Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series Instruction Manual

Name: Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series Instruction Manual
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Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series Instruction Manual

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Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series

Kenmore 520 Series Instructions

Here we offer the Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series manual completely free and in English. We have cataloged this manual in the Water Softeners section on Manualverse, and it has been rated by 1 users with an average rating of 5. If you have any specific questions about Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.

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Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series Specifications

Specification	Model 625.385200
Model Code	520P
Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Salt Dose)	11,000 @ 2.6 lbs. 24,700 @ 7.8 lbs. 31,100 @ 13.4 lbs.
Rated Efficiency (Grains/Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt Dose)	4,230 @ 2.6 lbs.
Water Used During Regeneration @ Minimum Salt Dose	5.0 gal. / 1,000 grains
Total Water Used Per Regeneration @ Maximum Salt Dose	54.7 gallons
Rated Service Flow Rate	8.0 gpm
Amount of High Capacity Ion Exchange Resin	0.98 cu. ft.
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow	8.4 psig
Intermittent Flow Rate @ 15 psi	13.7 gpm
Water Supply Max. Hardness	100 gpg
Water Supply Max. Clear Water Iron	3 ppm
Water Supply Pressure Limits (minimum / maximum)	20 - 125 psi (137.9 - 861.8 kPa)
Water Temperature Limits (minimum / maximum)	40 - 120 °F (5 - 49 °C)
Minimum Water Supply Flow Rate	3 gpm (11.4 lpm)
Maximum Drain Flow Rate	2.0 gpm (7.6 lpm)
Chlorine Reduction Capacity @ 0.50 ppm	2,280,000 gal. (8,630,000 liters)
Chlorine Reduction Capacity @ 0.75 ppm	1,520,000 gal. (5,750,000 liters)
Chlorine Reduction Capacity @ 1.0 ppm	1,140,000 gal. (4,310,000 liters)
Chlorine Reduction Capacity @ 1.5 ppm	760,000 gal. (2,870,000 liters)
Chlorine Reduction Capacity @ 2.0 ppm	570,000 gal. (2,150,000 liters)
Barium Reduction (Influent Challenge Level)	10 ±10% mg/L
Barium Reduction (Maximum Allowable Product Water Level)	2.0 mg/L
Radium 226/228 Reduction (Influent Challenge Level)	25 pCi/L
Radium 226/228 Reduction (Maximum Allowable Product Water Level)	5 pCi/L
Chlorine Reduction (Influent Challenge Level)	2.0 ±10% mg/L
Chlorine Reduction (Requirement)	50%

Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series Details

The Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series (Model 625.385200) is a versatile hybrid system, functioning as both a water softener and a whole-home filter. This integrated design streamlines water treatment, offering comprehensive conditioning for your household water supply. It boasts certifications from NSF International (NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for chlorine taste/odor, Standard 44 for hardness, efficiency, barium, radium 226/228, and NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 372) and the Water Quality Association (CSA B483.1), assuring adherence to strict performance and safety standards.

Equipped with a Demand Initiated Regeneration (D.I.R.) feature, this system intelligently regenerates based on actual water usage, thereby minimizing salt and water consumption. Its variable salt dose mechanism further optimizes efficiency by selecting the precise amount of regenerant needed for each cycle. While rated efficiency is measured under laboratory conditions, actual operational efficiency may vary depending on local water hardness, usage patterns, and other contaminants.

The 520 Series is effective against ferrous (clear water) iron, capable of reducing moderate amounts. For every 1 ppm of clear water iron, it's recommended to add 5 grains to your water hardness setting to ensure optimal performance. However, it's important to note that this softener is not designed to remove ferric (red water), bacterial, organically bound, or colloidal iron types, which may require separate treatment solutions.

Sediment removal is another consideration. While the softener itself doesn't remove fine sediment particles like clay or silt, it features a unique cleansing feature. This integrated basket captures larger sediment particles before they reach your home's plumbing, protecting water-using appliances. The system also supports an optional "Clean Feature" backwash cycle to enhance the cleaning of the resin bed and the cleansing screen, particularly beneficial for water supplies with iron or high sediment levels.

User interaction is simplified via an electronic control panel that displays key information and allows for easy programming. Beyond basic time and hardness settings, users can enable advanced features such as Salt Efficiency, which operates at 4000 grains per pound of salt or higher (a requirement in California). The "97% Feature" is another advanced option, triggering regeneration when 97% of the softener's capacity is used, potentially saving salt and water.

The control panel also allows selection of salt type (NaCl or KCl), adjusts regeneration times accordingly, and provides options for 12/24 hour clock display and Gallons/Liters readings for flow rate and average daily usage. A convenient tank light illuminates when the salt lid is open, and a salt monitor system alerts you to low salt levels, which must be reset manually each time salt is added. The system includes power outage memory, retaining settings for several hours.

