OWNER'S MANUAL
Water Softeners
With High Performance Valve
MODEL NOS.
IntelliSoft 370 Series 625.383760
IntelliSoft 370 Series 625.393760
• Warranty
Caution:
Read and follow all safety rules and operating
instructions before first use of this product.
• Installation
• Start Up / Setting Timer
• How It Works
• Care Of
Questions ?
or call toll free 1-800-426-9345 (M - F, 7AM - 8 PM CST)
Repair or Parts ? Call toll free 1-800-366-7278
• Specifications
• Repair Parts
See back cover for other Sears service numbers.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Use the plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals nearby
the softener for future reference.
Systems Tested and Certified by NSF International against
NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for softener performance.
Sears, Roebuck and Co., 3333 Beverly Road, Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 USA
PRINTED IN U.S.A.
Part No. 7282603 (Rev. E 12/8/06)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Guides ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Unpack and Check Shipment ........................................................................................................................ 5
Plan Your Installation: Tools Needed, Materials Needed........................................................................... 6-10
Install Inlet/Outlet Adapters or Bypass Valves, Three Way Valves ...........................................................11-12
Install Softener and Connect Pipes................................................................................................................13
Connect Valve and Salt Tank Drains..............................................................................................................14
Leak Test ........................................................................................................................................................15
Electrical Requirements .................................................................................................................................16
Install Covers and Restart Water Heater .......................................................................................................17
Program the Timer ....................................................................................................................................17-18
Sanitize the Water Softener ...........................................................................................................................19
Add Salt to Storage Tank................................................................................................................................20
Install Check List ............................................................................................................................................21
Faceplate Timer Features .........................................................................................................................22-25
How Your Water Softener Works ..............................................................................................................26-28
Care of Your Water Softener.....................................................................................................................29-32
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................33-34
Service Tech Information...........................................................................................................................35-41
Exploded Views and Parts Lists................................................................................................................42-47
Sears Tech Support.........................................................................................................................Back Cover
Salt Hole Cover
FACTS AND FIGURES TO KEEP
Fill in the blanks below and keep this book in a safe place
so you always have these facts.
Rating
Decal
Water Softener Model No.*____________________________________
Serial Number ______________________________________________
Date Installed_______________________________________________
Water Hardness _____________________________ Grains Per Gallon
Iron Content _________________________________ Parts Per Million
pH______________________ Taste and/or Odor ________________
Water Pressure ___________________________ Pounds/Square Inch
Water Flow Rate ___________________________ Gallons Per Minute
* The model number is on the rating decal, located on the rim, under the salt hole cover.
Questions?
Call the Kenmore Water Line at 1-800-426-9345
or visit KenmoreWater.com
For repair or replacement parts, call toll-free 1-800-366-7278
See back cover for other Sears service numbers.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
3
Safety Guides
Y Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before installing and using your new water softener.
Follow all steps exactly to correctly install. Failure to follow them could cause personal injury
or property damage. Reading this book will also help you to get all of the benefits from your
water softener.
Y Your Kenmore Water Softener will remove hardness minerals from water. This is measured in
grains per gallon (gpg). It will also remove some clear water iron*. This is measured in parts
per million(ppm). See the specifications page for the maximum limits of hardness and iron
removal.
Y A water softener will not improve other water problems such as acidity, tastes and odors, or
iron other than clear water iron. lt will not purify contaminated water, or make unsafe water
safe to drink.
Y Check with your local public works department for plumbing, electric and sanitation codes.
You must follow their guides as you install your softener. Use only LEAD FREE SOLDER
AND FLUX, as required by federal and state codes, when installing soldered copper plumb-
ing.
Y Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Damage from freezing voids the softener war-
ranty. See how to protect from freezing on page 31.
CAUTION: Please read and comply with the following guides to prevent damage to the sof-
tener or other property, personal injury, or possible fatal shock.
Y This softener works on 24 volts only. Be sure to use only the transformer included.
Plug it into a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household outlet that is grounded and properly
protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuite breaker or fuse. If transformer is
replaced, use only the authorized service Class II, 24 volt, 10 VA transformer.
Y Unplug the transformer right away if the power cable should become damaged or frayed.
Make repairs, or replace the transformer, before plugging back into the power outlet.
Y Always unplug the softener from electrical power before removing outer valve covers.
Y This system is not intended to be used for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of
unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
* The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data.
European Directive 2002/96/EC requires all electrical and electronic equipment to
be disposed of according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
requirements. This directive or similar laws are in place nationally and can vary
from region to region. Please refer to your state and local laws for proper disposal
of this equipment.
4
Unpack and Check Your Carton
INSPECT SHIPMENT
Your water softener is shipped complete in one carton.
Use care when handling the softener. DO NOT turn
upside down. DO NOT drop, or set on sharp objects that
could make a hole in the bottom. The water softener is
heavy, do not try to lift it or move more than is necessary.
Remove all items from your shipping carton.
Check all items against the packing list below. Note any
items lost or damaged in shipment.
Note any damage to the shipping carton. Refer to the
exploded view and parts list in the back of the manual for
the part names and numbers of missing or damaged
items.
Contact the store where purchased if problems exist.
Packing List
PARTS DESCRIPTIONS
SMALL PARTS
Salt Hole
Cover
(Open)
Nozzle
Assembly
Valve
Assembly
Bypass Valve
Face
Plate
owner’s manual
Cover
(Main)
Clips (2)
Salt
Storage
Tank
Installation
Adaptors (2)
Brinewell
Cover
O-Ring Seals (2)
Resin
Tank
Drain Tubing
Brinewell
Tube Clamp
Drain Elbow
(installed on unit)
Tube Adaptor
Tube Clamp
Ground Clamp Kit
Grommet
1-1/4” Copper Tubes
Brine Valve
Additional Installation Fittings avaiable from
Sears (see parts listing in back of manual)
FIG. 1
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
5
Plan Your Installation
PLAN YOUR INSTALLATION
It is recomended to read through the entire manual before
beginning your installation. Follow all steps exactly. Reading this
manual will also help you get all the benefits from your system.
TOOLS NEEDED:
• Safety glasses
• Flathead screw driver
• Phillips screw driver
• Adjustable slip joint pliers
• Tape measure or ruler
Safety Glasses
Flathead Screwdriver
Phillips Screwdriver
Adjustable Slip Joint Pliers
Tape Measure or Ruler
ADDITIONAL TOOLS NEEDED FOR THE FOLLOWING INSTALLATIONS:
SOLDERED COPPER
• Tubing Cutter
THREADED PIPE
CPVC OR PVC PLASTIC
• Hacksaw or Pipe Cutter
• Pipe Wrenches
• Hacksaw
• Propane Torch
• Adjustable Wrench
• Primer and Solvent Cement
approved for use on potable water-
• Solid Core LEADFREE Solder
• Paste Flux
• Emery Cloth
or Sandpaper
• Pipe Threading Tool
• Pipe Joint Compound approved
for use on potable water
THE PROPER ORDER TO INSTALL WATER TREATING EQUIPMENT
(Shows sequence of equipment only. Seldom, if ever, would all items be needed.)
Kitchen or Bathroom
City Water Supply
Cold Faucet
Sediment or Taste &
Odor Cartridge Filter
OR
Hard Water to
Outside Faucets
Cold, soft water
Hot, soft water
Well Water Supply
Solution
Dispensing
System
Pressure or
Captive Air
Tank
Sediment
Cartridge Filter
(Optional
Blending
Tank
Water
Heater
Location)
Water
Softener
*Taste &
Odor Filter
Iron
Filter
Neutralizer
Clarifying
Filter
• Always put an Iron Filter BEFORE the water softener.
Well Water
• Always put a Neutralizer BEFORE an Iron Filter, etc., as shown.
* A Taste & Odor Filter may be used before or after the water
softener.
FIG. 2
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
6
Plan Your Installation
Outside Faucet
(Hard Water)
Outside faucet
(Hard Water)
To Faucet
Soft, Cold Water
Soft, Hot
Water
Soft water
to Reverse
Osmosis
System
Shut-off
Valve
Reverse
Osmosis
system
Reverse
Osmosis
Drain
R.O.
Storage
Tank
Water
Heater
Hard
Water to
House
Water
Meter
Air
Gap
Water
Softener
Main
Shutoff
Valve
Floor
Drain
FIG. 3
Typical Installation
WHERE TO INSTALL THE WATER SOFTENER
Review the following points before you choose a place to put your softener.
1. Place as close as possible but always after, the
pressure tank (well water) or water meter (city
water). See Fig. 3.
2. Place as close as possible to a water drain such as
a floor drain, laundry tub, sump or standpipe. See
Fig. 3.
3. Connect to the house main water pipe BEFORE
THE WATER HEATER. See Fig. 3. Temperature of
water going through the softener must not be
more than 120°F (49°C). Hot water will damage
inner softener parts. To reduce the risk of hot water
backup, piping between the softener and water
heater should be as long of a run as possible.
4. Keep outside faucets on hard water to save soft
water and salt. See Fig. 3.
6. Put the softener in a place where water damage is
least likely to occur if it develops a leak. Sears or
the manufacturer will not repair or pay for water
damage.
7. A grounded, 120V electrical outlet is needed within
10 feet of the softener. See Fig. 3. This is to plug in
the transformer. The softener has a 10 foot power
cable. Be sure the outlet and transformer are in
an inside place, to protect from wet weather. Use
a continuously “live” outlet, which cannot be acci-
dentally switched off.
8. When installing in an outside location, you must take
the steps necessary to assure the softener, installa-
tion plumbing, and wiring, are protected from the
elements, contamination, vandalism, etc.
9. Keep the softener out of direct sunlight. The sun’s
heat can melt plastic parts.
5. Do not install in a place where the softener could
freeze. Damage caused by freezing voids the war-
ranty by Sears, Roebuck and Co.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
7
Plan Your Installation
Suggested Slab Foundation Installation
outside
- hard
water heater
kitchen
Plug the softener transformer
into an inside, 120 volt 60Hz
electrical outlet. If an outside
outlet is used, be sure it has
approved weather protection.
bathroom
outside
-soft
For outside hard
water, trench under-
ground as needed.
outside
- hard
bypass
valve
outside
-soft
WATERSOFTENER
(install in garage, car port,
or other sheltered area)
water in
Run drain tubing to laundry tub or
p-trap inside home, if possible.
Otherwise, run to a dry well.
FIG. 4
DRAW IN YOUR PIPES
AND FITTINGS
Your House Main Water Pipe
Draw the plans for your “IN” and “OUT”
piping here. Include all pipe, fittings and
accessories you will use.
