Whirlpool WHES18 Demand Controlled Water Softener

Installation Instructions (Continued)

Brine Tank Components (Figure 10)

Diagram Description (Figure 10): Shows an exploded view of the brine tank components, including the brinewell cover, venturi assembly, brine tubing, and overflow elbow.

Single Bypass Valve Assembly (Figure 11)

Diagram Description (Figure 11): Illustrates the single bypass valve assembly and its connection points.

Correct Assembly Clip (Figure 12)

Diagram Description (Figure 12): Details how to correctly attach the clips for the single bypass valve, ensuring tabs seat fully.

Electrical Shock Hazard: Prior to installation on metallic plumbing, securely install two grounding clamps and a #4 copper wire per instructions. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or electrical shock.

Grounding Information (for Installations on Metal Pipe) (Figure 13)

If the house incoming water pipe is used for grounding, installing a plastic bypass valve breaks this ground. Install two grounding clamps and a #4 copper wire across the softener location, clamping at both ends, as shown in Figure 13. Check local codes. In Massachusetts, consult your licensed plumber.

Diagram Description (Figure 13): Shows grounding clamps and wire installation on pipes.

Installation Instructions (Continued)

Complete Inlet and Outlet Plumbing

Measure, cut, and assemble pipe and fittings from the main water pipe to the softener valve inlet/outlet. Ensure fittings are tight and pipes are squared. Hard water supply must go to the inlet side. Trace water flow direction to confirm.

IMPORTANT: Fit, align, and support all plumbing to prevent stress on the valve, which could cause damage.

Install Valve Drain Hose

1. Measure, cut, and connect the 3/8" drain line to the valve drain fitting using a hose clamp. Make the line as short and direct as possible.
2. Route the hose to a floor drain. Secure it to prevent whipping during regenerations. See "Air Gap Requirements".

IMPORTANT: If codes require a rigid drain line, refer to "Valve Drain Requirements".

Install Salt Storage Tank Overflow Hose

1. Measure, cut, and connect the 3/8" drain line to the salt storage tank overflow elbow with a hose clamp.
2. Route the hose to a floor drain or suitable point no higher than the drain fitting (gravity drain). If the tank overfills, excess water flows to the drain. Cut to length and route neatly.

IMPORTANT: Do not connect the water softener valve drain tubing to the salt storage tank overflow hose.

Test for Leaks

To prevent air pressure issues, follow these steps:

1. Fully open two or more softened cold water faucets downstream from the softener.
2. Place the bypass valve (single or 3-valve) in the "bypass" position.
3. Slowly open the main water supply valve. Run water until flow is steady from faucets with no air bubbles.
4. Place bypass valve(s) in "service" position:
   • Single bypass valve: Slowly move stem toward "service," pausing to fill the softener.
   • 3 valve bypass: Close bypass valve, open outlet valve, slowly open inlet valve, pausing to fill.
5. After three minutes, open a hot water faucet until flow is steady and bubble-free, then close it.
6. Close all cold water faucets and check all plumbing connections for leaks.
7. Check clips at the softener's inlet/outlet for leaks. If a leak occurs, depressurize the plumbing (turn off supply, open faucets) before removing the clip. When removing clips, push the bypass valve body toward the softener (Figure 14). Improper removal may damage clips; do not reinstall damaged clips.

Diagram Description (Figure 14): Illustrates how to depressurize and push the bypass valve body to remove clips.

Installation Instructions (Continued)

Add Water and Salt to the Salt Storage Tank

Excessive Weight Hazard: Use two or more people to move and lift salt bags. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

1. Add about three gallons of clean water to the salt storage tank.
2. Add salt: Use nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities.

Plug in the Power Supply

Ensure all leadwire connectors are secure and wiring is away from moving parts. Plug the power supply into an electrical outlet not controlled by a switch.

NOTE: The water heater will initially fill with hard water. After a few days, hot water will be fully conditioned. To have conditioned hot water immediately after initial recharge, drain the water heater until water runs cold.

Sanitize the Water Softener / Sanitize After Service

1. Open salt lid, remove brinewell cover, pour about 3 oz. (6 tablespoons) of household bleach into the softener brinewell. Replace cover.
2. Ensure bypass valve(s) is in the "service" (open) position.
3. Start a recharge (regeneration). See "Start a Recharge" on Page 13.
4. After recharge, fully open a cold water faucet downstream from the softener and allow 50 gallons of water to pass through (approx. 20 minutes). Close faucet.

Programming the Water Softener

Control Panel Overview (Figure 15)

Diagram Description (Figure 15): Shows the control panel with buttons labeled: RECHARGE (Press to Schedule, Hold to Start), UP, DOWN, PROGRAM.

Clean Reminder

The display shows "CLEAn" flashing when four months have passed since startup or the last reset. This is a reminder to use Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser three times a year. To reset the timer, press any button; "CLEAn" will disappear.

