Kenmore 625.388170 User Manual

OWNER’S

MANUAL

MODEL NOS.
UltraSoft 175

625.388170

UltraSoft 180

625.388180

Caution:

Read and Follow

All Safety Rules and

Operating Instructions
Before First Use of

This Product.

If you have questions when

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

1-800-426-9345

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

For repair or replacement

parts, call this toll-free num

ber...

1-800-366-7278

See back cover for other

Sears service numbers.

WWW. Ken more Wate r. com

SAVE THIS MANUAL

ICenfffore

Water Softeners

with Deluxe Valve

♦ Warranty
♦ Start Up / Setting Timer
♦ How It Works
♦ Care Of
♦ Specifications
♦ Repair Parts

Use the plastic bag and tie provided, to hang manuals

nearby the sotener for future reference.

-W.

Systems Tested and Certified by NSF International
against NSF/ANSI Standard 44for softener performance.

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

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

7276539 (Rev. A 4/26/05)

w

SEARS RESIDENTIAL WATER SOFTENER

A

R
R

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

A

For ten years from the date of purchase. Sears will furnish and install a new current

N
T

Y

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj.

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj.
ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj!

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj.

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj.

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj!
ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj.

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

model water softener tank or salt storage drum, free of charge, if either the tank
or drum develop a leak.

TO OBTAIN WARRANTY SERVICE, SIMPLY CONTACT THE NEAREST SEARS
SERVICE CENTER THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES. This warranty ap

plies only while this product is in use in the United States.

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

FULL ONE YEAR WARRANTY ON WATER SOFTENER

FULL TEN YEAR WARRANTY AGAINST LEAKS

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

SEARS INSTALLATION POLICY

All installation labor arranged by Sears shall be per
formed in a neat, workmanlike manner in accor
dance with generally accepted trade practices. Fur
ther, all installations shall comply with all local
laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances. Customer
shall also be protected, during installation, by insur
ance relating to Property Damage, Workman's
Compensation and Public Liability.

FACTS AND FIGURES TO KEEP

Fill in the blanks below and keep this book in a safe place so you always have

these facts.

Water Softener Model No.t
Serial Number______________________________________________________
Date Installed
Water Hardness_
Iron Content
pH

______________
Water Pressure
Water Flow Rate

t The model number is on the rating decal, located on the rim, under the salt hole cover.

______

____

___________________________________________

Taste And/Or Odor

_Pounds/Square Inch

In addition to any warranty extended to you on the
Sears merchandise involved, which warranty be
comes effective the date the merchandise in
installed, should the workmanship of any Sears ar
ranged installation prove faulty within one year.
Sears will, upon notice from you, cause such faults
to be corrected at no additional cost to you.

_Grains Per Gallon

Parts Per Million

Gallons Per Minute

SEARS INSTALLATION WARRANTY

salt hole cover.

J

rating decal

A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

__________________

. . ^

T

A

B

L

E

O

F

C

O

N

SECTION 1

A.
B.
C.
D.
E.

SECTION 2

A.
B.

SECTION 3

A.
B.
C.

Safety Guides----------------------------------------------------------------------- 1-1
Check List of Step-By-Step Guides To Install

Program The Timer...................................................................... 1-3, 1-4

Sanitizing The Water Softener-------------------------------------------------- 1-5
Add Salt to the Storage Tank

Faceplate Timer Features-------------------------------------------------------- 2-1
Soft Water Service and Regeneration

Salt: Adding to Storage Tank / Salt Bridge
Keeping The Water Softener Clean
Protect The Water Softener From Freezing

WATER SOFTENER START UP PAGE NO.

..........................

---------------------------------------------------

HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

------------------------------

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

-----------------------

-------------------------------------------

---------------------------------

1-2

1-6

2-2 to 2-5

3-1

3-2
3-3

N

ij^j j jjj^j j j!

ij^j jIuj^j j jjj^j j j.

j jjj^j j j.

j jjj^j j j!

j jjj^j j j.

D.

SECTION 4

A.

SECTION 5

A.
B.
C.

SECTION 6

A.
B.
C.

Checklist (Not Getting Soft Water).......................................................... 3-4

Dimensions / Specifications

Troubleshooting--------------------------------------------------------- 5-1 to 5-4
Rotary Valve Service-------------------------------------------------------------- 5-5

Water Flow Through The Softener Valve................................. 5-6 to 5-8

Water Softener Complete-------------------------------------------------------- 6-1

Brine Valve Assembly............................................................................... 6-2

Valve Assembly............................................................................ 6-3, 6-4

ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER

----------------------------------------------

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER

4-p4-2

B

S

C

T

o

SECTION 1

WATER SOFTENER START UP

A. SAFETY GUIDES

▲ Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before
installing and using your new water softener. Follow
all steps exactly to correctly install. Failure to follow
them could cause personal injury or property damage.
Reading this book will also help you to get all of the
benefits from your water softener.

A

Your water softener will remove hardness minerals
and “clear water” iron* from water, up to the iimits
shown on page 4-1. It will not remove other types of
iron, acids, tastes and odors, etc. It will not purify pol
luted water or make it safe to drink.

A

Protect the softener and piping from freezing. Dam

age from freezing voids the softener warranty. See
page 3-3.

N

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj

IJ^J

ij^j jBj^j j jjj^j j j
ij^j j®j^j j jjj^j j j
ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj

>j^j.ij.ij^j.ij.ij^j.ij

J JJJ^J J J

----------------------------

PLEASE READ AND COMPLY WITH THE FOLLOWING
GUIDES TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE SOFTENER
OR OTHER PROPERTY, PERSONAL INJURY, OR POS
SIBLE FATAL SHOCK.

A

THIS SOFTENER WORKS ON 24 VOLTS ONLY. BE

SURE TO USE ONLYTHE TRANSFORMER INCLUDED,

AND PLUG IT INTO A NOMINAL 120V, 60 CYCLE

HOUSEHOLD OUTLET THAT IS GROUNDED AND
PROPERLY PROTECTED BY AN OVERCURRENT DE

VICE SUCH AS A CIRCUIT BREAKER OR FUSE. IF
TRANSFORMER IS REPLACED, USE ONLY THE AU
THORIZED SERVICE, CLASS II, 24 VOLT, 10 VA
TRANSFORMER.

A

Unplug the transformer right away if the power

cable should become damaged or frayed. Make re

pairs, or replace transformer, before plugging back
into the power outlet.

A

Always unplug the softener from electrical power

before removing outer valve covers.

