Resin in Pipes Kenmore 350 Water Softener Troubleshooting and Maintenance

The Kenmore 350 water softener is a great appliance, but like any machine, it requires regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly.

One common issue with the Kenmore 350 is resin buildup in the pipes, which can lead to reduced water flow and efficiency.

To troubleshoot resin in pipes, it's essential to check the resin tank first, as it's the primary source of the problem.

The resin tank should be cleaned every 6-12 months to prevent resin buildup.

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If your Kenmore 350 water softener is not working properly, there are several potential issues to investigate.

Low water pressure can be a sign that the membrane that holds the resin beads in place has broken, allowing beads to travel throughout your plumbing system.

Grit in showerheads and faucet screens can also indicate a broken membrane, as resin beads break down over time and clog these areas.

Resin beads coming out of your faucet are another clear sign of a broken membrane.

Related reading: Broken Water Pipes

An empty salt tank can prevent your water softener from softening your water.

A salt bridge, which occurs when salt accumulates in the tank and prevents the brine solution from flowing, can also cause issues.

Depleted resin can also prevent your water softener from working properly.

Clogged or damaged venturi, as well as a broken rotor position switch, can also cause problems.

Loose water line connections can cause leaks in your water softener.

Cracked water-carrying components can also lead to leaks.

Bad rotor valve seals can also cause water to leak from your water softener.

If you notice chalky deposits on your dishware and fixtures, it could be a sign that your water softener is clogged.

A change in the softness of your water can also indicate a clogged water softener.

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You can use bleach to clean your water softener's brine tank and resin bed, but be sure to keep the concentration between 50-100 mg/L to avoid damaging the resin.

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Bleach is effective at neutralizing resin-fouling bacteria and sanitizing your system, and it's especially useful if you're softening chlorinated municipal water. However, using bleach can eventually render your resin powerless if exposed to oxidants for too long.

Regular cleaning of your water softener is crucial, especially if you have iron in your water. Using a product like Rust Out can help chemically alter and remove iron and rust from your resin bed, protecting the softener's service life and keeping it effective at reducing water hardness.

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You can use bleach to clean your water softener, specifically the brine tank and rinse out the resin bed. This is because bleach is effective at neutralizing resin-fouling bacteria and sanitizing the system.

However, be sure to keep bleach concentrations between 50-100 mg/L to avoid degrading the softener's resin. Stronger concentrations can weaken the resin's ability to eliminate hardness minerals.

Regularly cleaning your water softener with a product like Rust Out is essential to protect the softener's service life and prevent iron remnants from accumulating and clogging the system.

Iron particles can solidify and stick to the resin beads, making the water appear muddy and reducing the softener's effectiveness. This is why regular cleaning is crucial.

To flush resin beads from the plumbing, follow the steps outlined in the guide, which involves checking for clear water flowing from all outlets. This indicates that you've successfully flushed the resin beads from the pipes.

However, don't turn your water softener out of bypass mode just yet, as the remaining resin beads in the tank can still cause problems. It's essential to fix or repair the water softener before resuming normal operation.

If you've got resin beads in your plumbing, it's likely due to a broken resin tank screen, bad resin tank seals, or a cracked upper distributor in the resin tank.

You'll know you've successfully flushed the resin beads from your plumbing when you see clear water flowing from all your outlets.

Don't turn your water softener out of bypass mode, even if you think you've removed all the resin beads. This can cause the same problem to recur.

Fixing or repairing the water softener is the best course of action, rather than trying to bypass it.

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The brine and resin system is a crucial part of your Kenmore 350 water softener. The brine tank should have 8 to 14 inches of water in it when empty, depending on the system's capacity and salt setting.

To troubleshoot brine tank issues, start by checking the brine line for any visible deposits that might be blocking water flow. If you spot a clog, you may need a professional's help to clean the line without damaging your system.

A malfunctioning valve or clogged injector can also cause an overflowing brine tank. Check the caps of the brine tank and brine well for a tight fit, and inspect the brine line float for salt build-up.

Common issues with the brine tank include blockages in the brine line, a stuck float, or a clogged injector. These problems are often DIY fixes, but may require professional assistance.

Here are some steps to troubleshoot your brine tank issue:

Remember, it's essential to address these issues promptly to prevent further problems with your water softener.

If you suspect your Kenmore 350 water softener is malfunctioning, take immediate action to prevent resin buildup in your plumbing. Don't run any water while resolving the issue, especially hot water, to avoid leaking beads into your water heater.

You'll need to put your water softener into bypass mode to prevent additional beads from moving through your plumbing. This usually involves turning a valve off or pushing a valve in, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

Make sure to flush out any remaining resin beads in your plumbing system to prevent damage to your water heater and fixtures.

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Replacing the resin in your Kenmore 350 water softener is a crucial maintenance task. The resin typically lasts about 20 years, but high levels of chlorine can shorten its lifespan.

If you notice sand-like particles in the resin tank, it's time for new resin, as these particles can damage the rest of the system.

Adjusting your softener settings to regenerate more often can help in the short-term. However, this is only a temporary fix and doesn't address the underlying issue.

In the long-term, it's recommended to call in a professional to replace the resin and correct the problem.