OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

Kenmore C-20

625.388110

Caution:

Read and Follow

All Safety Rules and

Operating Instructions

Before First Use of

This Product.

If you have questions when installing, operating or main- taining your softener, and when setting the timer, call this toll-free number...

1-800-426-9345

(M - F, 7 am - 8 pm, CST)

For repair or replacement

parts, call this toll-free num-

ber...

1-800-366-7278

See back cover for other Sears service numbers.

www, KenmoreWater, com

SAVE THIS MANUAL

Water Softener

with Deluxe Valve

???Warranty

???Start Up / Setting Timer

???How It Works

???Care Of

???Specifications

???Repair Parts

Use the plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals

nearby" the softener for future reference.

I Sears, Roebuck and Co., 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA I

...........................................................................................................WARRANTY

W

A

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......i J J ff..........J J J J,

SEARS RESIDENTIAL WATER SOFTENER

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON WATER SOFTENER

For one year from the date of purchase, when this water softener is installed and maintained in accordance with our instructions, Sears will repair, free of charge, defects in material or workmanship in this water softener.

FULL TEN YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST LEAKS

For ten years from the date of purchase, Sears will furnish and install a new current model water softener tank or salt storage drum, free of charge, if either the tank or drum develop a leak.

TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT THE NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. This warranty ap- plies only while this product is in use in the United States.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

If you want your water softener professionally installed, talk to your Sears Salesman. He will arrange for a prompt, quality installation by Sears Authorized Installers.

All installation labor arranged by Sears shall be per- formed in a neat, workmanlike manner in accor-

dance with generally accepted trade practices. Fur- ther, all installations shall comply with all local laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Customer shall also be protected, during installation, by insur- ance relating to Property Damage, Workman's Compensation and Public Liability.

In addition to any warranty extended to you on the Sears merchandise involved, which warranty be- comes effective the date the merchandise in

installed, should the workmanship of any Sears ar- ranged installation prove faulty within one year, Sears will, upon notice from you, cause such faults to be corrected at no additional cost to you.

The model number is on the rating decal, located on the rhn, under the salt hole coy er.

A

',.........,.......,.......,.......,.......,.......,.......,_ TABLE I............................................OF CONTENTS

WATER SOFTENER START UP

PAGE NO.

B

I_

a_Safety Guides

B.Check List of Step-By-Step Guides To Install

C.Program The Timer ...................................

D.Sanitizing The Water Softener ..........................

E.Adding Salt to the Storage Tank ........................

1-1

1-2

1-3, 1-4

1-5

1-6

0

a_

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

Faceplate _mer Features

2-1

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,_ _ ,_,

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

C.Protect The Water Softener From Freezing

D.Checklist (Not Getting Soft Water)

2-2 to 24

3-1

3-2

3-3

3-4

ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

4-1,4-2

B

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i.JJ.JJ.J .JJ.JJ.J .JJ.J.

i._J.=._J.=.

A.SAFETY GUIDES

???Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before installing and using your new water softener. Follow all steps exactly to correctly install. Failure to follow them could cause personal injury or property damage.

Reading this book will also help you to get all of the benefits from your water softener.

??? Your water softener will remove hardness minerals and "clear water" iron* from water, up to the limits shown on page 4-1. It will not remove other types of

iron, acids, tastes and odors, etc. It will not purify pol- luted water or make it safe to drink.

??? Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Dam- age from freezing voids the softener warranty. See page 3-3.

CAUTIONS

PLEASE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING

GUIDES TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SOFTENER

OR OTHER PROPERTY, PERSONAL INJURY, OR POS-

SIBLE FATAL SHOCK.

??? THIS SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLTS ONLY. BE

SURE TO USE ONLY THE TRANSFORMER INCLUDED,

AND PLUG IT INTO A NOMINAL 120V, 60 CYCLE

HOUSEHOLD OUTLET THAT IS GROUNDED AND

PROPERLY PROTECTED BY AN OVERCURRENT DE-

VICE SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE. IF

TRANSFORMER IS REPLACED, USE ONLY THE AU-

THORIZED SERVICE, CLASS II, 24 VOLT, 10 VA

TRANSFORMER.

???Unplug the transformer right away if the power cable should become damaged or frayed. Make re- pairs, or replace transformer, before plugging back into the power outlet.

???Always unplug the softener from electrical power before removing outer valve covers.

???This system is not intended to be used for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

*Capacity to remove clear water iron was tested in the field by the manufacturer.

