OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NOS.
625.388400
625.388450
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
www, KenmoreWater.com
SAVE THIS MANUAL
UltraSoft 400 Water Softener
with High Performance 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 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA I
Sears,
Roebuck and
Co.,
3333
PRINTEDIN U.S.A. 7231775 (Rev. N 6/3/02)
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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 THREE YEAR ELECTRONICS WARRANTY
For a period of three years from date of purchase, Sears will replace the BRINE
TANK LIGHT, ELECTRONIC BOARD, SENSOR HOUSING, WIRING HARNESS,
TRANSFORMER, MICRO SWITCH, DRIVE MOTOR, OR POWER CABLE,
should they be defective in material or workmanship.
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 war-
ranty applies only while this product is in use in the United States.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights,and you may have other rights which
vary from state to state.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., D/817 WA, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179
If you want your water softener professionally installed, talk to your Sears Salesman. He will arrange for a
prompt, quality installation by Sears Authorized Installers.
SEARS INSTALLATION POLICY
SEARS INSTALLATION WARRANTY
All installation labor arranged by Sears shall be per-
formed in a neat, workmanlike manner in accor-
dance with generally accepted trade practices. Fur-
ther, all installations shall comply with all local
laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Customer
shall also be protected, during installation, by insur-
ance relating to Property Damage, Workman's
Compensation and Public Liability.
In addition to any warranty extended to you on the
Sears merchandise involved, which warranty be-
comes effective the date the" merchandise in
installed, should the workmanship of any Sears ar-
ranged installation prove faulty within one year,
Sears will, upon notice from you, cause such faults
to be corrected at no additional cost to you.
FACTS AND FIGURES TO KEEP
Fill in the blanks below and keep this book in a safe place so you always have
these facts.
Water Softener Model No._-
Serial Number
Date Installed
Water Hardness
Iron Content
pH.
Water Pressure
Water Flow Rate
Taste And/Or Odor
Grains Per Gallon
Parts Per Million
Pounds / Square Inch
Gallons Per Minute
rating
decal
_ The model number is on the rating decal, located on the rim, under the salt hole cover.
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A,
B.
C.
D.
E.
A,
B.
A,
B,
C.
D.
a.
a.
WATER SOFTENER START UP
Safety Guides
Check List of Step-By-Step Guides To Install
Program The Timer .....
Sanitizing The Water Softener
Fill The Storage Tank With Salt .........................
HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
Faceplate q_mer Features
Soft Water Service and Regeneration
CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
Salt: Refilling Storage Tank / Salt Bridge
Keeping The Water Softener Clean
Protect The Water Softener From Freezing
Checklist (Not Getting Soft Water)
ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER
Dimensions / Specifications
PAGE NO.
1-1
1-2
1-3, 1-4
1-5
1-6
2-1, 2-2
2-3, 2-5
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-4
4-1,4-2
B,
C.
a.
SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
Troubleshooting ...................................... 5-1 to 5- 4
Rotary Valve Service .................................. 5-5
Water Flow Through The Softener Valve 5-6 to 5-8
B.
C.
REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
Water Softener Complete
Brine Valve Assembly ...................
Valve Assembly --
6-1, 6-2
6-3, 6-4
6-5, 6-6
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A. SAFETY GUIDES
• Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before
installing and using your new water softener. Follow
all steps exactly to correctly install. Failure to follow
them could cause personal injury or property damage.
Reading this book will also help you to get all of the
benefits from your water softener.
• Your water softener will remove hardness minerals
and "clear water" iron from water, up to the limits
shown on page 4-1. It will not remove other types of
iron, acids, tastes and odors, etc. It will not purify pol-
luted water or make it safe to drink.
• Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Dam-
age from freezing voids the softener warranty. See
page 3-3.
CAUTIONS
PLEASE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING
GUIDES TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SOFTENER
OR OTHER PROPERTY, PERSONAL INJURY, OR
POSSIBLE FATAL SHOCK.
• THIS SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLTS ONLY. BE
SURE TO USE ONLY THE TRANSFORMER IN-
CLUDED, AND PLUG IT INTO A HOUSEHOLD 120V
OUTLET. IF TRANSFORMER IS REPLACED, USE
ONLY THE AUTHORIZED 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 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.
1-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_,_J_i_! SECTION1 SOFTENER START UP
B. CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO INSTALL
To be sure you have done all the steps to install the
softener, read the following list. Refer to the Installa-
tion Manual part no. 7231741, for step-by-step
guides.
Page numbers referred to are in the Installation
Manual unless otherwise noted.
Is the house water flow going INTO the softener
valve INLET? Trace piping to be sure. See pages
2-4 and 2-5.
_-_ Is the plumbing bypass valve (or 3 valves) set for
SERVICE? Bypass valve(s) should always re-
main in soft water service position. Position in
"bypass" only if needed for softener repairs. See
FIG. 14, page 4-1 of this manual.
_" Is the valve drain hose connected the right way,
and without sharp bends or kinks that could
stop or reduce water flow? See page 3-5 in the
installation manual.
Page numbers referred to are in the Installation
Manual unless otherwise noted.
_" Is the softener power cable connected to the
transformer? Is the transformer plugged into an
inside, 120V-60Hz electrical outlet? See pages
3-8 and 3-9 in the installation manual, and the
wiring schematic on page 5-1 of this manual.
Be sure to restart the water heater. See page
3-9.
"VALVE
INLET
3-valve _ (,_,_, !
Bypass Valve(s)
NOTE: Codes in the state of Massachusetts require installation
by a licensed plumber For installation, use plumbing code
248- CMR of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_J_i__i SECTION1 SOFTENER START UP
C. PROGRAM THE TIMER
salt level adjust display
.....\
UltraSoff 400 \_ [
f Customer Assistance
1-800-426-9345
ON/OFF-HOLD button UP
(Recharge Tonight-Now) button
\ /
KenmomWam_com
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/
signal light adjust tank light
R£CHARQE
TONIGHT
@@ FLOW RATE
SELECT DOWN
buttons button
When the transformeris plugged in, the model code
HF32, and a test number (example: A2.4) show in
the face plate display for 4 seconds. Then, 12:00 AM
and PRESENT TIME begin to flash.
171717 _,
- -_-- C 'UU
7
6 PRESENTTIM£
5
Notes:
If HF - - shows in the display, press the UP /X or
DOWN V button until HF32 shows. Then, press the
SELECT 1 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 HF32
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 SELECT I button (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.
