Whirlpool WHES40 Water Softener

Table of Contents

• Water Softener Safety
• Before You Start
• Inspect Shipment
• Water Softener Dimensions
• How a Water Softener Works
• Water Conditioning Information
• Installation Requirements
• Plan the Installation
• Installation Instructions
• Program the Water Softener
• Customize Features/Options
• Routine Maintenance
• Troubleshooting Guide
• Diagnostics
• Product Specifications
• Warranty
• Softener Components

Water Softener Safety

Your safety and the safety of others are very important. Always read and obey all safety messages.

⚠️ This is the safety alert symbol. It alerts you to potential hazards that can kill or hurt you and others.

All safety messages will follow the safety alert symbol and either the word "DANGER" or "WARNING."

DANGER: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't immediately follow instructions.

WARNING: You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.

All safety messages will tell you what the potential hazard is, how to reduce the chance of injury, and what can happen if instructions are not followed.

For installations in Massachusetts: Installation by a licensed plumber is required. Plumbing code 248-CMR must be used.

For installations in California: You must turn the Salt Efficiency Feature setting to ON. This may initiate more frequent recharges but will operate at 4,000 grains per pound of salt or higher. Follow instructions in the "Salt Efficiency" section.

Before You Start

See "Location Requirements" section before installing. Follow installation instructions carefully (failure to install properly voids the warranty).

Read this entire manual before beginning installation. Obtain all necessary materials and tools.

Check local plumbing and electrical codes.

Use only lead-free solder and flux for sweat-solder connections.

Handle the water softener with care: do not turn upside down, drop, or set on sharp protrusions.

Avoid installing in direct sunlight, as excessive heat may cause distortion or damage to non-metallic parts.

The water softener requires a minimum water flow of 3 GPM. Maximum allowable inlet water pressure is 125 psi. Use a pressure reducing valve if daytime pressure exceeds 80 psi. If equipped with a backflow preventer, an expansion tank must be installed.

The water softener operates on 24-volt, 60 Hz electrical power via a direct plug-in transformer. Use a nominal 120V, 60 cycle household outlet protected by an overcurrent device (circuit breaker or fuse). If replacing the transformer, use only an authorized Class II, 24V 10VA transformer.

This system is not intended for treating microbiologically unsafe water without adequate disinfection before or after the system.

Inspect Shipment

The following parts are included for assembly and installation:

• Copper tubes and ground clamp
• Single valve bypass
• 20 ft. green drain hose
• Hose adaptor
• Hose clamps
• Copper reducer tubes
• Drain line adaptor
• Clips
• O-rings
• Grommet
• Water hardness test strip

Diagrams show illustrations of these parts.

Thoroughly check the water softener for shipping damage and parts loss. Inspect the shipping carton for damage.

Remove and discard (or recycle) all packing materials. Keep small parts in their bag until ready for use.

Do not return the water softener to the store.

For questions about missing parts or damage, call 1-866-986-3223 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 9 pm EST).

Before calling, have your model number, date of purchase, water conditions, and number of people living in your home ready.

For future reference, record the following information:

* A hardness test strip is provided. ** Kits for testing hardness and iron are available at hardware stores.

Water Softener Dimensions

Diagram shows a top view and a side view of the water softener with dimensions.

Dimensions:

• Overall Height (A): 41-1/2"
• Tank Height (B): 39-1/2"
• Tank Diameter (C): 47-7/8"
• Top Width: 19"
• Depth: 18"
• Inlet/Outlet Ports: 3-3/4" from top

How a Water Softener Works

Softening Cycle

During the "service" or "softening cycle," hard water flows from the main water pipe into the softener. Inside the resin tank are thousands of tiny plastic resin beads. These beads attract and hold hardness minerals. Soft water then flows to the rest of the house.

Regeneration Cycle

When the resin beads become coated with calcium or magnesium ions, the softener needs to replenish them with sodium ions. This process is called "regeneration."

Regeneration involves washing the beads with a strong salt water solution. The sodium forces the calcium and magnesium ions to be released and discharged as waste. The beads are then ready to collect hardness minerals again. The cycle consists of five stages: brine fill, brining, brine rinse, backwash, and fast rinse. The total regeneration time is approximately two hours.

