Water softeners are a great way to reduce the hardness of your water and make it more suitable for consumption. This article will discuss the Whirlpool water softener, which is one of the most popular water softeners on the market.
The whirlpool water softener is a highly effective system manufactured by the Whirlpool Corporation located at Benton Charter Township, Michigan.
The brand is one of the major home appliance companies worldwide. It is also a popular choice for many people because it removes hard minerals such as calcium and magnesium from our drinking water, making it softer. Read more about the company’s history here
The other benefit of the whirlpool water softener include:
- Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Parts and labor warranty can be extended to 5 years after purchase and correct use of whirlpool water softener cleanser within one year of ownership.
- It helps remove clear water or ferrous iron.
- It features simple-to-program electronics and a low-salt indicator light.
- The system employs demand-initiated regeneration. Therefore, help save water, soap, and energy.
- Some models like the Whirlpool Pro Series 48000 and Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series have a filtration system that removes sediment and particles down to 70 microns.
Comparison Table
| Name | Image | Features | Where to buy | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Whirlpool WHES33 |  | 33,000 grains, suitable for 1-4+ people, removes hardnes of 105 GPG and iron up to 9ppm | Amazon Lowes |
| 2 | Whirlpool WHES40E |  | 40,000 grains, suitable for 1-6+ people, removes hardnes of 125 GPG, and iron up to 10ppm | Amazon Lowes |
| 3 | Whirlpool WHES44 |  | 44,000 grains, suitable for 1-5 people, removes hardnes of 140gpg and iron up to 12ppm | Amazon Lowes |
| 4 | Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series |  | 31,000 grains, suitable for 1-5+ people, removes hardnes of 120gpg and iron up to 3ppm | Amazon Lowes |
| 5 | Whirlpool 48000-Grain Water Softener | 48,000 grains, suitable for 1-6+ people, removes hardnes of 160gpg and iron up to 12 ppm | Lowes |
When it comes to water softeners, Whirlpool offers a home water softening system that saves water, soap, and energy.
Available at these retailers
Product specification
- Capacity: – 30,000 grains
- NO. of household: -1-4+ people
- Removes- maximum hardness of 95gpg and iron (clear water/ferrous) iron up to 8ppm.
- Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Parts and labor warranty can be extended to 5 years after purchase and correct use of whirlpool water softener cleanser within one year of ownership.
The Whirlpool WHES30E is the new model of Whirlpool WHES30 30000 Grain which is suitable for households 1-4+ people and work on city water or well water.
Features a low salt indicator and a water flow indicator.
This product is NSF certified to remove hard water symptoms of 95gpg and up to 8ppm of clear water (ferrous) iron.
The system employs demand-initiated regeneration, which means the system only regenerates based on your water hardness level and how much water you use. The system automatically calculates how much salt and water are needed for regeneration.
When it comes to warranty whirlpool WHES30E has 3-year limited electronics, 10-year limited on the tanks and1-year warranty on parts and labor.
The labor and part warranty can be extended to 5 years when you buy 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser within the first year of ownership (sold separately)-
It features simple-to-program electronics and a low-salt indicator light.
The package includes a Softener system, bypass valve, installation kit, and instruction manual.
Available at these retailers
Product specification
- Capacity: – 33,000 grains
- NO. of household: -1-4+ people
- Removes- maximum hardness of 105gpg and clear water / ferrous iron up to 9ppm.
- Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Parts and labor warranty can be extended to 5 years after purchase and correct use of whirlpool water softener cleanser within one year of ownership.
The WHES33 has similar characteristics to the Whirlpool WHES30E. But it’s an upgrade of the same. The only difference is the capacity is 33000 grains. It removes a maximum of 105GPG hardness and ferrous (clear water) iron up to 9 ppm.
Available at these retailers
Product specification
- Capacity: – 40,000 grains
- NO. of household: -1-6+ people
- Removes- maximum hardness of 125gpg and clear water (ferrous) iron up to 10ppm.
- Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 1-year warranty on parts and labor. Parts and labor warranty can be extended to 5 years after purchase and correct use of whirlpool water softener cleanser within one year of ownership.
The Whirlpool WHES40E 40000 grain is the new model of Whirlpool WHES40 40000 Grain best for a family of 1-6+ people.
It is NSF certified to remove hard water minerals and clear water (ferrous) iron up to 10 ppm.
It removes 125 GPG on hardness and clear water iron (ferrous) iron up to 10ppm.