1-1

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

B. CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL

_lb be sure you have done all the steps to install the softener, read the following list. Refer to the Instal- lation Manual, part no. 7267336, for step-by-step

guides.

Page numbers referred to are in the Installation Manual unless otherwise noted.

m" Is the house water flow going INTO the softener valve INLET? "lYace piping to be sure. See pages 2-4 and 2-5.

m" Is the plumbing bypass valve (or 3 valves) set for SERVICE? Bypass valve(s) should always re- main in soft water service position. Position in "bypass" only if needed for softener repairs. See FIG. 14, page 4-1 of this manual.

Is the valve drain hose connected the right way, and without sharp bends or kinks that could stop or reduce water flow? See page 3-5 in the installation manual.

VALVE

INLET

Bypass Valve(s)

Be sure to restart the water heater. See page 3-9.

NOTE; Codes in the state of Massachusetts require installation

by a licensed plianber. For installation, use plumbing, code

Z48- CMR of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

1-2

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

C. PROGRAM THE TIMER

f

f_

display/I-

down button

SELECT button

RECHARGE button

WATER SOFTENER

When the transformer is plugged in, a model code, and a test number (example: $3.0) show in the face plate display for 4 seconds. Then, 12:00 AM and

PRESENT TIME begin to flash.

53.0

Notes:

If SR - - shows in the display, press the UP [Zg or DOWN (_ button until SR17 is shown. Then, press the SELECT button to set, and change to the flashing

PRESENT TIME display.

To check the model code, unplug the transformer at the wall outlet and plug in again, if other than SR17

shows, see page 5-3 to reset.

SOUND "BEEPER": A "beeper" sounds while pressing buttons for timer set-up. One beep signals a change in the face plate display. Repeated beeps mean the timer will not accept a change from the

button you have pressed, telling you to use another button. For example, while setting the hardness (step 2), the beeper sounds repeatedly when the dis- play reaches i using the DOWN button, or the high- est hardness setting using the UP button.

_SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the dis- play, press the SELECTbutton (FIG. 2) until they do, or see the previous notes.

??? Press the UP / DOWN buttons to set the present time. Press UP to move the display ahead; press DOWN to move the time backward.

If the present time is between noon and midnight, be sure PM shows.

If the present time is between

midnight and noon, be sure AM shows.

1-3

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

C. PROGRAM THE TIMER

m

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

??? Press the SELECT button once to display 25 (flashing) and HARDNESS.

The grains per gallon (gpg) hard-

ness of your water supply is on2S

your water analysis report. Be sure to enter water test results on

page A, for future reference.

If your water supply contains iron, compensate for it by adding to the water hardness number. For ex-

ample, assume your water is 20 gpg hard and con-

tains 2 ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness number for

each 1 ppm of iron. In this example, you would use

??? Press the UP / DOWN buttons to set your water hardness number in the display. The DOWN button moves the display to 1. The UP button moves the display to the highest setting (see maximum setting for your model in the specifications).

Note:

Each press of the UP / DOWN button changes the display by i between i and 25. Between 25 and the highest number, the display changes 5 at a time... 25, 30, 35, etc. Holding the UP or DOWN but- ton in changes the display twice each second.

m

I_ SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME

???Press the SELECT button to display 2:00 AM

(flashing) and RECHARGE TIME.

2-4) at 2:00 AM, ending no later

than 4:00 AM. This is a good time in most house- holds because water is not being used (see Auto- matic Bypass, page 2- 4). If a different recharge time setting would be better for your household, do the following.

??? Press the UP / DOWN buttons to set the desired

recharge starting hour. Be sure to observe the AM- PM as you did when setting the present time of day.

Note:

Each press of the UP / DOWN buttons changes the display i hour. Holding the buttons in changes the display twice each second.

??? Press the SELECT button once again, to com- plete initial programming, and RECHARGE TO- NIGHT shows in the display.

IF YOU NEED HELP PROGRAMMING THE TIMER, CALL TOLL FREE,

NUMBER 1- 800 - 426 - 9345.

SEE PAGE 2-1 FOR OTHER FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES.

1-4

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

D. SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER

Care is taken at the factory to keep your water soft-

salt hole cover

???It draws the bleachinto and through the softener to sanitize it.

???It fills the salt tank to the water level needed.

???It gets all the air out of the resin tank.