-f " H.JLI
7
6 PRESENT TIME
5
4
3
_.r_
_' 117111-_
' "o"" L'70
7
8 PRES£NT TIM£
5
4
3
2
1
Each press of the UP /DOWN buttons changes
the time by 1 minute. Holding the buttons in
changes the time rapidly.
1-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
C. PROGRAM THE TIMER
_1_ SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER
• Press the SELECT 1 button once to display 25
(flashing) and HARDNESS.
The grains per gallon (gpg) hard-
ness of your water supply is on
your water analysis report. Be
sure to enter water test results on
page A, for future reference.
-I I-
-a-" C
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6 N4RDNE$$
5
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 contains 2
ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness number for each I ppm
of iron. In this example, you would use 30for your hard-
ness number.
20 gpg hardness
2ppmironx5=10 +100
(times) 30 HARDNESS NUMBER
• Press the UP / DOWN buttons to set your water
hardness number in the display. The DOWN button
moves the display to 1. The UP button moves the
display to the highest setting (see maximum setting
for your model in the specifications).
Note:
Between 1 and 25, each press of the UP / DOWN
button changes the display by 1. 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.
_SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME
• Press the SELECT 1 button to display 2:00 AM
(flashing) and RECHARGE TIME.
At the 2:00 AM recharge time --_-- r2"_,LL
7 RECHARGE
setting, the softener begins re- 56 ,,E
4
3
generation (see pages 2- 4 and 2- 5) at 2:00 AM, end-
ing no later than 4:00 AM. This is a good time in
most households because water is not being used
(see Automatic Bypass, page 2- 6). If a different re-
charge time setting would be better for your house-
hold, 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 one hour. Holding the buttons in changes
the display twice each second.
_SET SALT TYPE (sodium chloride or potas-
sium chloride, see page 1- 6):
• Press the SELECT I button to
default setting.
If you want to use potassium
chloride (KC1) instead of stan-
dard sodium chloride (NaC1)
water softener salt, be sure to set
KC1 in the display using the UP
button. The KC1 setting adjusts
regeneration cycle times to com-
pensate for the variable dissolv-
ing rate of potassium chloride.
display nAC1, the
-'i- 17 I
7
6
5
7
$
5
4
3
f
• 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.
www.KenmoreWater.com
SEE PAGES 2-1, 2-2 AND 2-3 FOR OTHER FACE PLATE TIMER FEATURES.
1-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_,i_iijj_j_._i_! SECTION1 SOFTENER START UP
D. SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water soft-
ener clean and sanitary. Materials used to make the
softener will not infect or contaminate your water
supply, and will not cause bacteria to form or grow.
However, during shipping, storage, installing and
operating, bacteria could get into the softener. For
this reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested ®
when installing.
I_The first time you sanitize your softener, be sure
to do all steps in the installation manual, and on
pages 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 of this manual first.
B Lift the salt hole cover and use a pail to fill the
salt storage tank with up to 3 gallons of water
(approximately 3 inches).
_l Remove the brineweU cover (FIG. 3) and pour
about 3/4 ounce, or I to 2 tablespoons, of com-
mon 5.25%, unscented, household bleach (Clo-
rox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail, Eagle, etc.) in the
softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell cover.
I_l Open the bypass valve and press the ON/OFF-
HOLD button and hold for 3 seconds to start a re-
charge. This first recharge does several things.
• It draws the bleachinto and through the softener
to sanitize it.
salt hole cover.._
water,
about 3 gallons
• It fills the salt tank to the water level needed.
• It gets all the air out of the resin tank.
• It prepares the resin bed (see page 2-4) for ser-
vice and flushes residual chlorine from the soften-
er.
Notes:
This recharge takes about 2 hours, depending on the
salt type setting (page 1-4).
You can sanitize the softener with or without salt
in the storage tank.
brinewell cover
"ernove and add
about 3/4 oz.
bleach)
bdnewe{I
(_ Recommended by the Water Quality Association. On some
water supplies, the water softener may need periodic
disinfecting.
1-5
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
E. FILL THE STORAGE TANK WITH SALT
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. In humid areas, 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.
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. Salt storage capacity is
shown on page 4-1. Be sure to set the salt monitor
system (see page 2-1).
POTASSIUM CHLORIDE, alternate to salt: The de-
sign of this softener allows for the use of potassium
chloride in place of salt (sodium chloride).
1) Place only one bag of KCI in your softener at a
time (the salt storage tank should contain no more
than 60 pounds of 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 b_ine tank and brinewell (black tube in
salt storage tank) monthly. If hardening is present,
pour small amounts of warm water on hardened
areas until they loosen.
4) Ifyou do use potassium chloride, see page 1-4 to
set the timer for its use.
Note: The salt monitor system, page 2-1, is cali-
brated to the density of nugget or pellet water soft-
ener salt. The monitor will not work as accurately
with other types of salt including rock and solar.
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.
b_newell
cover
brinewell
salt
storage
tank
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 TIMER FEATURES
S
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• EXTRA RECHARGE
Sometimes, a manually started
regeneration (recharge) may be
desired, or needed. Two exam-
ples are:
- You have used more water than
usual (guests visiting) and you
may run out of soft water before
the next timer started regenera-
tion.
- You did not refill the softener
with salt before it was gone. After
you refill with salt:
You can start a regeneration right
away, or you can set the timer to
regenerate at the next 2:00 AM (or
other preset recharge time). Do
the following.
• RECHARGE NOW
Press the ON/OFF-HOLD but- _-_-_- _ 7,_ ~
ton and hold until *RECHARGE I _1 _c,,,o,
NOW, Serv and Fill begin to flash
in the display. Upon reaching
fill, the first cycle of regenera-
tion, the flashing Serv turns off and Fillis on steady.
RECHARGE continues to flash. This regeneration
will last for about 2 hours. After the 2 hours, you will
have soft water again.
*Note:
If the CLEAN feature is set to ON, a cleaning back-
wash (CLEAN and Bkwsh or Rinse flashes in the dis-
play, along with the minutes of the clean cycle re-
maining) precedes the recharge.
