KitchenAid KDTF924PPS Owners Manual - Page 5
Water Softening System, Water Hardness Setting, Filling The Salt Reservoir, Cleaning the Filters
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Water Softening System IMPORTANT: If you have hard water (above 15 grains) and do not have a whole house water softener, the water softener and the heating element may be damaged as a result of limescale accumulation. In such instances of hard water, the water softener in the dishwasher should be used. The water softener reduces water hardness thereby reducing calcium buildup on the heater, inside the dishwasher, and on your dishes. Soft water also allows your detergent to operate more efficiently. This system regenerates using salt, so it is necessary to keep the salt reservoir filled. The regeneration process occurs as needed during a cycle to keep the water softener operating properly. The frequency of regeneration depends on the water hardness level setting. The water softener system is "OFF" by default from the factory, so if the water softener is to be used, the system must be set to "ON" by selecting a water hardness level using setting menu. See water hardness setting table. Water Hardness Setting Determine your water hardness by obtaining information from a water quality report from your water supplier or purchase a water hardness test kit at a hardware store. The water softening system is turned off from the factory (hardness setting "0"). To turn on your water softener, you must set the water hardness level in the "SETTING MENU" using the hardness setting value from the following "WATER HARDNESS TABLE". Once the system is turned on, the salt reservoir must be filled with special dishwasher softener salt and water. Water Hardness Table Level Grains per gallon (gpg) Parts per million (ppm) 0 Water softener off (factory setting) 1 0-6 0-100 2 6-12 100-200 3 12-18 200-300 4 18-36 300-600 5 >36 >600 Filling The Salt Reservoir The salt reservoir is located in the lower part of the dishwasher (under the lower rack on the left side). Once your water softener system is turned on, you must fill the reservoir with dishwasher softener salt and water. As the salt supply is used up with successive system regenerations, a low-salt indicator will light on the control panel indicating it's time to refill the salt. Once salt is refilled, the light will turn off. 1. Remove the lower rack and unscrew the reservoir cap (by turning the cap counter-clockwise). 2. Position a funnel (comes along with your dishwasher) and fill the salt reservoir right up to its edge (approximately 0.5 kg); it is not unusual for a little water to leak out. 3. If filling the reservoir for the first time, it is also necessary to fill the reservoir with water after filling with salt. When refilling salt, there is no need to add more water. 4. Remove the funnel and wipe any salt residue away from the opening. Make sure the cap is screwed on tightly so that no detergent or food can get into the reservoir during the dishwasher use (this could damage the water softener beyond repair). IMPORTANT: Run a cycle every time as soon as you completed refilling the salt reservoir to avoid corrosion. Cleaning the Filters It is very easy to remove and maintain the filters. The chart below shows the recommended cleaning frequency. Recommended Time Interval to Clean Your Filter Number of loads per week If you only scrape before loading* If you scrape and rinse before loading If you wash before loading 8-12 Every two months Every four months Once per year 4-7 Every two Once per Once per months year year 1-3 Twice per Once per Once per year year year *Manufacturer's recommendation: This practice will conserve the water and energy that you would have used to prepare your dishes. This will also save you time and effort. Very Hard Water If you have hard water (above 15 grains) and you do not have a whole house water softener system, be sure to turn on and use the water softener in the dishwasher. Also clean your filter at least once per month. Building up of white residue on your dishwasher indicates hard water. For tips on removing spots and stains, see the online "Troubleshooting" section. NOTE: Online references can be found in the Quick Start Guide. Filter Removal Instructions 1. Turn the upper filter assembly 1/4 turn counterclockwise and lift out. 2. Separate the upper filter assembly by gently pulling apart. 3. Clean the filters as shown. 5