Program the Softener

After plugging in the power supply, the display briefly shows the model code (LE18) and software version. Then, "PRESENT TIME" appears, and 12:00 PM flashes.

Set Time of Day (Figure 17)

If "PRESENT TIME" is not displayed, press PROGRAM until it appears.

1. Press UP or DOWN buttons to set the present time. UP advances, DOWN sets back. Ensure AM/PM is correct.

NOTE: Press buttons quickly to advance slowly; hold for fast advance.

Set Water Hardness Number (Figure 18)

1. Press PROGRAM again to display a flashing "25" and "HARDNESS".
2. Press UP or DOWN buttons to set your water's hardness number.

Iron Compensation: If water contains iron, add to the hardness number. Example: 20 gpg hard water with 2 ppm iron requires adding 5 grains per ppm of iron, totaling 30 for the hardness number.

Potassium Chloride (KCl) Salt: If using KCl salt, increase hardness setting by 25% (e.g., 20 gpg water becomes 25 gpg setting).

Support: Questions? Call Toll Free 1-866-986-3223 or visit whirlpoolwatersolutions.com. Provide model and serial number.

Programming the Water Softener (Continued)

Set Recharge (Regeneration) Time (Figure 19)

1. Press PROGRAM again to display a flashing 2:00 AM and "RECHARGE TIME". This is a common time for recharge as water is typically not in use.
2. To change the recharge start time, press UP or DOWN buttons until the desired time shows. Ensure AM/PM is correct.
3. Press PROGRAM again to return to the normal time of day display.

Start a Recharge

1. Press and hold the RECHARGE button for three seconds until "RECHARGE" flashes, initiating a recharge. This draws sanitizing bleach through the softener and purges air to the drain. Periodically check for leaks during this time.

NOTE: Leaks may occur and may not be immediately apparent. Recheck for leaks 24 hours after the first recharge cycle.

Recharge Now (Figure 20)

The RECHARGE button initiates an immediate recharge. Press and hold RECHARGE until "RECHARGE NOW" flashes. The softener enters the fill cycle. "RECHARGE NOW" flashes during regeneration. Capacity is restored upon completion. The display shows remaining time except during the fill cycle.

NOTE: Avoid using hot water during regeneration, as the water heater will refill with bypass hard water.

Recharge Tonight (Figure 21)

To schedule an extra recharge for the next preset time: Press and release (do not hold) the RECHARGE button. "RECHARGE TONIGHT" flashes, and the softener will recharge at the next scheduled time. "RECHARGE NOW" will flash during regeneration.

Customizing Features / Options

Salt Efficiency

When ON, the softener operates at salt efficiencies of 4000 grains of hardness per pound of salt or higher, potentially recharging more often with less salt and water. The feature is shipped OFF.

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until a screen from Figure 22 is displayed. Press PROGRAM once to see displays in Figure 23.
2. Press UP or DOWN buttons to set ON or OFF. When ON, an efficiency icon appears in the normal run display.
3. Press PROGRAM three times to return to the normal run display (See Figure 24).

California Requirement: You must turn the Salt Efficiency Feature ON. This may initiate more frequent recharges but will operate at 4,000 grains per pound of salt or higher.

Diagram Description (Figure 22): Shows TURBINE displays "000--" and "000-P".

Diagram Description (Figure 23): Shows "On" and "Off" options for efficiency, with an "Efficiency Icon" noted.

Diagram Description (Figure 24): Shows a typical run display with time (e.g., 5:39 PM), indicating efficiency is set to "ON".

Maximum Days Between Regenerations

The softener automatically controls regeneration frequency for optimal efficiency. This feature can be modified to force regeneration every set number of days (1 to 15 days). This is useful if your water supply contains clear water iron.

NOTE: The softener will still recharge automatically if needed, even before the set number of days.

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until the screen in Figure 22 is displayed. Press PROGRAM twice to see the display in Figure 25.
2. Press UP or DOWN buttons to set the number of days.
3. Press PROGRAM twice to return to the normal time of day screen.

Diagram Description (Figure 25): Shows "AUTO RECHARGE" display.

12 OR 24 Hour Clock

The default setting is 12-hour format (AM/PM). For 24-hour format:

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until the screen in Figure 22 is displayed. Press PROGRAM three times to see one of the displays in Figure 26.
2. Press UP or DOWN buttons to set the time format.
3. Press PROGRAM once again to return to the normal time of day screen.

Diagram Description (Figure 26): Shows "12 hr" and "24 hr" clock format options.

Routine Maintenance

Power Outage Memory

If electrical power is lost, the timer circuitry retains settings for several hours. The display will be blank, and the softener will not regenerate. When power is restored, the display will show settings. Reset the present time only if it is flashing. HARDNESS and RECHARGE TIME do not need resetting unless changed. Even with an incorrect clock, the softener will continue to soften water, though regenerations may occur at the wrong time until the clock is reset.