CAUTiONS ----------------------------------------

A

This system is not intended to be used for treating

water that is microbioiogicaily 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.

1 - 1

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

SECTION 1

WATER SOFTENER START UP

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

To be sure you have done all the steps to install the
softener, read the following list. Refer to the Instal
lation Manual, part no. 7258997, for step-by-step
guides.

Page numbers referred to are in the Installation

Manual unless otherwise noted.

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

K' Is the plumbing bypass valve (or 3 valves) set for

SERVICE? Bypass valve(s) should always re

main in soft water service position. Position in

"bypass" only if needed for softener repairs. See

FIG. 14, page 4-1 of this manual.
Is the valve drain hose connected the right way,

and without sharp bends or kinks that could

stop or reduce water flow? See page 3-5 in the

installation manual.

Page numbers referred to are in the Installation

Manual unless otherwise noted.

Is the transformer plugged into an inside, al
ways live, grounded, 120V-60Hz electrical out
let? See pages 3-8 and 3-9 in the installation
manual, and the wiring schematic on page 5-1 of
this manual.

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

FIG. 1

3-valve

plastic

Bypass Va!ve(s)

California Efficiency Requirement

Your Kenmore Water Softener has a "High Effi
ciency" feature with an "ON" or "OFF" setting.
This softener setting is shipped in the "OFF"
position, which utilizes the maximum rated ca
pacity 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.
If you wish to turn the Salt Efficiency feature
"ON" (i|j icon will show in display), follow the
instructions in the Faceplate Timer Features, Sec
tion 2 of this manual.

NOTE: Codes in the state of Massachusetts require installation
by a licensed plumber. For installation, use plumbing code

248-CMR of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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

¿1

1 - 2

FIG. 2

SECTION 1

WATER SOFTENER START UP

C. program THE TIMER

display

Customer Assistance

PRESS FOR

TONIGHT

HOLD FOR

IMMEDIATE

RECHARGE button SELECT button DOWN button

1-800-426-9345

UP button

When the transformer is plugged in, a model code,
and a test number (example: Jl.O) show in the face
plate display for 4 seconds. Then, the words

SET

TIME show in the display along with a flashing

12:00 PM.

UltraSoft 175

To check the model code, unplug the transformer at
the wall outlet and plug in again, if other than SR25

or SR26 shows, see page 5-3 to reset.
SOUND "BEEPER": A "beeper" sounds while

pressing buttons for timer set-up. One beep signals
a change in the face plate display. Repeated beeps
mean the timer will not accept a change from the
button you have pressed, telling you to use another
button. For example, while setting the hardness
(step 2), the beeper sounds repeatedly when the dis
play reaches 1 using the DOWN button, or the high
est hardness setting using the UP button.

SET PRESENT TIME OF DAY

If the words SET TIME do not show in the display,
press the SELECT button (FIG. 2) until they do, or
see the previous notes.

■ Press the UP / DOWN buttons to set the present
time. Press UP to move the display ahead; press
DOWN to SET the time back.

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

Notes:
If

---------

shows in the display, press the UP 0 or

DOWN 0 button until SR25 or SR26 shows. Then,
press the SELECT button to set, and change to the
flashing SET TIME display.

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

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

Each press of the UP /DOWN buttons changes
the time by one minute. Lfolding the buttons in
changes the time rapidly.

1 - 3

SECTION 1

WATER SOFTENER START UP

C. program THE TIMER

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

■ Press the SELECT button once again to display
the words SET HARDNESS and a flashing 25.

The grains per gallon (gpg) hard
ness of your water supply is on
your water analysis report. Be
sure to enter water test results on
page Aj for future reference.

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

ample, assume your water is 20 gpg hard and contains 2
ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness number for each 1 ppm
of iron. In this example, you would use 30 forr your hard
ness number.

20 gpg hardness

2 ppm iron X 5 - 10

(times)

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

Note:

Each press of the UP / DOWN button changes the
display by 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 DOWNbut­ton in changes the display twice each second.

SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME

H Press the SELECT button once again to display
the words SET RECHARGE TIME and a flashing

2:00 AM.

+10

30 HARDNESS NUMBER

SET

P5

water is not being used (see Automatic Bypass,
page 2- 4). If a different recharge time setting would
be better for your household, do the following.

■ Press the UP / DOWN buttons to set the desired
recharge starting hour. Be sure to observe the AM­PM as you did when setting the present time of day.

Note:
Each press of the UP / DOWN buttons changes the
display 1 hour. Holding the buttons in changes the
display twice each second.

SET SALT LEVEL

■ Press the SELECT button once again to display
SET SALT LEVEL and a flashing 0 (zero). See Step E,
page 1-6, for instructions on adding salt to the salt
storage tank.

The face plate timer has a salt
monitor with an indicator light to
remind you to add salt to the stor
age tank.

Note:
You must set salt level each time salt is added to the
water softener.

■ To set this monitor system, lift the salt hole cover
and level the salt in the storage tank. The salt level
decal, on the brinewell inside the tank, has numbers
from 0 to 8. Observe the highest number the leveled
salt is at, or closest to. Press the UP / DOWN but
tons until the number corresponds with the salt lev
el number. At level 2 or below, the indicator LED
will flash. If you wish to turn this feature off, press
the DOWN button past 0, and the word "OFF"
flashes in the display.

SETSALTLEVEL

0

At the 2:00 AM recharge time set
ting, the softener begins regenera
tion (see pages 2-3 and 2-4) at
2:00 AM, ending no later than 4:30
AM. This is a good time in most households because

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

NUMBER 1-800-426-9345.

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

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

■ Press the SELECT button once
again, to complete initial pro

gramming, and the correct time of
day will show in the display.

1 - 4

SECTION 1

WATER SOFTENER START UP

Care is taken at the factory to keep your water soft
ener clean and sanitary. Materials used to make the
softener will not infect or contaminate your water
supply, and will not cause bacteria to form or grow.
However, during shipping, storage, installing and
operating, bacteria could get into the softener. For
this reason, sanitizing as follows is suggested®
when installing.

■ I The first time you sanitize your softener, be sure

to do all steps in the installation manual, and on
pages 1-2, 1-3 and 1-4 of this manual first.
Note: Be certain the bypass valve is pulled out
to "service" position.

Lift the salt hole cover and use a pail to fill the

salt storage tank with 3 gallons of water.

Remove the brinewell cover (FIG. 3) and pour
about 3/4 ounce, or 1 to 2 tablespoons, of com
mon 5.25%, unscented, household bleach (Clo­rox, Linco, BoPeep, White Sail, Eagle, etc.) in the

softener brinewell. Replace the brinewell cover.
Press the RECHARGE button and hold for 3 se

conds to start a recharge. This first recharge does

several things.