Water Conditioning Information

Water Conditioning

Water conditioning treats four general conditions: Hardness, Iron, Acidity, and Sediments.

1. Hardness: Refers to calcium and magnesium minerals. Measured in grains per gallon (gpg). Hardness minerals combine with soap to form soap curd, reducing cleaning action, and can form crusts on fixtures. Softeners remove hardness minerals.

   IMPORTANT: Water softeners add sodium (from NaCl) or potassium (from KCl) to the water during regeneration. Persons on restricted diets should factor this into their intake.

   Sodium/Potassium Added to Water from Cation Exchange Softening

   Initial Water Hardness (Grains per Gallon)	Sodium Added to Water from Cation Exchange Softening		Potassium Added to Water from Cation Exchange Softening
   	Milligrams Na+/qt.	(Example: 15 gpg, 3 qts = 335mg Na)	Milligrams K+/qt.	(Example: 1 banana ~ 600mg K)
   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

2. Iron: Measured in parts per million (ppm). Can cause stains and affect taste. Types include Ferrous (clear water, soluble), Ferric (red water, insoluble), Bacterial/organically bound, and Colloidal/inorganically bound.

   This softener removes moderate amounts of Ferrous iron. For every 1 ppm of Ferrous iron, add 5 grains to the hardness setting.

   This softener does NOT remove Ferric, Bacterial, or Colloidal iron. Filtration or chlorination may be needed for these types.

3. Acidity: Caused by carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide. Acid water (pH below 6.9) can be corrosive to plumbing and appliances. This softener does NOT improve acidity. A neutralizer filter or chemical feed pump is recommended.
4. Sediments: Fine suspended particles like clay or silt. This softener does NOT remove sediment. A sediment filter is normally recommended.

Installation Requirements

Tools and Parts Needed

Assemble tools before starting installation.

• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Tape Measure

If using Soldered Copper Pipe:

• Tubing cutter
• Propane torch
• Misc. copper pipe fittings
• Lead-free solder and flux
• Emery cloth, sandpaper or steel wool

If using Threaded Pipe:

• Pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Threading tool
• Pipe joint compound
• Misc. threaded pipe fittings

If using CPVC Plastic:

• Pipe cutter
• Hacksaw
• Adjustable wrench
• Solvent cement
• Primer
• Misc. CPVC pipe fittings

If using Other:

• Other pipe and fittings suitable for potable water supply, as required by piping system manufacturer and local codes/ordinances.

Location Requirements

• Do not locate where freezing temperatures occur. Do not attempt to treat water over 120°F (freezing or hot water damage voids warranty).
• Install close to the water supply inlet, before all other plumbing connections (except outside water pipes), to condition all water in the home. Outside faucets should remain on hard water.
• A nearby drain is needed for regeneration discharge water (floor drain, laundry tub, standpipe, etc.). See "Air Gap Requirements" and "Valve Drain Requirements".
• Provide an electrical outlet for the 24-volt, 60 Hz transformer, in accordance with NEC and local codes.
• Install between the water heater and water inlet. Other conditioning equipment should be between the softener and water inlet.

Figure 1 shows the typical installation layout: cold water to water heater, water softener, optional sediment filter, water inlet.

Plan the Installation

Inlet - Outlet Plumbing Options

Install either a single bypass valve (provided) or a 3-valve bypass system (not included). Bypass valves allow water shut-off for maintenance while maintaining water supply to the house.

Figure 4 shows single valve bypass (push in for bypass, pull out for service/soft water) and 3 valve bypass (inlet valve, bypass valve, outlet valve).

Pipe and fittings must be 3/4" minimum.

Use Copper pipe, CPVC plastic pipe, Threaded pipe, or other approved pipe.

Figure 5 shows a typical installation with connections to the main water pipe, water softener valve, and conditioned water outlet to faucets. It illustrates the grounding clamp, valve drain elbow, and salt storage tank overflow hose connection to a floor drain.

Installation Instructions

Turn Off Water Supply

1. Close the main water supply valve (near well pump or water meter).
2. Open all faucets to drain water from house pipes.

NOTE: Do not drain water from the water heater, as this could damage its elements.