This system initiates demand-initiated regeneration.
Demand-initiated regeneration means the system regenerates based on how much water you use, therefore helping save salt and water.
Also, it calculates the amount of water and salt required during regeneration so you do not have to worry about the quantity to use.
It comes with simple-to-program electronics and features a low-salt indicator light. It also features a water flow indicator, which indicates when water is flowing in the system and may reveal any potential leak in your home’s plumbing.
In addition to these features, it has a tank light, which allows you to easily view the salt level inside the tank.
The Whirlpool WHES40E has a full 1-year labor and parts warranty, which can be extended to 5-years when you buy 3 bottles of Whirlpool WHEWSC water softener cleanser (sold separately) within the first year of ownership.
Also, it has a 3-year limited electronics warranty and a 10-year limited warranty on the tanks.
The package includes a softener system, bypass valve, installation kit, and instruction manual.
Available at these retailers
Product specification
- Capacity: – 44,000 grains
- NO. of household: -1-5+ people
- Removes- maximum hardness of 140gpg and clear water (ferrous) iron up to 12ppm.
- Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 2-year warranty on parts and labor. Warranty can be extended to 5 years after purchase and correct use of whirlpool water softener cleanser.
The Whirlpool WHES44 44000 grain is capable of removing 140 grains per gallon of hardness and 12ppm of clear water (ferrous) iron. Which is ideal for homes with a high level of hardness and iron.
It uses demand-initiated regeneration, which regenerates depending on the amount of water you use.
This system, like any other whirlpool softener, uses 6th sense technology, which calculates how much water and salt are required for regeneration, so you do not have to worry about how much is needed.
It is ideal for households of 1–5 people and is NSF certified.
The labor, part, and electronic warranty are extended to 5-years when you buy a whirlpool water softener cleanser three times a year.
Available at these retailers
Product specification
- Capacity: – 31,000 grains
- NO. of household: -1-5+ people
- Removes- maximum hardness of 120gpg and clear water iron (ferrous) iron up to 3ppm.
- Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 2-year warranty on parts and labor. Labor and parts warranty can be extended to 10 years after purchase and correct use of whirlpool water softener cleanser within the first year of ownership.
- Others – filter contaminants such as lead, sediment, chlorine taste, and odor
The Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series is a 2-in-1 system that has a softener and a whole-house water filtration system.
The system is capable of removing water hardness up to a maximum of 120 GPG, iron up to 3 ppm, and contaminants such as lead, sediment, chlorine taste, and odor. It is NSF certified to remove contaminants.
It has a capacity of 31,000 grains per day, which is 120 grains per gallon, which is an above-average hardness removal.
This system uses demand-initiated regeneration, meaning it regenerates based on the amount of water you use, therefore helping save salt and water.
When it comes to filtering, you will never have to replace the filter. The system cleans its filters every 14 days.
The package includes a softener system, a water filter, a bypass valve, a drain hose, 2 clips, 2 installation adaptors, 2 hose clamps, an adaptor elbow, a grommet, and 4 O-rings.
This model has a warranty of 3 years on electronics, 10 years on the tank, and a 2-year warranty on parts and labor. Labor and parts warranties can be extended to 10 years after purchase and correct use of a Whirlpool water softener cleanser within the first year of ownership.
It features a low salt indicator light, which indicates the softener is working efficiently, and flashes when the softener is getting low salt.
Available at these retailers
Product specification:
- Capacity: – 48,000 grains
- NO. of household: -1-6+ people
- Removes- maximum hardness of 160gpg and clear water (ferrous) iron up to 12ppm.
Warranty -3 years on electronics, 10 years on tank, and 2-year warranty on parts and labor. The warranty can be extended to 10 years after purchase and correct use of a whirlpool water softener cleanser.
The Whirlpool 48000-Grain system is ideal for households with 1-6+ people.
It is capable to remove an extremely high level of water hardness maximum hardness of 160gpg and clear water (ferrous) iron up to 12ppm.
It utilizes 6th sense technology, which learns your water and salt usage. also utilizes demand-initiated regeneration.
The warranty on this model is 3 years on electronics, 10 years on the tank, and a 2-year warranty on parts and labor. But with this model, you can extend the labor and part warranty to 10 years when you purchase a Whirlpool water softener cleanser.
The Whirlpool 48000-Grain model has a built-in and self-cleaning filter that removes sediments and particles to 70 microns making it ideal for homes with well water.
