (2 req.)
Motor (incl. 2 ea. of Key No. 50)
Motor Plate
Screw, #6-20 x 3/8” (2 req.)
Bearing
Cam & Gear
Drain Hose Adaptor Kit
(incl. Key Nos. 56-60)
Clip, Drain
Hose Clamp
Adaptor, Drain Hose
O-Ring, 15/16” x 1-3/16”
Flow Plug, 2.0 gpm
Seal Kit (includes Key Nos. 61-66)
O-Ring, 5/8” x 13/16”
O-Ring, 1-1/8” x 1-1/2”
O-Ring, 4-1/2” x 4-7/8”
Rotor Seal
Seal
Seal, Nozzle & Venturi
Bearing, Wave Washer
Rotor & Disc
Installation Adaptor Kit, 1”,
(includes 2 ea. copper tubes, clips
& washers) Ù
Clip (4 req.)
Installation Adaptor, 1” NPT (2 req.)
O-Ring, 1-1/16” x 1-5/16” (4 req.)
Copper Reducer Bushing,
1” to 3/4” (2 req.) Ù
Plug, Drain Seal

á
á
á
á

7185487
á
á
á
á
á
á

7174313
7185500

7262506

70
71
72

7089306
7271204
7311127

7232234

7171187

Key
No.
75
76

7129889
7081201

–

7290931

77
78
79
80
81

7171145
7170319
1202600

–

7253808

82
83
84
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96

7081104
7095030
1148800
7114533
7204362
7084607
7146043
7167659
7170262
7199729
7309811
7175199
7171161
7172997
7305150
7140738

7214383

7139999
7123613
3479901
42-34407

¢
¢
¢

Part No.

Description
Spring
Retainer, Nozzle & Venturi
Turbine & Support Assembly
(includes 1 ea. of Key Nos. 77, 78
& 2 ea. of Key No. 72)
Turbine Support & Shaft
Turbine
Valve Body
O-Ring, 1/4” x 3/8” (2 req.)
Nut - Ferrule
Nozzle & Venturi Assembly
(includes Key Nos. 82-90)
Housing, Nozzle & Venturi
Cone Screen
Flow Plug, 0.3 gpm
Nozzle & Venturi Gasket Kit
Gasket (only)
Flow Plug, 0.15 gpm
Screen
Screen Support
O-Ring, 1-1/8” x 1-3/8”
Cap
Wire Harness (Sensor)
Wave Washer
Valve Cover
Screw, #10-14 x 2-5/8” (8 req.)
Switch
Screw, #4-24 x 3/4” (2 req.)
Bypass Valve Assembly
(incl. 2 ea. of Key Nos. 70 & 72)
Drain Tubing, 3/8” I.D. x 20 ft.
Silicone Grease (for O-Rings) Ù
Adaptor Kit, 1” to 1-1/4” Ù
Flexible Connectors, 1” Ù

¢ Not illustrated.
Ù Not included with water softener.

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

Notes

Questions? Call the Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345 or visit www.kenmorewater.com

"– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
FOR IOWA USE ONLY

All sales in Iowa require the following signature before consummation of sale. These signatures must be retained by
seller/renter for 2 years minimum.
Buyer/Renter __________________________________________________________

Date _________________

Seller ________________________________________________________________

Date _________________

Seller’s Address _________________________________________________________________________________
Seller’s Phone No. _______________________________________________________________________________
Model 625.385200

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