NOTE: If the softener was regenerating when power was lost, it will finish the cycle.

Water Softener Cleanser

The manufacturer recommends using Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleanser every four months.

1. Lift the brinewell cover and pour the entire 16 oz. bottle of cleanser into the brinewell.
2. Press and hold the RECHARGE button for three seconds until "RECHARGE" flashes. This manual recharge takes about two hours.

If taste, odor, or discoloration are detected, manually recharge again and run a cold water faucet downstream until water is normal.

Routine Maintenance (Continued)

Adding Salt

Check salt level frequently. Refill if less than 1/4 full to avoid hard water. Establish a refilling routine, checking every two to three weeks. Ensure 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, keep salt level lower and 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 impurity salts, block, granulated, table, ice melting, ice cream making salts, etc.

Breaking a Salt Bridge (Figure 27)

A salt bridge is a hard crust that forms, creating a gap between water and salt, preventing dissolution and recharging. It's often caused by humidity or wrong salt type.

To check for a bridge: Measure from the floor to the softener rim. Push a broom handle straight down into the salt. If a hard object is felt before the mark reaches the rim, a bridge likely exists. Gently push into the bridge in several places to break it. Do not use sharp objects or pound on the tank.

Diagram Description (Figure 27): Illustrates using a broom handle to check for a salt bridge.

Cleaning the Nozzle & Venturi (Figure 28)

A clean nozzle & venturi is crucial for proper softener function, creating suction to move brine. If plugged with debris, the softener will not work.

Diagram Description (Figure 28): Shows an exploded view of the nozzle and venturi assembly components.

IMPORTANT: Ensure the gasket's small hole is centered over the housing's small hole, and numbers face up.

Cleaning Steps:

1. Remove the top cover. Put bypass valve(s) in bypass position. Ensure the softener is in the service cycle.
2. Unscrew the cap (do not lose o-ring seal). Lift out screen support and screen.
3. Remove nozzle & venturi disc, gasket, and flow plug(s).
4. Wash parts in warm, soapy water and rinse. Use a small brush for stubborn debris, but do not scratch surfaces.
5. Gently replace all parts in order. Lubricate o-ring seal with silicone grease. Install and tighten cap by hand.
6. Put bypass valve(s) into service position.

Recharge the softener to reduce water level. If water level doesn't drop after recharge, the problem persists; call 1-866-986-3223.

Troubleshooting

Automatic Electronic Diagnostics

The softener has a self-diagnostic function for its electrical system. If a malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the display (Figure 29).

Diagram Description (Figure 29): Shows an example error code display "Err01".

While an error code is displayed, only the PROGRAM button is operational for manual advance diagnostics.

Procedure for Removing Error Code from Display:

1. Unplug the transformer from the electrical outlet.
2. Correct the problem.
3. Plug in the transformer.
4. Wait 8 minutes. The error code will return if the problem is not corrected.

Manual Advance Diagnostics

Use these procedures to advance the softener through regeneration cycles and check operation. Lift the salt lid and remove the top cover to observe cam and switch operation.

1. Press and hold PROGRAM for 3 seconds until "000" displays, then release.
2. The 3 digits indicate water meter operation:
   • 000 (steady): Soft water not in use, no flow through meter. Open a soft water faucet.
   • 000 to 199 (continual): Repeats for each gallon of water passing through the meter.
3. The letter "P" and a dash (or dashes) indicate POSITION switch operation (Figure 30). "P" means the switch is closed; a dash means it's open.
4. Use the RECHARGE button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and check switch operation.

NOTE: Ensure water is in contact with salt and not separated by a salt bridge.

Diagnostic Information:

• Press UP to display the number of days the electronic control has had power.
• Press DOWN to display the number of regenerations initiated.

Model Code Check: Press and hold PROGRAM until the model code (LE18) displays (Figure 31). If incorrect, the softener operates on wrong configuration data. To change, use UP/DOWN buttons. Press PROGRAM to return to time display.

Diagram Description (Figure 30): Shows TURBINE displays "000--" and "000-P" indicating switch position.

Diagram Description (Figure 31): Shows the model code display "LE 18".

Troubleshooting Support: Need help? Call Toll Free 1-866-986-3223 or visit whirlpoolwatersolutions.com. Provide model and serial number.

Troubleshooting (Continued)

Resetting to Factory Defaults (Figure 32)

To reset the electronic controller to factory defaults (time, hardness, etc.):

1. Press and hold PROGRAM until the display changes twice to show the flashing model code.
2. Press UP (if needed) to display a flashing "SoS".
3. Press PROGRAM; the controller will restart.
4. Set time, hardness, etc., as described on pages 12 & 13.