???It prepares the resin bed (see page 2-3) for ser- vice and flushes residual chlorine from the soften-

er.

Notes:

This recharge takes about 2 hours.

You can sanitize the softener with or without salt in the storage tank.

(t9 Recommended by the water Quality Association. On some

water supplies, the water softener may need periodic disinfecting.

brinewell cover (remove and add about 3[4 o_. bleach)

brirlewell

w_tter, J

about 3 gallons

)

F

1-5

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

E. ADDING SALT TO STORAGE TANK

Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed for each and every regeneration. The water for making brine is metered into the salt storage tank by the softener.

However, you must keep salt in the tank, but it is not necessary to keep it full. It is best to fill the storage tank one quarter to one half full, and to refill it more often. Salt bridging (see page 3-1) occurs more often when conditions are humid and the tank

is filled to the top.

Fill the tank with NUGGET or PELLET water soft-

ener salt. DO NOT use rock salts, as they have dirt and sediments that will stop the softener from working.

Before filling, be sure the brinewell cover is in place on the top of the brinewell.

If you choose Potassium Chloride (KC1) as a regen- erant, following these suggestions will help give you years of maintenance free service.

1) Place only one bag of KC1 in your softener at a time (the salt storage tank should contain no more than 60 pounds of KC1 at any one time).

2)A softener using KC1 should not be placed in areas with temperature fluctuations and high hu- midity (KC1 will harden in these environments and may make the softener inoperable).

3)Check the brine tank and brine well (black tube in

salt storage tank) monthly. If hardening is present, pour small amounts of warm water on hardened areas until they loosen.

4) If your softener does not have a KC1 salt setting you must increase your hardness setting by 25% to ensure continuous soft water as in example below.

WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON REMOV-

ING ADDITIVES -- Some salts have an additive to help the softener handle iron in the water supply. These salts may be used if your water supply has a high iron content. It is recommended to use Sears Resin Bed Cleaner 42- 34426, for periodic treatments

to keep your resin bed clean. This is available at your local Sears store.

saJt storage

_t&qk

brinewell

Gov_r

brinewell --

Sodium information: Water softeners using sodium

chloride for regeneration add sodium to the water. Persons who are on sodium restricted diets should

consider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium intake. For example, if your water supply is 15 grains hard, you would have to drink 3 quarts of softened water to consume 335 milligrams of so-

dium. That is equivalent to eating 2-1/2 slices of white bread.

Persons who are concerned about their drinking water should consider a Kenmore Drinking Water System that will remove or reduce in excess of 90% of the sodium and other drinking water contami- nants.

1-6

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

A. FACEPLATE

may run out of soft water before the next timer started regenera- tion.

- You did not refill the softener with salt before it was gone. After you refill with salt:

???RECHARGE NOW

TIMER FEATURES

???RECHARGE TONIGHT

Press and release the RECHARGE button once more

if you decide to cancel the regeneration, and RE-

CHARGE TONIGHT

???PROGRAM MEMORY

If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time display is blank but the face plate timer keeps the correct time for about 6 hours. When electrical pow- er comes on again, you have to reset the present time only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS and RECHARGE TIME never require resetting un- less a change is desired.Even if the timer is incorrect after a long power outage, the softener works as it should to keep your water soft. However, regenera- tions may occur at the wrong time of day until you reset the timer to the correct time of day.

???ERROR CODE

IF YOU NEED HELP PROGRAMMING THE TIMER, CALL TOLL FREE,

NUMBER 1- 800-426- 9345.

2-1

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION

SERVICE

When the softener is giving you soft water, it is called "Service". During service, hard water comes from the house main water pipe into the softener. Inside the softener resin tank is a bed made up of thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads (FIG. 5). As hard water passes through the bed, each bead at- tracts and holds the hardness minerals. This is

called ion-exchanging. Water without the hardness minerals (soft water) flows out of the softener and into the house soft water pipes.After a period of time, the resin beads hold all of the hardness miner- als they can, and cleaning with salt brine is needed. This cleaning is called regeneration or recharge. Re- generation is started at 2:00 a.m. by the electronic timer (see page 2-5). It takes place in 5 stages or cycles. These are:

REGENERATION

[] FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine. Brine is needed to clean the hardness minerals from the resin beads. _lb make the brine, water flows into the salt storage area during the fill stage as shown in FIG. 6. Fill cycle length depends on how much soft water making capacity you have used since the last regeneration. As you use more water, fill time increases so more brine is made. The greater amount of brine cleans more hardness minerals from the resin bed.