Install 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 elbow accepts 1/2" or 3/8" I.D. hose.

Figure 6 shows the brine tank components: Nozzle venturi assembly, Nut-ferrule, Salt hole cover, Brine tubing, Salt storage tank, Stand tube, Top cover, Brine tank overflow elbow, Brine tank overflow grommet, 13/16" hole, Brinewell cover, Brinewell, Float stem, Brine valve.

Move the Water Softener into Place

⚠️ WARNING: Excessive Weight Hazard. Use two or more people to move and install the water softener and salt bags. Failure to do so can result in back or other injury.

1. Move the softener to its location and set it on a level surface. Use plywood (min. 3/4" thick) and shims if needed for leveling.

IMPORTANT: Do not place shims directly under the salt storage tank, as its weight could cause it to fracture.

Figure 7 illustrates leveling with plywood and shims.

2. Check and remove any debris from the softener valve inlet and outlet ports.
3. Apply a light coating of silicone grease or petroleum jelly to the single valve bypass o-rings.
4. Push the single valve bypass into the softener valve as far as it will go. Snap the two large holding clips into place from the top down.

IMPORTANT: Ensure clips snap firmly to prevent the bypass valve from pulling out.

Figure 8 shows the correct assembly of the bypass valve clips, indicating the channel and tabs.

Assemble Inlet and Outlet Plumbing

Measure, cut, and loosely assemble pipe and fittings from the main water pipe to the softener valve inlet and outlet ports. Ensure fittings are fully together and pipes are squared and straight.

Ensure the hard water supply pipe connects to the softener valve inlet side. Inlet and outlet are marked on the valve.

IMPORTANT: Fit, align, and support all plumbing to prevent stress on the valve. Misaligned or unsupported plumbing can cause damage.

Connect Inlet and Outlet Plumbing

⚡ WARNING: Electrical Shock Hazard. Use metal fittings with metal pipe. Do not use plastic fittings to connect to metal house pipes. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or electrical shock.

Figure 9 shows plumbing connections with ground clamps for soldered copper pipe.

Soldered copper

1. Thoroughly clean and apply solder flux to all joints.
2. Make all solder connections.

NOTE: Do not solder with installation tubes attached to the single valve bypass, as soldering heat will damage the valve.

IMPORTANT: When installing copper tubes and ground clamp assembly to the bypass valve, secure the ground clamp.

Threaded pipe

1. Apply pipe joint compound or Teflon® tape to all male pipe threads.
2. Tighten all threaded joints.

NOTE: Do not solder with installation tubes attached to the single valve bypass, as soldering heat will damage the valve.

IMPORTANT: When installing copper tubes and ground clamp assembly to the bypass valve, secure the ground clamp.

CPVC plastic pipe

1. Clean, prime, and cement all joints according to the manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: Do not solder with installation tubes attached to the single valve bypass, as soldering heat will damage the valve.

IMPORTANT: When installing copper tubes and ground clamp assembly to the bypass valve, secure the ground clamp.

Other

1. Follow the piping system manufacturer's instructions for other approved pipe types.

IMPORTANT: When installing copper tubes and ground clamp assembly to the bypass valve, secure the ground clamp.

Install Valve Drain Hose

1. Measure, cut, and connect the 3/8" green drain line to the softener valve drain fitting. Use a hose clamp.

IMPORTANT: If codes require a rigid drain line, see "Valve Drain Requirements" section.

2. Run the green drain hose or copper tubing to the floor drain. Secure the hose to prevent "whipping" during regenerations. See "Air Gap Requirements".

Install Salt Storage Tank Overflow Hose

1. Measure, cut, and connect the 3/8" green drain line to the salt storage tank overflow elbow and secure with a hose clamp.
2. Run the hose to a floor drain or other suitable drain point no higher than the tank's drain fitting. This is a gravity drain.

