1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener. This system is designed to reduce hard water symptoms, protect appliances, and improve water quality throughout your home.
Figure 1: Front view of the Whirlpool WHES40E 40,000 Grain Water Softener.
2. Setup
The Whirlpool WHES40E water softener comes with an installation kit, a bypass valve, and a comprehensive instruction manual. The high-flow valve is designed to connect to plumbing up to 1 ¼” in diameter, ensuring optimal water pressure. Please note that due to manufacturing variations, the valve height may differ slightly from existing systems, but this will not impact performance.
For initial setup, it is crucial to determine your water hardness level to program the unit correctly. The system includes an overflow line as a safety feature to prevent water damage in case of an internal overflow.
Figure 2: Back view of the softener showing the bypass valve connections.
Video 1: An overview of the Whirlpool 40,000 Grain Water Softener, demonstrating its features and general appearance, which can assist with understanding the setup.
3. Operating Instructions
The Whirlpool WHES40E features demand-initiated regeneration, automatically calculating the necessary salt and water for regeneration based on your actual water usage and hardness level. This technology optimizes salt and water consumption, leading to significant savings.
The intuitive programming controls allow you to set the present time of day, water hardness, and desired recharge time. A low salt indicator light on the control panel will alert you when salt levels are low, ensuring continuous soft water supply.
Figure 3: Key features of the Whirlpool WHES40E, including the low salt indicator light.
Figure 4: Explanation of Whirlpool's 6th Sense Technology, which conserves water and salt.
Video 2: A detailed review of the Whirlpool WHES40E, including a demonstration of the control panel and internal components, useful for understanding operation and maintenance.
4. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your water softener. The unit requires periodic salt replenishment. It is recommended to use Morton Clear and Protect Water Softener Pellets or similar high-quality water softener salt.
To maintain system efficiency, it is recommended to clean the nozzle and venturi as directed in the owner's manual. Additionally, using Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser every four months helps keep the internal workings of your softener performing at its best.
Figure 5: Information on maintaining your water softener, including the recommended cleanser.
5. Troubleshooting
If the low salt indicator light is flashing, replenish the salt in the brine tank. For issues such as unexpected leaks, reduced water pressure, or insufficient softening, consult the detailed troubleshooting section in the full owner's manual.
The bypass valve allows you to temporarily route water around the softener for maintenance or to supply unsoftened water for specific uses, such as filling a swimming pool, without wasting softened water or salt.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Model Name | WHES40E |
| Special Feature | Programmable |
| Product Dimensions | 20.5"L x 15"W x 48"H |
| Item Weight | 101 Pounds |
| Supported Water TDS Level Maximum | 500 PPM |
| Installation Type | Freestanding |
| Purification Method | Ion Exchange |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Included Components | Softener system, bypass valve, installation kit, instruction manual |
Figure 6: Unit dimensions for planning installation space.
7. Warranty & Support
The Whirlpool WHES40E comes with a 1-year manufacturer's parts and labor warranty. This warranty can be extended to 2 years with the purchase of 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser within the first year of ownership (sold separately).
Additionally, the unit includes a 3-year limited electronics warranty and a 10-year limited warranty on the tanks. For questions, technical support, or warranty claims, please call the helpline at (866) 986-3223.
Figure 7: NSF certification ensures the product meets high public health standards.
