Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series Instruction Manual

Name: Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series Instruction Manual
Brand: Manualverse
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Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series Instruction Manual

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Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series

Kenmore 420 Series Instructions

Here we offer the Kenmore Water Softener 420 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 420 Series, we suggest checking the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section of this manual.

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Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series Specifications

Feature	Specification (Model 625.384200)
Model Code	420P
Rated Softening Capacity (Grains @ Salt Dose)	16,900 @ 3.3 lbs. 31,700 @ 8.8 lbs. 40,100 @ 15.1 lbs.
Rated Efficiency (Grains/Pound of Salt @ Minimum Salt Dose)	5,090 @ 3.3 lbs.
Water Used During Regeneration @ Minimum Salt Dose	2.4 gallons / 1,000 grains
Total Water Used Per Regeneration @ Maximum Salt Dose	36.3 gallons
Rated Service Flow Rate	7.7 gpm
Amount of High Capacity Ion Exchange Resin	1.11 cu. ft.
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow	14.9 psig
Intermittent Flow Rate @ 15 psi	7.7 gpm
Water Supply Max. Hardness	120 gpg
Water Supply Max. Clear Water Iron	10 ppm
Water Pressure Limits (min. / max.)	20 - 125 PSI (138 - 862 kPa)
Water Temperature Limits (min. / max.)	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)
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

Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series Details

The Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series, model 625.384200, is engineered for efficient water conditioning, certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for hardness reduction, efficiency, and the reduction of barium and radium 226/228. It also meets NSF/ANSI/CAN Standard 372 and is certified by the Water Quality Association against CSA B483.1. A key feature is its Demand Initiated Regeneration (D.I.R.), which minimizes regenerant brine and water usage by recharging only when needed based on actual water consumption.

Regarding water quality, this softener effectively reduces ferrous (clear water) iron up to 10 ppm, which can cause stains and affect taste. However, it is not designed to remove ferric (red water), bacterial, organically bound, or colloidal iron. For clear water iron, users should compensate by adding 5 grains to their hardness setting for every 1 ppm of iron. The system also does not remove sediment, so a pre-filter is recommended for water with significant particulate matter.

Installation requires careful consideration of location, avoiding freezing temperatures or direct sunlight, and ensuring proximity to a drain and a 120V, 60 Hz electrical outlet. Proper air gap requirements (1-1/2 inches) for the drain hose must be maintained to prevent backflow. The softener includes a single bypass valve, allowing users to shut off water to the unit for maintenance while maintaining water flow to the house, and all plumbing must conform to local codes.

The unit operates on 24V DC electrical power via an included direct plug-in supply. It's crucial to restore cold water pipe grounding if plastic bypass valves are used, by installing a #4 copper wire. During setup, users will program the present time, water hardness, and preferred recharge start time (default 2:00 AM). The controller also allows setting the salt type (NaCl or KCl) to optimize regeneration cycles for different salts.

Advanced controller features offer enhanced customization. The Salt Efficiency mode can be activated for higher efficiency (4000 grains/lb of salt or more), which is a California state requirement. The optional Clean Feature provides an extra backwash and rinse cycle, beneficial for water supplies with iron or high sediment. Users can also enable a 97% Feature for more precise, demand-based regenerations, conserving salt and water by initiating a cycle when 97% of capacity is used.

The system's control panel includes a low salt indicator light, which flashes when salt levels are low, reminding users to refill. The salt monitor system estimates salt levels, and its accuracy varies by salt type. Users must manually set the salt level on the controller each time salt is added. Regular maintenance includes adding nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts, and ensuring no salt bridges form in the brine tank.

Other controller functionalities include a "Recharge Now" option for immediate regeneration or "Recharge Tonight" for a delayed cycle. The unit also displays real-time water flow rates and average daily water usage. In case of a power outage, the electronic controller retains settings for several hours, with only the present time potentially needing adjustment. A Cleansing Screen feature within the unit helps prevent larger sediment particles from entering household plumbing.