• RECHARGE TONIGHT
Press and release (do not hold) the _'_,_,_' 7 nn _
ON / OFF-HOLD button. RE- --_--, .Lr2
CHARGE TONIGHT flashes in
4
the display, and the softener be- _
gins regeneration at the next --'--
preset recharge time. Press and release the ON
OFF-HOLD button once more if you decide to can-
cel the regeneration, and RECHARGE TONIGHT
• SALT MONITOR SYSTEM
The faceplate timer has a low salt monitor with an
indicator light to remind you to refill the storage
tank with salt. To set this monitor system:
_Lift the salt hole cover and level the salt in the
storage tank.
m The salt level decal, on the brinewell inside the
tank, has numbers from 0 to 8 (see drawing be-
low). Observe the number the leveled salt is at
or closest to.
m
Now, press the SALT LEVEL ADJUST button
until black bars display up to the salt level num-
ber. For example, the pictures below show the
salt level at 6.
_]| Finally, set the leve! you want the low salt indi-
cator light to come on. Press the SIGNAL LIGHT
ADJUST button until a (÷) shows opposite this
number. In the example below, the light will
come one when the stored salt drops to level 2.
At level 2, the storage tankis about 1 / 3 till. This
is the lowest you should allow the stored salt
level to drop to.
_'1 If you want to turn the salt monitor off, press the
SIGNAL LIGHT ADJUST button until OFF
shows above.
Note:
For accurate salt monitor operation, always use
nugget or pellet water softener salt. See page 1-6.
If potassium chloride is used, be sure to adjust the
timer to the KC1 setting on page 1-4.
salt
tevel
S_U.T
indicator light _.._"(_ .....
ILEVEL
8
7 =``
6
LOW SALT
- bdnewell
.decal
_T m_AL
LeWL t twill
8
7
m6
m5
m4
mm 3
m2-_
2-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
-_ J J,a J.K J,a J.a J.i J J _ _JJ.hlJJ._J J_JJJ,a
_y._,_,_,_,_,_,._SECTION 2 YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
A. FACEPLATE TIMER FEATURES
OPTIONAL SETTINGS - SALT EFFICIENCY,
CLEAN FEATURE, CLEAN FEATURE MINUTES,
MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERA-
TIONS, 12 / 24 HOUR CLOCK and GALLONS /
LITERS:
1. To set any of the following options, press and hold
SELECT 1 for 3 seconds. Press the SELECT 1 key
and the SALT EFFICIENCY display shows. Use the
UP / Down button to change the ON / OFF dis-
plays.
;atm_t_
OFF
- -8- -
i*
4
3
2
I
• "a- " 17
.... i
_SALT EFFICIENCY: _ When this feature is ON,
the unit will operate at salt efficiencies of 4000 grains
of hardness per pound of salt or higher.
2. Press SELECT 1 again to show the CLEAN dis-
play.
OFF
CLEAN
5
4
7
6 CLEAN
5
4
3
2
1
this cycle time, use the UP button to increase the
time, or the DOWN button to shorten the time. If no
change is desired, continue below.
4. Press SELECT 1 to show the 12 HOUR display.
Continue with next ste _ if no change is desired.
_. 24h,-
_12 or 24 hour clock: All time displays are shown
in standard clock time (1 to 12 PM; and I to 12 AM)
at the 12 hr default setting. If military time displays
are desired, set to 24 hr by pressing the UP button.
--8-- I CII II-_
7
6 TIM£
$
5. Press SELECT 1 again to show the GALLONS or
LITERS display.
.... 5RL5 '
6 8
5 $
3
2 2
1 1
t XI_I-
_Gallon or Liter readings: Water usage and flow
displays are shown in gallons. If you prefer to have
the same displays in liters, press the UP button until
Liter shows.
_CLEAN: This feature is beneficial on water sup-
plies containing iron and/or high amounts of sedi-
ments (sand, silt, dirt, etc.). When set to ON, a back-
wash and fast rinse cycle will occur first, preceeding
the normal regeneration sequence (see page 2-4).
This provides extra cleaning of the resin bed before
it is regenerated with the salt brine. To conserve wa-
ter set this feature OFF if your water supply does
not contain iron or sediments.
3. Press SELECT 1 again and the CLEAN TIME dis-
play shows.
CLE4 N TIME
default minutes
7
5 CLEAN TIME
f
example: time set to 3 minutes
[] CLEAN feature minutes: If you are using this fea-
ture the length of the extra backwash cycle automat-
ically sets to 7 minutes. However, you can adjust
this time from 1 to 15 minutes in length. To change
6. Press SELECT 1 again to show the RECHARGE
display.
t
RECHAaG_ _ aECHAnGE example: set to
4 days maxi-
mum between
.... regenerations
default display
[]Maximum days between regenerations: The face-
plate timer automatically controls regeneration fre-
quency (see page 2-6). This provides the greatest
operating efficiency, and under most conditions,
this feature will be left in its default mode. Howev-
er, modify this feature if you want to force a regen-
eration every set number of days. For example, if
your water supply contains iron and you want the
softener to regenerate at least once every few days
to keep the resin bed clean, set the display as typical-
ly shown above. Setting is available from 1 to 15
days by using the UP and DOWN buttons.
7. Press SELECT 1 to return the present time display.
2-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
• TANK LIGHT
To light the inside of the salt storage tank press the
TANK LIGHT button on the faceplate. Press the
same button again to turn the light off, or it will turn
off automatically in 4 minutes.
7 1717
""a"" 'UO
7
6
5
tank light ON
indicator
• WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER
To view the gallon (or liter) per minute water flow
rate through the softener, if not already displayed,
press the SELECT 2 button. If soft water is being
used, the flow rate to the closest 1/10 gallon (or li-
ters) shows. If all faucets and water using ap-
pliances are off, the display will show 0 flow.
FLOW RATE
• AVERAGE DAILY GALLONS or LITERS
Press the SELECT 2 button again to show the aver-
age number of gallons of soft water the household
uses each day. This water usage figure is adjusted
daily by the faceplate timer. To turn this display off,
press the SELECT 2 button once more.
7,t717 _,
H.JO
•
• RECHARGE TIME REMAINING and VALVE
POSITION INDICATORS
One of the valve position indicators (Serv, Fill, Brine,
Bkwsh, Rinse) is displayed while the softener is re-
charging (See *Note on page 2-1 if the CLEAN fea-
ture is ON). RECHARGE flashes in the display and,
beginning with Brine, the minutes of recharge re-
maining 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.
valve recharge
position time
indicators remaining
,. 'L
• 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 48 hours. When electrical
power comes on again, you have to reset the present
time only if the display is flashing. The HARD-
NESS and RECHARGE TIME never require reset-
ting unless a change is desired. Even if the timer is
incorrect after a long power outage, the softener
works as it should to keep your water soft. Howev-
er, regenerations may occur at the wrong time of
day until you reset the timer to the correct time of
day.