Left
Right
Make a list of all materials you will need
and buy them before you begin to install
the water softener.
* In what direction does the water flow?
Be sure to plan “IN” and “OUT” piping so water
flow is to the softener valve inlet. Plan a
crossover if flow is from left to right.
120V - 60Hz
Electrical
Outlet
CROSS-OVER
Main Water Pipe
Raw Water
Valve Outlet Side
Soft Water
Inlet
Outlet
Valve Inlet
To Water Softener
FIG. 5
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
8
Plan Your Installation
PIPE, FITTINGS, OTHER MATERIALS NEEDED
SOLDERED
IN
You must first decide how to run “in” and “out” pipes to
the softener. Look at your house main water pipe at the
point you will connect the softener. Is the pipe soldered
copper, glued plastic, or threaded galvanized or brass?
What is the pipe size? What kind of pipe and fittings is it
easiest for you to work with, and what tools do you have?
OUT
1” NPT sweat
adaptor (2)*
Use teflon tape,
pipe joint compound
or both.
1” NPT
adaptor
2 of each
included
Now look at the common plans for “in” and “out” piping
on soldered copper. See Fig. 6. Use it as a guide to plan
what materials you will need. Get all the materials you
will need before you start.
clip
Valve
Inlet
Bypass
Valve
Use Fig. 5 to make a plan drawing for your specific
installation. “In” and “out” fittings included with the soften-
er are 1” NPT threaded adaptors. You should maintain
the same, or larger, pipe size as the water supply pipe,
up to the softener inlet and outlet. Use copper, brass,
galvanized or PVC plastic pipe and fittings for the “in”
and “out” pipes. Be sure to check local codes.
To connect to 1-1/4”
copper household
plumbing
Note: If converting from galvanized to copper pipe
use approved dielectric insulating connectors.
ALWAYS install the bypass valve (that is included with
the unit) or a three valve bypass. See Fig. 9 to13.
Bypass valves let you turn off water to the softener if
needed for repairs, but still have water in the house
pipes.
1” NPT sweat
adaptor (2)*
OUT
Use teflon tape,
pipe joint compound
or both.
IN
Drain tubing (3/8” inside diameter), is needed for the
valve and salt tank drains. See Fig. 16. If a rigid valve
drain is needed to comply with plumbing codes, you can
buy the parts needed (see Fig. 16) to change the soften-
er to a 1/2 inch minimum copper tubing drain.
clip
2 of each
included
1” NPT
adaptor
Valve
Inlet
To connect to 1-1/4”
copper household
plumbing
FIG. 6
*NOTE:
For plumbing connection, buy 2 sweat adaptors and plumb
directly to the inlet - outlet adaptors. Threads on the inlet - outlet
adaptors are 1” NPT.
CAUTION:
DO ALL SOLDERING BEFORE CONNECTING SWEAT ADAP-
TORS TO INLET-OUTLET ADAPTORS OR BYPASS VALVE.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
9
Read Before Beginning Installation
BEFORE INSTALLING CHECKS & TESTS
If you have a well water system, look at the pressure
gauge to find the water pressure. Call your local water
department if you have city water. They will tell you what
the water pressure is where you live.
Your water supply needs to be checked for chemical
analysis, water pressure and water flow rate. To accom-
plish this, complete the following steps:
Check Water’s Chemical Analysis: Sears sells a com-
plete line of water treating equipment to correct various
water problems. To be sure you have the proper type
and size equipment, You must have your water tested.
Your Sears store can give you a water test results for
hardness, iron and acidity, and tell you what equipment
you need. Simply take at least a 4 oz. sample of your
water to Sears, and they will test it while you wait. If you
need help to get your water tested, or if you have other
questions about your water, ask at your Sears store.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
Check your water flow rate: A water flow of at least 3
gallons per minute is needed. A lower flow will keep your
softener from working as well as it should. Complete the
following steps to make an easy check of your flow rate.
1. Fully open two cold water faucets close to the point
water enters the house.
2. With both faucets open, fill a gallon container at one
faucet while looking at a watch or clock to see how
many seconds it takes.
3. Empty the container and go to the second faucet (be
sure BOTH faucets are still on). Fill the gallon container
at the second faucet and see how many seconds it
takes.
4. Turn off both faucets. Now add the number of seconds
it took to fill the container at both faucets.
5. A total of 90 seconds, or less, means the system flow
rate is good.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
Check Your Water Pressure: For your softener to work
right, a water pressure of no lower than 20 pounds per
square inch (psi) is needed in the house water pipes.
The highest pressure allowed in the water pipes is 125
psi. If pressure is over 125 psi, buy and install a pres-
sure reducing valve in the water inlet pipe to the soften-
er.
NOTE: If water pressure during the day is 100 psi or
more, pressure during the night may go over 125 psi.
Adding a pressure reducing valve may reduce the
flow.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
NOTE: Codes in the state of Massachusetts require
installation by a licensed plumber. For installation,
use plumbing code 248CMR of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
NOTE: Add these readings to the Facts and Figure
table on page 3.
Assemble Drain Port Elbow
A disposable piece of tubing has been installed in the
“drain” port of your new water softener to protect it
during shipping. Please do the following:
1. Remove the tube from the valve (See Figure A).
2. Locate the drain elbow that is attached to the installa-
tion accessories cardboard display (See Figure B).
3. Make sure that the black O-ring is attached to the out-
side of the drain elbow. Also look inside the drain
elbow to be sure the small black flow plug is inside and
hasn’t fallen out during shipping.
4. Insert the drain elbow into the valve’s “drain” port until
it stops and the black O-ring is pushed in beyond the
slots in the drain port with the smaller, barbed end
pointing out of the valve.
5. Secure the drain elbow to the valve using the black “U”
clip (also attached to the accessories cardboard dis-
play) by sliding it into the slots in the drain port and into
the grooves in the drain elbow (See Figure C).
6. Gently pull on the drain elbow to make sure it is secure
in the valve.
Clip
Flow plug (should be
inside drain elbow)
Remove
tube
O-ring
Drain
elbow
Drain port
FIG. A
FIG. B
FIG. C
10
Install Plastic Bypass Valve
ASSEMBLE INLET OUTLET ADAPTORS,
OR PLASTIC BYPASS VALVE
Complete the following steps to assemble the adaptors or
bypass valve.
Shutoff
Valve
Shutoff
Valve
Pressure
Tank
1. Close the shutoff valve on the house main water pipe,
near the water meter or pressure tank, to turn off the
water. See Fig. 7.
Water
Meter
Well
Pump
2. Shut off the gas or electric supply to the water heater.
See Fig. 7.
3. Open the highest and lowest water faucets in your-
house. This will let water drain from the pipes. Close
faucets after water has drained.
Gas
Valve
Electrical
Panel
4. Remove the main cover. See Fig. 8.
Pull outward on two (2) tabs to release.
FIG. 7
The salt hole cover remains attached to the main cover
when removed. Set both covers aside so they will not get
scratched or broken.
Salt Hole Cover
Cover (Main)
INSTALL SEARS BYPASS VALVE AND / OR THE
INLET OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS
NOTE: If you will not install the bypass valve because
you will have a three (3) valve bypass, skip steps 6 &
7, but do steps 5 and 8.
5. Visually check and remove any foreign materials from
the valve inlet and outlet ports. See Fig. 9. Carefully
remove the two large plastic clips (you will use them).
Check to be sure the turbine and turbine support are
firmly in place. See Fig. 10.
FIG. 8
BYPASS VALVE:
INSTALLING BYPASS VALVE, AND/OR
6. Put a light coating of silicone grease on the o-ring seals
and slide onto the bypass valve.
INLET AND OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS
Clip (2)
7. Push the bypass valve into the softener valve as far as it
will go. Snap the two large holding clips into place,
from the top down as shown. See Fig. 11.
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so
the bypass valve will not pull out. See Fig. 11.
Valve Outlet
Included with
INLET AND OUTLET THREADED ADAPTORS:
8. Put a light coating of silicone grease on the o-ring seals
and slide into the threaded adaptors. Push the adaptors
into the valve inlet and outlet ports, or bypass valve
ports, as far as they will go. Both adaptors are the same
and fit either port. Snap the two large holding clips
into place, as shown. See Fig. 11.
Softener
Included with
Softener
Valve Inlet
CAUTION: Be sure the clips snap firmly into place so
the tubes will not pull out. See Fig. 11.
FIG. 9
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
11
Install Plastic Bypass Valve
INSTALLING HOLDING CLIPS
Cross Section of Valve
Black Clip
Bypass Valve or
Installation Adaptor
Inlet or Outlet
Before installing the bypass valve, or
copper tube, be sure the turbine and
support are firmly in place in the
valve outlet port.
Turbine
Support
Sensor Port
O-Ring
Clip Snaps into Place
Between Larger Diameter Rings
FIG. 11
BYPASS VALVE TURNED DOWNWARD
Turbine
FIG. 10
Turn bypass valve upside
down to connect to floor
level plumbing.
OUT
IN
FIG. 12
Install 3-Valve Bypass
3 VALVE BYPASS
INSTALLING 3 VALVE BYPASS AND PIPES
Complete the following steps to install the three (3)
valve bypass:
• Cut the house main water pipe where you will con-
nect the softener.
• Loosely put together pipe, fittings, and the three
(3) valves.
• Place valve(s) within easy reach.
When all pipe, fittings and valves make a good fit
together, tighten all threaded joints (use pipe dope
on outside threads), or solder all sweat joints.
FIG. 13
TO
Softener Inlet
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
12
Locate Water Softener and Connect Pipes
POSITION SOFTENER INTO PLACE
Complete the following steps to position the softener.
MOVE SOFTENER INTO PLACE
1. Grip under the ridge on the salt tank sidewall.
2. Carefully rock back and forth into position.
3. Move the softener into position.
4. Place on a level and smooth surface. If needed, put a
piece of 3/4” plywood, at least 17'' x 20'', under the
Grip under ridge
to move softener.
tank. Then put spacers under the plywood to level the
softener. See Fig. 14.
NOTE: Do not put shims or spacers directly under
the tank, without the plywood. The weight of the sof-
tener, when full of salt and water, may cause the tank
to puncture or break at the shim or spacer.
CONNECT THE SOFTENER
Plywood
Shims
Refer to your plan drawing. See Fig. 5.
Measure, cut (thread if needed) and put all pipe and fit-
tings together up to the main water pipe, or to the
bypass valve(s) you installed in the previous step.
FIG. 14
TYPICAL SOLDERING
CONNECTIONS
CAUTION: Never solder fittings while connected to
nonmetallic parts. Wait until soldered pipe has
cooled before connection. See Fig. 15.
