Whirlpool WHES18 Dual Tank Water Softener User Manual

Whirlpool WHES18 Dual Tank Water Softener

Before you Start

• The water softener requires a minimum water flow of 3 gallons per minute at the inlet.
• The maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. If daytime pressure is over 80 psi, nighttime pressure may exceed the maximum.
• Use a pressure-reducing valve if necessary (Adding a pressure-reducing valve may reduce the flow).
• If your home is equipped with a backflow preventer, an expansion tank must be installed in accordance with local codes and laws.
• The water softener works on 24 V DC electrical power supplied by a direct plug-in power supply (included).
• Be sure to use the included power supply and plug it into a nominal 120 V, 60 Hz household outlet that is in a dry location only, grounded and properly protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuit breaker or fuse.
• Do not use this system to treat water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown quality without adequate disinfection upstream or downstream of the system.

Inspect Shipment

The parts required to assemble and install the water softener are included with the unit. Thoroughly check the water softener for possible shipping damage and parts loss. Also, inspect and note any damage to the shipping carton. Remove and discard (or recycle) all packing materials. To avoid the loss of small parts, we suggest you keep the small parts in the parts bag until you are ready to use them.

Packing List

Dimensions

Water Conditioning Information

Iron

Iron in water can cause stains on clothing and plumbing fixtures. It can negatively affect the taste of food, drinking water, and other beverages. Iron in water is measured in parts per million (ppm). The total* ppm of iron, and type or types*, is determined by chemical analysis. Four different types of iron in water are:

• • Ferrous (clear water) iron
  • Ferric (red water) iron
  • Bacterial and organically bound iron
  • Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (ferrous or ferric)
• Ferrous (clear water) iron is soluble and dissolves in water. This water softener will reduce moderate amounts of this type of iron (see specifications).** Ferrous (clear water) iron is usually detected by taking a sample of water in a clear bottle or glass. Immediately after taking the sample is clear. As the water sample stands, it gradually clouds and turns slightly yellow or brown as the air oxidizes the iron. This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes.
• When using the softener to reduce Ferrous (clear water) iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting for every 1 ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron. See “Set Water Hardness Number” section.

Sediment

• Sediment is fine foreign material particles suspended in water. This water softener will not remove sediment. This material is most often clay or silt. Extreme amounts of sediment may give the water a cloudy appearance. A sediment filter installed upstream of the water softener normally corrects this situation.
  • Water may contain one or more of the four types of iron and any combination of these. Total iron is the sum of the contents.
  • The capacity to reduce clear water iron is substantiated by laboratory test data.

Installation

Location Requirements

Consider all of the following when selecting an installation location for the water softener.

• Do not locate the water softener where freezing temperatures occur.
• Do not attempt to treat water over 120ºF. Freezing temperatures or hot water damage voids the warranty.
• To condition all water in the home, install the water softener close to the water supply inlet, and upstream of all other plumbing connections, except outside water pipes.
• Outside faucets should remain on hard water to avoid wasting conditioned water and salt.
• A nearby drain is needed to carry away regeneration discharge (drain) water.
• Use a floor drain, laundry tub, sump, standpipe, or other options (check your local codes).
• The water softener works on 24 V DC electrical power, supplied by a direct plug-in power supply (included).
• Provide a 120 V, 60 Hz electrical outlet nearby in accordance with NEC and local codes.
• Always install the water softener between the water inlet and the water heater.
• Any other installed water conditioning equipment should be installed between the water inlet and the water softener.
• Avoid installing in direct sunlight. Excessive sun heat may cause distortion or other damage to non-metallic parts. All plumbing must be completed in accordance with national, state, and local plumbing codes air gap In the state of  Massachusetts, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts plumbing code 248-CMR shall be adhered to. A licensed plumber shall be used for this installation.