Water Flow Through

the Softener in Fill

soft water hard water

OUT IN

brine valve

\NXN\

salt storage tank(salt

brine valve

resin tank

resin bed

fill water

2-2

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION

[] BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved from the salt storage area, into the resin tank. Inside the resin tank, brine deans hardness minerals from the resin beads and they are discharged out the drain. How much brine is needed to clean the resin depends on:

- - the amount of service water used between regen- erations,

-- the amount of resin in the softener,

-- how fast the brine goes through the bed.

The nozzle and venturi (FIG. 7) make suction to take brine from the salt tank and put it into the resin tank. They keep the brine flow down to a very slow rate to get the best resin cleaning with the least salt.

[] BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine is moved into the resin tank, the brine valve closes. Water keeps flowing the same way it did during brining

except the brine flow has stopped. Hardness miner- als and brine flush from the resin tank to the drain.

Brining and brine rinse together vary in the length of time they take, relative to the fill cycle length.

Water Flow Through the Softener

in Brining and Brine Rinse

bYP_S OUT t } IN

no_le &

drain

and to the drain. The bed lifts and expands for good cleaning.

Water Flow Through the

Softener in Backwash

drain

resin bedlifted

andexpanded

[] FAST RINSE: Backwash is followed by a fast flow of water down through the resin tank. The fast flow packs the resin bed and gets it ready for return to service (FIG. 9).

After fast rinse, the softener returns to service. Hard water goes into the resin tank where the resin bed again takes out the hardness minerals. Soft water goes to the house soft water pipes.

brine valve

\\\\???

\

brine

Water Flow Through the

Softener in Fast Rinse

2-3

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION2 , , I HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION

AUTOMATIC BYPASS

During the brining, brine rinse and backwash cycles of regeneration, HARD water goes through the soft- ener valve and to the house pipes. If a faucet is opened, hard water is there for your needs. Howev- er, you should not use hot water, if possible, because the water heater will refill with hard water. The soft-

ener, as factory programmed, regenerates from 2:00 AM to about 4:00 AM, a time when not much water is used.

If you start your day earlier in the morning (prior ro 4:00 AM), you may want to change the recharge starting time. Set the recharge time to 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM (page 1-4). Then regeneration will start

and end that much earlier and your water heater will not refill with hard water if a hot faucet is

opened.

ELECTRONICS

Two main parts of the softener's electronics are [] a WATER METER, and [] a COMPUTER.

[] WATER METER-- The water meter is in the soft- ener valve outlet. As water flows through the meter, it sends electric pulses to the computer. The com- puter changes the pulses to a measure in gallons of water.

[] COMPUTER -- The computer is part of the faceplate timer circuit board. It is programmed to know the softener's capacity (how many grains of hardness minerals it will take out of the water before a regeneration is needed). When starting the soften- er, page 1- 4, you set it for the grains per gallon (gpg) hardness of the water.

"lb find a regeneration pattern best for your needs, the computer uses: (1) water usage from the meter,

(2) hardness setting, (3) softener capacity, and (4) time since the last regeneration. The computer always adjusts this pattern to your water using habits. It works toward providing you with soft water for the longest time and at the most efficient salt usage.

Softening capacity is used as hard water goes through the softener and hardness minerals are removed. When the computer determines that only enough capacity remains to provide soft water up to the next regeneration starting time (2:00 AM, or as otherwise set) it will schedule a regeneration.

RECHARGE TONIGHT displays until the regeneration begins. When the regeneration begins,

RECHARGE TONIGHT goes off and RECHARGE NOW flashes during the regeneration.

2-4

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION3CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

A. SALT: ADDING TO STORAGE TANK, SALT BRIDGE

S

C

WHEN TO ADD SALT: Check the

salt level a few weeks after you

install the softener and every week after that. Add salt to the

storage tank when the salt height

is reduced to about 1/4 full (see note on page 1-6). Never let the

softener use all the salt before adding. Without

salt, you will soon have hard water.

Note:

You will have a loss in softening capacity and may get partly hard water if less than 10 inches of salt is in the storage tank.

PLEASE SEE PAGE 1-6 FOR DIRECTIONS ON ADDING SALT.

N

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SALT BRIDGE

Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt storage tank. It is usually caused by high hu- midity or the wrong kind of salt. When the salt bridges, an empty space forms between the water and salt. Then salt will not dissolve (melt) in the wa- ter to make brine. Without brine, the resin bed does not regenerate and you will have hard water.