• ERROR CODE
An error code could appear in the face plate display
if a problem occurs in the softener electronics. If you
see an error code instead of the present time of day,
look at Troubleshooting page 5-2 and/or call the
Kenmore Water Line 1- 800- 426- 9645.
-'_-- Err_
2-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_,]]_]_ SECTION 2 i_]_ HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
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. It is much like a magnet at-
tracting and holding metals. Water without the
hardness minerals (soft water) flows out of the soft-
ener and into the house soft water pipes.After a pe-
riod of time, the resin beads hold all of the hardness
minerals they can, and cleaning with salt brine is
needed. This cleaning is caned regeneration or re-
charge. Regeneration is started at 2:00 a.m. by the
electronic timer (see page 2-5). It takes place in 5
stages or cycles. These are:
I FILL i BACKWASH
BRINING FAST RINSE
[] BRINE RINSE
Note:
If the Clean feature is set to ON, additional back-
wash and fast rinse cycles occur before the fill cycle.
REGENERATION
[] FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine.
Brine is needed to clean the hardness minerals from
the resin beads. To make the brine, water flows into
the salt 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
salt storage
tank
brine valve
Water Flow Through
the Softener in Service
soft water hard water
OUT IN
fill water
saltstorage
tank (salt
not shown)
brine valve
resintank
resin bed
2-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
p
J,a,/,_.l ,aJ j,_.l J.l.l.i J _.1.1_1,1 .i.l J.l.l,a,i J J J
__ SECTION 2 _'4_1 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS
B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION
[] BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved
from the salt storage area, into the resin tank. Inside
the resin tank, brine deans hardness minerals from
the resin beads and they are discharged out the
drain. How much brine is needed to clean the resin
depends on:
--the amount of resin in the softener,
- -how fast the brine goes through the bed.
The nozzle and venturi (FIG. 7) make suction to take
brine from the salt tank and put it into the resin tank.
They keep the brine flow down to a very slow rate
to get the best resin cleaning with the least salt.
[] BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine is moved
into the resin tank, the brine valve closes. Water
keeps flowing the same way it did during brining
except the brine flow has stopped. Hardness miner-
als and brine flush from the resin tank to the drain.
Brining and brine rinse together vary in the length
of time they take, relative to the fill cycle length.
Water Flow Through the Softener
in Brining and Brine Rinse
hard water
bypass OUT t ,!.IN
nozzle & I I,==JI.,
venturi
brine va_
"2"
.............. \ .....
brine
hard water
drain
[] BACKWASH: During backwash, water flows
UP through the resin tank (FIG. 8) at a fast rate to
flush iron minerals, dirt and sediments from the bed
and to the drain. The bed lifts and expands for good
cleaning.
Water Flow Through the
Softener in Backwash
hard water
bypass OUT t !IN
hard water
drain
resin bedliffed
and expanded
[] FAST RINSE: Backwash is followed by a fast
flow of water down through the resin tank. The fast
flow packs the resin bed and gets it ready for return
to service (FIG. 9).
After fast rinse, the softener returns to service. Hard
water goes into the resin tank where the resin bed
again takes out the hardness minerals. Soft water
goes to the house soft water pipes.
Water Flow Through the
Softener in Fast Rinse
soft water hard water
drain
2-5
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_!._!_,_,_,_._,_SECTION2 i_,_,_._,_'_tHOW 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 get up early in the morning and you can hear
the softener regenerating, change the recharge start-
ing 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 re-
fill 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.
To 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,
TONIGHT goes off and *RECHARGE or
RECHARGE TIME REMAINING flashes during the
2 hour regeneration.
*Note:
If the CLEAN feature is set to ON, a cleaning back-
wash (CLEAN and Bkwsh or Rinse flashes in the dis-
play, along with the minutes of the clean cycle re-
maining), precedes the recharge.
2-6
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
I_!j_._i SECTION3 !!i_i_'_j_'.._L_,_,_CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
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A. SALT: REFILLING STORAGE TANK, SALT BRIDGE
WHEN TO REFILL WITH SALT:
The Salt Monitor System (see
page 2-1) _ll turn the low salt
light on to warn you when to refill
with salt. Check for a low salt
light a few weeks after you install
the softener, and every week after
that. Always refill at about the #2
salt monitor level. At this level,
the tank is about 1/3 full (see note on page 1-6).
Never let the softener use all the salt before refilling.
Without salt, you will soon have hard water. After
filling, reset the Salt Monitor System, page 2-1.
Note:
You will have a loss in softening capacity and may
get partly hard water if less than 10 inches (salt mon-
itor level 2) of salt is in the storage tank.
PLEASE SEE PAGE 1-6 FOR SALT FILLING DIRECTIONS.
BE SURE TO RESET THE SALT MONITOR, PAGE 2-1.
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 tank is full of salt, it is hard to tell if you
have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge
is under it. The following is the best way to check for
a salt bridge.
Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the
tank. Hold a broom handle, or like tool, up to the
softener as shown in FIG. 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.
Salt Bridge
push tool into salt
bridge to break _
1" _ 2"
__L__ _
pencil
mark
broom handle
_L
salt
_- salt bridge
water level
If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out.
Then fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only.
3-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1- 800- 426- 9345 Kenmore Water Line
_i!!_! SECTION 3 _!i_i_i_i_ CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
B. KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN
NOZZLE & VENTURI
Iil:e]! ilil
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.
To 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), then unscrew
the cap from the nozzle and venturi housing. Do not
lose the large o-ring seal. Lift out the screen support
and screen, then the nozzle and venturi. Also check
and dean the gasket, flow plugs and screens. Wash
and rinse the parts in warm water until clean. If
needed, use a small brush to remove iron or dirt.
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
Cap -_._...._ _
O-dng Seal _
Screen Support _
._ *Row Plug
Screen
_ / (1-EP)
Nozzle &
Gasket ..........._Venturi _, __./ creen
tared directly over the small
holes in the nozzle & venturi
housing
*Flow Plug
(HVDC)
Nozzle & Ventud
Housing
*Install with numbered side up, concave
side down. Be sure the largest flow plug
(with the largest hole) is located in the
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 "dear 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). To 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 Water Softener 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 bottle.