FIG.3

• It draws the bleach into and through the softener
to sanitize it.

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

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

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

Notes:
This recharge takes about 2-1/2 hours.

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

' Recommended by the Water Quality Association. On some
water supplies, the water softener may need periodic
disinfecting.

1 - 5

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

SECTION 1

E. add 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 wa
ter softener 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 refill it more often. Salt bridging (see page 3-1) oc
curs more often when conditions are humid.

Use NUGGET or PELLET water softener salt. DO
NOT use rock salts, as they have dirt and sediments
that will stop the softener from working.

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

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

WATER SOFTENER START UP

WATER SOFTENING SALT WITH IRON REMOV
ING ADDITIVES — Some salts have an additive to

help the softener handle iron in the water supply.
These salts may be used if your water supply has a
high iron content. It is recommended to use Sears
Resin Bed Cleaner 42- 34426, for periodic treatments
to keep your resin bed dean. This is available at
your local Sears store.

FIG. 4

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

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

3) Check the brine tank and brine well (black tube in
salt storage tank) monthly. If hardening is present,
pour small amounts of warm water on hardened
areas until they loosen.

4) You must increase your hardness setting by 25%
to ensure continuous soft water as in example be
low.

Raw Water Hardenss

(grains per gallon)

5gPg

lOgPg

ISgpg

20gPg

25gpg

30gPg
35gpg

40gPg

+ 25%

Softener setting when

using KCl

7gpg

13gpg

19gPg

25gpg

32gpg
38 gpg

44 gpg

30 gpg

salt

storage

tank

brinewell

Sodium information: Water softeners using sodium
chloride for regeneration add sodium to the water.
Persons who are on sodium restricted diets should
consider the added sodium as part of their overall
sodium intake. For example, if your water supply is
15 grains hard, and you drank 3 quarts of softened
water, you would consume 335 milligrams of so
dium. That is equivalent to eating 2-1/2 slices of
white bread.

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

1 - 6

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

SECTION 2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

A. FACEPLATE TIMER FEATURES

^ EXTRA RECHARGE

S

c

T

Sometimes, a manually started
regeneration (recharge) may be
desired, or needed. Two exam
ples are:

- You have used more water than
usual (guests visiting) and you
may run out of soft water before
the next timer started regenera
tion.

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

о

You can start a regeneration right

N

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj

IJ^J J JJJ^J J J

ij^j^eCi^j j jjj^j j j

ij^ j jjj^j j j

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj
>j^j.ij.ij^j.ij.ij^j.ij

^ RECHARGE NOW
Press the RECHARGE button and

hold for 3 seconds. The words RE
CHARGE NOW begin to flash in
the display, and the softener en
ters the fill cycle of regeneration right away. This re
generation will last for about 2 hours. Then, you will
have soft water again.

^ RECHARGE TONIGHT
Press and release (do not hold) the

RECHARGE button. RECHARGE

TONIGHT flashes in the display,
and the softener begins regenera
tion at the next preset recharge time. Press and re
lease the RECHARGE button once more if you de
cide to cancel the regeneration, and RECHARGE

TONIGHT will not flash in the display.

^ SET SALT LEVEL

To set this monitor system, lift the
salt hole cover and level the salt in
the storage tank. The salt level de
cal, on the brinewell inside the
tank, has numbers from 0 to 8.

j jjj^j j j

away, or you can set the timer to
regenerate at the next 2:00 AM (or
other preset recharge time). Do
the following.

RECHAR&E

NOW

3

3: l(

» m

SETSiLUEVEL

0

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

NUMBER 1-800-426-9345.

Observe the highest number the leveled salt is at, or
closest to. Press SELECT once to get to the Set Salt
Level screen. Now press the UP or DOWN buttons
until the number corresponds with the salt level
number. At level 2 or below, the indicator LED will
flash. If you wish to turn this feature off, press the
DOWN button past 0, and the word "OFF" flashes
in the display. Note: You must set salt level each
time salt is added to the water softener.

^ PROGRAM MEMORY

If electrical power to the softener goes off, the time
display is blank but the face plate timer keeps the
correct time for about 6 hours. When electrical pow
er comes on again, you have to reset the present
time

only if the display is flashing. The HARD

NESS, RECHARGE TIME and SALT LEVEL never
require resetting unless a change is desired. Even if
the timer is incorrect after a long power outage, the
softener works as it should to keep your water soft.
However, regenerations may occur at the wrong
time of day until you reset the timer to the correct
time of day.

^ EFFICIENCY MODE

When this feature is ON, the wa
ter softener will operate at salt ef
ficiencies of 4000 grains of hard
ness per pound of salt or higher.
(May recharge more often using
smaller salt dosage and less wa
ter). Installations in the state of

California require this setting to
be turned ON. This softener is shipped in the OFF

setting. To turn this setting to ON, press and hold the
SELECT button until the display shows 000- -. Then
press (do not hold) the SELECT button again. Use the
UP arrow to turn ON. Press SELECT to enter and re
turn to normal running screen. The efficiency icon
® will only be displayed when this feature is ON.

^ ERROR CODE

An error code could appear in the
face plate display if a problem oc
curs in the softener electronics. If
you see an error code instead of
the present time of day, turn to page 5-2 under
"Troubleshooting" to resolve the problem.

__________________________________

2j_l____________________________________

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

SECTION 2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION

When the softener is giving you soft water, it is
called "Service". During service, hard water comes
from the house main water pipe into the softener.
Inside the softener resin tank is a bed made up of
thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads (FIG. 5). As
hard water passes through the bed, each bead at
tracts and holds the hardness minerals. This is
called ion-exchanging. Water without the hardness
minerals (soft water) flows out of the softener and
into the house soft water pipes.After a period of
time, the resin beads hold all of the hardness miner
als they can, and cleaning with salt brine is needed.
This cleaning is called regeneration or recharge. Re
generation is started at 2:00 a.m. by the electronic
timer (see page 2-5). It takes place in 5 stages or
cycles. These are:

D fill B backwash

B BRINING B FAST RINSE

BRINE RINSE

REGENERATIONSERVICE

D FILL: Salt, dissolved in water, is called brine.

