Model Numbers:
S150, S250, S250 OD,
S350, S550, S650, S650 OD,
Q850, Q850 OD
Rev. 02/2013 Kinetico Incorporated ♦ Newbury, Ohio 44065 ♦ www.kinetico.com Product No. 15051
1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before installing and using the system.
2. Check your local building and sanitation codes for installation compliance. INSTALLATION MUST MEET ALL
STATE AND LOCAL PLUMBING CODES, including, but not limited to:
• Distances that equipment should be placed from the main panel box and electrical outlets.
• Air gaps that must be provided for all drain lines.
3. Kinetico recommends that a WQA-certified installer perform the installation. Failure to install the system as
instructed will void the Limited Warranty.
4. Do not use on water with pressure exceeding 125 psi or temperature exceeding 120°F.
5. If the outlet of the softener is within 10 feet of a hot water tank, the installation of a check valve and/or
expansion tank should be considered.
6. Do not install the system in an area where the temperature can cause the unit to freeze. Damage to the system
will result.
7. Provide proper ventilation when using PVC cleaner or glue.
8. Use a ladder for all work overhead beyond your natural reach. If working continuously at a height of six feet or
more, employ the appropriate safety devices.
9. Use an appliance dolly when transporting equipment on stairways.
10. You must adhere to the following guidelines when soldering:
• Use only LEAD FREE solder.
• Close or remove PVC glue and primer containers and other flammable materials to prevent fire or
explosions.
• Do not wear loose clothing (i.e.: shirt tails, sleeves, etc.) when using a torch for soldering.
• Notify the customer if you will be disabling smoke alarm(s) during installation. Be sure to reconnect the
smoke alarm(s).
• Use a scorch pad to protect any surface that may be exposed to a torch flame or excessive heat.
• Wear protective eyewear while installing to prevent potential eye injury that could be caused by splattering
soldering materials or metal/plastic shavings.
11. When installing a plastic component inline, Kinetico recommends installing grounding straps BEFORE the lines
are actually cut to ensure that the ground is never broken.
12. On iron bearing water, Kinetico recommends using a salt that contains resin-cleaning additives. NOTE:
Kinetico recommends a clean grade of salt. DO NOT USE ROCK SALT.
SYSTEM INSTALLATION
1. Determine location to install equipment. Make sure that the unit will be on a flat surface. Test water to confirm
unit is properly sized for installation. Adjust AccuDial™ to required hardness (see AccuDial Adjustment Guide).
If sand/silt or turbidity is present, install a separate prefilter. ALL HIGH EFFICIENCY UNITS REQUIRE A
PREFILTER.
Model Numbers:
S150, S250, S250 OD,
S350, S550, S650, S650 OD,
Q850, Q850 OD
Rev. 02/2013 Kinetico Incorporated ♦ Newbury, Ohio 44065 ♦ www.kinetico.com Product No. 15051
2
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Verify installation complies with state and local plumbing codes before continuing. All Kinetico
Premier Series softeners must follow a pressure tank on well water applications.
2. Install with by-pass valving as shown in Figure 1 on page 4. Note the inlet and outlet arrows on valve head.
3. Connect the inlet/outlet adapters leading to the conditioner using 1½”, 1¼", 1” or ¾” plumbing. Plumb as
necessary to accommodate a by-pass valve and to complete the installation. Solder adapters to pipe (if
applicable). Glue if P.V.C.
Caution: Do not solder brass adapters while they are inserted in the control module. Damage to the
plastic and rubber parts may result due to the heat. Also, the materials used in the soldering
process may attack certain types of plastics. Take care during the installation process to
assure that solder and flux do not come in contact with media tanks, the control module, E-
clips and related plastic components.
NOTE: Kinetico strongly recommends installing a vacuum breaker in the outlet line to insure there
will not be negative pressure.
4. After all plumbing is completed, but before connecting equipment, flush both the inlet and outlet lines by
opening the by-pass valve and allowing water to rinse out any debris in the lines.
5. Locate the enclosed kit containing four O-rings, two pipes with O-rings and a silicone packet. Apply a liberal
amount of silicone to the four O-rings and the O-rings on the two pipes. Install the four O-rings on the
inlet/outlet adapters.
6. Use the E-clips to connect adapters to the control valve. See Figure 2 on page 4. Be sure to press in E-clips
until all three tabs securely snap into place. Grip tabs to verify they are
properly positioned.
7. Connect the remote tank to the main tank using connector pipes, connector
links and connector pins. See Figure 2 on page 4 (always use both links).
NOTE: Provide an air gap for all drain lines. Check local and state
plumbing codes for the proper setup of drain line air gaps.
Air Gap Instructions. Provide an air gap for all drain lines. Waste
connections or drain outlets shall be designed and constructed to provide
for connection to the sanitary waste system through an air gap of 2 pipe
diameters or 1” (25 mm), whichever is larger.
