2020c

WATER SOFTENER
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

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2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

Safety Information
Read all steps, guides and rules carefully before installing and using the Kinetico softener.
Check your local building and sanitation codes for installation compliance.

Adhere to all by laws including, but not limited to:

• Kinetico recommends that a qualified installer or engineer performs the installation.
Failure to install the system as instructed could invalidate the warranty.
• Do not install if the supply water pressure exceeds 125 psi (8.3 BAR).
Unless a suitable regularity pressure valve has been installed on the water supply to the
softener, the water temperature must not exceed 120°F (48.8°C).
• Do not install the Kinetico softener in an area where the temperature can cause the unit
to freeze. Freezing temperatures will damage the system.

Very important!
Where a cabinet overflow could cause damage, you must install a 1/2” (12mm) I.D. overflow
line on the barbed fitting on the cabinet and run to a suitable outlet that is visible and
capable of taking the overflow (ie. through the outside wall). Make sure the outlet is not
higher than the barbed fitting.
• When installing a plastic component on a copper pipe in line, Kinetico recommends
placing earth continuity straps ACROSS the component being fitted to ensure that the
earth continuity is never broken.
• A Kinetico installation kit includes a manually operated by-pass device which enables the
softener to be isolated from the water service lines for maintenance and service. This
also maintains the continuity of the water supply when the system is disconnected.
• These systems are not intended to be used for treating water that is microbiologically
unsafe or water that has an unknown quality without adequate disinfection before or
after the system.

Important: Refer to the plumbing schematic in figure 1 before beginning installation.

NOTE: There are two 2020c compact water softener models. The High Efficiency (HE)
system (part no. 11694uk) is designed for, but not limited to, most applications with general
flow rate requirements.
The High Flow (HF) system (part no. 11717uk) is designed for homes requiring higher flow.
If you are unsure which system is best for your application, contact Kinetico for advice.

For more information about Kinetico -

visit www.kinetico.co.uk or freephone 0800 015 1380
Kinetico UK Ltd
Bridge House, Park Gate Business Centre, Park Gate, Hampshire SO31 1FQ

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 2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

TYPICAL INSTALLATION
A typical Kinetico 2020c Installation shown
with Kinetico reverse osmosis drinking
water systems.
Your installation may vary.

To Home
Figure 1

To Reverse Osmosis
Bypass drinking system

Outlet

Inlet

To
Drain

Overflow

From
Mains Supply

1. A non-return valve is required on the water main supply to the softener. This may be
incorporated in your Kinetico installation kit.
2. Fit a pressure regulating valve, if required, on the water supply to the softener.
3. Plumb the drain line from the softener to a waste pipe through an appropriate air gap.

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2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: Verify installation complies with local plumbing codes before continuing.

1 Location
Determine location to install equipment. Make sure that the unit will be on a flat
surface. If sand, silt or turbidity is present, a separate prefilter should be installed.

2 Install
Install with by-pass valves as shown in Figure 1. Note the inlet/outlet direction in fig 2.

3 Plumb
Plumb as necessary to accommodate a by-pass valve and to complete the installation.

Figure 2 5

4
1 Overflow
3
2 Salt block bay
1 1
3 Remove module retaining Clip
4
4 In/Out retaining bracket 3

5 Drain connector
5

2 2

CAUTION: Do not solder brass adapters while inserted in the control module. Excessive
heat may result in damage to the plastic and rubber parts . The materials used in the
soldering process may attack certain types of plastics. Care should be taken during the
installation process to assure that solder and flux do not come in contact with media tanks,
the control module, and related plastic components.

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 K5 DRINKING WATER STATION
Owner’s Manual

DRAIN
Secure hose with
SOFT HARD
a clip & run to
a stand pipe,
WAT ER WAT ER
open gully or
other suitable
OUTLET INLET
permanent drain. Product No. 10718

Figure 3 2

OVERFLOW

1 Overflow
Product No. XXXXX

2 Drain fitting
1

4 Flush
After all plumbing is completed, but before connecting the water softener, flush both
inlet and outlet lines allowing water to rinse out any debris in the lines.

