40278 Water — Softener Full !!hot!!

Kenmore Model 40278 (often referred to as the Kenmore 350 or 420 series) salt tank is overflowing or staying full of water, it usually means the system is failing to "draw" the brine out during its regeneration cycle. Kenmore Water Solutions 1. Immediate Safety & Reset Bypass the Unit: Bypass Valve

handle to the "Bypass" position to stop more water from entering the tank while you troubleshoot. Check the Power: 40278 water softener full

Ensure the unit is plugged in and the display is active. If the motor doesn't turn, it cannot move the valve into the "Brine Draw" position. 2. Deep Troubleshooting Guide Kenmore ® 350 Water Softener Kenmore Model 40278 (often referred to as the

Note: While "40278" is not a universal industry standard code (like a common model number for GE, Whirlpool, or Fleck), in technical catalogs and parts databases, this number typically refers to a specific replacement media tube, a full bypass valve assembly, or a complete drop-in softener unit for mid-capacity whole-house systems (often 32,000 to 40,000 grain capacity). The following text describes a generic "Full Assembly" based on that common parts classification. How it works

How it works

• Ion-exchange resin: Water passes through a resin bed coated with sodium (or potassium) ions. Hardness ions exchange places with sodium ions and are captured by the resin.
• Regeneration cycle: When resin is saturated with hardness ions, the unit runs a regeneration cycle using a brine solution (salt + water) to flush hardness ions off the resin and recharge it with sodium/potassium.
• Control valve: Timed or metered valves determine when regeneration occurs — either on a schedule (time-clock) or based on actual water usage (demand-initiated regeneration, DIR).

How to Reset the System (Model 40278)

Once you have identified and fixed the mechanical issue, you need to get the water level back to normal. Do not just add more salt.

1

Key specifications (typical for 40278-style residential units)

• Capacity: ~20,000–40,000 grains (varies by exact model and resin amount)
• Resin volume: ~0.75–1.5 cubic feet
• Flow rate: 6–12 gallons per minute (peak)
• Salt usage: 5–15 lbs per regeneration (depends on hardness, capacity used)
• Brine tank: ~10–18 inches diameter, 24–36 inches tall (single-tank with separate resin tank)
• Regeneration: Manual/time-clock/demand-initiated options
• Power: 110–120V for electronic controllers, sometimes battery backup

(Exact specs vary; consult your unit’s nameplate or manual for precise numbers.)