If the storage tankis full of salt, it is hard to tell if you have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is under it. The following is the best way to check for a salt bridge.

Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the tank. Hold a broom handle, or like tool, up to the softener as shown in FIG. 10. Make a pencil mark on the handle, 1" or 2" below the top height of the rim. Then, carefully push it straight down into the salt. If a hard object is felt before the pencil mark gets to the top of the tank, it's most likely a salt bridge.

Carefully push into the bridge in a few places to break it. Do not try to break the salt bridge by pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You may damage the tank.

If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out. Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only.

1 n _ 2 n

pencil

m&rR

broom handle

Salt Bridge

pushtoolinto salt bridge to break

salt

salt brid,ge

water level

3-1

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION 3

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN

NOZZLE & VENTURI

A clean nozzle and venturi (FIG. 11) is a must for the softener to work right. This small unit moves brine from the salt storage tank to the resin tank during re- generation. If it becomes plugged with sand, silt, dirt, etc., the softener will not work and you will get hard water.

"lb get to the nozzle and venturi, remove the softener top cover. Be sure the softener is in service cycle (no water pressure at nozzle and venturi).

1)Turn off the cap from the nozzle and venturi hous- ing.

2)Lift out the screen support and screen, do not lose the large o-ring seal.

3)Then the nozzle and venturi. Wash and rinse the

parts in warm water until clean. If needed, use a small brush to remove iron or dirt. Also check and

clean the gasket, flow plugs and screens.

Carefully replace all parts in the correct order. Lu- bricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease or Vase- line and place in position. Install and tighten the cap, by hand only. Do not overtighten and break

the cap or housing.

Cleaning Nozzle & Venturi

Gap

(HVDO)

Nozzle & Venturi

Housing

IRON FROM RESIN BED

Your water softener takes hardness minerals (cal- cium and magnesium) out of the water. Also, it can control some "clear water" iron. See maximum al-

lowed in the specifications on page 4-1. With clear water iron, water from a faucet is clear when first put into a glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the water be- gins to cloud or turn rust colored. A water softener WILL NOT remove any iron which makes the water cloudy or rusty as it comes from the faucet (called red water iron). "lb take red water iron out of water, or over the maximum of clear water iron, an iron ill-

ter or other equipment is needed. Your local Sears

store has trained people to help you with iron water

problems.

If your water supply has clear water iron, even

though less than the maximum allowed, regular

resin bed cleaning is needed. Your local Sears store has resin bed cleaner, Item No. 42-34426 for this.

Clean the bed at least every 6 months. If iron shows

up in the soft water before 6 months, clean more often. Printed instructions are on the resin bed

cleaner bottle.

3-2

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION 3

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

C. PROTECT THE WATER SOFTENER FROM FREEZING

If the softener is installed where it could freeze (summer cabin, lake home, etc.), you must drain all water from it to stop possible freeze damage. _lb drain the softener:

Drain All Water From Softener

i

i

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3-3

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION3CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

D. CHECKLIST ... TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

If your water softener fails to work, make the following easy checks. Often, you will find what's wrong your- self and you won't have to call and wait for service. If you do not find anything wrong, while making the checks, and your softener still does not work, call Kenmore Water Line at 1-800-426-9345.

Note:

1.Also read ERROR CODE, page 2-1.

2.If an error code is not displayed, press and hold the SELECT button until the display changes. Then, press the SELECT button again and hold until a flashing SR code appears. It must show SR17. If any other number shows, the face plate computer is working on incorrect input and would probably be the cause of the problem. To set SR17, press either the UPI_ or DOWNI_ button. When the correct model code shows, press SELECT to return a flashing 12:00 AM display. Reset the present time, hardness numbeT, etc., pages 1-3 and 1-4.

3-4

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

SECTION4KNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER

S

C

IN OUT SINGLE BYPASS

PULL STEM

OUTWARD

FOR

SERVICE

Note: Please see the rating decal for operating capacity, salt usage and service flow rate/pressure loss performance specifications. Performance specifications NSF/ANSI 44 standard requirements. The rating decal is located on the rim, under the salt hole cover (see page A, inside front cover).