Main Water Pipe
CAUTION: Be careful when putting pipe fittings
together. Do not cross thread, and do not overtight-
en.
Hard Water
4. Solder
NOTE: To be certain heat will
not travel down the pipe and
into the bypass valve (or
installation adaptors), wrap
the bottom of the pipe and the
bypass valve in a wet rag.
1. Cut pipe to
correct length.
2. Solder (WHEN
COOL, do Step 3).
3. Put threaded adaptor
into bypass valve
port.
FIG. 15
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
13
Connect Valve and Salt Tank Drains
per tube is also best to use for an overhead drain. Use
a copper drain tube if the softener is installed outside,
or in the sunlight. Heat from the sun can soften, flatten
and close up some kinds of tubes.
CONNECT THE VALVE DRAIN HOSE
Take a length of 3/8” inside diameter drain tubing and
attach one end to the drain fitting. See Fig. 16. Use a
tube clamp to hold it in place. Put the other end of the
tubing over a floor drain, into a laundry tub, standpipe,
or other suitable drain. Check your local codes.
To adapt a copper drain tube to the softener, buy a
compression fitting (1/4'' female pipe threads x 1/2''
O.D. tube) and tubing from your local hardware store.
Leave an air gap of about 1-1/ 2'' between the end of
the hose and the drain. This gap is needed so you
don’t get a backflow of sewer water into the softener.
Do not put the end of the hose into the drain or con-
nect without the air gap.
CONNECT SALT TANK OVERFLOW TUBING
1. Locate the rubber grommet, tube adaptor and tube
clamp (see Fig. 16) that are in the parts bag.
2. Push the grommet into the hole in the salt tank wall
so half is inside and half is outside.
3. Push the bigger end of the tube adaptor into the
grommet.
Place and support the hose so it does not kink or have
sharp bends. Secure the hose end so water pressure
does not cause the hose to “whip”. Tie or wire it in
place. Do not pinch the hose shut. The softener will
not work if this drain hose is pinched, plugged,
closed or restricted in any way. Direct drain flow
down into drain from drain line as flow could possibly
over shoot the drain cover.
4. Push one end of a length of 3/ 8'' I.D. tubing onto
the tube adaptor, using the tube clamp to hold it in
place.
5. Put the other end of the tubing over the floor drain.
IMPORTANT: Overflow water must run downward
through the tubing. Do not raise the tubing higher
than the grommet and tube adaptor. See Fig. 16.
Keep the hose lower than the drain fitting. In some
homes, to get to a drain you must raise the hose and
run it overhead. If you need an overhead drain, do not
raise the hose more than 8' above the floor. A copper
drain tube is best to use.
IMPORTANT: Do not connect to the valve drain
hose you installed in step 1. Both drains must
have a separate hose or tube.
COPPER DRAIN TUBE: The local plumbing codes
may require the use a copper valve drain tube. A cop-
NOTE: Overflow drain tubing is available from
Sears. See parts list in back of manual.
Drain
Fitting
1/4 NPT Threads
Clip
Comp Fitting. 1/4 NPT x 1/2 in.
O.D. Tube (Not furnished)
Barbs
Tube
Clamp
Cut Barbs from
1/2” Outside Diameter
Copper Tube (Not furnished)
Drain Fitting (Pull
clip and remove
fitting from valve.)
Grommet
Tube
Adaptor
To drain
STANDPIPE
point other
than floor
drain.
Tube
Clamp
Valve Drain
Hose
Support
tubing in
place as
needed.
1-1/2”
Air Gap
Tie or Wire
1-1/2”
Tubing in
Place
Air Gap
NOTE: Overflow
drain tubing is avail-
able from Sears,
Item No. 42-3433
(20 ft).
1-1/2” Air Gap
Overflow Drain Tubing
FLOOR DRAIN
LAUNDRY TUB
FIG. 16
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
14
Leak Test
LEAK TEST
To check for leaks, complete the following steps:
HOUSE MAIN WATER
SHUTOFF VALVES
CAUTION: To avoid water or air pressure dam-
age to softener inner parts, and to flush pipe
chips or other residue from the water pipes, be
sure to do the following steps exactly as
instructed.
Shutoff Valve
Pressure Tank
Water
Meter
Shutoff Valve
1. Fully open two cold, soft water faucets near the
softener.
2. Look at the pictures in Fig. 18 and 19 to deter-
mine your kind of bypass valve(s). Place bypass
valve(s) in “bypass” position. On a single valve,
slide the stem inward to bypass. On a three (3)
valve system, close the inlet and outlet valves and
open the bypass valve.
Well Pump
FIG. 17
3. Fully open the house main water pipe shutoff
valve. Observe steady water flow from both open
faucets.
SINGLE BYPASS
4. Place bypass valve(s) in SERVICE EXACTLY as
follows: Keep soft water faucets open.
a. Single Bypass Valve: Slowly, slide pull the
valve stem outward toward service, pausing sev-
eral times to allow the softener to pressurize slow-
ly.
Pull Stem Outward
For Service
Push Inward
For Bypass
b. Three Valve Bypass: Fully close the bypass
valve and open the outlet valve. Slowly, open the
inlet valve, pausing several times to allow the sof-
tener to pressurize slowly.
Note: Stem may be installed
in either direction. The end
with writing should be pulled
out for service position.
5. After about three minutes, open a hot water
faucet for about one minute, or until all air is
expelled, then close.
FIG. 18
6. Close both cold water faucets.
7. Check your plumbing work for leaks and fix right
away if any are found. Be sure to observe previ-
ous caution notes.
VALVE BYPASS
Bypass
Valve
FOR SERVICE
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new
softener, water coming from the taps may initial-
ly be discolored. This normally occurs the first
time water runs through the resin bed. The dis-
colored water is not harmful, and the discol-
oration will not last more than a few minutes.
Close bypass valve.
Open inlet & outlet
valves.
Outlet
Valve
Inlet
Valve
FOR BYPASS
Open bypass valve.
Close inlet & outlet
valves.
FIG. 19
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
15
Electrical Requirements
INSTALL GROUNDING CLAMP BETWEEN
THE SOFTENER IN AND OUT PIPES
COLD WATER PIPE GROUNDING
The house cold water pipe (iron or copper) is often
used to ground all electrical outlets in the home.
Outlets are grounded to protect you from shock when
you touch any electric appliance plugged into the out-
let. If you installed the single bypass valve, the cold
water pipe ground is broken. See Fig. 20 and 21.
TO
Valve Inlet
Ground
Clamp (2)
IMPORTANT: Be sure the cold water pipe has
direct metal to metal contact all the way to the
ground. Plastic, rubber or other electrically insulat-
ing parts such as hoses, fittings, washers or gas-
kets can break the direct metal to metal contact.
Also check the water meter (city water) or the well
pump. Install #4 copper jumper wires, clamped
tightly on both ends, across insulated parts. See
Fig. 21.
Screw with lock
washer and nut
FROM
Valve Outlet
FIG. 20
To restore the ground, take the ground clamp kit that is
in the parts bag. Install across the inlet and outlet cop-
per tubes. See Fig. 20. Be sure good contact is made
between the pipe and the clamps.
WATER METER JUMPER WIRE
Water Meter
ELECTRICAL POWER OUTLET FOR
YOUR SOFTENER
The softener works on 24 volt, 60 Hz electric power.
The included transformer changes standard 120 volt
AC house power to 24 volts. You must plug the trans-
former into a grounded, 120 volt outlet only. Be sure
the outlet is always “live” so someone cannot turn it off
by mistake. See Fig. 22.
#4 Groundwire
FIG. 21
NOTE: The included transformer is made for inside
use only. Be sure the electrical outlet you plug the
transformer into is inside, to protect from weather.
CONNECTING TRANSFORMER
Transformer
PLUG IN THE TRANSFORMER
Plug the transformer into the electrical outlet.
120V-60Hz
Electrical
Outlet
Power Cable
From Face Plate-Timer
FIG. 22
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
16
Install Covers and Restart Water Heater
INSTALL COVERS
Salt Hole
Cover
After installing your water softener, replace the covers. Angle
the covers so the main cover clips onto the back first, then
bring down in front and clip on the two (2) tabs inside the rim
of the salt hole and lower the salt cover closed. See Fig. 23.
Cover
(Main)
RESTART THE WATER HEATER
Turn on the gas (or electric) supply to the water heater and
light the pilot.
YOUR PLUMBING INSTALLATION AND ELECTRICAL
WORK ARE NOW COMPLETE.
FIG. 23
Program The Timer
REGENERATION Button
Salt Level Adjust
Display
UP Button
DOWN Button
Signal Light
Adjust
Tank Light
SELECT Buttons
FIG. 24
PROGRAM THE TIMER
1. When the transformer is plugged in, the model code H 32,
and a test number (example: J1.1) show in the face plate
display for 4 seconds. Then, 12:00 AM and PRESENT
TIME begin to flash.
NOTE: If “- - - -” shows in the display, press the UP or
DOWN button until either H 32, for model 38376, or
H 33, for model 39376, shows in the display. Then,
press the SELECT button to set, and change to the
flashing PRESENT TIME display.
SALT
LEVEL
SIGNAL
LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
AM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
PRESENT TIME
2. To check the model code, unplug the transformer at the
wall outlet and plug in again. If other than this code
shows, refer to the Troubleshooting Section.
SALT
LEVEL
SIGNAL
LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
AM
SOUND “BEEPER”: A “beeper” sounds while pressing
buttons for timer setup. One beep signals a change in the
face plate display. Repeated beeps mean the timer will not
accept a change from the button you have pressed, telling
you to use another button. For example, while setting the
hardness the beeper sounds repeatedly when the display
reaches 1 using the DOWN button, or the highest hard-
ness setting using the UP button.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
PRESENT TIME
FIG. 25
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
17
Program The Timer
SALT
LEVEL
SIGNAL
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
SIGNAL
LEVEL
AM
SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY
PM
8
8
If the words PRESENT TIME do not show in the display,
press the SELECT1 button until they do show in the dis-
play. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to set the present
time. Press UP to move the display ahead; press DOWN
to move the time backward. If the present time is between
noon and midnight, be sure PM shows. If the present time
is between midnight and noon, be sure AM shows. Each
press of the UP or DOWN buttons changes the time by
one (1) minute. Holding the buttons in changes the time
rapidly.
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
PRESENT TIME
PRESENT TIME
FIG. 26
SALT
LEVEL
SIGNAL
LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
HARDNESS
SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER
To set the water hardness number, complete the following
steps:
1. Press the SELECT1 button once to display 25 (flashing)
and HARDNESS. The grains per gallon (gpg) hardness
of your water supply is on your water analysis report. Be
sure to enter water test results on the Facts & Figure
Chart on page 3.