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

Testing, Sanitizing, and Powering Up

Test for Leaks

1. Fully open two or more softened cold water faucets downstream from the softener.
2. Place the bypass valve(s) in the "bypass" position.
3. Fully open the main water supply valve. Run water until a steady flow with no air bubbles emerges from the opened faucets.
4. Place bypass valve(s) in "service" position:
   • Single valve bypass: Slowly move the valve stem toward "service", pausing to allow water to fill the softener.
   • 3 valve bypass: Fully close the bypass valve, open the outlet valve, and slowly open the inlet valve, pausing to allow water to fill.
5. After about three minutes, open a hot water faucet until a steady flow emerges with no air bubbles, then close it.
6. Close all cold water faucets and check for leaks at all plumbing connections.

Add Water and Salt to the Salt Storage Tank

⚠️ WARNING: Excessive Weight Hazard. Use two or more people to move and install the water softener and 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. Fill the salt storage tank with salt. Use nugget, pellet, or coarse solar salts with less than 1% impurities.

NOTE: See "Routine Maintenance Section" for more salt information.

Sanitize the Water Softener/Sanitize After Service

1. Open the salt hole cover, remove the brinewell cover, and pour about 1-1/2 oz. (2-3 tablespoons) of household bleach into the brinewell. Replace the brinewell cover.
2. Ensure the bypass valve(s) is in the "service" (open) position.
3. The sanitizing procedure is completed when the first cycle runs and the solution is flushed.

Plug in Water Softener

Check that all leadwire connectors are secure on the back of the electronic board and that wiring is clear of the valve gear and motor area.

1. Plug the water softener into an electrical outlet not controlled by a switch.

NOTE: To have fully conditioned hot water immediately, wait until the initial recharge is over, then drain the water heater (following its instructions) until water runs cold.

Program the Water Softener

Figure 10 shows the control panel with buttons: SET SALT LEVEL, TANK LIGHT, CHECK SALT LEVEL, RECHARGE, PROGRAM, UP, DOWN. The display shows model code, test number, and time.

For installation, programming, operating, or maintenance questions, call 1-866-986-3223 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 9 pm EST).

When plugged in, the display may show a model code and test number (e.g., J1.0), then "12:00 PM" and "CURRENT TIME" will flash.

NOTE: If "----" shows, press ⬆️ or ⬇️ until "LE40" appears, then press ? PROGRAM to set and change to "CURRENT TIME" display.

Set Time of Day

If "CURRENT TIME" does not show, press ? PROGRAM until it does.

1. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set the present time. ⬆️ advances time, ⬇️ sets it back.

Example displays show "4:58 AM" and "11:36 AM" labeled "Current Time".

NOTE: Ensure AM or PM is correct. Press and release buttons to advance slowly; hold down for fast advance. This applies to all settings.

Set Water Hardness Number

1. Press ? PROGRAM once to display a flashing "25" and "HARDNESS".
2. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set your water hardness number.

NOTE: If your water supply contains iron, compensate by adding to the hardness number. For example, for 20 gpg hardness and 2 ppm iron, add 5 to the number for each ppm of iron (2 ppm x 5 = 10). Total hardness number = 20 + 10 = 30.

Set Recharge (Regeneration) Time

1. Press ? PROGRAM once to display a flashing "2:00AM" and "RECHARGE TIME". This is a good time as water is not typically in use.

If you want to change the recharge start time, press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons until the desired time shows.

Set Salt Type

1. Press ? PROGRAM once to display a flashing "nACL".

Salt Type allows choosing between sodium chloride (NaCl) or potassium chloride (KCl). KCl may be used if on a sodium-restricted diet. See "Water Conditioning Information" section.

KCl Usage: Place one bag (max 60 lbs) of KCl at a time. Do not use in areas with high temperature changes or humidity, as KCl can harden and make the softener inoperable.

Customize Features/Options

Recharge

Press and hold the ⚡ RECHARGE button until "RECHARGE", "SERVICE", and "FILL" flash. The softener enters the fill cycle. "RECHARGE" will flash during regeneration. Full capacity is restored upon completion. The display shows remaining time except during the Fill cycle.

Display example shows "3:12 PM" with "Service", "Fill", "Recharge" labels.

NOTE: Avoid using hot water while the conditioner is regenerating, as the water heater will refill with hard water.

Recharge Scheduled

To schedule an extra recharge at the next preset time (without starting immediately): Press and release (do not hold) the ⚡ RECHARGE button. "RECHARGE SCHEDULED" will flash, and the softener will recharge at the next scheduled time.