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

FIG. 6

Water Flow Through

the Softener in Fill

soft water hard water

OUT IN

FIG. 5

Water Flow Through

the Softener in Service

soft water hard water

OUT IN

resin tank

resin bed

2 - 2

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

SECTION 2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION

BRINING: During brining, the brine is moved
from the salt storage area, into the resin tank. Inside
the resin tank, brine cleans hardness minerals from

the resin beads and they are discharged out the
drain. How much brine is needed to dean the resin
depends on:

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

- - the amount of resin in the softener,

- -how fast the brine goes through the bed.
The nozzle and venturi (FIG. 7) make suction to take

brine from the salt tank and put it into the resin tank.
They keep the brine flow down to a very slow rate
to get the best resin cleaning with the least salt.

B BRINE RINSE: After all of the brine is moved

into the resin tank, the brine valve closes. Water
keeps flowing the same way it did during brining
except the brine flow has stopped. Hardness miner
als and brine flush from the resin tank to the drain.

Brining and brine rinse together vary in the length

of time they take, relative to the fill cycle length.

FIG. 7

Water Flow Through the Softener

in Brining and Brine Rinse

hard water i^ard water

bypass OUT ^ ^ ifj

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

FIG. 8

Water Flow Through the

Softener in Backwash

hard water hard water

bypass OUT f I IN

FAST RINSE: Backwash is followed by a fast

flow of water down through the resin tank. The fast
flow packs the resin bed and gets it ready for return
to service (FIG. 9).

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

drain

El BACKWASH: During backwash, water flows

UP through the resin tank (FIG. 8) at a fast rate to
flush iron minerals, dirt and sediments from the bed

2 - 3

FIG. 9

Water Flow Through the

Softener in Fast Rinse

soft water

hard water

drain

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

SECTION 2 HOW YOUR WATER SOFTENER WORKS

B. SOFT WATER SERVICE and REGENERATION

AUTOMATIC BYPASS

During the brining, brine rinse and backwash cycles
of regeneration, HARD water goes through the soft
ener valve and to the house pipes. If a faucet is
opened, hard water is there for your needs. Howev
er, you should not use hot water, if possible, because
the water heater will refill with hard water. The soft
ener, as factory programmed, regenerates from 2:00
AM to about 4:00 AM, a time when not much water
is used.

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

1:00 AM (page 1-4). Then regeneration will start
and end that much earlier and your water heater
will not refill with hard water if a hot faucet is
opened.

ELECTRONICS

Two main parts of the softener's electronics are [T]
a WATER METER, and [

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

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

To find a regeneration pattern best for your needs,
the computer uses: (1) water usage from the meter,
(2) hardness setting, (3) softener capacity, and (4)
time since the last regeneration. The computer
always adjusts this pattern to your water using
habits. It works toward providing you with soft
water for the longest time and at the most efficient
salt usage.

Softening capacity is used as hard water goes
through the softener and hardness minerals are
removed. When the computer determines that only
enough capacity remains to provide soft water up to
the next regeneration starting time (2:00 AM, or as
otherwise set) it will schedule a regeneration. When
the regeneration begins, RECHARGE NO W flashes
in the display during the regeneration.

2

] a COMPUTER.

2 - 4

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

S

C

T

o

N

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj

JJJJ^JJJ

ij^j jnk^j j jjj^j j j

j jjj^j j j

j jjj^j j j

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj

>j^j.ij.ij^j.ij.ij^j.ij

SECTION 3

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

A. SALT: ADDING TO STORAGE TANK, SALT BRIDGE

filling. Without salt, you will soon have hard water.WHEN TO ADD SALT: Check the
salt level a few weeks after you
install the softener and every
week after that. Refill when the
storage tank is about 1/3 full {see
note on page 1-6). Never let the
softener use all the salt before re-

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

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

SALT BRIDGE

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

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

Salt should be loose all the way to the bottom of the
tank. Hold a broom handle, or like tool, up to the
softener as shown in FIG. 10. Make a pencil mark on
the handle, 1" or 2" below the top height of the rim.
Then, carefully push it straight down into the salt.
If a hard object is felt before the pencil mark gets to
the top of the tank, it's most likely a salt bridge.
Carefully push into the bridge in a few places to
break it. Do not try to break the salt bridge by

pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You may
damage the tank.

FIG. 10 Salt Bridge

salt

salt bridge

water level

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

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

3 - 1

SECTION 3

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

g THE yy^i“ER 30FTENER CLEAN

NOZZLE & VENTURI

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

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

1) Turn off the cap from the nozzle and venturi hous

ing.

2) Lift out the screen support and screen, do not lose

the large o-ring seal.

3) Then the nozzle and venturi. Wash and rinse the
parts in warm water until clean. If needed, use a
small brush to remove iron or dirt. Also check and
clean the gasket, flow plugs and screens.

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

may break the cap or housing.

FIG. 11

Screen Support

Nozzle & Venturi

IMPORTANT: Be sure smal
holes in the gasket are cen
tered directly over the small
holes in the nozzle & venturi
housing.

*^lnstall with numbered side up, concave
side down. Be sure the largest flow plug is

located in the nozzle & venturi housing.

Cleaning Nozzle & Venturi

Cap

O-ring Seal

Screen

Gasket

*Fiow Plug

(HVDC)

Nozzle & Venturi

Housing

IRON FROM RESIN BED

Your water softener takes hardness minerals (cal
cium and magnesium) out of the water. Also, it can
control some "clear water" iron. See maximum al
lowed in the specifications on page 4-1. With clear
water iron, water from a faucet is clear when first
put into a glass. After 15 to 30 minutes, the waterbe
gins to cloud or turn rust colored. A water softener
WILL NOT remove any iron which makes the water
cloudy or rusty as it comes from the faucet (called
red water iron). To take red water iron out of water,
or over the maximum of clear water iron, an iron fil
ter or other equipment is needed. Your local Sears
store has trained people to help you with iron water
problems.

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

If your water supply has clear water iron, even
though less than the maximum allowed, regular
resin bed cleaning is needed. Your local Sears store
has resin bed cleaner, Item No. 42-34426 for this.
Clean the bed at least every 6 months. If iron shows
up in the soft water before 6 months, clean more
often. Printed instructions are on the resin bed
cleaner bottle.

3 - 2

SECTION 3

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

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

Close the shut-off valve on the house main wa

ter pipe, near the water meter or pressure tank.

Open a faucet in the soft water pipes to vent

pressure in the softener.

Refer to FIG. 14 on page 4-1. Move the stem in
a single bypass valve to bypass. Close the inlet
and outlet valve in a 3-valve bypass system, and
open the bypass valve. If you want water in the
house pipes again, reopen the shut-off valve on
the main water pipe.