Routine maintenance is straightforward, focusing on consistent salt replenishment using recommended nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with low impurities. The manual provides guidance on breaking a salt "bridge" that can form due to humidity or incorrect salt types, ensuring continuous brine production. Critical for performance, the nozzle & venturi assembly, responsible for drawing brine, requires periodic cleaning to prevent blockages from sand or silt.

For seasonal homes or areas prone to freezing, the 520 Series requires proper winterization by draining all water to prevent damage, a detailed procedure outlined in the manual. The comprehensive warranty includes a one-year full warranty, a ten-year limited warranty on the salt storage and resin/mineral tanks, and a three-year limited warranty on the electronic control board, offering peace of mind for your investment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series, and we answer them below.

What certifications does the Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series hold?

This system is certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 42 for chlorine taste and odor reduction, Standard 44 for hardness reduction, efficiency, and the reduction of barium and radium 226/228, and to NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 372. It is also certified by the Water Quality Association against CSA B483.1.

What types of iron can this water softener remove?

The Kenmore 520 Series can reduce moderate amounts of ferrous (clear water) iron, up to 3 ppm. It is not designed to remove ferric (red water), bacterial, organically bound, or colloidal iron.

How does the 'Clean Feature' work, and when should I use it?

The 'Clean Feature' is an optional setting that, when activated, initiates an extra backwash and fast rinse cycle *before* the normal regeneration. This provides enhanced cleaning of the resin bed, particularly beneficial for water supplies with iron or high sediment levels. The cycle time can be adjusted from 1 to 15 minutes.

What should I do if the salt level isn't dropping in the storage tank?

If the salt level isn't dropping, it often indicates a "salt bridge" has formed. You should gently push a broom handle or similar tool into the salt to break any hard crust. Additionally, check if the bypass valve is in the "bypass" position, or if the nozzle & venturi assembly is dirty or plugged.

How do I manually initiate a regeneration cycle for my Kenmore 520 Series softener?

You can initiate a regeneration immediately by pressing and holding the RECHARGE button for 3 seconds until "RECHARGE", "Serv", and "Fill" flash. Alternatively, you can schedule a "Recharge Tonight" by pressing and releasing the RECHARGE button once, causing it to regenerate at the next preset recharge time (default 2:00 AM).

What does it mean if the status light on the control panel is flashing rapidly?

A rapidly flashing status light indicates that the present time needs to be set (after initial setup or a long power outage) or that the electronic self-diagnostics have detected a problem, displaying an "Err" code.

Can I use any type of salt with this water softener?

It is recommended to use nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities. Rock salt, high-impurity salts, block, granulated, table, ice melting, or ice cream making salts are not recommended as they can lead to salt bridging or other performance issues.

What is the '97% Feature' and why would I enable it?

The '97% Feature' allows the softener to regenerate when 97% of its softening capacity has been utilized. Enabling this feature can help save salt and water by ensuring regeneration only occurs when necessary, rather than on a strict time schedule. With this feature ON, regeneration can occur at any time.

How do I protect my water softener from freezing temperatures?

If the softener is in an area prone to freezing, you must drain all water from it. This involves closing the main water supply, venting pressure, putting the bypass valve(s) in bypass, unplugging the power, removing drain hoses, disconnecting the softener from plumbing, and tipping it over to drain completely. Always plug inlet/outlet ports with clean rags after draining.

What are the warranty terms for the Kenmore Water Softener 520 Series?

The Kenmore 520 Series comes with a One Year Full Warranty covering all parts and labor. Additionally, it has Limited Warranties: ten (10) years for the salt storage tank and fiberglass resin/mineral tank against rust, corrosion, leaks, or failure, and three (3) years for the electronic control board against defects in materials and workmanship.

How do I change the display units from gallons to liters, or vice-versa?

To change the display units, press and hold the SELECT button for 3 seconds until "000" appears. Press SELECT again several times until the "Gallons or Liters" screen is displayed. Then, use the UP or DOWN buttons to toggle between "Gals" and "Liter". Press SELECT to save and return to the normal time display.

My hot water is still hard after installing the softener. Is this normal?

Yes, initially. Your water heater is filled with hard water. As you use hot water, it will gradually refill with conditioned water. It typically takes a few days for all the hot water to become fully conditioned. To speed this up, you can drain your water heater (following its instructions) after the initial softener recharge until the water runs cold.

What should I do if an error code like 'Err1', 'Err3', or 'Err4' appears on the display?

These error codes typically indicate a fault in the wiring harness, connections to the position switch, a faulty switch, a valve issue causing high torque, or an inoperative motor. To attempt a fix, unplug the power supply, correct the suspected problem, then plug the power back in and wait 8 minutes. The code will reappear if the issue isn't resolved. For persistent errors, consult the troubleshooting guide or customer assistance.