Whirlpool WHES40 operation manual Routine Maintenance, Adding Salt, Breaking a Salt Bridge

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Routine Maintenance

ADDING SALT

Lift the salt hole cover 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.

NOTE: If using potassium chloride (KCl), do not fill above level 4 on the brinewell decal.

NOTE: In humid areas, it is best to keep the salt stor- age 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 A 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,” an empty 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.

Push Tool into

Salt Bridge to

Break

1” - 2”

Pencil

Salt

Salt

Mark

Bridge

 

Broom

Water

Handle

Level

FIG. 32

CLEANING THE NOZZLE & VENTURI

A clean nozzle & venturi (See Figure 33) 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.

Cap

 

O-ring Seal

 

Screen Support

 

Screen

*Flow Plug

Nozzle & Venturi Disc

Cone Screen

Gasket

*Flow Plug (HVDC)

 

Housing

 

*Install with lettered side up, concave

side down.

IMPORTANT: Be sure small hole in the gasket is cen- tered directly over the small hole in the nozzle & ven- turi housing. Be sure the numbers are facing up

FIG. 33

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 soft water (service) cycle (no water pressure at noz- zle & 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 & ven- turi.

Gently replace all parts in the correct order. Lubricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease and locate 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.

Recharge the softener to reduce water level in the tank. This will also assure that the softener is com- pletely recharged and ready to provide softened water again. Check the water level in the tank by looking down the brinewell. If the water level does not drop after a recharge, the problem has not been resolved. Call 1-866-986-3223, Monday - Friday, 8 am to 7 pm, EST.

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Contents Model WHES40 Table of Contents Salt Storage Capacity 200 lbs Specifications & DimensionsYour safety and the safety of others are very important Water Softener SafetyWater Conditioning Information Inspect ShipmentIron SedimentProper Order to Install Water Treatment Equipment Installation RequirementsLocation Requirements Plumbing CodesInlet / Outlet Plumbing Options Valve Drain RequirementsTypical Installation Installation InstructionsMove the Water Softener Into Place Install the Brine Tank Overflow ElbowTurn OFF Water Supply Complete Inlet and Outlet Plumbing Install Valve Drain HoseInstall Salt Storage Tank Overflow Hose Test for Leaks Sanitize the Water Softener / Sanitize After ServiceADD Water and Salt to the Salt Storage Tank Plug in the Water SoftenerSET Water Hardness Number Programming the Water SoftenerSET Time of DAY Start a Recharge SET Recharge Regeneration TimeSET Salt Type Recharge Customizing Features / OptionsRecharge Scheduled SET Salt LevelSalt Efficiency Power Outage MemoryWater Flow Indicator Clean Feature Minutes Clean / Clear Water Iron ReductionMaximum Days Between REGENERA- Tions 12 or 24 Hour ClockCleaning the Nozzle & Venturi Routine MaintenanceAdding Salt Breaking a Salt BridgeManualadvance Diagnostics TroubleshootingAutomatic Electronic Diagnostics Manualadvance Regeneration Check Softener Exploded View PWA Softener Parts ListValve Exploded View Valve Parts List

WHES40 specifications

The Whirlpool WHES40 is a highly efficient water softener designed for homeowners seeking to improve their water quality. With a capacity of 40,000 grains, this system is tailored for medium to large households, effectively providing softened water for various applications. One of the standout features of the WHES40 is its advanced demand-initiated regeneration technology, which ensures that the system regenerates only when necessary. This not only saves on salt and water usage but also extends the lifespan of the unit.

Equipped with a user-friendly digital control panel, the WHES40 allows users to easily monitor and manage settings. The system features a self-cleaning sediment filter that helps to remove particulates from incoming water, reducing the risk of system clogs and enhancing overall performance. Additionally, this water softener uses high-efficiency resin that improves ion exchange, resulting in softer water that helps to reduce scale buildup on plumbing fixtures and appliances.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Whirlpool WHES40 is its easy installation process. The system comes with comprehensive instructions and necessary components, making it manageable for most homeowners to set up without needing professional assistance. Furthermore, the compact design of the unit ensures that it can fit seamlessly into utility spaces without occupying excessive room.

The WHES40 is also designed to be environmentally friendly. By reducing the hardness of water, it helps to lower energy consumption associated with heating water and prolongs the lifespan of water-using appliances. The enhanced water quality also leads to benefits such as softer skin and hair, improved laundry outcomes, and better tasting water.

In summary, the Whirlpool WHES40 stands out for its efficient performance, ease of use, and eco-friendliness. Its demand-initiated regeneration, user-friendly controls, and robust design make it a reliable choice for families looking to enhance their water quality and protect their plumbing systems from the effects of hard water. With a commitment to quality and innovation, Whirlpool continues to provide solutions that meet the diverse needs of homeowners.