Unplug the transformer at the wall outlet. Re
move the salt hole cover and the main cover.
Take off both drain hoses.

Carefully remove the large holding clips at the

softener inlet and outlet (see Key No. 66, on page
6-3). Separate the softener from the copper
tubes, or from the bypass valve.

Remove the brinewell cover and disconnect the
brine valve tubing at the nozzle and venturi as

sembly (see page 3-2). Lift the brine valve out of
the brinewell. Tip the brine valve upside down
to drain water.

FIG. 12

Looking at FIG. 12, 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.

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.

Drain All Water From Softener

3 - 3

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

SECTION 3

CARE OF YOUR WATER SOFTENER

D. CHECKLIST ... TO HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

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

Note:

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

2. If an error code is not displayed, press and hold the SELECT button until the display changes. Then, press
the SELECT button again and hold until a flashing code appears. It must show SR25 for UltraSoft 175 or SR26
for UltraSoft 180. If any other number shows, the face plate computer is working on incorrect input and would
probably be the cause of the problem. To set SR25 or SR26, press either the UF[7^ or DOWNlvl button. When
the correct model code shows, press SELECT to return a flashing 12:00 AM display. Reset the present time, hard

ness number, etc., pages 1-3 and 1-4.

PROBLEM CAUSE CORRECTION

No soft water

Water hard sometimes

Brine tank flooded

No salt (or salt bridged) in the storage tank Add salt, or break the salt bridge (page 3-1). Press

RECHARGE button and hold for 3 seconds to start
a regeneration (see page 2-1).

Transformer unpiugged at the wall outlet, or

power cabie leads loose from the electronic
board, fuse blown, circuit breaker popped, or

circuit switched off.

Manuai bypass valve(s) in bypass position

Dirty, plugged or damaged nozzle & venturi Take apart and clean or replace damaged parts (see

Valve drain hose plugged or restricted The drain hose must not have kinks, sharp bends,

Hardness number setting too low

Incorrect SR code selected Press and hold the SELECT button until the display

Using hot water when softener is regenerating

Increase in the grains of hardness in your water

supply

Restricted drain line Checkforkinks, bends or obstructions (see page 16
Plugged or dirty nozzle & venturi Take apart and clean or replace damaged parts (see

Valve-rotor disc & seals Check for scratches or grooves, replace if needed.

Check for loss of power due to any of these and
correct. With the power back on, look at the time
display and read PROGRAM MEMORY, page 2-1.

Look at FIG.14 on page 4-1. Move the stem in a

single valve to service. In a 3-valve bypass, open
the inlet and outlet valves, and be sure to fully close
the bypass valve.

page 3-2).
or be raised too high above the softener (see page

16 in your installation manual).

Press and release the SELECT button until

HARDNESS shows In the display. Read the
hardness number in the display and be sure the
same grains per gallon number is shown on your
water analysis report. See page 1 -4 to reset. Press
and release the SELECT button until the present
time shows in the display.

changes. Then, press the SELECT button again
and hold until a flashing code appears. Use the UP
or DOWN buttons to select the correct code for your
softener.

Avoid using hot water during this time because the
water heater refills with hard water (see Automatic

Bypass, page 2-4).
Ask your Sears retail store for a new water analysis.

Then make a new hardness number setting (page

1-4).
in your Installation manual).

page 3-2).

3 - 4

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

SECTION 4

KNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER

A. DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

S

C

T

o

N

ij^jjjjj^jjjjj^jjj

IJ^JJJJJ^JJJJJ^JJJ

J JJJ^J J J

11 t m imi t j I I 11t j I I

ij^jTjKj^j J jjj^j J J

ij^jJjjj^jJjjj^jJJ

>j^j.ij.ij^j.ij.ij^j.ij

FIG. 13

A

r 1 ...

A

A Salt Tank Height 40-1/4 102.2

B Resin Tank Diameter

(nominal)

C Resin Tank Height

(nominal)

D Inlet-Outlet Height 41-1/2 105.4

E

Overall Height 46 116.8

pi

Length 19-1/2

F2

Width 16-1/2

—

Distance between inlet-

outlet center lines

/

__1__

B-^i

\

>

Inches

8 20.3

40 101.6

3-3/8 8.6

CM

49.5

41.9

FIG. 14

Bypass valve(s) should always remain in soft
water service position. Position in "bypass" only
if needed for softener repairs.

3 - VALVE BYPASS

FOR SERVICE

close bypass valve

open inlet & outlet valves Outlet

FOR BYPASS

open bypass valve

close inlet & outlet valves

BYPASS VALVES

ValuA ^

Bypass

Valve

Inlet
Valve

ULTRASOFT 175
ULTRASOFT 180

WATER SUPPLY TO WATER SOFTENER

Minimum water system flow (gpm)
Minimum-Max. water pressure (psi)
Minimum-Max. water temperature (°F)

Maximum water hardness (gpg)................................ 95 95

Maximum “clear water” iron (ppm)*

SALT FOR WATER SOFTENER

Type of salt needed................................................... nugget or pellet

Alternate type of salt.................................................. pure, evaporated, compacted

gpm = gallons per minute gpg = grains per gallon

psi = pounds per square inch 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.

________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

TIMER SR CODE SR25 TIMER SR CODE SR26

UltraSoft175 UltraSoft 180

-----------------------

..........................

.....................

..........................

3 3
20- 125 20- 125
40- 120 40- 120

7

water softener salt

8

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

SECTION 4

KNOW ABOUT YOUR WATER SOFTENER

A. DIMENSIONS / SPECIFICATIONS

Pressure Drop (PSI) vs. Flow Rate (GPM)

Intermittent flow rate does not represent the maximum service flow rate used for determining the softeners
rated capacity and efficiency. Continuous operation at flow rates greater than the service flow rate may affect
capacity and efficiency performance.

SPECIFICATIONS UitraSoft175 UitraSoft 180

Type of ion exchange material (resin) high capacity high capacity
Amount of resin (cu ft)

Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Pounds Salt Dose) 11,800 @ 2.3

Efficiency Rating (Grains/Pound of Salt @ Minimum Sait Dose
Rated Service Flow Rate (gpm) 7.5 7.5
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow Rate (psi)
Max. Drain Flow Rate (gpm) to Drain During Regeneration Cycle

.78

25,300 @ 7.4

30,200 @ 12.5

5120 @2.3 5100 @2.5

14

2.0 2.0

.84

12,800 @2.5
27,300 @ 8.0

32,500 @ 13.4

15

These systems conform to NSF/ANSI 44 for the specific performance claims as verified and substantiated
by test data.