Set Salt Level

The salt monitor indicator light reminds you to refill the storage tank. You must set the salt level each time salt is added.

1. Lift the salt hole cover and level the salt. Observe the salt level decal on the brinewell (numbers 0-8).
2. Press the SET SALT LEVEL button until black ovals correspond to the salt level number. At level 2 or below, the indicator LED will flash "Check Salt Level".

Display shows "12:43 PM" with a salt level indicator.

To turn the salt monitor off, press SET SALT LEVEL until "SALT LEVEL OFF" shows.

Display shows "12:43 PM" with "SALT LEVEL OFF".

Tank Light

Push the tank light button to turn the light on for viewing salt level. Push again to turn off. It automatically turns off after four minutes.

"Power-Outage Memory"

The "memory" circuitry retains settings for up to six hours during power loss. The display is blank, and the softener does not regenerate. Upon power restoration, the display may flash if the time is incorrect. Reset the time if flashing. HARDNESS and RECHARGE TIME do not need resetting. 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 Flow Indicator

When water flows from the outlet port, the display shows scrolling water droplets. Faster flow means faster droplet flashing.

Display example shows "3:12 PM" with droplets indicating water flow.

Salt Efficiency

When ON, the softener operates at 4000 grains of hardness per pound of salt or higher (may recharge more often). The softener ships in the OFF setting.

1. Press and hold ? PROGRAM until the "Service 000" screen displays.
2. Press ? PROGRAM once to show either "On" or "Off" (with "Clean" label).
3. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set On or Off. The "Efficiency Icon" will appear in the normal display when On.

Clean / Clear Water Iron Removal

Beneficial for water with iron and/or high sediment. Default is "OFF". When "ON", an extra backwash and fast rinse cycle precedes regeneration for extra cleaning. To conserve water, set to "OFF" if your supply has no iron or sediment.

1. Press and hold ? PROGRAM until the "Service 000" screen displays.
2. Press ? PROGRAM twice to show either "On" or "Off" (with "Clean" label).
3. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set On or Off.

Clean Feature Minutes

Adjusts the length of the Clean/Clear Water Iron Removal feature from 1 to 15 minutes. Use ⬆️ to increase time, ⬇️ to shorten. The extra backwash cycle automatically sets to 9 minutes.

1. Press and hold ? PROGRAM until the "Service 000" screen displays.
2. Press ? PROGRAM three times to show the minute setting.
3. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set the number of minutes.

Maximum Days Between Regenerations

The softener automatically controls regeneration frequency for efficiency. Modify this if you want to force regeneration every set number of days (1 to 15 days) using ⬆️ and ⬇️ buttons. This is useful if your water has iron and you want frequent regeneration.

NOTE: The softener will recharge on its own if needed, even before the set number of days.

1. Press and hold ? PROGRAM until the "Service 000" screen displays.
2. Press ? PROGRAM four times to show the "Day" setting (automatic/default).
3. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set the number of days.

12 or 24 Hour Clock

The default is a 12-hour clock. For 24-hour display, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold ? PROGRAM until the "Service 000" screen displays.
2. Press ? PROGRAM five times to show the "12hr" or "24hr" Time display.
3. Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ buttons to set the clock format.

For installation, programming, operating, or maintenance questions, call 1-866-986-3223 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 9 pm EST).

Routine Maintenance

Refilling With Salt

Lift the salt hole cover and check the salt level frequently. Refill if less than 1/3 full to avoid hard water. Check every two or three weeks until a routine is established. Ensure the brinewell cover is on.

NOTE: In humid areas, keep salt level lower and refill more often.

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.

Breaking A Salt Bridge

NOTE: If more than a few inches of water are in the bottom of the tank, see "Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi" section.

A salt bridge is a hard crust that forms in the brine tank, usually due to humidity or wrong salt type. It creates an empty space between water and salt, preventing salt from dissolving and making brine. Without brine, regeneration fails, resulting in hard water.

To check for a bridge if the tank is full: Use a broom handle. Measure from the floor to the tank rim. Push the handle straight down into the salt. If a hard object is felt, it's likely a salt bridge. Carefully push into the bridge in several places to break it. Do not use sharp objects that could puncture the tank.