Air Gap

• A drain is needed for regeneration water (See Figure 3). A floor drain, close to the water softener, is preferred. A laundry tub, standpipe, etc., are other drain options. Secure the valve drain hose in place. Leave an air gap of 1-1/2″ between the end of the hose and the drain. This gap is needed to prevent the backflow of sewer water into the water softener. Do not put the end of the drain hose into the drain.

Valve Drain

Using the flexible drain hose (included), measure and cut to the length needed. Flexible drain hose is not allowed in all localities (check your plumbing codes). If local codes do not allow the use of a flexible drain hose, a rigid valve drain run must be used. Purchase a compression fitting (1/4 NPT x 1/2 in. minimum tube) and 1/2″ tubing from your local hardware store. Plumb a rigid drain as needed (See Figure 6).

Plumibing Options

Always install either a single bypass valve (provided), as shown in Figure 7, or, if desired, parts for a 3 valve bypass system (not included) can be purchased and assembled, as shown in Figure 8. Bypass valves allow you to turn off water to the softener for maintenance if needed, but still have water in the house pipes. Use:

Typical Installation

• Copper pipe
• Threaded pipe
• PEX (Crosslinked Polyethylene) pipe
• CPVC plastic pipe
• Other pipes approved for use with potable water.

Turn Off Water Supply

1. Close the main water supply valve, located near the well pump or water meter.
2. Open all faucets to drain all water from house pipes.

Overflow Elbow

Moving Into Place

1. Move the water softener into the desired location. Set it on a solid, level surface.
2. Do not place shims directly under the salt storage tank to level the softener.
3. The weight of the tank, when full of water and salt, may cause the tank to fracture at the shim.
4. Visually check and remove any debris from the water softener valve inlet and outlet ports.
5. Make sure the turbine assembly spins freely in the “out” port of the valve.
6. If not already done, put a light coating of silicone grease on the single bypass valve o-rings.

Push the single bypass valve into the softener valve as far as it will go. Snap the two large holding clips into place, from the top down.Be sure all 3 tabs of the clip go through the matching holes on the water softener valve inlet or outlet, and fully into the channel on the single bypass valve. Make sure that the tabs are fully seated.

Grounding Information

The house’s main incoming water pipe is often used to ground electrical outlets in the home. Grounding protects you from electrical shock. Installing the water softener with a plastic bypass valve will break this ground. Before beginning installation, purchase and securely install two grounding clamps and a #4 copper wire across the location where the softener will be, tightly clamping it at both ends, as shown in Figure 13.

Complete Inlet/Outlet Plumbing

Measure, cut, and loosely assemble pipe and fittings from the main water pipe to the inlet and outlet ports of the water softener valve. Be sure to keep fittings fully together, and pipes squared and straight. Be sure the hard water supply pipe goes to the water softener valve inlet side.

Install the Valve drain

1. Measure, cut to the needed length, and connect the 3/8″ drain line (provided) to the water softener valve drain fitting. Use a hose clamp to hold the hose in place.
2. Route the drain hose or copper tubing to the floor drain. Secure drain hose.
3. This will prevent “whipping” during regenerations. See the “Air Gap Requirements” section.

Salt Storage Tank

1. Measure, cut to the needed length, and connect the 3/8″ drain line (provided) to the salt storage tank overflow elbow and secure in place with a hose clamp.
2. Route the hose to the floor drain, or another suitable drain point no higher than the drain fitting on the salt storage tank (this is a gravity drain). If the tank overfills with water, the excess water flows to the drain point. Cut the drain line to the desired length and route it neatly out of the way.

Test for Leaks

To prevent air pressure in the water softener and plumbing system, complete the following steps in order:

1. Fully open two or more softened cold water faucets close to the water softener, located downstream from the water softener.
2. Place the bypass valve (single or 3 valve) into the “bypass” position. See Figures 7 & 8 on Page 7.
3. Slowly open the main water supply valve. Run water until there is a steady flow from the opened faucets, with no air bubbles.
4. Place bypass valve(s) in “service” or soft water position as follows:
5. Single bypass valve
   • Slowly move the valve stem toward “service,” pausing several times to allow the water softener to fill with water.
6. 3 valve bypass
   • Fully close the bypass valve and open the outlet valve. Slowly open the inlet valve, pausing several times to allow the water softener to fill with water.
7. After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet until there is a steady flow and there are no air bubbles, then close this faucet.
8. Close all cold water faucets and check for leaks at the plumbing connections that you made.
   