The efficiency rating is only valid at the minimum stated salt dosage. These softeners were efficiency rated
according to NSF/ANSI Standard 44.

________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________

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

J J. J J, J J. J J. J J, J J. J J. J J, J J. J J. J

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

S

C

T

o

N

IJ.JJ J J.JJ.JJ J J.JJ.JJ J J
IJ.JJ J J.JJ.JJ J J

IJ .J J J J .J J .J J J J

ijjjJjjjjjJjjjjjJJ
ijjjJJJJJJJJJJJJJJ

J jjj^j J J

J jjjjj J J

WIRING SCHEMATIC BACK OF TIMER

(PWA)

AC IN

PUT POS-'TURBINE MOTOR

1

-----------

1 n 11

24VAC

Transformer

Turbine
Sensor

TO

_

GNC|-'

+5

1

FACEPLAT^

display

RECHARGE button SELECT button DOWN button

valve

motor

grn

NO Position

a Switch

NO

Low salt
indicator

UP button

Keep this manual with your water softener. If repairs are needed, the service technician must have
the information on the following 8 pages. For telephone assistance, call toll free, 1-800-426-9345.

ALWAYS MAKE THESE INITIAL CHECKS FIRST

Q Does the time display show the correct time of

day?

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

--If time is flashing, power was off for over 6
hours. The softener resumes normal operation
but regenerations occur at the wrong time.

- - If an error code (Example: Err03) shows in the
faceplate display, go to AUTOMATIC ELEC
TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS.

Plumbing bypass valve(s) must be fully in ser

vice position.

The inlet and outlet pipes must connect to the

softener inlet and outlet respectively.

Is the transformer plugged into a "live",

grounded wall outlet, and the power cable fas

tened securely to the controller?

g The valve drain hose must be free of kinks and

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

floor.

Remove the top cover and salt tank cover.

Is there salt in the storage tank?
Is the brine tubing connected? (See water flow

diagrams).
Is the brine valve float set right? (See page 5-4).

Press the SELECT button three times to display
the hardness setting. Be sure it is the correct set
ting for the household's water supply. (Make a
hardness test of the raw water and compare with
the hardness setting. Also test a soft water sam
ple to verify if a problem exists.) Press the SE
LECT button twice more to return to present time
in the display.

If you do not find the problem after making initial
checks, do the MANUAL INITIATED ELEC
TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS, and the MANUAL AD
VANCE REGENERATION CHECK.

5 - 1

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

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

The faceplate timer (PWA) com

The chart below shows the error codes that could

appear, and the possible defects for each code.
puter has a self-diagnostic func
tion for the electrical system, ex
cept for input power and water
meter. The computer monitors electronic compo
nents and circuits for correct operation. If a malfunc
tion occurs, an error code appears in the faceplate
display.

CODE

Erri, ЕггЗ,
Err4

Errs

PROCEDURE FOR REMOVING ERROR CODE FROM FACEPLATE: 1. Unplug transformer from outlet 2. Correct

defect 3. Plug in transformer 4. Wait for 6 minutes. The error code will return if the defect was not corrected.

MOST LIKELY LESS LIKELY

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

faceplate timer (PWA)

MANUAL INITIATED ELECTRONICS

While an error code appears in the display, all face

plate buttons are inoperable except the SELECT but

ton. SELECT remains operational so the service per

son can make the MANUAL INITIATED ELEC

TRONIC DIAGNOSTICS (below) to further isolate

the defect, and check the water meter.

POSSIBLE DEFECT

MOTOR

DIAGNOSTICS

Q To enter diagnostics, press the SELECT button

until 000 - - shows in the display.

A. The first 3 digits indicate water meter operation

as follows;
000 (steady) - Soft water not in use, and no

flow through the meter.

—OPEN A NEARBY SOFT WATER FAUCET —

000 to 199 (continual) = Repeats display for each

gallon of water passing through the meter.

If you don't get a reading in the display with faucet
open, pull the sensor from the valve outlet port.
Pass a small magnet back and forth in front of the
sensor. You should get a reading in the display. If
you get a reading, unhook the in and out plumbing
and check the turbine for binding.

POSITION

SWITCH

SENSOR

HOUSING

TURBINE
TURBINE

SUPPORT AND

SHAFT

VALVE

OUTLET

B. The letter (P) and dashes indicate POSITION

switch operation. If the letter appears, the
switch is dosed. If the dashes show, the switch

is open.
Use the RECHARGE button to manually ad

vance the valve into each cycle and check correct

switch operation.

5 - 2

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

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

CORRECT

SWITCH

DISPLAYS VALVE CYCLE STATUS

—

™ p

Valve in service, fill, brining,
backwash or fast rinse position

Valve rotating from one position
to another

C. While in this diagnostic screen, the following in

formation is available and may be beneficial for
various reasons. This information is retained by
the computer from the first time electrical power
is applied to the face plate.

- - Press 0 to display the number of days this

face plate has had electrical power applied.

- - Press 0 to display the number of regenera
tions initiated by this face plate since the SR code
number was entered.

Press and hold the SELECT button until...

SR25 shows

for UltraSoft 175

SR26 shows

for UltraSoft ISO

TIMER PWA REPLACEMENT: Be sure the
valve is in service position when replacing the
timer PWA (observe valve cycle indicator).

If, after installing and programming the re
placement timer PWA, the valve is not in ser
vice position, do the following to assure correct
cycle orientation, or timing, between the face
plate and valve.

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

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

position
markers
(valve in
service)

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

Return the present time display — Press the SE

LECT button.

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

CAM

5 - 3

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

J J. J J, J J. J J. J J, J J. J J. J J, J J. J J. J

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

A. TROUBLESHOOTING

MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK

This check verifies proper operation of the valve
motor, brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow
rates, and other controller functions. Always make

the initial checks, and the mannal initiated diag
nostics.

Notes:

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

n Press the RECHARGE button and hold in for 3

seconds. RECHARGE NOWbegins to flash in the
display as the softener enters the fill cycle of re

generation. Remove the brinewell cover and, us
ing a flashlight, observe fill water entering the
tank.

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

Note:
If water system pressure is low, an elevated drain
hose may cause back pressure, stopping brine draw.

Again press RECHARGE to move the softener
into backwash. Look for a fast flow of water from
the drain hose.

a. An obstructed flow indicates a plugged top dis
tributor, backwash flow plug, or drain hose.

Press RECHARGE to move the softener into fast
rinse. Again look for a fast drain flow. Allow the
softener to rinse for a few minutes to flush out
any brine that may remain in the resin tank from
the brining cycle test.

