Whirlpool WHES44 User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

M
Michael MarksAug 17, 2025
What to do if my Whirlpool WHES44 Water Dispenser has no soft water and the display is blank?
- C
  Caleb CunninghamAug 17, 2025
  First, check for any power loss and correct it. Reset the electronic controls and then use the RECHARGE NOW feature. If the issue persists, check if the fuse is blown, the circuit breaker is popped, or the circuit is switched off. Replace the fuse, reset the circuit breaker, or switch the circuit on, and then use the RECHARGE NOW feature. If none of these steps resolve the problem, the electronic control board may be malfunctioning, and you may need to replace it.
L
lindabrennanAug 20, 2025
Why is my Whirlpool Water Dispenser not producing soft water?
- W
  williammccormickAug 20, 2025
  The most common cause is that there is no salt in the storage tank. Refill it with salt and then use the RECHARGE NOW feature.
C
Curtis WarnerAug 22, 2025
What to do if my Whirlpool WHES44 is showing error code Err1, Err3 or Err4?
- K
  Kenneth HigginsAug 22, 2025
  This error code indicates a fault in the wiring harness or connections to the position switch. Try replacing the wiring harness or connections to the position switch. If the problem persists, there may be a fault in the switch itself, requiring a replacement. Alternatively, a fault in the valve causing high torque could be the issue, in which case you should replace the rotor/seal. If the motor is inoperative, replace the motor.
P
pbridgesAug 26, 2025
What to do if my Whirlpool WHES44 is showing error code Err5?
- V
  victoriajohnsonAug 26, 2025
  Error code Err5 indicates an electronic control malfunction. Replace the electronic control board.
R
Rodney TateAug 28, 2025
Why is my Whirlpool WHES44 salt level not dropping and there is no soft water?
- J
  Jeremy MooreAug 28, 2025
  The salt storage tank may be bridged. Refer to the “Breaking a Salt Bridge” section to break it. Alternatively, the bypass valve(s) may be in the “bypass” position. Move the bypass valve(s) to the “service” position.
B
bspearsSep 2, 2025
Why is my Whirlpool WHES44 producing hard water sometimes?
- C
  Candice JohnsonSep 2, 2025
  The time may be set incorrectly, check and change the time setting. The water hardness may be set incorrectly, refer to the “Set Water Hardness” section to set it correctly. The model code may be programmed incorrectly, refer to the “Program the Water Softener” section to set it correctly. Avoid using hot water while the softener is regenerating, as the water heater will fill with hard water. There may be a possible increase in water hardness, test untreated water for hardness and iron, and program the water softener accordingly. Lastly, a leaking faucet or toilet valve can cause excessive water usage; fix all leaks and always fully close faucets.
B
Brian OrtegaSep 5, 2025
How to deal with iron in water from Whirlpool WHES44 Water Dispenser?
- J
  John WatsonSep 5, 2025
  If there is clear water iron in the water supply, test untreated water for hardness and iron, and program the water softener accordingly. If there is iron in the soft water, clean the resin bed with Resin Bed Cleaner, following the instructions on the package. Bacterial or organic bound iron cannot be treated by a water softener.
C
Catherine PatrickSep 8, 2025
What causes resin in household plumbing from Whirlpool WHES44 Water Dispenser?
- D
  dthomasSep 8, 2025
  A crack in the distributor or riser tube can cause resin to enter the household plumbing. Replace the resin tank assembly.
J
Julie GentrySep 12, 2025
What to do if my Whirlpool Water Dispenser salt storage tank is leaking?
- T
  tyorkSep 12, 2025
  A crack in the brine tank can cause a leak. Replace the salt storage tank assembly.
S
Stephen PerezSep 13, 2025
Why is the motor stalled or clicking on my Whirlpool WHES44?
- F
  Frances JohnsonSep 13, 2025
  The motor may be malfunctioning, or there may be an internal valve fault causing high torque on the motor. Replace the rotor/seal and replace the motor & switch.