5 Remove Adapters
Remove the inlet/outlet adapters from the unit by removing the retaining pin and
bracket (see Figure 2, part 4) Connect the hoses to the softener’s inlet/outlet adapter.
Remember to use the enclosed mesh washers. Replace inlet/outlet adapters. Attach
the retaining bracket to the softener valve.

NOTE: The softener has outlet ports on the left side and the right of the cabinet. This
allows the inlet/outlet connections to be fitted on either side of the cabinet by reversing
the components as seen in Figure 2.

6 Decals
Place the in/out and overflow decals (found in the owner’s pack included with each
system) on the side of the cabinet being used. See Figure 3 for decal locations.

7 Drain Line
Run a drain line to discharge point. FOLLOW LOCAL PLUMBING CODES. Before connecting
to the unit, check for any obstructions or kinks. Slide on the stainless steel jubilee clip.
Push the drain line onto the barbed fitting and tighten the jubilee clip securely.

NOTE: On drain lines that must travel more than 8 feet up and 30 feet over, it is best to take
the 1/2” drain line that fits the valve and attach it in a largest diameter line or pipe. The
drain line must not be restricted.

8 Remove Brine Valve

Remove brine valve and adjust setting for the water hardness and meter disc being
used (as per fig. 7 & 8). Replace the brine valves and make sure the 1/4” brine line is
secure. Hand-tighten the fittings.

05
2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

INSTALLATION REVIEW

1 Test Pressure
Test incoming pressure and fit a pressure limiting valve if the pressure is near
maximum. Min./Max. Operating Pressure is 15psi/125psi.

2 Main Inlet Valve

With the by-pass in the by-pass position, turn on the main inlet valve slowly and check
for leaks in the plumbing.

3 Secure Drain Line

Make sure the drain line is secure and using an airgap.

4 Pressurising
Open the inlet valve and allow the softeners to pressurize. Water may run to drain
until the unit is fully pressurised.

5 Brine Drum
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.

Tip: If the cabinet does not fill with water, simply lift the brine valve from the brine well
and gently push down on the float rod until water starts to flow from the valve. Return the
valve to the brine well.

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 2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

STARTUP INSTRUCTIONS

1 IMPORTANT:
Using a Phillips head screwdriver, manually cycle the softener to the backwash
position, push down firmly turning the black dot on the white control disc to the letter
“w”in the word “backwash”on the clear cap. You will hear a rush of water and air going
to the drain. When the vessel has finished its cycle, repeat the procedure on the next
tank and allow it to finish its cycle. See Figure 4.

2 Trapped Air
After the unit is pressurized, open the outlet valve, ensure isolation valve is closed.
Open a tap in the house to release trapped air from the lines.

NOTE: When the installation is complete, plumbing lines must be chlorintated for
sanitisation. Common household bleach may be used. The amount of bleach needed can
vary depending on plumbing size, length and fixtures.

1 Lid Removal
If you have installed the softener in a confined area that will not permit the hinged
lid to be opened, remove the lid and hinges from the cabinet. Insert the alternate
connectors provided into the slots on the cabinet previously occupied by the hinges.
Place the lid on the cabinet. See Figure 5. The alternate connectors will permit easy
removal of the lid for access to the salt bay.

Figure 4

Indicator Dot

Softener Valve Screw

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2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

Figure 5

Show the customer how to load salt into the cabinet. Remind the customer that they
have the option of using block (where available) or tablet salt. If you are using tablet salt,
you may wish to install a salt bay extension as shown in Figure 6 (part no. 10716 - sold
seperatly). Before leaving the installation site, check plumbing for leaks and clean up work
area. Test the water at a softened water tap. Explain the system to the customer including
the by-pass and how to load salt.