FIG. 27
FIG. 28
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
AM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
RECHARGE
TIME
2. If your water supply contains iron, compensate for it by
adding to the water hardness number. For example,
assume your water is 20 gpg hard and contains 2 ppm
iron. Add 5 to the hardness number for each I ppm of
iron. In this example, you would use 30 for your hard-
ness number.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
KCl
2 ppm iron x 5 = 10
20 gpg hardness
FIG. 29
+10
30 HARDNESS NUMBER
3. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to set the desired
recharge starting hour. Be sure to observe the AM-
PM as you did when setting the present time of day.
Note: Each press of the UP or DOWN buttons
changes the display one hour. Holding the but-
tons in changes the display twice each second.
3. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to set your water hard-
ness 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 or DOWN button
changes the display by 1 between 1 and 25.
Between 25 and the highest number, the display
changes 5 at a time (25, 30, 35, etc.) Holding the UP
or DOWN button in changes the display twice each
second.
SET SALT TYPE (sodium chloride or potassium
cloride)
To set the salt type, complete the following steps:
1. Press the SELECT 1 button to display nACl, the
default setting.
SET REGENERATION TIME
2. If you want to use potassium chloride (KCl) instead
of standard sodium chloride (NaCl) water softener
salt, be sure to set KCl in the display by using the
UP button. The KCl setting adjusts regeneration
cycle times to compensate for the variable dissolving
rate of potassium chloride. Refer to page 20 for infor-
mation on various salts.
To complete setting the regeneration time, complete the
following steps:
1. Press the SELECT1 button to display 2:00 AM (flashing)
and RECHARGE TIME.
2. At the 2:00 AM recharge time setting, the softener
begins regeneration (see pages 26 - 28) at 2:00 AM.
This is a good time in most households because water
is not being used. If a different recharge time setting
would be better for your household, complete the follow-
ing step.
3. Press the SELECT button once again, to complete
initial programming, and the current time of day
shows in the display.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
18
Sanitize The Water Softener
SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER
Salt Hole Cover
Care is taken at the factory to keep your water softener clean
and sanitary. Materials used to make the softener will not
infect or contaminate your water supply, or cause bacteria to
form or grow. However, during shipping, storage, installing
and operating, bacteria could get into the softener.
SANITIZE YOUR WATER SOFTENER AS FOLLOWS:
1. Be certain the bypass valve is pulled out to
“service” position.
Brinewell Cover
(Remove and
add about
2. Lift the salt hole cover and using a pail add up to 3 gallons
of water to the salt storage tank.
3/4 oz. bleach)
3. Remove the brine well cover (Fig. 30) and pour about 3/4
1
ounce, or 1 to 2 tablespoons, of common 5.25% , unscent-
Brinewell
ed, household bleach (Clorox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail,
Eagle, etc.) in the softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell
cover.
4. Press the RECHARGE button and hold for 3 seconds to
start a recharge. This first recharge does several things.
• It draws the bleach into and through the softener to sani-
tize it.
Water
About 3 gallons
• It fills the salt tank to the water level needed.
• It gets all the air out of the resin tank.
• It prepares the resin bed (see page 26) for service and
flushes residual chlorine from the softener.
FIG. 30
NOTE: This recharge takes about 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 hours,
depending on the salt type setting.
NOTE: During a recharge the water softener bypasses
raw water to the home. You will not get salty water or
affect the regeneration cycle if water is used at this time.
You can sanitize the softener with or without salt in the
storage tank.
1
Recommended by the Water Quality Association.
On some water supplies, the water softener may need peri-
odic disinfecting.
Your new Sears softener is now softening the water for your
household needs. However, your WATER HEATER is filled
with hard water. To have fully soft water right away, you can
drain the water heater so it refills with soft water. If you don’t
drain the water heater, it will take a few days before you have
fully soft water.
To drain the water heater, open a hot water faucet and let it
run until the water runs cold. Then close the faucet.
NOTE: If this procedure is performed on a new softener,
water coming from the taps may initially be discolored.
This normally occurs the first time water runs through
the resin bed. The discolored water is not harmful, and
the discoloration will not last more than a few minutes.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
19
Adding Salt To The Storage Tank
ADDING SALT TO THE STORAGE TANK
Brine (salt dissolved in water) is needed for each and
every regeneration. The water for making brine is
metered into the salt storage tank by the softener. You
must keep salt in the tank, but because the water soften-
er is very efficient, it is not necessary to keep it full.
Especially in humid areas, it is best to fill the storage
tank one quarter to one half full, and to add salt more
often. Salt bridging occurs more often when conditions
are humid.
Brinewell
Cover
Use NUGGET or PELLET water softener salt. DO NOT
use rock salts, as they have dirt and sediments that will
stop the softener from working.To maintain optimum per-
formance of your water softener, the salt tank should be
cleaned out every 2 to 3 years.
Brinewell
Before adding salt, be sure the brinewell cover is in place
on the top of the brinewell. It is recommended to set the
salt monitor system, although it is not required for proper
operation.
Salt
Storage
Tank
NOTE: The salt monitor system is calibrated to the
density of nugget or pellet water softener salt. The
monitor will not work as accurately with other types
of salt including rock and solar.
If you choose Potassium Chloride (KCI) as a regenerant,
following these suggestions will help give you years of
maintenance free service.
FIG. 31
1. Place only one bag of KCI in your softener at a time
(the salt storage tank should contain no more than
60 pounds of KCI at any one time).
2. A softener using KCI should not be placed in areas
with temperature fluctuations and high humidity (KCI
will harden in these environments and may make the
softener inoperable).
WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON
REMOVING ADDITIVES
Some salts have an additive to help the softener handle
iron in the water supply. These salts may be used if
your water supply has a high iron content. It is recom-
mended to use Sears Resin Bed Cleaner (refer to the
Parts List in back of manual for part number) for period-
ic treatments to keep your resin bed clean. This is avail-
able at your local Sears store.
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.
Persons who are on sodium restricted diets should con-
sider the added sodium as part of their overall sodium
intake. For example, if your water supply is 15 grains
hard, and you drank 3 quarts of softened water you would
consume 335 milligrams of sodium. That is equivalent to
eating 2-1/2 slices of white bread.
Persons who are concerned about their drinking water
should consider a Kenmore Drinking Water System that
will remove or reduce in excess of 90% of the sodium
and other drinking water contaminants.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
20
Check List
CHECK LIST OF STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES TO
INSTALL
Water Supply
Review the following list to ensure you have completed all
the installation procedures.
____1. Check the incoming water. Has incoming water
been tested?
Valve Inlet
Bypass Valve(s)
____2. Remove cardboard packaging from salt tank.
____3. Is the incoming water going to the valve inlet?
Plastic
____4. Is the bypass valve placed into the service
position?
____5. Is the ground clamp installed?
____6. Are the drain lines clamped and secured?
____7. Is the unit plugged into a continuously live outlet?
____8. Has salt been added to the salt tank?
____9. Has the unit been sanitized? See page 19.
Note: Stem may be installed in
either direction. The end with writ-
ing should be pulled out for service
position.
Bypass
Valve
Outlet
Valve
FOR SERVICE
Inlet
Valve
Close bypass valve.
Open inlet & outlet
valves.
3-Valve
FIG. 32
21
Faceplate Timer Features
EXTRA RECHARGE
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
Sometimes, a manually started regeneration (recharge)
may be desired, or needed. Two examples are:
• You have used more water than usual (guests visiting)
and you may run out of soft water before the next timer
started regeneration.
PM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
RECHARGE NOW
FIG. 33
FIG. 34
• You did not refill the softener with salt before it was
gone. Add salt to the softener before regenerating.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
PM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
You can start a regeneration right away, or you can set
the timer to regenerate at the next 2:00 AM (or other pre-
set recharge time).
RECHARGE TONIGHT
RECHARGE NOW
Press the REGENERATION button and hold until
*RECHARGE, Serv and Fill begin to flash in the display.
Upon reaching fill, the first cycle of regeneration, the
flashing Serv goes off and Fill is on steady. RECHARGE
continues to flash. This regeneration will last for about 2
hours. After the 2 hours, you will have soft water again.
Indicator Light
Bars,
Salt Level
Brinewell
Salt Level
* NOTE: If the CLEAN feature is set to ON, a cleaning
backwash (CLEAN and Bkwsh or Rinse flashes in
the display, along with the minutes of the clean
cycle remaining) precedes the recharge.
SIGNAL
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
SALT
LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Decal
ꢀ
ꢀ
RECHARGE TONIGHT
Press and release (do not hold) the REGENERATION
button. RECHARGE TONIGHT flashes in the display,
and the softener begins regeneration at the next preset
recharge time. Press and release the REGENERATION
button once more if you decide to cancel the regenera-
tion, and RECHARGE TONIGHT will not flash in the dis-
play.
FIG. 35
SALT MONITOR SYSTEM
5. If you wish to turn the salt monitor off, press the SET
LOW SALT LIGHT button until OFF shows above.
The face plate timer has a low salt monitor with an indi-
cator light to remind you to add salt to the storage tank.
NOTE: Your salt monitor is an estimate of your salt
level; accuracy depends on the type of salt used
and other regeneration characteristics.
To set this monitor system:
1. Lift the salt hole cover and level the salt in the storage
tank.
ADDING SALT TO STORAGE TANK
2. The salt level decal, on the brinewell inside the tank,
has numbers from 0 to 8 (see drawing below).
The Salt Monitor System will 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. Add salt at about the #2 salt
monitor level. At this level, the tank is about 1/3 full.
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.
Observe the number the leveled salt is at or closest to.
3. Now, press the RESET SALT LEVEL button until black
bars display up to the salt level number. For example,
the figure shows the salt level at 6.
4. Finally, set the level you want the low salt indicator
light to come on. Press the SET LOW SALT LIGHT
button until a (*) shows opposite this number. In the
example, the light will come on when the stored salt
drops to level 2. At level 2, the storage tank is about
1/3 full. This is the lowest you should allow the stored
salt level to drop to.
Note: You will have a loss in softening capacity and
may get partly hard water if less than 10 inches
(salt monitor level 2) of salt is in the storage tank.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
22
Faceplate Timer Features
OPTIONAL SETTINGS:
• SALT EFFICIENCY
• CLEAN FEATURE
• CLEAN FEATURE MINUTES
• INTELLISOFT 97% FEATURE
• 12 / 24 HOUR CLOCK
• GALLONS / LITERS
• MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN
REGENERATIONS
1. To set any of the following options, press and hold
SELECT1 for 3 seconds until 000 shows in the display
Then press once until the SALT EFFICIENCY display
shows. Use the UP or DOWN buttons to change the
ON / OFF displays.