To return the softener to service, press RE
CHARGE.

CYCLE FLOW RATES {GALLONS PER MIN.)

FILL (flow to salt storage tank)
BRINING
BRINE RINSE
MAX. BACKWASH
MAX. FAST RINSE

1

Ç (flow
\ drain)

0.3 (1.1 liters)
.15 (.57 liters)

.1 (.38 liters)

2.0 (7.6 liters)

2.0 (7.6 liters)

After observing fill, press the RECHARGE but
ton to move the softener into brining. A slow
flow of water to the drain will begin. Verify brine

draw from the brine tank by shining a flashlight
into the brinewell and observing a noticeable

drop in the liquid level.

Note:

Be sure a salt bridge is not preventing water with

salt contact.

a. If the softener does not draw brine...

...nozzle and/or venturi dirty or defective.
.. .nozzle and venturi not seated properly on gasket.
...restricted drain (check drain fitting and hose).
... defective nozzle and venturi seal.
...other inner valve defect (rotor seal, rotor & disc,

wave washer, etc.).

5 - 4

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

J.J J, J J. J.J J, J J. J.J J, J J. J.J

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

B. ROTARY VALVE SERVICE

Before working on the valve, turn off the water sup
ply and disconnect from electrical power. TO RE
LIEVE PRESSURE:

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

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

DISASSEMBLY

To remove a part or group of parts, refer to the valve
drawing. A common screwdriver or nut driver,
Phillips screwdriver and pliers are the only tools
needed to completely disassemble.

SERVICING THE VALVE

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

Inspect the bottom surface of the rotor for scratches,
chips or wear.

Then, turn the rotor (clockwise only) to service posi
tion. Tighten the screws using a criss-cross pattern.
If a torque wrench is available, torque to 30-40 inch
pounds.

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

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

Note:
If replacement is needed, be sure to use the current
replacement part.

ASSEMBLY

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

Install the nozzle and venturi seal and drain seal.
Assemble wave washer bearing, the wave washer,
and two o-rings onto the rotor top shaft. Then center
the rotor in the valve body, on the rotor seal.

Lower the cover onto the valve body and rotor shaft.
Then install the cover holding screws. Before tight
ening the screws, install the valve cam and gear.

5 - 5

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

J.J J, J J. J.J J, J J. J.J J, J J. J.J

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE

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.

FILL CYCLE

To begin a regeneration, the electronic timer energizes the circuit to the valve
motor. The valve motor rotates the rotor and disc and the valve cam until the
position switch lever drops, to open the motor circuit and position the valve in
FILL. As the rotor and disc rotates, the port opens for SOFT water fill through
the venturi. Fill flow continues to the brine valve, and into the salt storage
tank. Soft water is still available to the house lines.

5 - 6

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

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE

11^ 11^ 11jg

After fill, timer/switch action allows the motor to turn the rotor and disc into
BRINING position. Water flow is directed to the nozzle. Suction, created by the
nozzle and venturi, draws brine from the salt storage tank and injects it into the
resin bed via the bottom distributor. Flow continues out the top distributor and to
the drain. Fiard water is available at the valve outlet.

When the brine valve closes to end brine draw, water flow continues in the same
directions to slowly RINSE brine from the resin bed and to the drain.

BACKWASH CYCLE

Timer/switch action again allows the motor to turn
the rotor & disc to place the valve in BACKWASFf,
stopping water flow to the nozzle. Water is routed
down and out the bottom distributor, up through the
bed, and out the top distributor to the drain. The fast
flow (controlled by a flow plug in the drain fitting)
flushes dirt, sediments, iron deposits, remaining brine
and hardness to the drain.

5 - 7

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

SECTION 5

SERVICE TECH. INFORMATION

C. WATER FLOW THROUGH THE SOFTENER VALVE

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.

The electronic timer again energizes the motor to return the valve to
service. As the valve rotates, the position switch lever drops to open the
circuit. The valve remains positioned in service until the electronic timer
initiates the next regeneration.

5 - 8

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

SECTION 6 REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER

Kenmore MODEL NOS. 625.388175 and 625.388180

A. WATER SOFTENER COMPLETE

KEY

NO.

1
1
2
3

-

4
5
6

- 7264427 Faceplate Decal, UltraSoft 175

- 7264435 Faceplate Decal, UltraSoft 180

7 7231571 Rim
8

9
10
11
12 7137913
13
14
15
16
17
18

19

20
21

22
23
24 7170254
25 7170296
26
27
28

♦
♦

♦
♦

♦ not illustrated

• included in parts bag
:i) Aligns with top of brinewell

PART

NUMBER

—

—

7231563 Cover (main)
7231555 Salt Hole Cover (order following de

7264558
7252373 Transformer, 24V-10VA •
7268617 Timer Re pi. (PWA)
7231539 Faceplate (order following decal)

7155115 Brinewell Cover
7082150 Wing Nut, 1/4"
7003847 0-Ring
7100819 Brinewell

7257307 Salt Storage Tank
7232250 Plastic Screw, 1 /4" x 5/8"
0900431 Tube Clamp •

1103200 Tube Adaptor •
9003500
7116488 Brine Valve Assembly

7105047 Replacement Distributor
0502272 Resin
7092155

7268659

7170270 0-Ring, 2-3/4" x 3"
7077870 Top Distributor

7141001
7176292 Clamp Section (2 req.)
7088033 Clamp Retainer (2 req.)

3442699
7144821

7258997 Installation Manual
7276539 Owners Manual

Cover Lock (req’d for ship, only)
Rim Insert (req’d for shipping only)

cal)
Instruction Decal

Decal, Brinewell (I)

Grommet •

(also see page 6-2)

Resin Tank, UltraSoft 175
(includes Key No. 20)

Resin Tank, UltraSoft 180

(includes Key No. 20)

0-Ring, 13/16" X 1-1/16"
0-Ring, 2-7/8" X 3-1/4"
Vapor Barrier

Resin Bed Cleaner
Parts Bag, (includes parts marked

with a •, pages 6-1,6-2 & 6-4) —
order manuals separately, if needed.

DESCRIPTION

6 - 1

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

SECTION 6 REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER

Kenmore MODEL NOS. NOS. 625.388175 and 625.388180

47

® B. BRINE VALVE ASSEMBLY

29
30

31

32

33

34

35
36

37

KEY

NO.