3-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
__ SECTION3 i_,_i_!_ 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. To
drain the softener:
D_ Close the shut-off valve on the house wa-
main
ter pipe, near the water meter or pressure tank.
_Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent
pressure in the softener.
_]_ Refer to FIG. 14 on page 4-1. Move the stem in
a single bypass valve to bypass. Close the inlet
and outlet valve in a 3-valve bypass system, and
open the bypass valve. If you want water in the
house pipes again, reopen the shut-off valve on
the main water pipe.
Drain All Water From Softener
drain wood block
_ Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet. Re- Looking at 12, lay a piece
m
FIG. of 2
inch thick
move the salt hole cover and the main cover, board near the floor drain. Move the softener
Take off both drain hoses.
_'_ Carefully remove the large holding clips at the
softener inlet and outlet (see Key No. 69, on page
6-5). Separate the softener from the copper
tubes, or from the bypass valve.
B Remove the bfinewell cover and disconnect the
brine valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi as-
sembly (see page 3-2). Lift the brine valve out of
the brinewell. Tip the brine valve upside down
to drain water.
!
close to the drain. SLOWLY and CAREFULLY,
tip it over until the rim rests on the wood block
with the inlet and outlet over the drain. Do not
allow the softener's weight to rest on the inlet
and outlet fittings or they will break.
Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches
and hold until all water has drained. Leave the
softener laying like this until you are ready to
use it. Plug the inlet and outlet with rags to keep
dirt, bugs, etc. out.
3-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_i_,_i SECTION3 !_i_._,!_-_-_,_._._i_CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER
D. CHECKLIST ... TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY
If your water softener fails to work make the following easy checks. Often, you will find what's wrong your-
self and you won't have to call and wait for service. If you do not find anything wrong, while making the
checks, and your softener still does not work, call your Sears Service Department.
Note:
1. Also read ERROR CODE, page 2-3.
2. If an error code is not displayed, press and hold the SELECT 1 button until the display changes. Then, press
the SELECT I button again and hold until a flashing HF code appears. It must show HF32. 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 HF32, press either the UP A or DOWN V button. When HF32 shows, press SELECT to return a flash-
ing 12:00 AM display. Reset the present time, hardness number, etc pages 1-3 and 1-4.
PROBLEM
No soft water
CAUSE
No salt (or salt bridged) inthe storage tank
Transfomer unplugged at the wall outlet,
or power cable leads loose, fuse blown,
circuit breaker popped, or circuit switched
off.
Manual bypass valve(s) in bypass position
Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle &
venturi
Valve drain hose plugged
Water hard sometimes Hardness number setting too low
Using hot water when softener is
regenerating
Increase in the grains of hardness in your
water supply
CORRECTION
Refill with salt, or break the salt bridge (page
3-1). Press ON/OFF-HOLD (RECHARGE
NOW) button and hold for 3 seconds to start a
regeneration (see page 2-1).
Check for loss of power due to any of these
and correct. With the power back on, look at
the time display and read PROGRAM
MEMORY, page 2-3.
Look at FIG.14 on page 4-1. Move the stem in
a single valve to service. In a 3-valve bypass,
open the inlet and outlet valves, and be sure to
fully close the bypass valve.
Take apart and clean or replace damaged
parts (see page 3-2).
The drain hose must not have kinks, sharp
bends, or be raised too high above the
softener (see page 16 in your installation
manual).
Press and release the SELECT button until
HARDNESS shows in the display. Read the
hardness number in the display and be sure
the same grains per gallon number is shown
on your water analysis report. See page x to
reset. Press and release the SELECT button
until the present time shows in the display.
Avoid using hot water during this time because
the water heater refills with hard water (see
Automatic Bypass, page 2-6).
Ask your Sears retail store for a new water
analysis. Then make a new hardness number
setting (page 1-4).
3-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1- 800- 426- 9345 Kenmore Water Line
_,_i,_j_ SECTION4 !i_IKNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER
A. DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
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A
B
C
D
E
Ft
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A
D
E
CM
Salt Tank Height 40-1/4 102.2
Resin Tank Diameter 9 22.7
(nominal)
Resin Tank Height 40 101.6
(nominal)
Inlet-Outlet Height 41-1/2 105.4
Overall Height 47-3/4 121.3
Length 19-1/2 49.5
Width 16-1/2 41.9
Distance between inlet- 3-7/8 9.8
outlet center lines
MODEL NOS. 625.388400 & 625.388450
BYPASS VALVES
Bypass valve(s) should always remain in soft
water service position. Position in "bypass" only
if needed for softener repairs.
SINGLE BYPASS
PULL OUT
for service
forbypass
3 - VALVE BYPASS
FOR SERVICE _]_
close bypass valve utlet --
open inlet & outlet valves O
Valve
FOR BYPASS
open bypass valve
close inlet & outlet valves _
/
Bypass
" Valve
Inlet
Valve
TIMER HF CODE HF32
Note: Please see the rating decal for operating capacity, salt usage and service flow rate/pressure loss
performance specifications. Performance specifications are validated by the Water Quality Association
(WQA). 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) ..... 3
Minimum-Max. water pressure (psi).... 20 - 125
Minimum-Max. water temperature (°F) - 40 - 120
Maximum water hardness (gpg) ....... 110
Maximum "clear water" iron (ppm) .... 8
SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER
Type of salt needed nugget or pellet
Alternate type of salt ................ pure, evaporated,
compacted water
softener salt
Salt storage capacity (Ibs) ............ 200
4-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
J
_,_,_ SECTION 4 _IKNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER
A. DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS
24
Pressure Drop (PSI) vs. Flow Rate (GPM)
21
_18
o=.15
12
==
.o
o. 6
3
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
Flow Rate (GPM)
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
Type of ion exchange material (resin) - -
Amount of resin (cu It) ...............
Regeneration (recharge) cycle times (minutes)
Fill (NaCL setting) ...............
Fill (KCI setting).................
Brining / brine rinse .............
Backwash .....................
Fast rinse ......................
Total regeneration time © ..........
Efficiency Bating (gr/Ib at 3.1 [bsalt
dose) .............................
Max. Drain Flow Rate (gpm) ..........
high capacity
1.06
3.6 - 11.5
I
4.5 - 14,4 !