Diagram Description (Figure 32): Shows the "SoS" display for factory reset.

Manual Advance Regeneration Check

Verify valve motor, brine fill, brine draw, regeneration flow rates, and controller functions. Perform initial checks and manual diagnostics.

NOTE: The control display must show a steady time (not flashing). If an error code shows, press PROGRAM to enter diagnostic display.

1. Press and hold RECHARGE for 3 seconds. "RECHARGE" flashes as the valve moves to fill position. Observe fill water entering the tank. If no water enters, check for obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill plug, brine tubing, or riser pipe.
2. Press RECHARGE to move to brine position. A slow drain flow begins. Observe brine draw from the brine tank by noting a drop in liquid level (may take 15-20 minutes).

NOTE: Ensure water is in contact with salt and not separated by a salt bridge.

If softener does not draw brine, check for:

• Dirty or plugged nozzle and venturi.
• Nozzle/venturi not seated on gasket, or gasket deformed.
• Valve seals leaking.
• Restriction in valve drain (bends, kinks, elevated hose). See "Install Valve Drain Hose".
• Obstruction in brine valve or tubing.

NOTE: Low water pressure or a long/elevated drain hose can cause back pressure, stopping brine draw. Avoid drain hose runs over 30 feet or elevated more than 8 feet.

3. Press RECHARGE to move to backwash position. Observe fast flow from the drain hose. Ensure drain can handle flow. Obstructed flow indicates a plugged top distributor, backwash plug, or drain hose.
4. Press RECHARGE to move to fast rinse position. Observe fast drain flow. Rinse for a few minutes to flush out any remaining brine.
5. Press RECHARGE to return the valve to the service position.

Troubleshooting Support: Need help? Call Toll Free 1-866-986-3223 or visit whirlpoolwatersolutions.com. Provide model and serial number.

Notes

This page is intentionally left blank for notes.

Water Softener Exploded View

Figure 20 provides an exploded view of the water softener's main components, including the valve assembly.

Diagram Description (Figure 20): Shows an overview of the water softener's major parts with key numbers for reference.

Water Softener Parts List

Refer to the table below for part numbers and descriptions. To order repair parts, call toll-free 1-866-986-3223.

Not illustrated

Manufacturer: Manufactured and warranted by Water Channel Partners, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.

Support: Questions? Call Toll Free 1-866-986-3223 or visit whirlpoolwatersolutions.com. Provide model and serial number.

Valve Exploded View

Figure 22 provides an exploded view of the water softener's valve assembly components.

Diagram Description (Figure 22): Shows an overview of the valve assembly parts with key numbers for reference.

Valve Parts List

Refer to the table below for part numbers and descriptions for the valve assembly. To order repair parts, call toll-free 1-866-986-3223.

Not illustrated

Manufacturer: Manufactured and warranted by Water Channel Partners, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.

Support: Questions? Call Toll Free 1-866-986-3223 or visit whirlpoolwatersolutions.com. Provide model and serial number.

Warranty

Extend Your Warranty: Use Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleaner

The factory warranty can be extended to five (5) years by using Whirlpool® WHE-WSC Water Softener Cleaner every four months. Retain proof of purchase. Use of other additives voids this extended warranty.

Water Softener Warranty - Model WHES18

Warrantor: Water Channel Partners, 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125.

One Year Full Warranty: For one year from delivery, all parts are free from defects and will perform as specified. Labor to repair or replace defective parts is also covered.

Limited Warranties:

• Ten (10) years: Salt storage tank and fiberglass resin/mineral tank will not rust, corrode, leak, burst, or fail.
• Three (3) years: Electronic control board will be free of defects and perform as specified.

Replacement parts will be shipped without charge. If a part is unavailable, Warrantor may refund the original purchase price. Labor is not covered after the first year.

For questions, assistance, or warranty issues, call 1-866-986-3223.

General Provisions

Warranties are effective provided the softener is operated within specified water pressure (max 125 psi) and temperature (max 120°F) limits, and is not subject to abuse, misuse, alteration, neglect, freezing, accident, or acts of nature.

Limited warranty does not cover damage due to: transportation, storage, improper use, failure to follow instructions, unauthorized modifications/repairs, normal wear and tear, or external causes beyond Warrantor's control. Use of aftermarket or non-manufacturer parts voids warranties. Improper installation also voids warranty.

Disclaimer: There are no warranties beyond those described. Implied warranties of MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE are disclaimed to the extent they extend beyond the stated periods. Warrantor's sole obligation is to replace or repair defective components. Warrantor is not liable for consequential or incidental damages.

Some states may not allow limitations on incidental or consequential damages.

This warranty provides specific legal rights that may vary by state. Applies to consumer-owned installations only.

©/TM © 2023 Whirlpool. All rights reserved. Manufactured under license by Water Channel Partners, Woodbury, Minnesota.