Adding Water & Salt

1. Using a container, add about three gallons of clean water to the salt storage tank.
2. Add salt to the storage tank. Use nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities.

Power Supply

During installation, the water softener wiring may be moved or jostled out of its place. Be sure all leadwire connectors are secure on the back of the electronic board, and be sure all wiring is away from the valve gear and the motor area, which rotates during regenerations.

1. Plug the power supply into an electrical outlet that is not controlled by a switch.

Sanitize the Water 

1. Open the alt lid, remove the brine well cover, and pour about 3 oz. (6 tablespoons) of household bleach into the softener brine well. Replace the brinewell cover.
2. Make sure the bypass valve is in the “service” (open) position.
3. Start a recharge (regeneration). See “Start a Recharge” on Page 13.
4. After the recharge has completed, fully open a cold water faucet, downstream from the softener, and allow 50 gallons of water to pass through the system. This should take at least 20 minutes. Close the faucet.

Programming the Water Softener

Clean Reminder

• The screen in Figure 16 appears, with “CLEAn” flashing in the display, when four months have elapsed on the system’s timer since startup or the last reset.
• This is a reminder to use Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser three times a year. To reset the timer, press any button on the control panel, and “CLEAn” will disappear.

Pragramme 

• When the power supply is plugged into the electrical outlet, the model code (LE18) and a software version number (example: J3.9) are briefly shown in the display. Then the words “PRESENT TIME” appear, nd 12:00 PM begins to flash.

Set Time of the Day

• If the words “PRESENT TIME” do not show in the display, press the PROGRAM button until they do.
• Press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to set the present time. Up moves the display ahead; down sets the time back. Be sure AM or PM is correct.
• Press buttons and quickly release to slowly advance the display. Hold the buttons down for fast advance.

Water Hardness

• Press the PROGRAM button once again to display a flashing “25” and the word “HARDNESS”.
• Press the UP or DOWN buttons to set your water’s hardness number.

Programming the Water Softener

If your water supply contains iron, compensate for it by adding to the water hardness number. For example, assume your water is 20 gpg hard and contains 2 ppm iron. Add 5 to the hardness number for each 1 ppm of iron. In this example, you would use 30 for your hardness number. 20 gpg hardness 2 ppm iron x 5 = 10 +10 (times) 30 HARDNESS NUMBER

NOTE
If you use potassium chloride (KCl) salt instead of sodium chloride (NaCl) salt in this softener, increase the hardness setting by 25%. For example, if you will be using KCl and your water supply’s hardness is 20 gpg, set the softener to 25 gpg.

SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME

1. Press the PROGRAM button once again to display a flashing 2:00 AM and the words “RECHARGE TIME”. This is a good time for the recharge to start in most households, because water is not in use.
2. If you want to change the recharge start time, press the or s DOWN buttons until the desired time shows. Be sure AM or PM is correct.
3. Press the PROGRAM button once again to return to the normal time of day display.

START A RECHARGE

1. Press the RECHARGE button and hold for three seconds, until “RECHARGE” begins to flash in the display, starting a recharge. This recharge draws he sanitizing bleach into and through the water softener. Any air remaining in the water softener is purged to the drain. During this time, periodically check for leaks.

Customizing Feature/Options

Recharge Now

The RECHARGE button is used to initiate an immediate recharge.

1. Press and hold the RECHARGE button until the words “RECHARGE NOW” flash in the display.

The softener enters the fill cycle of regeneration right away. “RECHARGE NOW” will flash during the regeneration. When completed, full water conditioning capacity is restored. While the water softener is running a recharge, the time remaining until the recharge is completed will show in the display during all cycles except for the Fill cycle.