WATER SUPPLY TO WATER SOFTENER Minimum water system flow (gpm)

Minimum-Max. water pressure (psi). Minimum-Max. water temperature (?? F)

Maximum water hardness (gpg) Maximum "clear water" iron (ppm)

SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER

Type of salt needed

Alternate type of salt

3

20 - 125

40- 120

41

5

nugget or pellet

pure, evaporated, compacted water softener salt

4-1

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

gpm = gallons per minute gpg = grains per gallon psi = pounds per square inch ppm = parts per million

4-2

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

S

C

N

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

WIRING SCHEMATIC

'i?ivalve motor

9m

brN

FACEPLATE

UP button

display

jJ DOWN button

RECHARGE button (Recharge Tonight - Now)

_SELECT button

Keep this manual with your water softener. If repairs are needed, the service technician must have

the information on the following 8 pages. For telephone assistance, call toll free, 1-800-426-9345.

ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST

day?

-- If display is blank, check power source to the softener.

-- If time is flashing, power was off for over 24 hours. The softener resumes normal operation but regenerations occur at the wrong time.

-- If an error code (Example: Err3) shows in the faceplate display, go to AUTOMATIC ELEC-

TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS.

tened securely to the controller?

_l_The valve drain hose must be free of kinks and

sharp bends, and not elevated over 8 ft. above the floor.

Remove the top cover and salt tank cover.

_ Press the SELECT button 2 times to display the hardness setting. Be sure it is the correct setting for the household's water supply. (Make a hard- ness test of the raw water and compare with the hardness setting. Also test a soft water sample to verify if a problem exists.) Press the SELECT but- ton twice more to return to present time in the

display.

If you do not find the problem after making initial checks, do the MANUAL INITIATED ELEC- TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS, and the MANUAL AD-

VANCE REGENERATION CHECK.

5-1

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

The faceplate timer (PWA) computer has a self- diagnostic function for the electrical system, except for input power and water meter. The computer

The chart below shows the error codes that could appear, and the possible defects for each code.

While an error code appears in the display, all face plate buttons are inoperable except the SELECT but- ton. SELECT remains operational so the service per- son can make the MANUAL INITIATED ELEC-

TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS (below) to further isolate the defect, and check the water meter.

POSSIBLE DEFECT

CODE

Errt, Err3,

Err4

Err5

PROCEDURE defect 3. Plug

motor inoperative / wiring harness or connection to switch / position switch / valve defect causing

hiqh torque

faceplate timer (PWA)

FOR REMOVING ERROR CODE FROM FACEPLATE: 1. Unplug transformer from outlet 2. Correct in transformer 4. Wait for 6 minutes. The error code will return if the defect was not corrected.

MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS

DIAGNOSTICS

_1_ _lb enter diagnostics, press the SELECT button until 000 - - shows in the display.

-..

y,_,,_, p

-I-T ,-or,

WATER METER (A) SWITCH (B)

A.The first 3 digits indicate water meter operation as follows:

000 (steady) = Soft water not in use, and no flow through the meter.

SHAFT D

VALVE

OUTLET

--OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET--

000 to 199 (continual) = Repeats display for each gallon of water passing through the meter.

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.

B.The letter (P) and dash (or dashes) indicate POSITION switch operation. If the letter ap- pears, the switch is closed. If the dash shows, the switch is open.

Use the RECHARGE button to manually ad- vance the valve into each cycle and check correct switch operation.

5-2

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

C.While in this diagnostic screen, the following in- formation 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 face plate.

-- Press [] to display the number of days this face plate has had electrical power applied.

-- Press [] to display the number of regenera-

tions initiated by this face plate since the SR code number was entered.

COOE

SR17 shows. 5R 17

This code identifies the softener nominal capacity size. If the wrong number shows, the softener will operate on incorrect programming. Do the follow- ing as needed.

Return the present time display -- Press the SE- LECT button.

T[MER PWA REPLACEMENT: Be sure the

valve is in service position when replacing the timer PWA (observe valve cycle indicator).

If, after installing and programming the re- placement timer PWA, the valve isnot in ser- vice position, do the following to assure correct cycle orientation, or timing, between the face- plate and valve.

Use the MANUAL ADVANCE procedures, page 5-4. With the RECHARGE button, ad- vance through the recharge cycles until the valve stops in service position, and RE- CHARGE no longer flashes in the display.

NOTE: The valve motor may automatically drive through several valve positions while searching for service. If an error code occurs, unplug the transformer, then plug in again.

iNONI

To change SR number -- Press the UP or DOWN button until the correct SR code shows. Then, press the SELECT button and reset the timer...page 1-3.

