Whirlpool WHES20, WHES30 User Manual
Model WHES20
Model WHES30
How to install, operate and
maintain your Demand
Controlled Water Softener
Do not return water softener to store
If you have questions or concerns when
installing, operating or maintaining your
softener, call our toll free number:
1--866--986--3223
Monday -- Friday, 8 am -- 9 pm EST
NSF International against NSF/ANSI Standard 44
System Tested and C ertified by
forsoftenerperformance.
7283659 (Rev. B 6/8/06)
Product No. 8562921--A
Table o f Contents
Water Softener Safety 3..........................................................................
Before You Start 3...............................................................................
Inspect Shipment 4..............................................................................
Water Softener Dimensions 5.....................................................................
Water Conditioning Information 6..................................................................
Water Conditioning 6.........................................................................
How A Water Softener Works 6....................................................................
Softening Cycle 6............................................................................
Regeneration Cycle 6.........................................................................
Installation Requirements 8.......................................................................
Tools and Parts Needed 8.....................................................................
Location Requirements 9......................................................................
Air Gap Requirements 9......................................................................
Valve Drain Requirements 10...................................................................
Planning Installation 11............................................................................
Inlet --- Outlet Plumbing Options 11..............................................................
Installation 12....................................................................................
Turn Off Water Supply 12.......................................................................
Install Brine Tank Overflow Elbow 12.............................................................
Move the Water Softener into Place 13...........................................................
Assemble Inlet and Outlet Plumbing 14..........................................................
Connect Inlet and Outlet Plumbing 14...........................................................
Install Valve Drain Hose 15.....................................................................
Install Salt Storage Tank Overflow Hose 15.......................................................
Tes t f or L ea ks 15..............................................................................
AddWaterandSalttotheSalt StorageTank ...................................................
NO TAG
Sanitize the Softener/Sanitize After Service 16....................................................
Plug in Water Softener 16......................................................................
Program the Water Softener --- Model WHES20 17....................................................
Set Time of Day 17............................................................................
Set Water Hardness Number 18.................................................................
Set Recharge (Regeneration) Time 18...........................................................
Start a Recharge 18...........................................................................
Program the Water Softener --- Model WHES30 19....................................................
Set Time of Day 19............................................................................
Set Water Hardness Number 20.................................................................
Set Recharge (Regeneration) Time 20...........................................................
Start a Recharge 20
Customizing Features / Options---Model WHES20 21..................................................
Recharge 21..................................................................................
Recharge Tonight 21...........................................................................
‘‘Power ---Outage Memory’’ 21..................................................................
Salt Efficiency 22..............................................................................
Customizing Features / Options---Model WHES30 23..................................................
Recharge 23..................................................................................
Recharge Scheduled / Tonight 23...............................................................
SetSaltLevel 23..............................................................................
Electronic Control / ‘‘Power---Outage Memory’’ 24.................................................
Water Flow Indicator 24........................................................................
Salt Efficiency 24..............................................................................
Clean / Clear Water Iron Removal 25............................................................
Clean Feature Minutes 25......................................................................
Maximum Days Between Regenerations 26.......................................................
12 or 24 Hour Clock 26........................................................................
Routine Maintenance 27...........................................................................
Refilling With Salt 27...........................................................................
Breaking A Salt Bridge 27......................................................................
Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi 28..............................................................
...........................................................................
2
Troubleshooting Guide 29.........................................................................
Automatic Electronic Diagnostics 30.............................................................
Manual Advance Diagnostics---Model WHES20 30.................................................
Manual Advance Regeneration Check---Model WHES20 31.........................................
Manual Advance Diagnostics---Model WHES30 32.................................................
Manual Advance Regeneration Check---Model WHES30 33.........................................
Wiring Schematic 35..............................................................................
Warranty 35......................................................................................
Softener Components 36..........................................................................
Water Softener Safety
For installations in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:
Installation by a licensed plumber is re quired. Plumbing code 248--CMR of the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts must be used for installation.
For installations in the state of California:
You must turn the Salt Efficiency Feature setting to ON. This may initiate more frequent recharges, however, it will operate at 4,000 grains per pound of salt or higher. To turn on the Salt
Efficiency Feature, follow the instructions in the “Salt Efficiency” section of this manual.