Tonight

If you do not want to start an immediate recharge, but would like to schedule an extra recharge at the next preset recharge time, do the following:

1. Press and release (do not hold) the RECHARGE button.

The words “RECHARGE TONIGHT” flash in the display, and the softener will recharge at the next recharge time. The words “RECHARGE NOW” will flash during the regeneration. When completed, full water conditioning capacity is restored.

Salt Efficiency

When this feature is ON, the water softener will operate at salt efficiencies of 4000 grains of hardness per pound of salt or higher (May recharge more often using smaller salt dosage and less water). The softener is shipped with this feature set OFF.

1. Press and hold the PROGRAM button until one of the screens in Figure 22 is displayed. Once in this display, press the PROGRAM button once, and one of the two displays in Figure 23 is shown.
2. Press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to set ON or OFF. When set to ON, the efficiency icon will be displayed in the upper right-hand corner of the normal run display.
3. Press the PROGRAM button three times to return to the normal run display (See Figure 24).

Maximum Days Between Regenrators

The water softener automatically controls regeneration frequency. This provides the greatest operating efficiency, and, under most conditions, this feature should be left in this automatic mode. However, you may modify this feature if you want to force a regeneration every set number of days. For example, if your water supply contains clear water iron, you may want the softener to regenerate every few days to keep the resin bed clean. The maximum days between recharges may be set from 1 to 15 days, as follows:

1. Press and hold the PROGRAM button until the screen in Figure 22 is displayed. Once in this display, press the PROGRAM button two times, and the display in Figure 25 is shown.
2. Press the UP or DOWN buttons to set the number of days.
3. Press the PROGRAM button twice to return to the normal time of day screen.

12 OR 224-HOUR CLOCK

At the default setting, all clock displays are shown in 12-hour time format (AM and PM). If 24 24-hour time format is desired, follow the steps below:

1. Press and hold the PROGRAM button until the screen in Figure 22 is displayed. Once in this display, press the PROGRAM button three times, and one of the two displays in Figure 26 is shown.
2. Press the r UP or s DOWN buttons to set the time format.
3. Press the PROGRAM button once again to return to the normal time of day screen.

Performance Claims

This model is efficiency-rated. The efficiency rating is valid only at the minimum salt dose. The softener has a demand-initiated regeneration (D.I.R.) feature that complies with specific performance specifications intended to minimize the amount of regenerant brine and water used in its operation. This softener has a rated softener efficiency of not less than 3,350 grains of total hardness exchange per pound of salt (based on sodium chloride) and shall not deliver more salt than its listed rating or be operated at a sustained maximum service flow rate greater than its listed rating.

This softener has been proven to deliver soft water for at least ten continuous minutes at the rated service flow rate. The rated salt efficiency is measured by laboratory tests described in NSF/ANSI Standard 44. These tests represent the maximum possible efficiency that the system can achieve.

Operational efficiency is the actual efficiency after the system has been installed. It is typically less than the rated efficiency due to individual application factors, including water hardness, water usage, and other contaminants that reduce a softener’s capacity.

Specifications

Description

Valve Parts List

Routine Maintenance

Power Outage Memory

If electrical power to the water softener is lost,“ memory” built into the timer circuitry will keep all settings for several hours. While the power is out, the display is blank, and the water softener will not regenerate. When electrical power is restored, the following will occur:

Reset the present time only if the display is flashing. The HARDNESS and RECHARGE TIME never require resetting unless a change is desired. Even if the clock is incorrect after a long power outage, the softener operates as it should to keep your water soft. However, regenerations may occur at the wrong time of day until you reset the clock to the correct time of day.

Water Softener Cleanser

The manufacturer recommends that you use Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser, as directed, every four months. Lift the brinewell cover and pour in the entire 16 bottles of Whirlpool® Water Softener Cleanser.