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, which will reduce the sof-
teners salt usage. (May recharge more often using
smaller salt dosage and less water). When installing
this unit in the State of California, this setting MUST be
ON.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
FIG. 36
California Efficiency Requirement
Your Kenmore Water Softener has a “High Efficiency”
feature with an “ON” or “OFF” setting. This softener set-
ting is shipped in the “OFF” position, which utilizes the
maximum rated capacity while most often achieving
maximum salt efficiencies. When installing this unit in
the State of California, you MUST turn this setting to the
“ON” position which may initiate more frequent
recharges, however it will operate at 4000 grains per
pound of salt or higher.
2. Press SELECT1 again to show the CLEAN display.
Clean. This feature is beneficial on water supplies con-
taining iron and/or high amounts of sediments (sand,
silt, dirt, etc.). When set to ON, a backwash and fast
rinse cycle will occur first, preceeding the normal
regeneration sequence (see pages 26 - 28). This pro-
vides extra cleaning of the resin bed before it is regen-
erated with the salt brine. To conserve water, if your
water supply does not contain iron or sediments, be
sure this feature is set to OFF. The default is ON.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CLEAN
CLEAN
FIG. 37
3. Press SELECT1 again until the CLEAN TIME display
shows.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
MIN
MIN
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Clean feature minutes: If you are using this feature,
the length of the extra backwash cycle automatically is
set to 3 minutes. However, you can adjust this time
from 1 to 15 minutes in length. To change 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 to next step.
CLEAN
CLEAN
TIME
TIME
Default Minutes
Example:
Time Set to 7 Minutes
FIG. 38
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
23
Faceplate Timer Features
4. Press SELECT1 to show the 97% Feature.
SALT SIGNAL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
LEVEL LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
RECHARGE
RECHARGE
IntelliSoft 97% Feature: The 97% Feture is an inte-
gral part of the IntelliSoft water and salt saving sys-
tem. When this feature is ON, the softener will auto-
matically recharge when 97% capacity has been
used, at any time of day. The default is ON. If this
feature is not desired, turn off by pressing the DOWN
button.
FIG. 39
FIG. 40
5. Press SELECT1 to show the 12 HOUR display.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
AM
PM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12 or 24 hour clock: All time displays are shown in
standard clock time (1 to 12 PM; and 1 to 12 AM) at
the 12 hr default setting. If Military time displays are
desired, set to 24 hr by pressing the UP button.
TIME
TIME
6. Press SELECT1 to show the GALLONS or LITERS
display.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
Gallon or Liter readings: Water usage and flow dis-
plays are shown in gallons. If you prefer to have the
same displays in liters, press the UP button until Liter
shows.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
LITERS
GALLONS
7. Press SELECT1 to show the RECHARGE display.
FIG. 41
Maximum days between regenerstions: The face-
plate timer automatically controls regeneration fre-
quency (see page 28). This provides the greatest
operating efficiency, and under most conditions, this
feature will be left in its default mode. However,
modify this feature if you want to force a regeneration
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 typically shown
above. Setting is available from 1 to 15 days by
using the UP and DOWN buttons.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
DAY
DAY
RECHARGE
RECHARGE
Default Display
Example:
Set to 4 Days Maximum
Between Regeneration
FIG. 42
8. Press SELECT 1 to return the present time display.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
PM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
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 auto-
matically in 4 minutes.
FIG. 43
FIG. 44
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 liters) shows. If all
faucets and water using appliances are off, the display
will show 0 flow.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
PM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
GPM
FLOW RATE
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
24
Faceplate Timer Features
AVERAGE DAILY GALLONS or LITERS
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
PM
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Press the SELECT 2 button again to show the average
number of gallons (or liters) 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 again.
AVG. DAILY GALLONS
FIG. 45
RECHARGE TIME REMAINING AND VALVE
POSITION INDICATORS
Recharge Time
Remaining
One of the valve position indicators (Serv, Fill, Brine,
Bkwsh, Rinse) is displayed while the softener is recharg-
ing. RECHARGE flashes in the display and, beginning
with Brine, the minutes of recharge remaining before
return to service appears in place of the present time.
When the valve is moving from one cycle to another, both
position indicators are flashing.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SERV
FILL
BRINE
BKWSH
RINSE
Valve Position
Indicators
MIN
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
RECHARGE
TIME REMAINING
FIG. 46
PROGRAM MEMORY
If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time dis-
play is blank but the face plate timer keeps the correct
time for about 6 hours. When electrical power comes on
again, you have to reset the present time only if the dis-
play is flashing. The HARDNESS and RECHARGE TIME
never require resetting unless a change is desired. Even
if the timer is incorrect after a long power outage, the sof-
tener works as it should to keep your water soft.
However, regenerations may occur at the wrong time of
day until you reset the timer to the correct time of day.
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
ERROR CODE
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
An error code could appear in the face plate display if a
problem occurs in the softener electronics. Turn to the
Troubleshooting section to resolve the problem and/or call
the Kenmore Water Line number listed below.
FIG. 47
KENMORE’S ULTRA CLEANSING FEATURE
The ultra cleansing feature keeps larger particles of sedi-
ment from entering the home’s plumbing system. As
water passes through the softener, the larger sediment
particles are collected in the integrated basket and then
rinsed to the drain before each regeneration. The ultra
cleansing feature provides added protection for water
using appliances by reducing the chance of larger parti-
cles entering the various products valves and screens. An
extra backwash will be preprogrammed into the electron-
ics by the factory. This extra backwash will help keep the
ultra cleansing feature screen clean.
Ultra Cleansing Screen
Important: The ultra cleansing feature is not intended
to replace pretreatment filtration. For problem water
applications, additional sediment filtration is recom-
mended.
Top Distributor
Sears offers a full line of dedicated sediment filtration
products.
FIG. 48
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
25
How Your Water Softener Works
SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
WATER FLOW THROUGH
SERVICE
THE SOFTENER IN 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 sof-
tener resin tank is a bed made up of thousands of tiny,
plastic resin beads. As hard water passes through the
bed, each bead attracts and holds the hardness miner-
als. This is called ion exchanging. Water without the
hardness minerals (soft water) flows out of the softener
and into the house soft water pipes. After a period of
time, the resin beads hold all of the hardness minerals
they can, and cleaning with salt brine is needed. This
cleaning is called regeneration or recharge.
Soft Water Hard Water
OUT IN
Salt Storage Tank
(Salt not shown)
Brine Valve
Resin Tank
Resin Bed
Regeneration is started at 2:00 a.m. by the electronic
timer. It takes place in 5 stages or cycles.
These are: 1. Fill
2. Brining
3. Brine Rinse
4. Backwash
5. Fast Rinse
FIG. 49
NOTE: If the Clean Feature is set to “On”, additional
backwash and fast rinse cycles occur before the fill
cycle.
WATER FLOW THROUGH
THE SOFTENER IN FILL
REGENERATION
The five steps listed above are described in detail over
the next several pages.
Soft Water Hard Water
OUT IN
FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine. Brine is
needed to clean the hardness minerals from the resin
beads. To make the brine, water flows into the salt stor-
age area during the fill stage. 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.
Salt Storage Tank
Brine Valve
Fill Water
FIG. 50
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
26
How Your Water Softener Works
SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
WATER FLOW THROUGH
THE SOFTENER IN
BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved from the
salt storage area, into the resin tank. Inside the resin
tank, brine cleans hardness minerals from the resin
beads and they are discharged out the drain. How
much brine is needed to clean the resin depends on:
• The amount of water used between regenerations.
• The amount of resin in the softener,
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE
Hard Water
Hard Water
Bypass OUT IN
Nozzle & Venturi
Drain
• How fast the brine goes through the bed.
The nozzle and venturi makes suction to take brine
from the salt tank and put it into the resin tank. They
keep the brine flow down to a very slow rate to get the
best resin cleaning with the least salt.
Brine Valve
BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine is moved into the
resin tank, the brine valve closes. Water keeps flowing
the same way it did during brining except the brine flow
has stopped. Hardness minerals and brine flush from
the resin tank to the drain. Brining and brine rinse
together vary in the length of time they take, relative to
the fill cycle length.
Brine
FIG. 51
BACKWASH: During backwash, water flows UP
through the resin tank at a fast rate to flush iron miner-
als, dirt and sediments from the bed and to the drain.
The bed lifts and expands for good cleaning.
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE
SOFTENER IN BACKWASH
Hard Water
Hard Water
Bypass OUT IN
Drain
Resin Bed Lifted
and Expanded
FIG. 52
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
27
How Your Water Softener Works
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.
WATER FLOW THROUGH
THE SOFTENER
IN FAST RINSE
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.
Soft Water Hard Water
OUT IN
Drain
SOFT WATER SERVICE AND REGENERATION
AUTOMATIC BYPASS
During the brining, brine rinse and backwash cycles of
regeneration, HARD water goes through the softener
valve and to the house pipes. If a faucet is opened,
hard water is there for your needs. However, you should
not use hot water, if possible, because the water heater
will refill with hard water. The softener, as factory pro-
grammed, regenerates from 2:00 AM to about 4:20 AM,
a time when not much water is used.
If you start your day prior to 4 AM, you may need to
change the recharge starting time. Set the recharge
time to 12:00 AM or 1:00 AM. Then regeneration will
start and end that much earlier and your water heater
will not refill with hard water if a hot faucet is opened.
FIG. 53
ELECTRONICS
Two main parts of the softener’s electronics are:
a WATER METER, and a COMPUTER.
• WATER METER The water meter is in the softener
valve outlet. As water flows through the meter, it sends
electric pulses to the computer. The computer
changes the 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 soft-
ener’s capacity (how many grains of hardness miner-
als it will take out of the water before a regeneration is
needed). When starting the softener, you set it for the
grains per gallon (gpg) hardness of the water.
To find a regeneration pattern best for your needs, the
computer uses:
(1) water usage from the meter
(2) hardness setting
(3) softener capacity
(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 regenera-
tion starting time (2:00 AM, or as otherwise set) it will
schedule a regeneration. When the regeneration
begins, *RECHARGE or RECHARGE TIME REMAIN-
ING flashes during the regeneration.
