How to Change the Hardness Level on a Kenmore Water Softener

Quck answer

Adjusting the hardness on a Kenmore water softener is a simple process. First, locate the control panel on the unit. Then, press the “Menu” button to access the settings. Use the arrow keys to navigate to the hardness setting. Press “Enter” to select it. Enter the desired hardness level using the numeric keypad. Press “Enter” again to save the setting. Finally, press “Exit” to return to the main menu. Remember to periodically check and adjust the hardness setting to ensure optimal performance of the water softener.


Kenmore water softeners are designed to eliminate iron and other chemicals from your water. When water enters the brine, the beads in the brine attract the minerals that cause hardness in the water. This leads to the flow of soft water through your faucets and showers. It is crucial to adjust the hardness level to prevent excessive hardness, which can cause damage to your plumbing pipes. Adjusting the hardness on a Kenmore water softener requires knowledge of specific conditions from your home water analysis report.

Step 1

Using your finger, press and release the right center “Select” button. The center display screen will show a number with the word “Hardness” below it.

Step 2

Locate your water analysis report settings either in your softener’s owner manual or on a label inside the lid of the softener. Look for the hardness number in grains per gallon (gpg) and the iron concentration in parts per million. If you do not have a water analysis, contact Sears to schedule an analysis.

Step 3

Multiply the iron concentration in parts per million by five. For example, if your water has three ppm of iron, multiply three by five to get a total of 15.

Step 4

Add the iron number to the hardness number. For instance, if your gpg hardness is 20 and the iron concentration is three ppm, add 20 to 15 for a total of 35.

Step 5

Use the directional up and down buttons to make the display flash the correct number. Press the center “Select” button once and exit the programming mode.

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