KINETICO DOES NOT RECOMMEND USING GRANULAR SALT

Figure 6

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 2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

2020c compact water softener (HE)

Salt Setting 1 2 3 4 5 6
.22kg 0-93ppm 94-184ppm 185-272ppm 273-358ppm 359-441ppm 442-523ppm
.3kg 0-115ppm 116- 228-336ppm 337-441ppm 442-544ppm 545-600ppm
227ppm
Litres between 1479 740 493 370 296 247
regenerations

Maximum Hardness 35gpg (600ppm)

Media Tank Size 6” x 13” (152mm x 330mm)
Cabinet Dimentions @ base H 19” x D 18” x W 8” (H 485mm x D 455mm x W 210mm)
Resin per tank 4.4 litres
Tank Freeboard PACKED
Salt used per cycle 0.22kg or 0.3kg
Regeneration Time 11 Minutes
Service Flow Rate @ 15 psi drop 24 l/m
Service Flow Rate @ 30 psi drop 41 l/m
Backwash Rate 2.7 l/m
Resin Type Non solvent-fine mesh
Pipe connections - in/out 3/4”
Min./Max. Operating Pressure 15/125 PSI (0.83 BAR/8.3 BAR)
Min./Max. Operating Temperature 35° - 120° F (2° - 49°C)
Minimum Operating Flow 0.18 l/m
Water used per cycle 22 litres

8“ (210mm)

19” (485mm)

18” (455mm)

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2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

2020c compact water softener (HF)

Salt Setting 1 2 3 4 5 6
.22kg 0-75ppm 76-149ppm 150-220ppm 221-289ppm 290-357ppm 358-423ppm
.3kg 0-92ppm 93-181ppm 182-268ppm 269-352ppm 353-435ppm 436-515ppm
Litres between 1479 740 493 370 296 247
regenerations

Maximum Hardness 30gpg (515ppm)

Media Tank Size 6” x 13” (152mm x 330mm)
Cabinet Dimentions @ base H 19” x D 18” x W 8” (H 485mm x D 455mm x W 210mm)
Resin per tank 4.4 litres
Tank Freeboard PACKED
Salt used per cycle 0.22kg or 0.3kg
Regeneration Time 11 Minutes
Service Flow Rate @ 15 psi drop 32 l/m
Service Flow Rate @ 30 psi drop 51 l/m
Backwash Rate 2.7 l/m
Resin Type Monosphere
Pipe connections - in/out 3/4”
Min./Max. Operating Pressure 15/125 PSI (0.83 BAR/8.3 BAR)
Min./Max. Operating Temperature 35° - 120° F (2° - 49°C)
Minimum Operating Flow 0.18 l/m
Water used per cycle 22 litres

8“ (210mm)

19” (485mm)

18” (455mm)

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 2020c WATER SOFTENER
Installation Instructions

On page 11, there is a diagram of the brine valve that is used in the 2020C water softener.
There are 2 brine valve settings that can be selected dependant on the incoming water
hardness (see disc chart on page 8 and 9).
Figure 7 shows the 0.22kg setting with the yellow float cup pushed completely down the
rod when the valve is de-pressurised.
Figure 8 shows the 0.3kg setting which has the yellow float cup raised by 6mm. The top
of the float cap should be in line with the black mark on the rod when the valve is de-
pressurised..
Refer to your authorised Kinetico dealer for your warranty information. Alternativly, you
can visit our website: www.kinetico.co.uk

(109mm)
(114mm)

freephone 0800 0151 380 11

Kinetico UK Ltd
Bridge House, Park Gate Business Centre, Park Gate,
Hampshire SO31 1FQ
t 01489 566970
f 01489 566976
e [email protected]

© Kinetico UK Ltd 2011. Kinetico reserves the right to amend details or specifications
without notice, prices are correct at time of print, E&OE.
All trademarks are registered to Kinetico Inc. Newbury, Ohio.