Before You Start
See “Location Requirements” section before installing water softener.
Follow the installation instructions carefully. (Failure to install the water softener properly voids the
warranty.)
Before you begin installation, read this entire manual. Then, obtain all the materials and tools you will
need to make the installation.
Check local plumbing and electrical codes.
Use only lead--free solder and flux for all sweat-solder connections, as required by federal code s.
Use care when handling the water softener. Do not turn upside down, drop, or set on sharp protrusions.
Avoid installing in direct sunlight. Excessive sun heat may cause distortion or other damage to
non--metallic parts.
3
The water softener requires a minimum water flow of 3 gallons per minute at the inlet. 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 back flow preventer, an expansion tank must
be installed in accordance with local codes and laws.
The water softener works on 24 volt--60 hz electrical power only, supplied by a direct plug--in
transformer (included). Be sure to use the included transformer and plug it into a nominal 120V, 60
cycle household outlet that is properly protected by an overcurrent device such as a circuit breaker or
fuse. If transformer is replaced, use only the authorized service, Class II, 24V 10VA transformer.
This systemis not intended tobe used for treating water that is microbiologically unsafe or of unknown
quality without adequate disinfection before or after the system.
European Directive 2002/96/EC requires all electrical and electronic equipment to be disposed of
according to Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) requirements. This directive or
similar laws are in place nationally and can vary from region to region. Please refer to your state
and local laws for proper disposal of this equipment.
Inspect Shipment
The parts required to assemble and install the water softener are included with the water softener.
Ground clamp Single valve bypass 20 ft. drain hose
Hose adaptor Hose clamps Installation adaptors
Clips O--rings Grommet
Water hardness test strip
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 loss of small parts, we suggest you
keep the small parts in the parts bag until you are ready to use them.
Do not return the water softener to store.
If you have any questions, or there are missing parts or damage, please call
1 --- 8 66 --- 9 8 6 --- 3 22 3, M on da y --- Fri da y, 8 a m --- 9 p m E ST.
Before you call please have your model number, date of purchase, water
conditions and number of people living in your home.
4
For future reference, enter the following information.
Model No. no
Code n
*Water hardness gpg
Serial No. no
Installation date
**Iron content ppm
n on registration decal (located under salt hole cover) o on shipping carton
* A hardness test strip is provided with your water softener.
** Kits are available at retail hardware stores for testing water hardness and iron content. Some retail
stores will also test your water for a fee.
Water Softener Dimensions
19”
3---3/8”
IN
18”
OUT
IN --- OUT
C
A
B
MODEL NOMINAL RESIN TANK SIZE A B C
WHES20 8” DIA. X 35” 36 ---1/2” 35” 43--- 5/16”
WHES30 9” DIA. X 35” 36 ---1/2” 35” 43--- 5/16”
5
How a Water Softener Works
Softening Cycle
When the water softener is providing soft water, it is called “service” or the “softening cycle”. During
this cycle, hard water flows from the main water pipe in the household into the water softener. Inside
the resin tank is a bed made up of thousands of tiny, plastic resin beads. As hard water passes through
the bed, each bead attracts and holds the hardness minerals. Water without the hardness minerals (soft
water) flows from the water softener to the rest of the house.
Regeneration Cycle
Eventually the beads become coated with calcium or magnesium ions. At this point, the water softener
needs to replenish the beads with sodium ions. This process is called “regeneration”.
Regeneration occurs when the resin beads are washed with a strong salt water solution. The sodium
forces the calcium and magnesium ions to be released where they are then discharged as waste during
the regeneration cycle. The beads are then ready to once again to collect the hardness minerals
(calcium and magnesium) from the water. Regeneration consists of five cycles; brine fill, brining, brine
rinse, backwash and fast rinse. The total time of the regeneration cycle is approximately two hours.
Water Conditioning Information
Water Conditioning
Water conditioning is the treatment of four general conditions. These are:
Hardness
Iron
Acidity
Sediments
1. Hardness is a term to describe the presence of calcium and magnesium minerals in water. A
chemical analysis accurately measures the amount of minerals in grain weight. For example, one
gallon of water with 5 grains per gallon (gpg) hardness has dissolved minerals, that if solidified,
about equals the size of oneordinary aspirin tablet. One gallonof water, 25gpg hard, has a mineral
content equal in size to 5 a spir in tablets. Water hardness va ries grea tly across the country. It
generally contains from 3 to 100 gpg.
