Compact non-electric water softener
High-flow softening without plugs, timers or electronic controls
The Kinetico Sumo 1 is a compact single-tank water softener powered entirely by moving water. Its demand-led valve measures actual usage and regenerates only when required, helping reduce unnecessary salt and water consumption.
Water-powered simplicity
Reliable operation with no electricity required
The hydrodynamic control valve uses the kinetic energy of flowing water to meter demand and operate regeneration. There are no electronic timers to programme and no electrical socket is required beside the unit.
- Non-electric, demand-metered operation
- Compact cabinet measuring 492 mm high and 235 mm wide
- Suitable for block or good-quality tablet salt
- Designed for under-counter installation
No electricity
Powered by water pressure with no plug or electronic timer.
Rapid regeneration
Completes a normal regeneration in approximately 12 minutes.
Low salt use
Uses approximately 0.27 kg of salt per regeneration.
High-flow valve
Up to 30 L/min at a 1 bar pressure drop.
Not sure how hard your water is?
Use our postcode checker to find your area's typical hardness and help confirm the right softener setup.
Precision demand control
Regenerates according to measured water use
The Sumo 1's hardness dial is calibrated to local water conditions. Its meter then tracks usage and starts regeneration when the available softening capacity has been consumed.
- Up-flow regeneration supports efficient resin cleaning
- Approximately 25 litres of water used per cycle
- Approximately 0.27 kg of salt used per cycle
- Maximum supported hardness of 525 mg/L as CaCO₃
Protection throughout the home
Reduce limescale and make cleaning easier
Ion exchange removes the calcium and magnesium responsible for hard water. This helps protect boilers, pipework and water-using appliances while reducing scale deposits on taps, shower screens and bathroom surfaces.
Softened water also allows soaps and detergents to work more effectively, helping reduce residue on laundry, dishes, skin and hair.
Plan the installation
Compact cabinet with installer-ready connections
The cabinet measures 425 mm deep at its base and approximately 475 mm overall. Allow additional access above and around the unit for the bypass, pipework, salt filling and future servicing.
- ¾-inch BSP male inlet and outlet connections
- Dynamic inlet pressure from 1.5 bar
- Pressure-reducing valve recommended above 6 bar
- Qualified installation is recommended
Salt and routine care
Simple day-to-day ownership
The cabinet accepts good-quality block or tablet salt. Check the level regularly and replenish it before the system runs out.
Do not use granular salt. The installation guide specifically warns against it because it can interfere with correct operation.
Choose the correct Sumo
Kinetico Sumo 1 or Sumo 2?
The Sumo 1 is the more compact model. The Sumo 2 provides greater capacity and is intended for higher hardness or heavier household water demand.
Sumo 1
Compact235 mm wide with fast, efficient regeneration and flow up to 30 L/min at a 1 bar pressure drop.
You are viewing the Sumo 1Sumo 2
Higher capacityA larger cabinet for homes with greater hardness, capacity requirements or day-to-day demand.
View the Sumo 2 →Household size alone is not enough to select a softener. Water hardness, available pressure and peak flow should all be checked.
Technical information
Kinetico Sumo 1 specification
| Height | 492 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 235 mm |
| Depth at base | 425 mm |
| Approximate overall depth | 475 mm |
| Maximum hardness | 525 mg/L as CaCO₃ |
| Salt used per regeneration | 0.27 kg |
| Water used per regeneration | 25 litres |
| Regeneration time | Approximately 12 minutes |
| Flow at 1 bar pressure drop | 30 L/min |
| Flow at 2 bar pressure drop | 40 L/min |
| Inlet and outlet connections | ¾-inch BSP male |
| Drain | Drain kit and hose suitable for 32 mm and 40 mm waste pipe |
| Overflow | ⅝-inch OD barb; hose supplied |
| Operating temperature | 2–23°C |
| Minimum pressure | 1.5 bar dynamic |
| Maximum pressure | 8 bar; pressure-reducing valve recommended above 6 bar |
| Compatible salt | Block or good-quality tablet salt |
| Warranty | 2 years parts and labour |
In the box
What is included
Sumo 1 softener
Single-tank cabinet and non-electric control valve.
Inlet and outlet adaptors
Two ¾-inch BSP connection adaptors.
Retaining components
Inlet/outlet bracket, retaining pin and four O-rings.
Overflow tubing
Two metres of ⅝-inch overflow tubing.
Drain tubing
Two metres of ½-inch drain tubing.
Silicone lubricant
One 2 cc tube for fitting the supplied O-rings.
Official documentation
Kinetico Sumo 1 installation guide
Review siting, plumbing, calibration, commissioning, salt and maintenance guidance.
Helpful answers
Frequently asked questions
Does the Sumo 1 require electricity?
No. Water pressure powers its metering and regeneration mechanism, so it requires no plug or electrical controls.
Does it provide soft water during regeneration?
No. The Sumo 1 is a single-tank softener, so water used during regeneration will bypass the resin and will not be softened. Regeneration normally takes approximately 12 minutes.
What salt can I use?
Use good-quality block or tablet salt. Do not use granular salt.
How much installation space is required?
The cabinet is 492 mm high, 235 mm wide and 425 mm deep at the base, with an approximate overall depth of 475 mm. Additional access is required for plumbing, salt and servicing.
Is a pressure-reducing valve required?
The installation guide recommends fitting one when the incoming pressure exceeds 6 bar. Maximum stated operating pressure is 8 bar.
Friendly expert support
Need us to check the Sumo 1 for your home?
Tell us your postcode, water hardness, plumbing system and number of bathrooms. We will help you check the model before you order.