8. Run a drain line to a discharge point. FOLLOW STATE AND LOCAL
CODES. Before connecting unit, check for any obstructions or kinks. Apply Teflon® tape to the pipe threads on
the side of the softener valve, and install the two fittings supplied. Remove the nut from the drain fitting. (Slide
nut on first, then split gripper with flat surfaces away from the nut. Lastly, slide the hat sleeve with the larger
diameter side toward the nut.) The end of the drain line should extend about ½” from the end of hat sleeve.
Slide into elbow as far as it will go, and hand-tighten nut firmly and then wrench tighten 1 ½ to 2 turns.
NOTE: On drain lines that must travel more than 8 feet up and 30 feet over, it is best to take the ½” drain
line that fits the valve and attach it to a larger diameter line or pipe.
9. Position the brine drum. Remove brine valve and adjust salt setting for the water hardness and AccuDial
setting being used. Replace the brine valve and attach the ⅜” brine line from the module to the brine valve.
Hand-tighten fittings and then wrench tighten 1 ½ to 2 turns.
10. Add a clean grade of salt at this time. DO NOT USE ROCK SALT.
Model Numbers:
S150, S250, S250 OD,
S350, S550, S650, S650 OD,
Q850, Q850 OD
Rev. 02/2013 Kinetico Incorporated ♦ Newbury, Ohio 44065 ♦ www.kinetico.com Product No. 15051
3
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
11. Slowly open the by-pass valve, and allow tanks to fill slowly with water. Water will run at the drain until unit is
full and pressurized.
12. With the unit in service and under pressure, allow the brine drum to fill with water until the brine valve shuts off.
(The water level should be approximately one inch over the grid plate.)
13. After the unit is fully pressurized, slowly open a faucet in the house to purge air from lines. Check all other
house faucets, and purge air by manually cycling unit from one tank to the other. Make sure each tank has run
water through a faucet to drain for at least three (3) minutes.
NOTE: When installation is complete, chlorinate plumbing lines and softener for sanitation. You may
use common household bleach. The amount of bleach will vary depending on plumbing size,
length and fixtures.
Recommended Softener Sanitation Procedure
A. Mix 1 fluid ounce of unscented household bleach in 4 gallons of clean/soft water. This should make a 100
ppm solution.
B. Disconnect the brine line and put the 3/8 tube into the container holding the bleach mixture from the step
above.
C. Put the unit into brine draw on one tank.
D. Draw the mixture until a strong bleach odor is detected (smelled or tested) in the drain line discharge. This
procedure should produce approximately 20 ppm in the mixed solution.
E. Switch quickly to the other tank and repeat the procedure.
F. Advance the control disc to the service position and allow the unit to stand for 30-60 minutes. The colder
the water, the longer the stand time should be.
G. Reconnect the brine line (3/8 tube) to the brine tank and backwash each tank of the softener two times.
*Note: Kinetico Premier Series Model Q850 and Q850 OD - Due to the upflow service pattern of these
models and the amount of time necessary to fully wet the carbon, it is recommended to run additional
low flow (2 – 3 gpm) service gallons at the downstream tap. This should be done by controlling the flow
rate with the downstream tap and having the inlet supply valve fully open. If at any time a lock-up, or no
flow, situation occurs during this process, it is recommended that the unit be completely depressurized
and then slowly repressurized.
14. VERY IMPORTANT: Where a brine drum overflow could cause damage, install a ½” I.D. overflow line on the
barbed overflow fitting on the drum, and connect it to a drain. Make sure the drain is not higher than the barbed
fitting. FOLLOW PLUMBING CODES. If a floor drain is not available, install a brine valve safety float on the
brine valve.
15. Before leaving the installation site, check plumbing for leaks.
Model Numbers:
S150, S250, S250 OD,
S350, S550, S650, S650 OD,
Q850, Q850 OD
Rev. 02/2013 Kinetico Incorporated ♦ Newbury, Ohio 44065 ♦ www.kinetico.com Product No. 15051
4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Kinetico Premier Series Water Softeners are tested and certified by WQA against
the requirements of NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for softener performance and chemical
reduction of barium and radium 226/228. They are also certified to NSF/ANSI 372,
Drinking Water System - Lead Content and the CSA Standard B483.1 - Drinking
Water Treatment Systems.
Figure 1
Figure 2
Installed with
optional
Kinetico
by-pass
valve.
Installed with
common
shut-off
valves.
Treated Water
To Use
Raw Water
1
4
6
1. Main shutoff Valve
2. Outside Faucet Valve (open)
3. Conditioner Inlet Valve (open)
4. By-pass Valve (closed)
5. Conditioner Outlet Valve (open)
6. Kinetico By-pass Valve (for
service and by-pass positions,
see labeling on valve)
2
3
5
/