5-3

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK This check verities 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 diag- nostics.

Notes:

The faceplate display must show a steady time (not flashing). If an error code shows, first press the SE- LECT button to enter the diagnostic display.

_1_ Press the RECHARGE button and hold in for 3 seconds. RECHARGE begins to flash as the soft- ener enters the fill cycle of regeneration. Remove the brinewell cover and, using a flashlight, ob- serve till water entering the tank.

a. If water does not enter the tank, look for an ob- structed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine tubing, or brine valve riser pipe.

CYCLE FLOW RATES (GALLONS PER MIN.)

CHARGE.

r] BRINE VALVE

, ' FLOAT BE'I-rING

_l After observing fill, press the RECHARGE 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 liquid level.

Note:

Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing water with salt contact.

a. 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.

...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.

io,,

FREEBOARD MEASUREMENT

(Distance from top of resin tank, to top of resin bed.)

J res n bed

5-4

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

B. ROTARY VALVE SERVICE

Before working on the valve, turn offthe water sup- ply and disconnect from electrical power. TO RE-

LIEVE PRESSURE:

??? 3 VALVE BYPASS: Close the inlet valve and open a soft water faucet. Then close the outlet valve and

open the bypass valve.

??? SEARS SPECIAL BYPASS: Slide the bypass valve stem to bypass position. Loosen 3 hex head screws toward the back side of the valve to allow pressure water to bleed out. Catch water with a rag.

DISASSEMBLY

"lb 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 completely disassemble.

SERVICING THE VALVE

Inspect all o-rings, seals and gaskets for wear or de- fects.

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.

ASSEMBLY

Be sure all parts are in place and in the proper posi- tion. Lubricate ALL o-rings and seals with FDA ap- proved silicone grease. ]b install the rotor seal, first place the seal into the valve groove, rounded side down (see cross-section). Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the seal's crossing ribs. Then, care- fully center the wear strip on the seal and push it downward onto the seal.

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.

Lower the cover onto the valve body and rotor shaft. Then install the cover holding screws. Before tight- ening the screws, install the valve cam and gear. Then, turn the rotor (clockwise only) to service posi-

tion. Tighten the screws using a criss-cross pattern. If a torque wrench is available, torque to 30-40 inch pounds.

Lubricate the gear on the motor, and the valve cam gear with Molykote grease, or other high quahty gear lubricant.

Be sure to orient switch as shown, with lever toward the cam.

cam & sear

5-5

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE

SERVICE CYCLE

__"_xSWITCH

bottom distributor _//

Hard water enters the valve inlet port. Internal valve porting routes the water top distributor, into the resin tank. Hard water is softened as it passes through enters the bottom distributor. Soft water flows back into the valve and out the house soft water pipes.

down and out the the resin bed, then valve outlet, to the

bottom distributor

"lb begin a regeneration, the electronic timer energizes 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 fill 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.

5-6

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE

BRINING AND BRINE RINSE CYCLES

bypass hard water to valve outlet

venturi

nozzle

from Valve Inlet

r)

brine from salt stor- age tank

_??

POSITION

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, created 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 available at the 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.

BACKWASH CYCLE

drain

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, remainingbrine and hardness to the drain.

f\

!

5-7

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE

FAST RINSE CYCLE

soft water to valveoutlet

drain

POSITION

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.

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.

5-8

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

S

Kenmore MODEL NO. 625.388110

A. WATER SOFTENER COMPLETE

C

N

13_C)

'1

,I

19

24_

22 21

20

6-1

KEY PART

DESCRIPTION

NO. NUMBER

1 7180291 Faceplate Cover

(order following decal)

- 7267093 Faceplate Decal

27230559 Bottom Cover

37252373 Transformer, 24V-10VA ???

47246356 Timer RepL (PWA)

57088033 Clamp Retainer (2 req.)

67176292 Clamp Section (2 req.)

77230541 Resin Tank Cover

87201398 Salt Hole Cover

97212682 Screw (7 req'd)

107138066 Tank Constraint

117127463 Screw (4 req'd)

127236474 Bracket

13500283 Brinewell Cover

147082150 Wing Nut, 1/4 - 20

157148875 Screw

167003847 O- Ring

177109871 Brinewell

187238743 Replacement Brine Tank

197116488 Brine Valve Assembly

(also see page 6-2)

20900431 Hose Clamp ???

211103200 Hose Adaptor ???

229003500 Grommet ???

237105047 Replacement Bottom Distributor

24502272 Resin

257114787 Resin Tank, 8 x 35

267077870 Top Distributor

277133503 O-Ring, 2-3/4" x 3"

287133480 O-Ring, 13/16" x 1-1/16"

297133529 O-Ring, 2-7/8" x 3-1/4"

???not illustrated

???included in parts bag

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

48

46

eincludedin parts bag, see page 6-1.

