Kenmore Softener Problems

I have a Kenmore UltraSoft 250. It was in the house when we moved in 5 years ago. It has never really seemed to soften the water. The resin tank was replaced in 2007 because it cracked and flooded the basement, but that is a different story.

Like I said the water softener has never really seemed to work right. It goes through salt, but the water doesn't seem soften whether it's set to the lowest setting or the highest. I've pulled out and cleaned the nozzle/venturi several times, but it doesn't make a difference. I've also gone through the troubleshooting steps on Kenmore's site. Recently, we've been getting a slight sulfur smell from the softened water, but last night a put some bleach in the brine and ran a regeneration and it seems to have gone away.

Can anyone give me some other ideas to try to fix this? I'd like to try to fix this myself before buying another one.

Thanks,
Bill

Start with a test of the water before the system and after the system.
There might be a blow by leak, untreated water getting to the treated side.
One point could the the bypass handle not seated all the way to service, the other could be that the disc seal is broken and letting water cross within the valve or that the o ring on the distributor is missing ....

Hello Bill, Welcome to Terry's Forums,

I would replace the unit, Then you know your starting point.

You can get a test kit and determine the hardness level that you have , then go from there.

Parts are available for the Kenmore, But a replacement would be best. Sears does back their product.


Have a Great Day.


DonL

Thanks for the replies. Where would one get a water test kit?

Box stores might, local hardware store might.

btb079 said:

Thanks for the replies. Where would one get a water test kit?

Click to expand...

Ace hardware or;

http://www.amazon.com/Water-Hardness-Test-Kit/dp/B004R6VXLI


Enjoy your day.


DonL