Figure 11 illustrates breaking a salt bridge with a broom handle. It shows the salt, salt bridge, and water level.

Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi

A clean nozzle and venturi are essential for proper softener operation, as they create suction to move brine from the tank. If plugged with sand, silt, etc., the softener will produce hard water.

1. Remove the top cover. Put the bypass valve(s) in bypass position.
2. Ensure the softener is in a soft water cycle (no water pressure at nozzle/venturi).
3. Hold the nozzle and venturi housing, turn off the cap. Do not lose the o-ring seal.
4. Lift out the screen support and screen. Remove the nozzle and venturi.
5. Wash parts in warm, soapy water and rinse in fresh water. Use a small brush for iron or dirt, being careful not to scratch parts. Clean the gasket and flow plug(s).
6. Replace all parts in the correct order. Lubricate the o-ring seal with silicone grease. Install and tighten the cap by hand only.
7. Put the bypass valve(s) into service/soft water position.

Figure 12 shows the nozzle and venturi assembly components: Cap, O-ring seal, Screen support, Screen, Nozzle & venturi, Gasket, Flow plug, Nozzle & venturi housing, Ferrule Nut, Screen. An inset shows an assembled view and a cross-section view.

Recharge the softener several times to reduce water level. Once the level is about 2"-3", resume normal use. If the water level doesn't drop after a few recharges:

1. Remove the brine valve assembly from the brinewell and push the float stem down.
2. Place the opening of the brine valve just under the water and start a recharge. Move the brine valve down with each recharge until it rests at the bottom of the tank. Add salt if needed.

Figure 13 shows the brine valve assembly inside the brinewell, with a float stem.

For routine maintenance questions, call 1-866-986-3223 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 9 pm EST).

Troubleshooting Guide

For help troubleshooting, call 1-866-986-3223 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 9 pm EST).

Tools Needed For Most Repairs: 5/16 Hex Driver, Phillips Screwdriver, Needle-nose Pliers

Assistance from customer service may be needed with the following problems and solutions.

Procedure for removing error code from faceplate:

1. Unplug transformer from outlet.
2. Correct defect.
3. Plug in transformer.
4. Wait for 6 minutes. The error code will return if the defect was not corrected.

Diagnostics

Automatic Electronic Diagnostics

The water softener has a self-diagnostic function for its electrical system (except input power and water meter). It monitors electronic components and circuits. If a malfunction occurs, an error code appears in the display. While an error code is shown, only the PROGRAM button is operable. The PROGRAM button allows service personnel to perform Manual Advance Diagnostics.

Manual Advance Diagnostics

Use these procedures to advance the softener through regeneration cycles to check operation. Remove the top cover to observe cam and switch operation during valve rotation.

1. Press and hold ? PROGRAM for 3 seconds until "000 - -" shows in the display.
2. The first 3 digits indicate water meter operation:
   • 000 (steady): Soft water not in use, no flow through meter.
   • 000 to 140 (continual): Repeats display for each gallon of water passing through the meter.

NOTE: If no reading appears with faucet open, pull the sensor from the valve outlet port. Pass a magnet back and forth in front of the sensor. If a reading appears, unhook plumbing and check the turbine for binding.

Diagram shows motor, position switch, sensor housing, turbine, and valve outlet.

3. Symbols in the display indicate POSITION switch operation: "Switch is open (cam not rotating)" or "Switch is closed (Cam rotating)".
4. Use the ⚡ RECHARGE button to manually advance the valve into each cycle and check switch operation.

NOTE: Be sure water is in contact with salt, not separated by a salt bridge. See "Breaking A Salt Bridge" section.

5. Diagnostic screen information:
• Press ⬆️ to display the number of days the electronic control has had power applied.
• Press ⬇️ to display the number of regenerations initiated since the LE code was entered.
6. Press and hold ? PROGRAM until "LE40" shows. This identifies the softener model.
7. Return to present time display: Press ? PROGRAM.
8. To change LE number: Press ⬆️ or ⬇️ until the correct code shows, then press ? PROGRAM to return to the present time display.

Manual Advance Regeneration Check

This check verifies valve motor, brine tank fill, brine draw, regeneration flow rates, and controller functions. Always perform initial checks and manual initiated diagnostics.