Press the RECHARGE button and hold for three seconds, until “RECHARGE” begins to flash in the display. This manual recharge will take about two hours. If taste, odor, or discoloration are detected in the water, manually recharge the softener again, then run a cold water faucet immediately downstream of the softener until the water tastes, smells, and appears normal.

Adding Salt

Lift the salt lid and check the salt storage level frequently. If the water softener uses all the salt before you refill it, you will experience hard water. Until you have established a refilling routine, check the salt every two or three weeks. Always add if less than 1/4 full.

Be sure the brinewell cover is on. If using potassium chloride (KCl), do not fill above level 4 on the brinewell decal. In humid areas, it is best to keep the salt storage level lower and to refill more often to avoid salt “bridging”. Recommended Salt: Nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities. Salt Not Recommended: Rock salt, high in impurities, block, granulated, table, ice melting, ice cream making salts, etc.

Breaking the Salt Bridge

Sometimes, a hard crust or salt “bridge” forms in the brine tank. It is usually caused by high humidity or the wrong kind of salt. When the salt “bridges,” a space forms between the water and the salt. Then, salt will not dissolve in the water to make brine. Without brine, the resin bed is not recharged, and hard water will result.
If the storage tank is full of salt, it is difficult to tell if you have a salt bridge.

A bridge may be underneath loose salt. Take a broom handle, or like tool, and hold it next to the water softener. Measure the distance from the floor to the rim of the water softener. Then, gently push the broom handle straight down into the salt. If a hard object is felt before the pencil mark is even with the top, it is most likely a salt bridge. Gently push into the bridge in several places to break it. Do not use any sharp or pointed objects, as you may puncture the brine tank. Do not try to break the salt bridge by pounding on the outside of the salt tank. You may damage the tank.

Cleaning the Nozzle & Venturi

A clean nozzle & venturi (See Figure 28) is a necessity for the water softener to work properly. This small component creates the suction to move brine from the brine tank into the resin tank. If it should become plugged with sand, silt, dirt, etc., the water softener will not work, and hard water will result.

To get access to the nozzle & venturi, remove the water softener’s top cover. Put the bypass valve(s) into the bypass position. Be sure the water softener is in the soft water (service) cycle (no water pressure at the nozzle & venturi). Then, holding the nozzle & venturi housing with one hand, unscrew the cap. Do not lose the o-ring seal. Lift out the screen support and screen. Then, remove the nozzle & venturi disc, gasket, and flow plug(s). Wash the parts in warm, soapy water and rinse in fresh water. Be sure to clean both the top and bottom of the nozzle & venturi disc. If needed, use a small brush to remove iron or dirt. Do not scratch, misshape, etc., surfaces of the nozzle & venturi.

Gently replace all parts in the correct order. Lubricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease and locate it in place. Install and tighten the cap by hand, while supporting the housing. Overtightening may break the cap or housing. Put the bypass valve(s) into service (soft water) position.

Troubleshooting

This water softener has a self-diagnostic function for the electrical system (except input power and/or water meter). The water softener monitors electronic components and circuits for correct operation. If a malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the display.

While an error code appears in the display, all buttons are inoperable except the PROGRAM button. The program remains operational, so the service person can perform the Manual Advance Diagnostics, see below, to further isolate the problem.

1. Unplug the transformer from the electrical outlet.
2. Correct the problem.
3. Plug in the transformer.
4. Wait 8 minutes. The error code will return if the problem was not corrected.

Manual Diagnosis

Use the following procedures to advance the water softener through the regeneration cycles to check operation. Lift off the salt lid, remove the top cover by unlocking the tabs in the back and rocking forward, to observe cam and switch operation during valve rotation.