120 - 135
3
133.6 - 159.4
gpm = gallons per minute
psi = pounds per square inch
gpg = grains per gallon
ppm = parts per million
_) Does not include CLEAN feature cycle times if set to
ON.
This system conforms to ANSI/NSF 44 for the specific
performance claims as verified and substantiated by test
data.
The efficiency rating is only valid at the stated salt dose.
These softeners were efficiency rated according to ANSI/
NSF Standard 44.
4-2
Problems, Questions ? Call 1- 800- 426- 9345 Kenmore Water Line
S
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A. TROUBLESHOOTING
WIRING SCHEMATIC
<
Transformer
<
Turbine [_
Sensor
BACK OF TIMER
(PWA)
gm
_NO Position
brn NC Switch
FACEPLATE --
aoNrtoR_m
e m_ow
UltraSoft 400
_R
A,,,_ I:_LV
1-800-426-9345
o
valve
motor
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.
LWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST
Does the time display show the correct time of
day?
--If display is blank, check power source to the
softener.
- - If time is flashing, power was off for over 24
hours. The softener resumes normal operation
but regenerations occur at the wrong time (page
1-3).
--If an error code (Example: Err3) shows in the
faceplate display, go to AUTOMATIC ELEC-
TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS (page 5-2).
_ Plumbing bypass valve(s) must be fully in ser-
vice position.
E The inlet and outlet pipes must connect to the
softener inlet and outlet respectively.
l_Is the transformer plugged into a "live",
grounded wall outlet, and the power cable fas-
tened securely?
tiThe valve drain hose must be free of kinks and
sharp bends, and not elevated over 8 ft. above the
floor.
|
|
Remove the top cover and salt tank cover.
Is there salt in the storage tank?
Is the brine tubing connected? (See water flow
diagrams, page 5-6).
Is the brine valve float set right? (See page 5-4).
Press the SELECT I button two times to display
the hardness setting. Be sure it is the correct set-
ting for the household's water supply. (Make a
hardness test of the raw water and compare with
the hardness setting. Also test a soft water sam-
ple to verify if a problem exists.) Press the SE-
LECT 1 button 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 (page 5-2).
5-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1- 800- 426- 9345 Kenmore Water Line
_J_JJJJJJ_JJJ_J_J_J_
....................... SECTION 5 _ .....................
........................I SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
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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
monitors electronic components _ _r-r-
and circuits for correct opera-
tion. If a malfunction occurs, an 5.
error code appears in the face-
f
plate display. ....
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 SELECTbut-
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.
CODE
Err1, Err3,
Err4
Err5
POSSIBLE DEFECT
MOST LIKELY .I[ _ LESS LIKELY
motor inoperative / wiring harness or connection to switch / position switch / valve defect causing
hiqh torque
faceplate timer (PWA)
PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING ERROR CODE FROM FACEPLATE: 1.Unplug transformer 2.Correct defect 3.Plug
in transformer 4. Wait for 6 minutes. The error code will return if the defect was not corrected.
MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS
DIAGNOSTICS
_To enter diagnostics...
- -from a error code display, press the SELECT 1
button.
--from a time display, press and hold the SE-
LECT I button for 3 seconds.
valve posi_onindicator
(F¢I t_d _lne flashing)
r minu_ of brinklgUrn9
I_._d tat]+--c_,,-=_r'="
t _ whenvalve madaes
m, _w_._ww= brin' iJ_on) VALVE ROTATING
_==_ r_g pos FROM 11RECHARGE
-"-'- , ,.
posi_,o_swl_chindk:atot THIS EXAMPLE)
(dosed)
You will see one of the following displays. All of the
displays show what position the valve is in, if the
turbine is operating, and the position switch open or
closed status.
ValVe position ilTdJCatO¢
I sir_e the last
|turbine o_unt
\
positionswitchindicator
(open)
VALVE IN SERVICE
POSITION
POSITION SWITCH STATUS: With the valve in ser-
vice, or any of the recharge cycles, the switch indica-
tor will show open -.',--. While the valve is rotating
from 1 position to another, the indicator will show
the switch closed --,_. A defect is probable if indica-
tions vary from this pattern.
WATER METER TURBINE: With soft water in use,
the turbine flow rate display continually repeats a
000 to 140 count for each gallon of water passing
through the turbine. The display will remain a
steady...000 if soft water is not in use (open a nearby
soft water faucet to check).
valve po/__on
.--+ 0].2,,
_y., _ ware meter
VALVe IN A RECHARGE
POSITION {FILL IN THIS
EXAMPLE)
If you don't get a reading in the display, with facuet
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.
5-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
A. TROUBLESHOOTING
m
_ Press and hold the SELECT button for 3 seconds
motor until...
position
switch
sensor _ I II- --I --I
housing ...HF32shows. lil
turbine
-k
& shaft
outlet
VALVE POSITION INDICATORS: Depending on
the valve position, the following indicators show in
the display:
INDICATOR VALVE POSITION
Serv ....................... service
Fill ........................ fill
Brine ...................... brining/brine rinse
Bkwash .................... backwash
Rinse ...................... fast rinse
When the valve is rotating from one cycle to another,
both indicators flash. For example, if the valve is in
transition between fill and brining, both Fill and
Brine flash. Upon reaching brining position, Fill
goes off and Brine is on steady. The time display
shows the minutes of the cycle remaining.
NOTE: If the faceplate is left in a diagnostic I
display (or a flashing display when setting times I
or hardness), present time automatically returns I
if a button is not pressed within 4 minutes. To
return to the diagnositc display, repeat step 2.
)THER INFORMATION: While in this diagnostic
screen, the following information is available and
may be beneficial for various reasons. This informa-
tion is retained by the computer from the first lime
electrical power is applied to the faceplate.
...Press A to display the number of days this face
plate has had electrical power applied.
•..Press V to display the number of regenerations
initiated by this faceplate since the HF code number
las entered.
Press the ON/OFF-HOLD button to advance the
valve to each position and observe the switch
and position indicators to verify component op-
eration, or to possibly isolate a defect.
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.
HF32 does show -- Press the SELECT I button to re-
turn the present time display.
To change HF number -- Press the UP or DOWN
button until HF32 shows. Then, press the SELECT
I button and reset the t_ner...pages 1- 3 and 1- 4.
TIMER PWA REPLACEMENT: Be sure the valve is in
service position when replacing the timer PWA (ob-
serve valve cycle indicator).