* Note: If the CLEAN feature is set to ON, a cleaning
backwash (CLEAN and Bkwsh or Rinse flashes in
the display, along with the minutes of the clean
cycle remaining), precedes the recharge.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
28
Care Of Your Water Softener
SALT BRIDGE
SALT BRIDGE
Sometimes, a hard crust or salt bridge forms in the salt
storage tank. It is usually caused by high humidity or the
wrong kind of salt. When the salt bridges, an empty
space forms between the water and salt. Then salt will
not dissolve (melt) in the water to make brine. Without
brine, the resin bed does not regenerate and you will
have hard water.
Push tool into
salt bridge to break
1” - 2”
Pencil Mark
Broom Handle
If the storage tank is full of salt, it is hard to tell if you
have a salt bridge. Salt is loose on top, but the bridge is
under it. The following is the best way to check for a salt
bridge.
Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the tank.
Hold a broom handle, or like tool, up to the softener as
shown in Fig. 54. Make a pencil mark on the handle, 1'' or
2'' below the top height of the rim. Then, carefully push it
straight down into the salt. If a hard object is felt before
the pencil mark gets to the top of the tank, it’s most likely
a salt bridge. Carefully push into the bridge in a few
places to break it. Do not try to break the salt bridge
by pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You may
damage the tank.
Salt
Salt Bridge
empty space
Water Level
FIG. 54
If the wrong kind of salt made the bridge, take it out. Then
fill the tank with nugget or pellet salt only.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
29
Care Of Your Water Softener
Cleaning Nozzle & Venturi
KEEPING THE WATER SOFTENER CLEAN
NOZZLE & VENTURI
Cap
A clean nozzle and venturi (see Fig. 55) is a must for
the softener to work right. This small unit moves brine
from the salt storage tank to the resin tank during
regeneration. If it becomes plugged with sand, silt, dirt,
etc., the softener will not work and you will get hard
water.
O-Ring Seal
Screen
Support
Screen
To clean the nozzle and venturi, complete the following
steps:
1. Remove the softener top cover. Be sure the softener
is in service cycle (no water pressure at nozzle and
venturi).
2. Turn off the cap from the nozzle and venturi housing.
3. Lift out the screen support and screen. Do not lose
the large o-ring seal.
4. Remove the nozzle and venturi. Wash and rinse the
parts in warm water until clean. If needed, use a
small brush to remove iron or dirt. Also check and
clean the gasket, flow plugs and screens.
*Flow Plug
Screen
Nozzle & Venturi
Gasket
IMPORTANT: Be sure small holes in
the gasket are centered directly
over the small holes in the nozzle &
venturi housing.
*Flow Plug
(HVDC)
Nozzle & Venturi
Housing
*Install with numbered side up concave
side down. Be sure the largest flow plug
is located in the nozzle & venturi housing.
5. Carefully replace all parts in the correct order.
6. Lubricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease or
Vaseline and place in position.
7. Install and tighten the cap, by hand only. Do not
FIG. 55
overtighten, which may break the cap or housing.
IRON FROM RESIN BED
Your water softener takes hardness minerals (calcium
and magnesium) out of the water. It can also control
some “clear water” iron. See maximum allowed in the
specifications section in this manual. With clear water
iron, water from a faucet is clear when first put into a
glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the water begins to cloud
or turn rust colored. A water softener WILL NOT remove
any iron which makes the water cloudy or rusty as it
comes from the faucet (called red water iron). To take
red water iron out of water, or over the maximum of
clear water iron, an iron filter or other equipment is
needed. Your local Sears store has trained people to
help you with iron water problems.
If your water supply has clear water iron, even though
less than the maximum allowed, regular resin bed
cleaning is needed. Your local Sears store has resin
bed cleaner for this. See Parts List in back of manual
for part numbers. Clean the bed at least every six (6)
months. If iron shows up in the soft water before six (6)
months, clean more often. Printed instructions are on
the resin bed cleaner bottle.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
30
Care Of Your Water Softener
PROTECT THE WATER SOFTENER FROM
DRAIN ALL WATER FROM SOFTENER
FREEZING
If the softener is installed where it could freeze (sum-
mer cabin, lake home, etc.), you must drain all water
from it to stop possible freeze damage. To drain the sof-
tener:
1. Close the shut-off valve on the house main water
pipe, near the water meter or pressure tank.
2. Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent pres-
sure in the softener.
Floor Drain
3. Move the stem in a single bypass valve to bypass.
Close the inlet and outlet valve in a 3 valve bypass
system, and open the bypass valve. If you want
water in the house pipes again, reopen the shut-off
valve on the main water pipe.
FIG. 56
Wood Block
4. Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet. Remove
the salt hole cover and the main cover. Take off both
drain hoses.
5. Carefully remove the large holding clips at the soften-
er inlet and outlet. Separate the softener from the
plastic installation adaptors, or from the bypass
valve.
6. Remove the brinewell cover and disconnect the brine
valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi assembly. Lift
the brine valve out of the brinewell. Tip the brine
valve upside down to drain water.
7. Lay a piece of 2 inch thick board near the floor drain.
Move the softener close to the drain. SLOWLY and
CAREFULLY, tip it over until the rim rests on the
wood block with the inlet and outlet over the drain.
Do not allow the softener’s weight to rest on the
inlet and outlet fittings or they will break.
8. Tip the bottom of the softener up a few inches and
hold until all water has drained. Leave the softener
laying like this until you are ready to use it. Plug the
inlet and outlet with rags to keep dirt, bugs, etc. out.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
31
Care Of Your Water Softener
CHECKLIST TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY
If your water softener fails to work, make the following easy checks. Often, you will find what is wrong yourself and
you won’t have to call and wait for service. If you do not find anything wrong, while making the checks, and your sof-
tener still does not work, call your Sears Service Department.
1. Also read ERROR CODE.
2. If an error code is not displayed, press and hold the SELECT1 button until the display changes. Then, press the
SELECT1 button again and hold until a flashing code appears. It must show H 32 for Model 38376 or H 33 for
Model 39376. If any other number shows, the face plate computer is working on incorrect input and would proba-
bly be the cause of the problem. To set the correct code, press either the UP or DOWN button. When correct
model code shows, press SELECT1 to return a flashing 12:00 AM display. Reset the present time, hardness num-
ber, etc.
PROBLEM
No soft water
CAUSE
CORRECTION
Add salt, see page 20, or break the salt bridge,
see page 29. Press REGENERATION button
and hold to start a regeneration, see page 22.
No salt (or salt bridged) in the storage tank
Transformer unplugged at the wall outlet, or
power cable leads loose from the electronic
Check for loss of power due to any of these
and correct. With the power back on, look at
board, fuse blown, circuit breaker popped, or the time display and read PROGRAM MEMO-
circuit switched off.
RY, see page 25.
Manual bypass valve(s) in bypass position
Look at Fig. 18 & 19 on page 15. Move the
stem in a single valve to service. In a 3-valve
bypass, open the inlet and outlet valve, and be
sure to fully close the bypass valve.
Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle venturi
Valve drain hose plugged ir restricted
Take apart and clean or replace damaged
parts, see page 30.
The drain hose must not have kinks, sharp
bends, or be raised too high above the soften-
er, see page 14.
Hardness number setting too low
Press and release the SELECT button until
HARDNESS shows in the display. Read the
hardness number in the display and be sure
the same grains per gallon number is shown
as on your water analysis report. See page 19
to reset. Press and release the SELECT button
uuntil the present time shows in the display.
Water hard sometimes
Using hot water when softener is regenerat-
ing
Avoid using hot water during this time because
the water heater refills with hard water, see
Automatic Bypass, page 28.
Increase in the grains of hardness in your
water supply
Ask your Sears retail store for a new water
analysis. Then make a new hardness number
setting, page 18.
Restricted drain line
Check for kinks, bends or obstructions, see
page 14.
Brine tank flooded
Plugged or dirty nozzle & venturi
Valve rotor-disc & seals
Take apart and clean or replace damaged
parts, see page 30.
Check for scratches or grooves, replace if
needed.
Restricted drain line
Check for kinks, bends or obstructions, see
page 14.
Salty tasting water
immediately after
regeneration
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
32
Specifications
BYPASS VALVES
F
Bypass valve(s) should always remain in soft water
service position. Position in “bypass” only if needed for
softener repairs.
SINGLE BYPASS
pull stem
outward for
service
E
B
D
A
C
push
inward for
bypass
3 VALVE BYPASS
Bypass
valve
Inches
40-1/4
9
CM
102.2
22.9
FOR SERVICE
close bypass valve
Salt Tank Height
A
B
open inlet & outlet valves
Resin Tank Diameter
(nominal)
Outlet
valve
FOR BYPASS
open bypass
close inlet & outlet
Inlet
valve
Resin Tank Height (nominal)
Inlet-Outlet Height
Overall Height
Length
40
101.6
105.4
121.3
50.2
41.9
8.6
C
D
E
41-1/2
47-3/4
19-3/4
16-1/2
3-3/4
1
F
F
2
Width
Distance between inlet-outlet
centerlines
-
FIG. 57
MODEL 383760 TIMER CODE H 32
MODEL 393760 TIMER CODE H 33
WATER SUPPLY TO WATER SOFTENER
Minimum water system flow (gpm)
Minimum-maximum water pressure (psi)
Minimum-maximum water temperature (°F)
Maximum water hardness (gpg)
Maximum “clear water” iron (ppm)*
SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER
Type of salt needed
MODEL 38376
MODEL 39376
3
3
20 - 125
40 - 120
110
20 - 125
40 - 120
110
10
10
nugget
nugget
Alternate type of salt
pure, evaporated, compacted pure, evaporated, compacted
water softener salt
water softener salt
gpm = gallons per minute
psi = pounds per square inch
gpg = grains per gallon
ppm = parts per million
* Capacity to remove clear water iron is substantiated by WQA test data. State of Wisconsin requires additional treatment if water supply contains
greater than 5 ppm clear water iron.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
33
Specifications
FIG. 58
Intermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for determining the soften-
ers rated capacity and efficiency. Continuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate
may affect capacity and efficiency performance.
OTHER SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL 38376
high capacity
1.05
MODEL 39376
high capacity
1.05
Type of ion exchange material (resin)
Amount of resin (cu. ft.)
Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Pounds Salt Dose)
11,200 @ 2.2
30,000 @ 8.3
37,900 @ 14.3
11,200 @ 2.2
30,000 @ 8.3
37,900 @ 14.3
Efficiency Rating (Grains / Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt Dose)
Rated Service Flow Rate (gpm)
5070 @ 2.2
5070 @ 2.2
9.0
12
9.0
12
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow Rate (psi)
Intermittent Flow @ 15 psi (gpm)
10.4
2.0
10.4
2.0
Max. Drain Flow Rate (gpm)
These systems conform to NSF / ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiat-
ed by test data.