Whirlpool WHES44 Specifications

General

Type	Water Softener
Capacity	44, 000 grains
Grain Capacity	44, 000 grains
Operating Pressure	20-125 psi
Connection Size	1 inch
Operating Temperature	40-100°F

Summary

Dimensions

Specifications & Performance Claims

Water Softener Safety

Before You Start

Initial steps and checks before installing or operating the softener.

Inspect Shipment

Water Conditioning Information

IRON

Explains iron in water, its types, and measurement in ppm.

SEDIMENT

Defines sediment and its impact on water clarity.

Installation Requirements

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

Guidelines for choosing a suitable installation spot for the water softener.

PLUMBING CODES

Importance of adhering to national, state, and local plumbing codes.

AIR GAP REQUIREMENTS

Specifies the 1-1/2" air gap needed for drain hoses to prevent backflow.

VALVE DRAIN REQUIREMENTS

Details on measuring, cutting, and installing drain hoses, including rigid options.

INLET / OUTLET PLUMBING OPTIONS

Discusses options for connecting the softener inlet/outlet like copper or PEX.

Installation Instructions

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

Illustrates the standard connection of the water softener to plumbing and power.

TURN OFF WATER SUPPLY

Instructions on how to safely shut off the main water supply before installation.

INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW ELBOW

Guidance on installing the overflow grommet and elbow in the brine tank.

MOVE THE WATER SOFTENER INTO PLACE

Procedures for safely moving and positioning the water softener unit.

GROUNDING INFORMATION (for Installations on Metal Pipe)

Explains grounding requirements for metallic plumbing to prevent electrical shock.

COMPLETE INLET AND OUTLET PLUMBING

Instructions for completing the final pipe connections to the softener valve.

INSTALL VALVE DRAIN HOSE

Steps for connecting the drain hose to the softener valve.

INSTALL SALT STORAGE TANK OVERFLOW HOSE

Guidance on connecting the overflow hose to the salt storage tank.

TEST FOR LEAKS

Steps to check for and fix leaks after the water softener is installed.

ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE SALT STORAGE TANK

Instructions for adding the initial water and salt to the brine tank.

PLUG IN THE POWER SUPPLY

Guidance on connecting the power supply to the unit.

SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER / SANITIZE AFTER SERVICE

Procedure for sanitizing the water softener unit.

Programming the Water Softener

STATUS LIGHT

Describes the meaning of different status light patterns on the control panel.

PROGRAM THE SOFTENER

Introduces the process of programming the softener's settings.

SET TIME OF DAY

Instructions for setting the current time on the softener's control panel.

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

How to input the water hardness level for optimal performance.

SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME

Setting the preferred time for the softener's automatic regeneration cycle.

SET SALT TYPE

Selecting the type of salt used (NaCl or KCl) for the softener.

START A RECHARGE

How to manually initiate a regeneration cycle for the water softener.

Controller Features

RECHARGE

Explains how to use the RECHARGE button for immediate regeneration.

RECHARGE SCHEDULED

How to schedule an additional recharge for a later time.

SET SALT LEVEL

Instructions for setting the salt level indicator on the control panel.

TANK LIGHT

How to use the tank light button to illuminate the brine tank.

POWER OUTAGE MEMORY

Explains how the softener retains settings during power interruptions.

WATER FLOW INDICATOR

How the display indicates water flow through the softener.

SALT EFFICIENCY

How to enable the salt efficiency feature for optimized salt usage.

CLEAN / CLEAR WATER IRON REDUCTION

How to enable the iron reduction feature for improved water quality.

CLEAN FEATURE MINUTES

Adjusting the duration of the Clean/Clear Water Iron Reduction feature.

MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS

Setting the maximum interval between automatic regeneration cycles.

12 OR 24 HOUR CLOCK

Changing the time display format from 12-hour to 24-hour.

Routine Maintenance

WATER SOFTENER CLEANSER

Recommended procedure for using the water softener cleanser every four months.