29
30 0513860

31
32 0516947 Float Sea!
33 7093216
34
35 7170288 0-Ring 15/16 X 1-3/16
36
37 0516924 Retainer, Bottom Seal
38 1205500
39
40 7080653
41
42
43
44
45 7095470 Brine Tube
46 7113016

47
48 7248706

included in parts bag, see page 6-1.

PART

NUMBER

7168647 Ceramic Weight

Float Stop

7097202 Float (includes Key No. 32)

Float Rod & Stem

7092278

0516211 SbqI

7092252 Brine Valve Body

7131365
7094979 Insert
7092294 Retaining Ring
7176161 0-Ring, 5/16x9/16

7171349

Guide Cap

Clip

Clip
Screen

Tubing Assy, (includes Key Nos.
42, 43 & 44)

Cone Screen
Grounding Clamp Kit •

DESCRIPTION

38

39

INLET - OUTLET

GROUNDING CLAMPS

48

6 - 2

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

SECTION 6 REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER

C. VALVE ASSEMBLY

6 - 3

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

SECTION 6 REPAIR PARTS FOR WATER SOFTENER

Kenmore MODEL NOS. 625.388175 and 625.388180

KEY

NO.

50
51
52 7231385 Motor Plate
53
54
55 7113927 Cam and Gear
56
5y
58 7024160
59
60 0501228
61 7170238 0-Ring, 7/16x5/8
62 7170212
63
64 7199232 Rotor & Disc
65
66 7116713 Clip (2 req.) •
67

68
69 0507615
70 0507369
71 7134224 Rotor Seal
72 7170204
73
74
75
76 7117858 Turbine
77

PART

NUMBER

7224087 Screw, #8-32 X 1” {2 req.)
7228544

0900857
0503288

7142942
0900431

7170327

7082087 Wave Washer

7170246

2207800

7170335 Washer (2 req.) •

7092642
7129889
2204101

7082053 Valve Body

Motor {incl. 2 ea. of Key No. 50)

Screw, #6-20 X 3/8 {2 req.)

Bearing

Clip (Drain)
Tubing Clamp •
Drain Hose Adaptor
0-Ring, 5/8 X 13/16

Flow Plug

0-Ring, 3/4 X 15/16

0-Ring, 3-3/8 X 3-5/8

Plastic Installation Adaptor, 1 ”
male thread (2 req.) m

Installation Tube (2 req.) •
Installation Nut (2 req.) •

0-Ring, 3/8x9/16
Plug (Drain Seal)
Spring
Turbine Support and Shaft

DESCRIPTION

C. VALVE ASSEMBLY

KEY

NO.

78
79 7081201
80 7170319 0-Ring, 1/4 X 3/8 (2 req.)
81
82
83 7095030
84
85

- 7204362

86 0521829
87
88 7167659 Screen Support
89
90 7199729 Cap
91
92
93 7085263 Valve Cover
94 7074123 Screw, #10-14 X 2 (5 req.)
95 7077472 Expansion Pin
96 7030713
97
98

♦

♦

♦
♦
♦
♦

♦ not illustrated

H] NOT included with softener, order as needed

PART

NUMBER

7081764

7081104 Nozzle & Venturi Housing
1202600 Nut - Ferrule

1148800
7187772 Nozzle & Venturi — Gasket Kit

7146043

7170262

7248714 Sensor Housing
0900060

7117816
7070412
7187065

7129716 Seal Kit (incl. Key Nos. 61,62, 65,

42-3433

42 -34401
42 -34403

7123613 Silicone Grease (for o-rings)

DESCRIPTION

Seal (Nozzle & Venturi)
Retainer (Nozzle & Venturi)

Cone Screen
Flow Plug, .3 gpm

Gasket (only)
Flow Plug, .1 gpm
Screen

0-Ring, 1-1/8 X 1-3/8

0-Ring

Switch
Spacer
Screw, #4-24 X 1 -1/8 (flat head)
Nozzle & Venturi Assy. (incl. Key

Nos. 81, and 83 through 90)

71,72 and 78).
Drain Tubing, 3/8" I.D. x 20'
Flexible Connectors, 3/4”
Flexible Connectors, 1 ”

BYPASS INSTALLATION VALVE

KEY

NO.

100 0502206
101 7129863
102
103 7130911
104

♦ 7129871

PART

NUMBER

Retainer Ring

Bypass Body

7105013

7170288 0-Ring, 15/16x1-3/16 (2 req.)

0-Ring, 13/16x1 (4 req.)
Stem

Bypass Valve (Complete) •

DESCRIPTION

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

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

100

6 - 4

MANUAL

KGnntore

Water Softeners

Get it fixed, at your home or ours!

MODEL NOS.

UltraSoft 175

625.388170

UltraSoft 180

625.388180

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

When requesting service
or ordering parts, always

provide the following infor
mation:

Your Homo

For repair-in your home-of all major brand appliances,

lawn and garden equipment, or heating and cooling systems,

no matter who made i, no matter who sold It!,

For the replacement parts, accessories an.d:

owner’s m.anuals that you need to do-it-yourself.

For Sears professional instatlatiort' of home appliances
and items like garage door openers and water heaters.

1-800-4-MY-HOME® (1-80P-46S-4663)

Call anytime, day or nighl(U.S,A„ and Canada)

WWW scMi's com www,sears,-ca

O'yr Horn#

For repair of carry-in items like vacuums, lawn equipment,

and efectronics.,, call or go on-line for the location of your nearest

Sears Parts & Repair Ce.nter.

1-800-48B-1222

Call anytime, day or night (U.S.A. only)

MAww.sBars.com

To purchase a protection agreement (U.S.A.)

or maintenance agreement (Canada) on a product serviced by Sears:

♦ Product Type
♦ Model Number
♦ Part Number
♦ Part Description

WWW. Ke n mo reWate r. CO m

Sears, Roebuck and Co., Hoffman Estates, IL 60179 U.S.A.

'li.

1-800-827-6655 ¡us ,a , 1 -800-361 -6665 iCa ada;

Paia pedii servicio de reparación

a domicilio y paia ordenar piezas

1-888-SU-HOGAR’

(1-838-734-6427)

I-- U I r, Tr ,i >m
M II P- i| I i.i

V d!qu'- ij - 1 i*n- r

-|,Jin 'i* ~ 1 ' iiiTit''- 'If tfV ifirt I .

1 h Fih V Mti Hi % <t F i| -f 1 ^ F itk

ri-Jtr, m ' I r ijt- _ !i . FL" Li I- it J © Staars, i^osbucfc anti Có.

Au Canada pour service en ftangais'

1-800-LE-FOYER

i 1-BOO-533-!« 17)

WWW, sears ca