The efficiency rating is only valid at the minimum stated salt dosage. These softeners were efficiency
rated acocording to NSF / ANSI Standard 44.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
34
Service Tech Information
WIRING SCHEMATIC
BACK OF TIMER (PWA)
AC INPUT
MOTOR TANK LIGHT
POS/TURBINE
24 VAC
Transformer
tank light
valve motor
grn
OUT
+5
NO
NC
Turbine
Sensor
Position Switch
GND
brn
FACEPLATE
FIG. 59
Keep this manual with your water softener. If repairs are
needed, the service technician must have the informa-
tion on the following pages.
5. The valve drain hose must be free of kinks and
sharp bends, and not elevated over 8 ft. above
the floor.
6. Is there salt in the storage tank?
ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST
1. Does the time display show the correct time of
day?
7. Is the brine tubing connected? Brine tubing con-
nects to nozzle venturi and brine valve assembly.
• If display is blank, check power source to the sof-
tener.
8. Is the brine valve float set right?
9. Press the SELECT1 button two times to display
the hardness setting.
• If time is flashing, power was off for over 48 hours.
The softener resumes normal operation but regen-
erations occur at the wrong time.
Be sure it is the correct setting for the household’s
water supply. (Make a hardness test of the raw water
and compare with the hardness setting. Also test a
soft water sample to verify if a problem exists.) Press
the SELECT1 button twice more to return to present
time in the display.
• If an error code (Example: Err3) shows in the face-
plate display, go to AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC
DIAGNOSTICS.
2. Plumbing bypass valve(s) must be fully in service
position.
If you do not find the problem after making initial
checks, do the MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONIC
DIAGNOSTICS, and the MANUAL ADVANCE REGEN-
ERATION CHECK.
3. The inlet and outlet pipes must connect to the
softener inlet and outlet respectively.
4. Is the transformer plugged into a “live”, grounded
wall outlet, and the power cable fastened secure-
ly to the controller?
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
35
Service Tech Information
The faceplate timer (PWA) computer has a self-diag-
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
nostic function for the electrical system, except put
power and water meter. The computer monitors elec-
tronic components and circuits for correct operation. If a
malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the face-
plate display.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
The chart below shows the error codes that could
appear, and the possible defects for each code.
FIG. 60
POSSIBLE DEFECT
CODE
Err1, Err3, Err4
Err5
MOST LIKELY
LESS LIKELY
motor inoperative / wiring harness or connection to switch / position switch . valve defect causing high torque
faceplate timer (PWA)
While an error code appears in the display, all face
plate buttons are inoperable except the SELECT1 but-
ton. SELECT1 remains operational so the service per-
son can make the MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONIC
DIAGNOSTICS (below) to further isolate the defect, and
check the water meter.
number of days
valve position indicator
since the last
regeneration
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SERV
DAY
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
water meter
turbine count
FLOW RATE
PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING ERROR CODE
FROM FACEPLATE:
position switch
indicator (open)
• Unplug transformer from outlet.
• Correct defect
VALVE IN SERVICE POSITION
• Plug in transformer.
• Wait for 8 minutes.
The error code will return if the defect was not corrected.
valve position indicator
minutes of fill
cycle remaining
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
FILL
8
7
MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS DIAGNOSTICS:
To enter diagnostics, press the SELECT1 button and
hold for three seconds. The display will show valve
cycle position, position switch status (open or closed),
and turbine operation. See Fig. 59.
TIME REMAINING
6
5
4
water meter
turbine count
3
2
1
FLOW RATE
position switch
indicator (open)
TURBINE OPERATION: If no water is flowing through
the softener, the turbine indicator displays three zeros.
When water is flowing, the flow bar scrolls across the
display, and a 000 to 140 count repeats for each gallon
of water passing through the turbine. To check for posi-
tive operation of the turbine if zeros are shown, open a
nearby soft water faucet and observe the turbine count
and flow bar. If you don’t get a reading in the display,
with faucet open, pull the sensor from the valve outlet
port. Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the
sensor. You should get a reading in the display. If you
get a reading, unhook the in and out plumbing and
check the turbine for binding.
VALVE IN RECHARGE POSITION (FILL, IN THIS EXAMPLE)
valve position indicator
(Fill and Brine Flashing)
minutes of brining
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
time (begins to count
FILL
BRINE
8
down when valve
7
TIME REMAINING
reaches brining
6
5
position)
4
3
2
water meter
turbine count
1
FLOW RATE
position switch
indicator (closed)
POSITION SWITCH STATUS: With the valve in service,
or any of the recharge cycles, the switch indicator will
show open, while the valve is rotating from one position
to another, the indicator will show the switch closed. A
defect is probable if indications vary from this pattern.
VALVE ROTATING FROM ONE RECHARGE POSITION TO ANOTHER
(FROM FILL TO BRINEING IN THIS EXAMPLE)
FIG. 61
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
36
Service Tech Information
TROUBLESHOOTING
Motor
VALVE POSITION INDICATORS:
Depending on the valve position, the following indica-
tors show in the display:
Sensor
Housing
Position Switch
Turbine
Indicator
Valve Position
Serv.....................................Service
Fill........................................Fill
Brine....................................Brining/Brine Rinse
Bkwsh..................................Backwash
Rinse...................................Fast Rinse
Turbine
Support
and Shaft
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.
Valve Outlet
FIG. 62
OUT
IN
NOTE: If the faceplate is left in a diagnostic display
(or a flashing display when setting times or hard-
ness), present time automatically returns if a button
is not pressed within 4 minutes. To return to the
diagnostic display, repeat step 1.
MOTOR
OTHER INFORMATION
While in this diagnostic screen, the following information
is available and may be beneficial for various reasons.
This information is retained by the computer from the
first time electrical power is applied to the faceplate.
Position markers
(Valve in service)
FIG. 63
• Press and hold the UP button to display the number of
days this faceplate has had electrical power applied.
TIMER PWA REPLACEMENT
• Press and hold the DOWN button to display the num-
ber of regenerations initiated by this faceplate since
the code number was entered.
Be sure the valve is in service position when replac-
ing the timer PWA (observe 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 valve.
• Press the RECHARGE button to advance the valve to
each position and observe the switch and position
indicators to verify component operation, or to possi-
bly isolate a defect.
Use the MANUAL ADVANCE procedures with the
• Press and hold the SELECT1 button for 3 seconds
RECHARGE NOW button, advance through the recharge
until either H 32 or H 33 shows in the display, see Fig. cycles until the valve stops in service position, and
64.
RECHARGE no longer flashes in the display.
This code identifies the softener nominal capacity
size. If the wrong number shows, the softener will
NOTE: The valve motor may automatically drive
through several valve positions while searching for
operate on incorrect programming. Do the following as service. If an error code occurs, unplug the trans-
needed.
former, then plug in again.
Model 38376
Model 39376
H 32 or H 33 does show: Press the SELECT1 button
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
SALT SIGNAL
LEVEL LEVEL
to return to the present time display.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
To change number: Press the UP or DOWN button
until the correct code shows. Then, press the
SELECT1 button and reset the timer.
FIG. 64
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
37
Service Tech Information
MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK
This check verifies proper operation of the valve motor,
brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow rates, and
other controller functions. Always make the initial
checks, and the manual initiated diagnostics.
NOTE: The faceplate display must show a steady
time (not flashing). If an error code shows, first
press the SELECT1 button to enter the diagnostic
display.
Valve
etting
1. Press the REGENERATION 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.
top
* NOTE: If the CLEAN feature is set to ON, a clean-
ing backwash (CLEAN and Bkwsh or Rinse flashes
in the display, along with the minutes of the clean
cycle remaining), precedes the recharge.
2. When FILL is on steady, remove the brinewell cover
and, using a flashlight, observe fill water entering the
tank.
3. If water does not enter the tank, look for an obstruct-
ed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine tubing, or brine
valve riser pipe.
FIG. 65
CYCLE FLOW RATES (GALLONS PER MIN.)
FILL (flow to salt storage tank)
BRINING (flow to drain)
0.3 (1.1 liters)
.22 (.83 liters)
.15 (.57 liters)
2.0 (7.6 liters)
2.0 (7.6 liters)
BRINE RINSE (flow to drain)
MAX. BACKWASH (flow to drain)
MAX. FAST RINSE (flow to drain)
4. After observing fill, press the REGENERATION but-
ton to move the softener into brining. A slow flow of
water to the drain will begin. Verify brine draw from
the brine tank by shining a flashlight into the brinewell
and observing a noticeable drop in the liquid level.
6. Again press REGENERATION to move the softener
into backwash. Look for a fast flow of water from the
drain hose.
NOTE: Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing water
with salt contact.
5. If the softener does not draw brine:
• nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective.
• nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket
• restricted drain (check drain fitting and hose)
• defective nozzle and venturi seal
7. An obstructed flow indicates a plugged top distributor,
backwash flow plu or drain hose.
8. Press REGENERATION to move the softener into
fast rinse. Again look for a fast drain flow. Allow the
softener to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any
brine that may remain in the resin tank from the brin-
ing cycle test.
• other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor & disc,
wave washer, etc.)
NOTE: If water system pressure is low, an elevated
drain hose may cause back pressure, stopping
brine draw.
9. To return the softener to service, press REGENERA-
TION once more.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
38
Service Tech Information
ROTARY VALVE SERVICE
IMPORTANT: Before working on the valve, turn off the
water supply and disconnect from electrical power.
Motor mounting
screws
Motor
TO RELIEVE PRESSURE:
• 3 VALVE BYPASS: Close the inlet valve and open a
soft water faucet. Then close the outlet valve and open
the bypass valve.
Motor plate
screws
Motor Plate
• SEARS SPECIAL BYPASS: Slide the bypass valve
stem to bypass position. Loosen three hex head screws
toward the back side of the valve to allow pressure
water to bleed out. Catch water with a rag.
Bearing
Switch
Cam & Gear
DISASSEMBLY
To remove a part or group of parts, refer to the valve
drawing. A common screwdriver or nut driver, Phillips
screwdriver and pliers are the only tools needed to com-
pletely disassemble.
SERVICING THE VALVE
O-Ring Seals
Inspect all o-rings, seals and gaskets for wear or defects.
O-Ring
Inspect the bottom surface of the rotor for scratches,
chips or wear.
Wear-Strip
Wave Washer
Note: If replacement is needed, be sure to use the
current replacement part.
bearing, wave washer
Rotor & Disc
Seal
ASSEMBLY
Be sure all parts are in place and in the proper position.
