Whirlpool WHES18 - User Manual

The Whirlpool Model WHES18 is a demand-controlled water softener designed to reduce water hardness and improve water quality in residential settings. It operates on 24 V DC electrical power, supplied by a direct plug-in power supply, and is intended for installation in a dry location with a nominal 120 V, 60 Hz household outlet. The system is tested and certified by NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for hardness reduction and efficiency, and certified to NSF/ANSI Standard 372.

Function Description:

The primary function of the WHES18 water softener is to remove hardness minerals (like calcium and magnesium) from water through an ion exchange process. It features a demand-initiated regeneration (D.I.R.) system, which means it regenerates based on actual water usage, optimizing salt and water consumption. This design aims to minimize the amount of regenerant brine and water used in its operation, contributing to its efficiency rating. The softener is also capable of reducing moderate amounts of clear water iron, with a specified capacity for up to 3 ppm. For every 1 ppm of ferrous (clear water) iron, users are advised to add 5 grains to their hardness setting to compensate. However, it does not remove ferric (red water) iron, bacterial iron, organically bound iron, or colloidal iron. It also does not remove sediment, for which an upstream sediment filter is recommended.

Important Technical Specifications:

Model Code: LE18
Rated Softening Capacity:
- 7,600 grains @ 1.8 lbs. salt dose
- 11,000 grains @ 3.1 lbs. salt dose
- 18,500 grains @ 10.8 lbs. salt dose
Rated Efficiency (Minimum Salt Dose): 4,100 grains/pound of salt @ 1.8 lbs.
Water Used During Regeneration (Minimum Salt Dose): 3.0 gal. / 1,000 grains
Total Water Used Per Regeneration (Maximum Salt Dose): 26.4 gallons
Rated Service Flow Rate: 7.0 gpm
Amount of High Capacity Ion Exchange Resin: 0.64 cu. ft.
Pressure Drop at Rated Service Flow: 9.5 psig
Water Supply Max. Hardness: 65 gpg
Water Supply Max. Clear Water Iron: 3 ppm* (Note: State of Wisconsin requires additional treatment if clear water iron exceeds 5 ppm.)
Water Pressure Limits: 20 - 125 psi (minimum / maximum)
Water Temperature Limits: 40 - 120 °F (minimum / maximum)
Minimum Water Supply Flow Rate: 3 gpm
Intermittent Flow @ 15 PSI: 9.0 gpm** (Note: Does not represent maximum service flow rate for capacity/efficiency determination; continuous operation at higher flow rates may affect performance.)
Maximum Drain Flow Rate: 2.0 gpm
Salt Storage Capacity: 125 lbs.
Dimensions:
- Width: 21-1/4" (top), 14-1/2" (base)
- Depth: 23"
- Height: 30-1/4"
Electrical Power: 24 V DC from a 120 V, 60 Hz household outlet.

Usage Features:

Installation Flexibility: The softener can be installed with either a single bypass valve (included) or a 3-valve bypass system (parts not included), allowing for water shut-off to the softener for maintenance while maintaining water supply to the house. It should be installed close to the main water supply inlet, upstream of all other plumbing connections except outside water pipes, and between the water inlet and water heater.
Demand-Controlled Regeneration: The system automatically initiates regeneration based on water usage, which is more efficient than timed regenerations.
Variable Salt Dose: The electronic controls select the appropriate salt dose at regeneration time based on the amount needed, further optimizing salt usage.
Programming: Users can set the present time, water hardness number (with adjustments for clear water iron or potassium chloride use), and recharge (regeneration) time.
Recharge Now/Tonight: The RECHARGE button allows for immediate regeneration or scheduling an extra regeneration for the next preset recharge time.
Salt Efficiency Feature: This feature, when ON, ensures the softener operates at salt efficiencies of 4000 grains per pound of salt or higher, potentially leading to more frequent recharges with smaller salt dosages and less water. In California, this feature must be ON.
Maximum Days Between Regenerations: While the softener typically operates in an automatic mode for optimal efficiency, users can set a maximum number of days (1 to 15) between regenerations. This can be useful for specific water conditions, such as clear water iron, to keep the resin bed clean.
12 or 24 Hour Clock: The display can be set to either 12-hour (AM/PM) or 24-hour time format.
Clean Reminder: A "CLEAn" reminder flashes on the display every four months, prompting users to use Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser.

Maintenance Features:

Salt Level Monitoring: Users are advised to check the salt storage level frequently, especially until a refilling routine is established, and to refill when less than 1/4 full. Recommended salts include nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities.
Salt Bridge Breaking: Instructions are provided for identifying and breaking salt "bridges" that can form in the brine tank due to high humidity or incorrect salt type, which can prevent proper brine formation and lead to hard water.
Nozzle & Venturi Cleaning: Regular cleaning of the nozzle and venturi is crucial for proper softener operation, as these components create the suction needed to move brine. The manual provides detailed steps for disassembling, cleaning, and reassembling these parts.
Water Softener Cleanser: The manufacturer recommends using Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser every four months to maintain performance and address taste, odor, or discoloration issues.
Power Outage Memory: The electronic control retains settings for several hours during a power outage. While the display will be blank and regeneration will not occur, settings like hardness and recharge time do not require resetting unless a change is desired. The clock may need to be reset.
Product Registration and Warranty Extension: Users are encouraged to register their product on whirlpoolwatersolutions.com. The standard one-year full warranty on parts and labor can be extended to five years by consistently using Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser as directed (one bottle every four months) and retaining proof of purchase.
Troubleshooting and Diagnostics: The softener includes automatic electronic diagnostics that display error codes for malfunctions. Manual advance diagnostics allow users to cycle through regeneration stages to check valve operation, brine tank fill, brine draw, and flow rates, aiding in problem identification.
Factory Reset: Instructions are provided to reset the electronic controller to its factory default settings if needed.