Ice Makers And Refrigerator Water Dispensers; Choosing A Compatible Faucet; Long Tubing Run Installations - Kinetico K5 Manual

K5 Drinking Water Station
K5 Installation: Do's and Don'ts for
Eliminating Pulsing and/or Squealing
Kinetico has achieved a drinking water system design with flow rates boasting a 1.0-1.5 GPM and higher
at typical pressures. With the higher faucet flow rates, it is necessary to ensure that the installation and
faucets are compatible with the K5.
Due to the hydraulic nature of the K5 valving with Quick Flo technology, pulsing and squealing sounds can
occur when the valving sees back pressure. Back pressure occurs when there is any restriction between
the K5 manifold outlet and the point of use. The back pressure creates pressure signals allowing the drive
valve to open, close, or partially close, creating the pulsing effect at the point of use. This same effect can
create a squealing noise as well.

Ice Makers and Refrigerator Water Dispensers

These appliances inherently have restrictions which can cause the K5 with Quick Flo technology to pulse
and/or cause ice cube deficiency. With short draws and low volume being drawn in a short period of time,
the K5 hydraulic valving cannot react. This, in turn, can cause small or nonexistent ice cubes. For ice
makers, we recommend the installation of the K5 Ice maker kit, part number 13475. It is a small
accumulator that will provide the necessary volume to satisfy the appliance. Included with this
communiqué, you'll find further information and an installation diagram for the ice maker kit.
The K5 ice maker kit does not have sufficient storage volume to handle water dispensers. In this case, we
recommend you install a larger air charge tank, acting as a larger accumulator. It is important to install a
check valve in front of the accumulator, as shown on the attached diagram.
Accumulator tanks can also diminish the squealing noise from low or slow using points of use.

Choosing a Compatible Faucet

Faucets that have internal restrictions or do not connect to a 3/8" diameter tube can cause pulsing. We
recommend the use of the Kinetico Faucet, which has been exclusively designed to be compatible with
the K5 Drinking Water Station. If you must use a faucet that is not K5 compatible, Kinetico has designed
a flow suppressor which will limit the K5 flow to the faucet and eliminate the pulsing and noise. The flow
suppressor can be purchased in packs of 25 under part number P13477.

Long Tubing Run Installations

Long tubing running from the K5 manifold to the faucet can cause pulsing and squealing. Due to the long
length of tubing being used in basements, offices, and multi-level installations, we recommend increasing
the tubing size from 3/8" diameter to 1/2" diameter. This should be considered on lengths greater than 30
feet and on vertical lengths greater than 15 feet. The larger tubing size will decrease pressure loss and
will minimize pulsing and squealing noises.
When increasing the line size is not possible, we recommend installing the K5 flow suppressor (part
number P13477), which will limit the system's flow rate and minimize pulsing. This suppressor is field-
adjustable. The hole in the suppressor regulating the flow may be enlarged by using small drill bits. This
may be necessary to meet customer flow rate requirements and minimize pulsing. Some experimentation
may be required on-site, as each individual installation scenario is unique.
Drinking Water Systems
Revised: 09/2016 Section 7
Page 59