INLET- OUTLET

GROUNDING CLAMPS

6-2

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

C. VALVE ASSEMBLY

60_ _

61_

62_

I

/

69

70

71

72

[_ 87

86

83 84 85

94

101

IO0

\

99

6-3

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line

Kenmore MODEL NO. 625.38810

C. VALVE ASSEMBLY

KEY PART

DESCRIPTION

NO. NUMBER

507070412 Screw, #4 - 24 x 1-1/8"

517117816 Spacer

527030713 Switch

537077472 Expansion Pin

547074123 Screw, #10 14 x 2" (5 req'd)

557085263 Valve Cover

567082087 Wave Washer

577199232 Rotor & Disc

587199729 Cap

597170262 O-Ring, 1.1" x 1.4"

607167659 Screen Support

617146043 Screen

620521829 Flow Plug

637237721 Nozzle & Venturi, with Gasket

647095030 Cone - Screen

651148800 Fill Flow Plug

667003847 O-Ring, 1/4" x 1/2"

677120526 Elbow

681202600 Nut-Ferrule

697187065 Nozzle & Venturi Assembly

707081201 Retainer

717170319 O-Ring, 1/4" x 3/8" (2 req'd)

727082053 Valve Body

737133498 O-Ring, 15/16" x 1-3/16"

(2 req'd)

747116713 Clip (2)

757129889 Spring

767092642 Plug (Drain Seal)

KEY PART

DESCRIPTION

NO. NUMBER

777081764 Seal (Nozzle & Venturi)

787133456 O-ring, 3/8" x 9/16"

797123639 Rotor Seal

-7126433 Wear Strip

807133511 O-ring, 3-3/8" x 3-5/8"

817133472 O-ring, 3/4" x 15/16"

827133464 O-ring, 7/16" x 5/8"

830501226 Flow Plug, Bkw. and R Rinse

847024160 Drain Hose Adaptor

857170327 O-ring, 5/8" x 13/16"

860900431 Hose Clamp

877142942 Clip

887113927 Cam and Gear

890503288 Bearing

907117808 Motor Plate

910900857 Screw, #6 - 20 x 3/8" (2 req'd)

927186263 Motor - Includes Key No. 93

937131755 Screw, #6 - 20 x 7/8" (2 req'd)

940900060 O- Ring

957248714 Sensor Housing

967147243 Turbine and Support Assembly

???7129716 Seal Kit (Includes Key Nos. 77,

78, 79, 80, 81 & 82)

???not illustrated

???included in parts bag, see page 6-1.

BYPASS INSTALLATION VALVE

1020502206 Retainer Ring

1037129863 Bypass Body

1047105013 O-Ring, 13/16xl (4req.)

1057130911 Stem

1067170288 O-Ring, 15/16 x 1-3/16 (2 req.)

??? 7129871 Bypass Valve (Complete) ???

6-4

Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345

105

104

103

!

Kenmore Water Line

OWNER'S

MANUAL

MODEL NO.

Kenmore C-20

625.388110

The model number of your water softener is found on the rating de- cal. This decal is on the rim, under the salt cover.

When requesting service or ordering parts, always

provide the following in- formation:

???Product Type

???Model Number

???Part Number

???Part Description

www. KenmoreWater.com

Water Softeners

For the repair or replacement parts you

need delivered directly to your home

Call 7 am - 7 pm, 7 days a week

1 - 800 - 366 - PART

(1 - 800 - 366 - 7278)

For in-home major brand repair service

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1 - 800 - 4 - REPAIR

(1 - 800 - 473 - 7247)

For the location of a

Sears Parts and Repair Center in your area

Call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

1 - 800 - 488 - 1222

For information on purchasing a Sears Maintenance Agreement, or to inquire about an existing Agreement

Call 9 am - 5 pm, Monday - Saturday

1 - 800 - 827 - 6655

SEARS

America's Rep,virSl:_??i_lists

======

SEARS