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

1. Press and hold ⚡ RECHARGE for 3 seconds. "RECHARGE" flashes as the softener enters the fill cycle. Observe fill water entering the tank.

If water does not enter, check for obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine tubing, or brine valve riser pipe.

2. After observing fill, press ⚡ RECHARGE to move to brining. Slow water flow to the drain begins. Verify brine draw by observing a noticeable drop in the liquid level in the brinewell (may take 15-20 minutes).

NOTE: Be sure water is in contact with salt, not separated by a salt bridge. See "Breaking A Salt Bridge" section.

If the softener does not draw brine, check for:

• Dirty or plugged nozzle and venturi (see "Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi").
• Nozzle and venturi not seated on gasket, or gasket deformed.
• Restriction in valve drain (bends, kinks, elevated too high). See "Install Valve Drain Hose".
• Obstruction in brine valve or brine tubing.
• Inner valve failure (obstructed outlet disc, wave washer deformed).

NOTE: Low water system pressure or an elevated drain hose may cause back pressure, stopping brine draw.

3. Press ⚡ RECHARGE to move to backwash. Look for fast water flow from the drain hose. Obstructed flow indicates a plugged distributor, backwash flow plug, or drain hose.
4. Press ⚡ RECHARGE to move to fast rinse. Look for fast drain flow. Allow to rinse for a few minutes to flush out brine.
5. To return to service, press ⚡ RECHARGE.

Product Specifications

Performance Claims

This system conforms to NSF/ANSI 44. The efficiency rating is valid only at the stated salt dose.

Variable Salt Dose

The salt dose is selected by electronic controls at regeneration time based on the amount needed.

Warranty

Warrantor: Ecodyne Water Systems Inc., 1890 Woodlane Drive, Woodbury, MN 55125

Warrantor guarantees, to the original owner, that:

One Year Full Warranty:

• For one (1) year after installation, all parts will be free of defects in materials and workmanship.
• For one (1) year after installation, labor to repair or replace defective parts will be provided at no additional cost.

Limited Warranties:

• Limited ten (10) year warranty: Salt storage tank and fiberglass mineral tank will not rust, corrode, leak, burst, or fail.
• Limited three (3) year warranty: Electronic control board will be free of defects and will perform its normal functions.

If a part proves defective within the warranty period, Warrantor will ship a replacement part free of charge. Labor after the first year is not covered.

For warranty questions, assistance, or to order parts, call 1-866-986-3223 (Monday - Friday, 8 am - 9 pm EST).

General Provisions

Warranties are effective provided the conditioner is operated at water pressures not exceeding 125 psi and temperatures not exceeding 120°F. The conditioner must not be subject to abuse, misuse, alteration, neglect, freezing, accident, or negligence. It must not be damaged by acts of nature (flood, hurricane, etc.).

Warrantor is excused if failure to perform obligations is due to strikes, government regulation, material shortages, or other circumstances beyond control.

*THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES ON THE WATER CONDITIONER BEYOND THOSE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED ABOVE. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT THEY MIGHT EXTEND BEYOND THE ABOVE PERIODS. THE SOLE OBLIGATION IS TO REPLACE OR REPAIR THE DEFECTIVE COMPONENT. WARRANTOR IS NOT LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES. NO DEALER, AGENT, REPRESENTATIVE, OR OTHER PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO EXTEND OR EXPAND THESE WARRANTIES.

Some states may not allow limitations on implied warranty duration or incidental/consequential damages. This warranty gives specific legal rights, and other rights may vary by state. This warranty applies to consumer-owned installations only.

Registered trademark/TM Trademark of Whirlpool, USA, used under license. © 2004 Whirlpool Corporation. All rights reserved.

TEFLON is a registered trademark of E. I. DuPont.

Wiring Schematic diagram shows connections for transformer, tank light, turbine sensor, and position switch.

Softener Components

The following sections detail the components of the water softener.

Diagrams on pages 30-32 show exploded views of the water softener and its various assemblies, with numbered parts corresponding to the lists below.

Component List (Pages 30-31)

Component List (Pages 32-33)

Notes

This section is intentionally left blank for user notes.