How to Repair a Kinetico Water Tank
Kinectico manufactures water softener systems for the household. The Kinectico brand system features a patented and unique non-electric dual-tank design which makes operation simple and, for the most part, trouble free. Kinectico water softeners regenerate automatically, functioning on water pressure alone, and have no timers or computer parts. To insure the best operation of your Kinectico water softener system, you must perform some routine checks of the basic components. Checking the resin water tank on the Kinectico water softener only requires some basic steps and tools to ensure its integrity and function. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Kinectico operating manual
- Rags
- Screwdrivers
- Bucket
- Salt regenerant (or potassium)
- New pre-filter (if applicable)
- Crescent wrench
Instructions
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Check your storage tank for the proper level and condition of your regenerant salt, or the level of potassium chloride, if your system uses this medium. Check your owner's manual for the proper regenerant additive and volume. Manually remove the tank lid. Remove any regenerant that has formed a solid crust or appears discolored. Wipe out the inside of the tank with a clean rag. Fill the regenerant to the proper level, as indicated by your manual directions.
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Depressurize the system, if you have added new salt or potassium chloride. Twist the by-pass lever to the "Off" position. Select a faucet in your home and open it up all the way. This will clear the pressure in the lines. Shut the faucet off after one to two minutes. Use a Phillips screwdriver to press down on the softener valve screw, which is located on the top of the primary filter tank, and turn it clockwise until the small indicator dot aligns with the "Brine Rinse" position on the valve face. You will hear five clicks during the turning process.
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Turn the by-pass valve back to the service -- water intake -- position. You will hear the rush of water through the intake line, which is normal. Repeat the procedure after the water flow has stopped, which will charge both tanks, but wait the allotted time for another regeneration cycle, according to your manual's recommendation. The waiting period will vary on the model you have. Some require 10 minutes, while others will be longer. The system is now purged for regeneration.
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Refer to your owner's manual for the proper procedure to check or change the pre-filter, if you are experiencing low water pressure in the household. Turn off the water supply line to the pre-filter, then shut off the valve on the other end of the pre-filter. Position a bucket under the pre-filter casing, and unscrew the casing lid. Pull out the old filter. Position an "O" ring on a new filter and slide it up into the casing. Screw the pre-filter casing back on hand tight.
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Check the inlet and outlet line to the filter tanks, including the brine salt tank, for any visual water leaks coming from the line connections. If you see a small trickle or leak, use a crescent wrench to gently tighten the fittings, turning them slowly clockwise. If the plastic tank seams have a split and leak water, you will need to remove the tank and replace it with a Kinectico model tank of the same size and configuration.
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Tips & Warnings
If you believe your water is not soft, in that it smells of chlorine or has a stale odor, you can have a professional technician check the chemical composition of your water for contaminants and particulates. However, routine salt changes and pre-filter replacement at regular maintenance intervals is enough to ensure proper chemical balance.
References
- Photo Credit BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images