ADDING SALT

Guidance on checking and adding salt to the storage tank.

BREAKING A SALT BRIDGE

How to identify and fix salt bridges that form in the brine tank.

CLEANING THE NOZZLE & VENTURI

Detailed steps for cleaning the nozzle and venturi assembly.

PROTECT THE WATER SOFTENER FROM FREEZING

Instructions on how to drain the softener to prevent freeze damage.

Troubleshooting Guide

AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

Explains how the softener self-diagnoses malfunctions and displays error codes.

Procedure for removing error code from display

Steps to clear error codes from the softener's display.

MANUAL ADVANCE DIAGNOSTICS

Using manual advance to check the softener's regeneration cycle operations.

RESETTING TO FACTORY DEFAULTS

How to reset the electronic controller to its original factory settings.

MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK

Verifying proper operation of valve motor, brine fill, draw, and rinse cycles.

Wiring Schematic

Softener Exploded View

Valve Assembly

Refers to pages 26 & 27 for detailed parts of the valve assembly.

Softener Parts List

Valve Exploded View

Valve Parts List

EXTEND YOUR WARRANTY

WATER SOFTENER WARRANTY - MODELS WHES40 & WHES44

Details the one-year full warranty and limited warranties for the softener.

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28 pages

Whirlpool WHES44 User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers:

Whirlpool WHES44 Specifications

Summary

Dimensions

Specifications & Performance Claims

Water Softener Safety

Before You Start

Inspect Shipment

Water Conditioning Information

IRON

SEDIMENT

Installation Requirements

LOCATION REQUIREMENTS

PLUMBING CODES

AIR GAP REQUIREMENTS

VALVE DRAIN REQUIREMENTS

INLET / OUTLET PLUMBING OPTIONS

Installation Instructions

TYPICAL INSTALLATION

TURN OFF WATER SUPPLY

INSTALL THE BRINE TANK OVERFLOW ELBOW

MOVE THE WATER SOFTENER INTO PLACE

GROUNDING INFORMATION (for Installations on Metal Pipe)

COMPLETE INLET AND OUTLET PLUMBING

INSTALL VALVE DRAIN HOSE

INSTALL SALT STORAGE TANK OVERFLOW HOSE

TEST FOR LEAKS

ADD WATER AND SALT TO THE SALT STORAGE TANK

PLUG IN THE POWER SUPPLY

SANITIZE THE WATER SOFTENER / SANITIZE AFTER SERVICE

Programming the Water Softener

STATUS LIGHT

PROGRAM THE SOFTENER

SET TIME OF DAY

SET WATER HARDNESS NUMBER

SET RECHARGE (REGENERATION) TIME

SET SALT TYPE

START A RECHARGE

Controller Features

RECHARGE

RECHARGE SCHEDULED

SET SALT LEVEL

TANK LIGHT

POWER OUTAGE MEMORY

WATER FLOW INDICATOR

SALT EFFICIENCY

CLEAN / CLEAR WATER IRON REDUCTION

CLEAN FEATURE MINUTES

MAXIMUM DAYS BETWEEN REGENERATIONS

12 OR 24 HOUR CLOCK

Routine Maintenance

WATER SOFTENER CLEANSER

ADDING SALT

BREAKING A SALT BRIDGE

CLEANING THE NOZZLE & VENTURI

PROTECT THE WATER SOFTENER FROM FREEZING

Troubleshooting Guide

AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC DIAGNOSTICS

Procedure for removing error code from display

MANUAL ADVANCE DIAGNOSTICS

RESETTING TO FACTORY DEFAULTS

MANUAL ADVANCE REGENERATION CHECK

Wiring Schematic

Softener Exploded View

Valve Assembly

Softener Parts List

Valve Exploded View

Valve Parts List

EXTEND YOUR WARRANTY

WATER SOFTENER WARRANTY - MODELS WHES40 & WHES44

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