Introduction
The Whirlpool WHES18 is a high-efficiency home water softener system designed for small households. This compact unit effectively reduces water hardness up to 65 grains per gallon and removes up to 3 parts per million of clear water iron. It is NSF certified to meet safety standards and improve water quality throughout your home.
Setup and Installation
The WHES18 water softener is designed for do-it-yourself installation and includes a bypass valve and detailed instructions. Ensure you have the necessary plumbing connections, typically 1-inch plumbing, though adapters may be required for 3/4-inch lines.
Figure 1: Front view of the Whirlpool WHES18 water softener.
Initial Steps:
- Placement: Select a suitable indoor location for the unit. Its compact design allows it to fit in tight quarters.
- Plumbing Connection: Connect the unit to your home's main water line. The high-flow valve is designed to maintain water pressure.
- Initial Water Fill: Before plugging in the unit, add approximately 3 gallons of clean water into the salt tank.
- Add Salt: Fill the salt tank with two to three bags of water softener salt pellets or tablets. The design facilitates easy salt pouring.
- Power Connection: Once water and salt are added, plug in the unit.
Figure 2: Back view of the WHES18, showing the bypass valve connection points.
Operating Instructions
The Whirlpool WHES18 features 6th Sense Technology, which monitors and predicts your soft water needs. This ensures that salt usage and regeneration cycles occur only when necessary, optimizing efficiency and conserving water.
Figure 3: Control panel of the WHES18 for programming and monitoring.
Key Features:
- Water Hardness Reduction: The system is designed to reduce water hardness up to 65 grains per gallon (gpg).
- Iron Removal: It removes up to 3 parts per million (ppm) of clear water iron.
- Contaminant Reduction: Effectively reduces calcium, magnesium, and clear water iron from your home's water supply.
- Efficiency: The 6th Sense Technology ensures high efficiency by regenerating only when needed, saving salt and water.
Refer to the detailed instructions included with your installation kit for programming the unit based on your specific water hardness levels.
Figure 4: Diagram illustrating key features like 6th Sense Technology and salt level monitoring.
Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and longevity of your Whirlpool WHES18 water softener.
Salt Level Monitoring:
- Periodically check the salt level in the brine tank. The 6th Sense Technology helps optimize salt usage, but manual checks are recommended.
- Refill the tank with water softener salt pellets or tablets when the level is low. Avoid letting the tank run completely empty to maintain continuous soft water supply.
Cleaning:
- Keep the exterior of the unit clean with a damp cloth.
- Follow the instruction manual for any recommended internal cleaning procedures or resin bed maintenance.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter issues with your water softener, refer to the following common troubleshooting tips. For persistent problems, contact customer support.
Common Issues and Solutions:
- Water Not Softening:
- Check salt levels in the brine tank. Ensure there is sufficient salt.
- Verify the hardness setting on the control panel. Incorrect settings can lead to insufficient softening or excessive regeneration. Adjust the hardness setting to optimize regeneration frequency based on your water usage and actual water hardness.
- Initiate a manual regeneration cycle if the unit has not regenerated recently.
- Frequent Regeneration:
- If the unit regenerates too often, the hardness setting might be too high for your actual water conditions. Adjust the setting downwards to reduce regeneration frequency and conserve salt and water.
- Unit Not Operating:
- Ensure the unit is properly plugged into a functional power outlet.
- Check for any error codes on the display panel and consult the full instruction manual for their meaning.
For complex issues or part replacement, it is recommended to contact Whirlpool customer support.
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | WHES18 |
| Brand | Whirlpool |
| Product Dimensions | 14.5"W x 30.3"H x 21.25"D |
| Item Weight | 43 pounds |
| Color | Gray |
| Special Features | 6th Sense Technology, Compact Design, High Flow Valve |
| Maximum Flow Rate | 20 Gallons Per Minute |
| Efficiency | High |
| Mounting Type | Floor Mount |
| Household Size Recommendation | Ideal for 1-2 people |
| Water Hardness Reduction | Up to 65 gpg |
| Clear Water Iron Reduction | Up to 3 ppm |
| NSF Certified | Yes |
| UPC | 090259891498 |
| Power Source | Mechanical (water pressure) |
| Is Electric | No |
| Wattage | 2 KW |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, please refer to the documentation included with your product at the time of purchase. Whirlpool provides customer support for assistance with installation, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
When contacting support, have your model number (WHES18) and purchase information ready. The manufacturer is Water Channel Partners.
You can often find additional support resources, FAQs, and contact details on the official Whirlpool website or through the retailer where the product was purchased.