Lubricate ALL o-rings and seals with FDA approved sili-
cone grease. To install the rotor seal, first place the seal
into the valve groove, rounded side down (see cross-sec-
tion). Apply a light coating of silicone grease to the seal’s
crossing ribs. Then, carefully center the wear strip on the
seal, and push it downward onto the seal.
Rotor Seal
Drain Seal
Nozzle & Venturi Seal
Sensor
Housing
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.
See Nozzle
Assembly Service
Lower the cover onto the valve body and rotor shaft. Then
install the cover holding screws. Before tightening the
screws, install the valve cam and gear.
FIG. 66
Then, turn the rotor (clockwise only) to service position.
Tighten the screws using a criss-cross pattern. If a torque
wrench is available, torque to 30-40 inch pounds. Do not
over tighten.
Lubricate the gear on the motor, and the valve cam gear
with Molykote grease, or other high quality gear lubricant.
Be sure to orient switch as shown, with lever toward the
cam.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
39
Service Tech Information
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE
SERVICE CYCLE
SERVICE CYCLE
Hard water enters the valve inlet port. Internal
valve porting routes the water down and out the
top distributor, into the resin tank. Hard water is
softened as it passes through the resin bed, then
enters the bottom distributor. Soft water flows back
into the valve and out the valve outlet, to the
house soft water pipes.
From Valve Inlet
(Hard Water)
Top Distributor
Resin Tank
To Valve Inlet
(Soft Water)
Position
Switch
Bottom
Distributor
FIG. 67
FILL CYCLE
valve cam
position switch
rotor & disc
FILL CYCLE
fill flow
plug
To begin a regeneration, the electronic timer ener-
gizes the circuit to the valve motor. The valve
motor rotates the rotor and disc and the valve cam
until the position switch lever drops, to open the
motor circuit and position the valve in FILL. As the
rotor and disc rotates, the port opens for SOFT
water fin through the venturi. Fill flow continues to
the brine valve, and into the salt storage tank. Soft
water is still available to the house lines.in.
from Valve Inlet
(hard water)
fill water
(soft)
Top Distributor
Resin Tank
To Valve Outlet
(Soft Water)
Position
Switch
bottom
distributor
FIG. 68
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE CYCLE
Venturi
Nozzle
BRINING AND BRINE RINSE CYCLES
After fill, timer/switch action allows the motor to
turn the rotor and disc into BRINING position.
Water flow is directed to the nozzle. Suction, creat-
ed by the nozzle and venturi, draws brine from the
salt storage tank and injects it into the resin bed
via the bottom distributor. Flow continues out the
top distributor and to the drain. Hard water is avail-
able at the valve outlet.
Drain
from valve inlet
(Hard Water)
Brine from Salt
Storage Tank
Position
Switch
Bypass Hard
Water To
Valve Outlet
When the brine valve closes to end brine draw,
water flow continues in the same directions to
slowly RINSE brine from the resin bed and to the
drain.
FIG. 69
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
40
Service Tech Information
WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE
BACKWASH CYCLE
BACKWASH CYCLE
Flow Plug
Timer/switch action again allows the motor to turn
the rotor & disc to place the valve in BACKWASH,
stopping water flow to the nozzle. Water is routed
down and out the bottom distributor, up through
the bed, and out the top distributor to the drain.
The fast flow (controlled by a flow plug in the drain
fitting) flushes dirt, sediments, iron deposits,
remaining brine and hardness to the drain.
Drain
Bypass Hard
Water To Valve
Outlet
Position
Switch
FIG. 70
FAST RINSE CYCLE
FAST RINSE CYCLE
During FAST RINSE, the rotor & disc is positioned
so water flow enters the resin tank through the top
distributor, and exits through the bottom distributor,
to the drain.
Drain
Soft Water
To Valve Outlet
The electronic timer again energizes the motor to
return the valve to service. As the valve rotates,
the position switch lever drops to open the circuit.
The valve remains positioned in service until the
electronic timer initiates the next regeneration.
Position
Switch
FIG. 71
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
41
Exploded View
2
Kenmore
MODEL Nos.
625.383760 and
625.393760
3
7
4
5
8
1
9
6
10
Rating Decal
Location
31
11
12
30
29
28
13
27
14
26
25
15
24
16
17
18
23
22
19
21
20
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
42
Parts List
Kenmore MODEL Nos. 625.383760 and 625.393760
A. WATER SOFTENER COMPLETE
Key No.
Part Number
----
Part Description
1
1
Cover Lock (Required for shipping only)
Rim Insert (Required for shipping only)
Cover (main)
----
2
3
7284304
7284231
7284338
7088033
7176292
7141001
7288560
7275907
7284540
7284532
7284639
7252268
7286021
7265025
7219888
7082150
7003847
7100819
7137913
7287140
7284613
0900431
1103200
9003500
7239155
7105047
0502272
7287182
7170270
7077870
7170254
7170296
3442699
7287213
Salt Hole Cover (order following decal)
Instruction Decal
—
4
Clamp Retainer (2 required)
Clamp Section (2 required)
Vapor Barrier
5
6
7
Timer Repl. (PWA)
8
Transformer, 24 V - 10 VA ꢀ
Faceplate (order following decal)
Faceplate Decal
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
ꢀ
Rim (includes key no. 11 & 12)
O-Ring, 11/16” x 1-1/32”
Light Asm.
Ultra Cleansing Screen (UltraSoft 480 only)
Brinewell Cover, with decal
Wing Nut, 1/4”
O-Ring, 1/4” x 1/2”
Brinewell
Decal, Salt Level ꢁ
Salt Storage Drum
Plastic Screw, 1/4” x 5/8”
Tube Clamp ꢀ
Tube Adaptor ꢀ
Grommet ꢀ
Brine Valve Asm (see pages 44 & 45 also)
Replacement Distributor
Resin
Resin Tank (includes key no. 26)
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”
Resin Bed Cleaner
Parts Bag (includes parts marked with a ꢀ pages 43,
45 & 47). Order manuals separately if needed.
Owner’s Manual
ꢀ
ꢀ
7282603
ꢀ Not illustrated.
ꢁ Aligns with top of brinewell.
ꢀ Included in parts bag.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
43
Exploded View
Kenmore
19
MODEL Nos.
625.383760 and
625.393760
18
1
2
17
3
4
5
6
7
16
15
8
9
10
14
13
12
11
INLET - OUTLET
GROUNDING CLAMPS
20
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
44
Parts List
Kenmore MODEL Nos. 625.383760 and 625.393760
B. BRINE VALVE ASSEMBLY
Key No.
Part Number
7168647
0513860
7097202
0516947
7220627
7092278
7170288
0516211
0516924
1205500
7092252
7080653
7131365
7094979
7092294
7176161
7221746
7113016
7171349
7248706
Part Description
Ceramic Weight
Float Stop
Float (includes Key No. 4)
Float Seal
Float Rod & Stem
Guide Cap
O-Ring, 15/16" x 1-3/16"
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Seal
9
Retainer, Bottom Seal
Clip
Brine Valve Body
Clip
Screen
Insert
Retaining Ring
O-Ring, 15/16" x 9/16"
Brine Tube
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Tubing Assembly (includes Key Nos. 14, 15 & 16)
Cone Screen
Grounding Kit ꢀ
ꢀ Included in parts bag.
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
45
Exploded View
1
2
48
47
3
4
5
6
46
7
45
8
43
11
9
10
44
21
42
41
Wear-Strip
Seal
12
13
14
40
39
Cross-Section
View
15
16
17
28
22
38
37
36
18
19
20
29
30
23
35
24
34
25
31
32
26
27
33
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
46
Parts List
Key
No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Part
Key
Part
Number
Part Description
Screw, #8-32 x 1" (2 req.)
Motor (incl. 2 ea. of Key No. 1)
Motor Plate
Screw, #6-20 x 3/8" (3 req.)
Bearing
No.
Number
Part Description
Seal (Nozzle & Venturi)
Valve Body
O-Ring, 1/4” x 3/8” (2 req.)
Nozzle & Venturi Housing
Nut-Ferrule
7224087
7286039
7288201
0900857
7171250
7283489
7169180
0900431
7271270
7170288
0501228
7170327
7173024
7174313
7185500
7173032
7185495
7172989
7171187
7129889
7262506
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
-
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
ꢀ
7195482
7171145
7170319
7081104
1202600
7095030
1148800
7114533
7204362
7084607
7146043
7167659
7170262
7199729
7175199
7171161
7172997
7145186
7140738
3479901
7253808
Cam & Gear
Clip (Drain)
Hose Clamp
Cone Screen
Flow Plug, .3 gpm
Nozzle & Venturi - Gasket Kit
Gasket only
Flow Plug, .15 gpm
Screen
Screen Support
O-Ring, 1-1/8” x 1-3/8”
Cap
Wave Washer
Valve Cover
Screw, #10 x 2-5/8” (8 req.)
Switch
Screw, #4-24 x 3/4” (2 req.)
Adaptor Kit, 1” to 1-1/4”
Nozzle & Venturi Asm. (includes
Key Nos. 34, & 36 - 43)
Seal Kit (includes Key Nos. 12,
13, 16, 17, 18 & 31)
Drain Tubing, 3/8” I.D. x 20’ Y
Flexible Connectors, 1"
Silicone Grease (for O-Rings)
9
Drain Hose Adaptor
O-Ring, 15/16” x 1-3/16”
Flow Plug, #18
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
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
Installation Adaptor Kit, 1”
(includes 2 copper tubes,
clips & o-rings) ꢁ
ꢀ
ꢀ
7185487
22
23
7089306
7271204
Clip (4 req.) ꢀ
Installation Adaptor, 1” NPT
ꢀ
ꢀ
ꢀ
7139999
42-34403
7123613
(2 req.) ꢀ
24
25
26
27
7170262
7094898
7101548
7232234
O-Ring, 1-1/8” x 1-3/8” (4 req.)
Turbine Support
Turbine
ꢁ Not included.
ꢀ Included in parts bag, see page 43.
ꢀ Not illustrated.
Copper Reducer Bushing,
1” x 3/4” (2 req.) ꢁ
Wire Harness (Sensor)
O-Ring
28
29
30
7276084
0900060
7081201
Y Included with softener.
Retainer (Nozzle & Venturi)
100
22
99
98
Key
No.
97
98
99
100
ꢀ
Part
Number
Part Description
C Ring
Bypass Body
O-ring, 1.109 ID. x 1.387 OD. (4)
Stem
Bypass Valve (Complete) ꢀ
7175238
7214155
7173016
7172882
7214317
97
Questions? Call The Kenmore Water Line 1-800-426-9345
47
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