If, after installing and programming the replacement
timer PWA, the valve is not in service position, do the
following to assure correct cycle orientation, or timing,
between the faceplate and vaive.
Use the MANUAL ADVANCE procedures, page 5-4.
Nith the RECHARGE NOW button, advance through
the recharge cycles until the valve stops in service posi-
tion, and RECHARGE no longer flashes in the display.
NOTE: The valve motor may automatically drive
through several valve positions while searching for
;ervice. If an error code occurs, unplug the transform-
er, then plug in again.
position
(valve In
service)
CAM
5-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
A. TROUBLESHOOTING
MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK
This check verifies proper operation of the valve
motor, brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow
rates, and other controller functions. Always make
the initial checks, and the manual initiated 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.
Press the ON/OFF-HOLD button and hold in for
3 seconds. *RECHARGE and Fill begin to flash
(or clean backwash begins, if set) as the softener
enters the fill cycle of regeneration. When FILL is
on steady, remove the brinewell cover and, using
a flashlight, observe fill water entering the tank.
*Note:
If the CLEAN feature is set to ON, a cleaning back-
wash (CLEAN and Bkwsh or Rinse flashes in the dis-
play, along with the minutes of the clean cycle re-
maining), precedes the recharge.
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.)
FILL (flow to salt storage tank) 0.3 (1.1 liters)
BRINING _ .16 (.61 liters)
BRINE RINSE I .12 (.45 liters)
BACKWASH (flow to drain) 2.0 (7.6 liters)
FAST RINSE 2.0 (7.6 liters)
After observing fill, press the ON/0FF-HOLD
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.
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.
_ Again press 0N/OFF-HOLD to move the soft-
ener into backwash. Look for a fast flow of water
from the drain hose.
a. An obstructed flow indicates a plugged top dis-
tributor, backwash flow plug, or drain hose.
ImPress ON/OFF-HOLD 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.
_To return the softener to service, press ON/OFF-
HOLD.
n BRINE VALVE
,, FLOAT SETTING
__... float stop
] [ _L],_,,,j float
FREEBOARD MEASUREMENT
Distance from top of resin tank, to top of resin bed.)
FREEBOARD
T' - 11"
!
resin tank
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:
Install bearing onto gear shaft. Install motor plate
and tighten screws to a snug fit. See page 6- 3 for de-
tailed schematic.
• 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 three hex head
screws toward the back side of the valve to allow
pressure water to bleed out. Catch water with a rag.
DISASSEMBLY
To remove a part or group of parts, refer to the valve
drawing. A common screwdriver or nut driver,
Phillips screwdriver and pliers are the only tools
needed to completely disassemble.
Lubricate the gear on the motor, and the valve cam
gear with Molykote grease, or other high quality
gear lubricant.
Be sure to orient switch as shown, with lever toward
the cam.
motor plate
screws
motor plate kX_
motor mounting
_ screws
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. See page 6-3 for repair parts.
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. To 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.
plastic bearing
cam & gear
o-ring seals -_.
wave washer _ (_
bearing, wave washer -----_._
wear-strip
seal"
_assembled
view
flow plug assembly
valve assembly
screws
rotor
o-ring seal
rotor 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 valve assembly screws using a
criss-cross pattern. If a torque wrench is available,
torque to 30-40 inch pounds. Do not over tighten.
sensor
housing
Sea
Nozzle
assembly
service,
page 3-2
drain seal
nozzle & ventud seal
turbine support
turbine
5-5
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE
SERVICE CYCLE
from Valve Inlet
(hard water)
top distributor
To Valve Outlet
(soft water) resin tank
¢
switch
Hard water enters the valve inlet port. Internal valve porting routes the
water down and out the top distributor, into the resin tank. Hard water is
softened as it passes through the resin bed, then enters the bottom
distributor. Soft water flows back into the valve and out the valve outlet, to
the house soft water pipes.
FILL CYCLE
position switch valve cam
venturi
rotor & disc
fill flow
plug from Valve Inlet
(hard water)
fill water
(soft)
To Valve Outlet
(soft water) qj_
resin
_ bed _ _] resin_ )bed
top distributor
resin tank
To 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
j_jjjjjj_jJJJJJJJJJJJ_ _JJJ_J_JJJ_JJJ_JJJ_JJJ_
jj_jjj_JJ_JJJ_JJJ_JJ_ _JJJJJJJJ_J_JJJ_4_JJJ
..... .......... SECTION5 ......................._ SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION
_JJ_JJJJJJ_JJJJJJJ_JJ ill]l, .........
C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE CYCLES
venturi
nozzle
from Valve Inlet
brine from sal (hard water)
storage tank
water
to valve outlet
.,' ,,
? sition
! switch
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 doses to end brine draw, water flow continues in the same
directions to slowly RINSE brine from the resin bed and to the drain.
water
to valve out-
let
BACKWASH CYCLE
flow plug
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, remaining brine
and hardness to the drain.
5-7
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE
FAST RINSE CYCLE
drain
soft water
to valve outlet
!
t \ \
switch
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
l-_'_'_'_'_'_'J' SECTION 6 =_._,_-3"3"3-31REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
Kenmore MODEL NOS. 625.388400 & 625.388450
S
C
T
N
J.!l=llll J J J J,
j J'-Jj J J J J,
JJJJJJJJ,
5
7
27
Decal Location _
3O
22
29
9
10
32
11
12
13
6-1
Problems, Questions? Call 1- 800- 426- 9345 Kenmore Water Line
v,_i_i SECTION6 !_!ii] REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
Kenmore MODEL NOS. 625.388400 & 625.388450
KEY PART
NO. NUMBER
1
1
2 722998O
3 7229998
4 7O95373
5 7132840
6 7234749
7 7230004
- 7232137
8 7231709
9 7232080
10 7082150
11 7100819
12 7137913
13 7234723
14 7232250
15 0900431
16 1103200
17 9003500
18 7116488
19 7105047
20 0502272
21 7144952
22 7170270
23 7077870
24 7170254
25 7170296
26 7141001
27 7176292
28 7088033
29 7137939
30 7144211
31 7152905
32 7003847
• 3442699
• 7195995
• 7231741
• 7231775
• notillustr_ed
A. WATER SOFTENER COMPLETE
DESCRIPTION
Cover Lock (req'd for ship. only)
Rim Insert (req'd for shipping only)
Cover (main)
Salt Hole Cover
Transformer, 24V-1 OVA •
Power Cord (transformer)
Timer Repl. (PWA)
Faceplate (order following decal)
Faceplate Decal
Rim (includes Key No. 30, 31 & 32)
Brinewell Cover
Wing Nut, 1/4"
Brinewell
Decal, Salt Level (_
Salt Storage Tank
Plastic Screw, 1/4" x 5/8"
Tube Clamp •
Tube Adaptor •
Grommet •
Brine Valve Asm. (also see pages 6-3, 6-4)
Replacement Distributor
Resin
Resin Tank (includes Key No. 21)
O-Ring, 2-3/4" x 3"
Top Distributor
O-Ring, 13/16" x 1-1/16"
O-Ring, 2-7/8" x 3-1/4"
Vapor Barrier
Clamp Section (2 req.)