Routine maintenance is crucial for optimal performance, including regularly checking salt levels and cleaning the nozzle & venturi assembly, which can become clogged by sediment. The manual also provides detailed troubleshooting for common issues like no soft water, iron in water, or error codes, often guiding users through self-diagnostic steps. Protecting the unit from freezing is vital, requiring a specific draining procedure for seasonal homes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can't find the answer you need? Here are some frequently asked questions about the Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series, and we answer them below.

What certifications does the Kenmore 420 Series water softener hold?

This system is certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI 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.

Can this water softener remove all types of iron from my water?

The Kenmore 420 Series effectively reduces ferrous (clear water) iron up to 10 ppm. However, it does not remove ferric (red water), bacterial, organically bound, or colloidal iron. For clear water iron, you should add 5 grains to your hardness setting for every 1 ppm of iron.

What should I do if my water softener isn't providing soft water?

First, ensure there is salt in the storage tank and use the "RECHARGE NOW" feature to initiate a regeneration. If the display is blank, check the power supply connection. Also, verify that the bypass valve(s) are in the "service" position and inspect the salt tank for any signs of "salt bridging."

How do I set the water hardness on the controller?

To set the water hardness, press the SELECT button until "HARDNESS" appears on the display. Then, use the UP or DOWN buttons to adjust the setting to your water supply's hardness in grains per gallon. Remember to account for clear water iron by adding 5 grains for every 1 ppm of iron.

What is the purpose of the 'Clean Feature' and when should I use it?

The "Clean Feature" initiates an additional backwash and fast rinse cycle before the normal regeneration sequence. It is particularly beneficial for water supplies that contain iron or high amounts of sediment (e.g., sand, silt). If your water supply does not have these issues, keep the feature set to "OFF" to conserve water.

How do I protect my water softener from freezing temperatures?

If the softener is installed in an area where freezing temperatures may occur (e.g., a summer cabin), you must drain all water from the unit to prevent damage. This involves closing the main water supply, venting system pressure, placing the bypass valve(s) in "bypass," unplugging the power supply, and carefully tipping the unit to drain all water.

What types of salt are recommended for the Kenmore 420 Series, and what types should be avoided?

It is recommended to use nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities. You should avoid using rock salt, salts high in impurities, block salt, granulated salt, table salt, or salts designed for ice melting or ice cream making, as these can negatively impact performance or cause bridging.

What does it mean if an 'Err' code appears on the display?

"Err" codes (e.g., Err1, Err3, Err4, Err5) indicate a self-diagnostic malfunction within the electrical system of the water softener. If an error code appears, unplug the power supply, refer to the troubleshooting guide in your manual to identify and correct the specific problem, and then plug the power back in. The code will return if the issue persists.

How often should I check the salt level in the storage tank?

You should check the salt storage level frequently. Until you establish a regular refilling routine, it's advisable to check every two or three weeks. Always add salt if the tank is less than 1/4 full to prevent the system from running out of salt and delivering hard water.

What is the '97% Feature' and how does it help save salt and water?

The '97% Feature' is an optional setting that initiates regeneration when 97% of the softener's capacity has been utilized. This demand-based regeneration is more precise than fixed schedules, ensuring the system recharges only when truly necessary, thereby potentially saving both salt and water by avoiding premature regenerations.

How does the 'Demand Initiated Regeneration (D.I.R.)' feature work?

The D.I.R. feature automatically initiates regeneration cycles based on your household's actual water usage and the remaining capacity of the softener's resin bed. This intelligent system optimizes efficiency by minimizing the amount of regenerant brine and water used in each operation, preventing unnecessary regenerations.

What is the warranty coverage for this water softener?

The Kenmore Water Softener 420 Series comes with a One Year Full Warranty covering all parts and labor. It also includes Limited Warranties: ten years on the salt storage tank and fiberglass resin/mineral tank against rust, corrosion, leaks, or failure, and three years on the electronic control board for defects in materials and workmanship.