• Press and hold PROGRAM for 3 seconds until
  “000” shows in the display, then release.
• The 3 digits indicate water meter operation as follows:
• 000 (steady) = Soft water not in use, and no flow through the meter.
• Open a nearby soft water faucet.
• 000 to 199 (continual) = Repeats for each gallon of water passing through the meter.
• The letter “P” and a dash (or dashes) indicate POSITION switch operation (See Figure 30). If the letter appears, the switch is closed. If the dash shows, the switch is open.
• Use the RECHARGE button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and check correct switch operation
• While in this diagnostic screen, the following information is available and may be beneficial for various reasons. This information is retained by the computer from the first time electrical power is applied to the electronic controller.
• Press the rP button to display the number of days this electronic control has had electrical power applied.
• Press the s DOWN button to display the number of regenerations initiated by this electronic control since the code number was entered.
• Press and hold the PROGRAM button until the model code (LE18) shows in the display. This code identifies the softener model. If an incorrect model code is displayed, the softener will operate on incorrect configuration data.
• To change the code number, press the UP or DOWN button until the correct code shows.
• To return to the present time display, press the PROGRAM button.

Resetting Factory Defaults

To reset the electronic controller to its factory default for all settings (time, hardness, etc.):

1. Press the PROGRAM button and hold it until the display changes twice to show the flashing model code.
2. Press the r UP button (a few times, if necessary) to display a flashing “SoS”.
3. Press the PROGRAM button, and the electronic controller will restart.
4. Set the present time, hardness, etc., as described on pages 12 & 13.

Extend your Warranty

Retain proof of purchase of Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleaner to validate any warranty claim after the first year. Use of any water softener additive other than Whirlpool® WHE-WSC will not provide extended warranty coverage.

Warrantor guarantees to the original purchaser when the product is purchased from an authorized dealer, and when installed and maintained in accordance with the instructions, that:

One Year Full Warranty

• For a period of one (1) year from the date the product is delivered, all parts will be free from defects in materials and workmanship and will perform in accordance with their written specifications.
• For a period of one (1) year from the date the product is delivered, labor to repair or replace any part
  determined by Warrantor to be defective in materials or workmanship will be provided at no additional cost.

Limited Warranties

• If, during such respective period, a part proves to be defective, Warrantor will ship a replacement part, directly to your home, without charge.
• If a repair or replacement part is unavailable, Warrantor may refund the original purchase price. If you have questions regarding a warranted product, need assistance with installation or troubleshooting, wish to order a part, or report a warranty issue, we are just a phone call away. SIMPLY DIAL 1-866-986-3223 for assistance.

Customer Service

• Call: 1-866-986-3223 or
• Visit: whirlpoolwatersolutions.com

FAQs

Q: What is the Whirlpool WHES18 Dual Tank Water Softener?

The WHES18 is a small, dual-tank water softening system that eliminates hard water-causing minerals, including calcium and magnesium. Even during regeneration cycles, the dual-tank configuration guarantees consistent soft water.

Q: How does the dual-tank system work?

Two resin tanks are used in the dual-tank design, and they switch places during regeneration. Soft water is always available since one tank keeps running while the other regenerates.

Q: What is the water softening capacity of the WHES18?

Two resin tanks are used in the dual-tank design, and they switch places during regeneration. Soft water is always available since one tank keeps running while the other regenerates.

Q: What type of salt should I use?

Use solar salt or high-purity water softener salt pellets. Steer clear of rock salt since it includes contaminants that might clog the system and lower its effectiveness.

Q: How often will I need to add salt to the brine tank?

Your water usage, degree of hardness, and frequency of regeneration all affect how often you need salt refills. Check and replenish the tank every four to six weeks on average, or if the salt levels fall below halfway.

Q: How much water pressure is required for proper operation?

Household water pressure between 20 and 120 psi is ideal for the WHES18.

Q: What is the ideal hardness setting for my area?

You can use a home test kit or obtain this number from the majority of municipalities.

Q: Does the WHES18 use electricity?

Indeed. The control valve and digital display are powered by a low-voltage power adaptor. But like a digital clock, it uses relatively little electricity.