Clamp Retainer (2 req.)
Light Asm
O-Ring, 11/16" x 1-1/32"
Nut
O-Ring, 1/4" x 1/2"
Resin Bed Cleaner
Parts Bag, (includes parts marked with a •,
pages 6-2, 6-4 & 6-6) - order manuals
separately if needed.
Installation Manual
Owners Manual
Aligns with top of brinewell.
• included in parts bag.
6-2
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
_i!i_!ii SECTION 6 !!_!!_J_i_ii!_l REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
Kenmore MODEL NOS, 625.388400 & 625.388450
48
INLET - OUTLET
GROUNDING CLAMPS
49
47
46
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
6-3
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
J .=J ,,l J ,a*l,.i .1 ._Jd,a,,l,J
_,ii!!_! SECTION6 _;_;_j_ REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
Kenmore MODEL NOS. 625.388400 & 625.388450
B. BRINE VALVE ASSEMBLY
iKEY PART
NO. NUMBER
30 7168647
31 0513860
32 7097202
33 0516947
34 7093216
35 7092276
36 7170288
37 0516211
38 0516924
39 7116713
40 7092252
41 7080653
42 7131365
43 7094979
44 7092294
45 7176161
46 7095470
47 7113016
48 7171349
49 7163427
50 7207726
DESCRIPTION
Ceramic Weight
Float Stop
Float (includes Key No. 33)
Float Seal
Float Rod & Stem
Guide Cap
O-Ring 15/16 x 1-3/16
Seal
Retainer, Bottom Seal
Clip
Brine Valve Body
Clip
Screen
Insert
Retaining Ring
O-Ring, 5/16 x 9/16
Brine Tube
Tubing Assy. (includes Key Nos. 43, 44 & 45)
Cone Screen
Ground Clamp (2) •
Ground Wire •
• included in parts bag on page 6-2.
6-4
Problems, Questions? Call 1- 800- 426- 9345 Kenmore Water Line
_!_i_i SECTION6 _ii_l REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
I C. VALVE ASSEMBLY I
51
94 __ 52
I_.. 56
9O
74
77
78
65
59 58 57
71
73
7O
71
72
95
69
6-5
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
r_!_ SECTION6 iiiiiiii ilREPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER
KEY
NO.
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
Kenmore MODEL NOS. 625.388400 & 625.388450
C. VALVE ASSEMBLY
PART
NUMBER
7224087
7250622
7231393
0900857
7171250
7219545
7169180
7172793
7170288
7211644
7170327
7173024
7174313
7185500
7173032
7185495
7172989
7171187
7129889
7089306
7077642
7170262
7094898
7101548
7248722
0900060
7081201
7195482
7171145
7170319
DESCRIPTION
Screw, #8-32 x 1° (2 req.)
Motor (incl. 2 ea. of Key No. 50)
Motor Plate
Screw, #6-20 x 3/8 (3 req.)
Bearing
Cam and Gear
Clip (Drain)
Drain Hose Adaptor
O-ring, 15/16 x 1-3/16
Flow Plug, 2.0 gpm
O-ring, 5/8 x 13/16
O-ring, 1-1/8 x 1-1/2
Bearing, Wave Washer
Rotor & Disc
O-ring, 4-1/2 x 4-7/8
Rotor Seal
Seal
Plug (Drain Seal)
Spring
Clip (2 req.) •
Copper Tube, 1" (2 req.) •
O-ring, 1-1/8 x 1-3/8 (4 req.) •
Turbine Support
Turbine
Wire Harness (Sensor)
O-ring
Retainer (Nozzle & Venturi)
Seal (Nozz]e& Venturi)
Valve Body
O-ring, 1/4 x 3/8 (2 req.)
KEY PART
NO. NUMBER
80 7081104
81 1202600
82 7095030
83 1148800
84 7187772
85 0521829
86 7146043
87 7167659
68 7170262
89 7081188
90 7175199
91 7171161
92 7172997
93 7145186
94 7140738
95 7232234
96 7179143
7172882
7173016
7175238
• 3479901
• 7187065
• 7185487
• 42-3433
• 42-3431
42-34403
DESCRIPTION
Nozzle & Venturi Housing
Nut - Ferrule
Cone Screen
Flow Plug, .3 gpm
Nozzle and Ventud - Gasket Kit
Flow Plug, .1 gpm
Screen
Screen Support
O-ring, %1/8 x 1-3/8
Cap
Wave Washer
Valve Cover
Screw, #10 x 2-5/6 (8 req.)
Switch
Screw, #'4-24 x 3/4 (2 req.)
Reducer Bushing, 1" x 3/4" (2
req.) •
Bypass Valve • • (Includes fol-
lowing parts)
Stem
O-ring, 1.109 I.D. x 1.387 O.D. (4)
C-ring
Adaptor Kit, 1" to 1-1/4"
Nozzle & Venturi Assy. (incl. Key
Nos. 80, and 82 through 89)
Seal Kit (incl. Key Nos. 60, 61, 64,
65, 66 and 77).
Drain Tubing, 3/8" I.D. x 20' []•
Drain Hose, 5/8" I.D. x 15' •
Flexible Connectors, 1"
• not illustrated
[] 7' length included with softener
• included with model 625.388450
• included in parts bag on page 6-2.
6-6
Problems, Questions? Call 1-800-426-9345 Kenmore Water Line
OWNER'S
MANUAL
MODEL NO.
625,388400
625.388450
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
UltraSoft 400 Water Softener
For the repair or replacement parts you
need delivered directly to your home
Call 7 am - 7 pro, 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'_ Repair Specialists
mlmlml
SEARS
I Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A. I