Hardness minerals combine with soap to make a soap curd. The curd greatly reduces the cleaning
action of soap. Precipitated hardness minerals form a crust on cooking utensils, appliances, and
plumbing fixtures. Even the tastes of foods are affected. A water softener removes the hardness
minerals to eliminate these effects, and others.
IMPORTANT: Water softeners using sodium chloride (salt) for regeneration add sodium to the
water. Persons on sodium restricted diets should consider the added sodiumas part of their overall
intake.Water softenersusingpotassiumchloride(salt)for regenerationadd potassiumto the water.
Persons on potassium restricted diets should consider the added potassium as part of their overall
intake.
6
Factor into your diet the amount of sodium or potassium shown below, based on your water
hardness and consumption.
Sodium Added to Water from Cation Exchange Softening
Initial Water Hardness
Grains per Gallon Milligrams Na+/qt. Milligrams K+/qt.
1 7.5 12.75
5 37 62.9
6 44 74.8
7 52 88.4
8 60 102
9 68 115.6
10 75 127.5
15 112 190.4
20 150 255
30 225 382.5
40 300 510
Sodium added by Cation
Exchange Softening of Water*
Potassium added by Cation
Exchange Softening of Water**
*If your water supply is 15 grains hard and you drank 3 quarts of softened water you would
consume 335 milligrams of sodium. That is equivalent to eating 2--1/2 slices of white bread.
**One large banana, about 9 inches in length, has approximately 600 milligrams of potassium.
2. 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 ofiron, and type or types*, is determined bychemical analysis. Four different types
of iron in water are:
Ferrous (clear water),
Ferric (red water),
Bacterial and organically bound iron,
Colloidal and inorganically bound iron (ferr ous or ferric).
*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.
Ferrous (clear water) iron is soluble and dissolves in water. This water softener will remove
moderate amounts of this type of iron (see specifica tions). Ferrous (clear water) iron is usually
detected bytaking 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 air
oxidizes the iron. This usually occurs in 15 to 30 minutes.
When using the softener to remove Ferrous (clear water) iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting
for every 1 ppm of Ferrous (clear water) iron.
7
Ferric (red water), and bac terial andorganically boundirons are insoluble. Thiswater softener will
not remove ferric or bacterial iron. This iron is visible immediately when drawn from a faucet
because it has oxidized before reaching the home. It appears as small cloudy yellow, orange, or
reddish suspended particles. After the water stands for a period of time, the particles settle to the
bottom of the container. Generally these irons are removed from water by filtration. Chlorination
is also recommended for bacterial iron.
Colloidal and inorganically bound iron is of ferric or ferrous form that will not filter or exchange
out of water. This water softener will not remove colloidal iron. In some instances, treatment may
improve colloidal iron water. Colloidal iron water usually has a yellow appearance when drawn.
After standing for several hours, the color persists and the iron does not settle, but remains
suspended in the water.
3. Acidity or acid water is caused by carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. This water softener will
not improve an acid condition in water. Acid water can be corrosive to plumbing, plumbing
fixtures, water heaters, andother waterusing appliances. In can alsodamage andcause premature
failure of seals, diaphragms, etc., in water handling equipment.
A chemical analysis is needed to measure the degree of acidity in water. This is called the pH of
water. Water testing below 6.9 pH is acidic. The lower the pH reading, the greater the acidity. A
neutralizer filter or a chemical feed pump are usually recommended to treat acid water.
4. 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 ahead of the water softener normally
corrects this situation.
Installation Requirements
Tools and Parts Needed
Assemble the required tools before starting installation. Read andfollow the instructions provided with
any tools listed here.
• Screwdriver • Tape Measure
• Pliers
If using Soldered Copper Pipe
• Tubing cutter • Lead--free solder and flux
• Propane torch • Emery cloth, sandpaper or steel wool
• Misc. copper pipe fittings
If using Threaded Pipe
• Pipe cutter or hacksaw • Pipe joint compound
• Threading tool • Misc. threaded pipe fittings
If using CPVC Plastic
• Pipe cutter • Solvent cement
• Hacksaw • Primer
• Adjustable wrench • Misc. CPVC pipe fittings
If using Other
• Other pipe and fittings suitable for potable water supply as required by piping system
manufacturer and loc al codes and/or ordinances.
8
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 120_F. Freezing, 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 before 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). See “Air
Gap Requirements” and “Valve Drain Requirements” sections.
• The water softener works on 24 volt--60 hz electrical power only, supplied by a direct
plug--in transformer (included). Provide an electrical outletin accordance with NECand
local codes.
• Always install the water softener between the water heater and water inlet. Any other
installed water conditioning equipment should be installed between the water softener
and the water inlet (see Figure 1 below).
city water supply
water heater
water softener
Figure 1
Air Gap Requirements
A drain is needed for regeneration discharge water. A floor drain, close to the water softener, is
preferred. A laundry tub, standpipe, etc., are other dra in options. Secure valve drain hose in place.
1---1/2”
airgap
cold to
drain
hose
optional
sediment
filter
drain
hose
pressure tank
well pump
OR
well water supply
drain
hose
Figure 2
standpipe
1---1/2”
airgap
1---1/2”
airgap
laundry tubfloor drain
9
Valve Drain Requirements
Use the flexible drain hose, that is included, measure and cut to the length needed. Flexible drain hose
is notallowed inall localities (check your plumbingcodes). If local codes do not allow use of aflexible
drain hose, a rigid valve drain run must be used. Buy a compression fitting (1/4 NPT x 1/2 in. minimum
tube) and 1/2” tubing from your local hardware store. Then plumb a rigid drain as needed (see Figure
3).
NOTE: Avoid long drain hose runs, or elevating the hose more than 8’ above the floor. Make the
water softener valve drain as short and direct as possible.
1/4” NPT thread
Barbs for 3/8” I.D. tubing
Hose clamp
Drain hose
Clip
Cut barbs from valve drain elbow (pull clip
and remove drain valve elbow from valve)
1/4” NPT thread
Figure 3
barbs
Compression fitting 1/4 NPT x
1/2” O.D. tube (not provided)
1/2” outside diameter copper
tube (not provided)
10
Plan the Installation
Inlet --- Outlet Plumbing Options
Always install either a single bypass valve (provided) or, if desired, parts for a 3 valve bypass system
(not included) can be purchased and assembled, as shown in Figure 4. Bypass valves allow you to turn
off water to the softener for maintenance if needed, but still have water in house pipes.
Single valve bypass
pull out for
service/ soft water
push in
for bypass
outlet
valve
3 valve bypass
bypass
valve
inlet
valve
to outside
faucets
hard water
water softener valve
direct plug--- in
transformer
to timer
valve drain
elbow
valve drain
hose *
* Do not connect
the water softener
valve drain tubing
to the salt storage
tank overflow
hose.
from water softener
to water softener
Figure 4
• Pipe and fittings must be 3/4” minimum.
Use either:
• Copper pipe • Threaded pipe
• CPVC plastic pipe • Other pipe approved for use with potable water
conditioned
water
grounding clamp
overflow drain
elbow
salt storage tank
overflow hose *
To keep over floor drain, secure
valve drain hose in place.
clips
outlet
inlet
lubricated
o---ring
grounding
clamp
3/4” pipe
1” NPT sweat
adaptor (not
included)
1” NPT
threaded
adaptor
o---ring
single valve
bypass
NOTE: See “Air Gap Requirements” section.
floor drain
NOTE: Shown with salt hole cover and top cover removed.
Figure 5 (typical installation)
11
Installation
Turn Off Water Supply
1. Close the main water supply valve, near the well pump or water meter.
2. Open all faucets to drain all water from the house pipes.
NOTE: Be sure not to drain water from the water heater, as damage to the water heater
elements could result.
Install the Brine Tank Overflow Elbow
Install the brine tank overflow grommet and elbow in the 13/16” diameter hole in the back of the salt
storage tank sidewall.
NOTE: The salt storage tank drain elbow accepts either 1/2” or 3/8” I. D. hose.
Nozzle venturi assembly
Nut ---ferrule
Salt hole cover
Brine tubing
Top c o v e r
Brine tank overflow elbow
Brine tank overflow
grommet
13/16” hole
Salt storage tank
Stand tube
Brinewell cover
Brinewell
Float stem
Brine valve
Figure 6
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