Whirlpool water softener cleaner
Whirlpool Water Softener Cleanser 16 Ounces
Available at these retailers
Maintain the Whirlpool water softener’s peak efficiency and performance using Whirlpool Water Softener Cleanser.
The cleanser keeps your water softener system free from contaminants, hard water build-up, and iron.
The cleanser is recommended to be used after every four months.
If you use the cleanser as recommended and purchase it three times a year, it will extend your water softener labor and parts warranty up to 10 years. The extension years may vary depending on the unit you have purchased.
To validate and extend the warranty, register your product at the Whirlpool website.
Why choose a whirlpool water softener
All the Whirlpool water softeners utilize demand-initiated regeneration and 6th sense technology. The 6th sense technology calculates how much salt and water are required for regeneration. Demand-initiated regeneration regenerates based on your water usage. Therefore, it helps save salt and water.
The brand features a low salt indicator and a water flow indicator. The low salt indicator indicates the softener is working efficiently and flushes when the softener is getting low salt. The water flow indicator indicates when water is flowing and reveals potential leaks in your house’s plumbing.
The Whirlpool water softener has a high-flow valve that delivers maximum water flow even when multiple water-using devices are in use.
It comes with a do-it-yourself installation kit, making it easier to install.
The brand has a labor, parts, electronic, and tank warranty. The years depend on the model. Also, both parts and labor warranty years can be extended, but it still depends on the unit. Read more from the above review or here.
All Whirlpool water softeners remove both clear water (ferrous iron) and water hardness. But units like the Whirlpool Pro Series 48000 and Whirlpool WHESFC Pro Series have a filtration system that removes sediment and particles down to 70 microns.
Please let us know which model you use and how it performs in the comments section below.
Whirlpool water softener manual
Find out the whirlpool manual relevant to your product here
Whirlpool water softener problems
Whirlpool water softener troubleshooting
Whirlpool water softener replacement parts
Whirlpool water softener bypass valve
The bypass valve helps stop the flow of water into the water softener or water filter while still allowing water to flow to your home’s faucets.
For instance, when doing maintenance, during regeneration, or going on vacation, you can turn off the water flow into your system using the bypass valve.
Water Softener 3/4″ Bypass Valve Assembly – Part # 7345388
The water softener bypass valve assembly kit includes four black clips and two installation adaptors with attached o-rings.
It fits major brands of standard valve water softeners like Whirlpool, Kenmore, EcoPure, GE, Morton, and NorthStar.
Fits Whirlpool models WHES30, WHES33, WHELJ1, WHE-CWF, WHESLE and WHES20
Plumbing adaptor connections are standard 1” male pipe threads.
Water Softener 1″ Replacement Bypass Valve Assembly Kit – Part # 7345396
This 1-inch bypass valve fits a large-valve water softener, not a small or standard one.
The bypass valve assembly kit includes a high-flow bypass valve assembly, four black clips, four o-rings, and two installation adapters.
The thread on the adapter is 1 inch.
It is compatible with major brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, eco-Pure, GE, Morton, and Northstar.
Fits whirlpool WHES40, WHES42, WHES44, WHES48, WHESCS, WHESFC, and WHESHC.
This bypass valve will work for you if:
- Center to center measurement of the inlet from the bypass to the softener is 3-3/4 inches. If less won’t work, you need a smaller bypass.
- The top of your valve has eight screws around the edges, holding it onto the main valve body. If your system has five screws, it will not fit your unit.
Kenmore 7129871 Water Softener Bypass Valve Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Part White
The bypass valve 7129871 is compatible with water softener brands like Kenmore, Whirlpool WHES, GE, and Waterworks WS1000.
It fits Whirlpool water softener models WHES20 and WHES30.
It is an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) part.
Nozzle and Venturi Assembly – 7187065
The Nozzle and Venturi Assembly – 7187065 fits models of Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, Morton, EcoWater, and other brands of water softeners.
Water Softener Motor With Screws – Part # 7286039
The Whirlpool, Kenmore, EcoPure, GE, Morton, and NorthStar models fit this water softener motor.
Fits whirlpool WHES30, WHES33, WHELJ1, WHE-CWF, WHESLE, WHES20, WHES40, WHES42, WHES44, WHES48, WHESCS, WHESFC, and WHESHC.
7285944 – Replacement Water Softener Motor
Water Softener 1″ Rotor & Seal Kit – Part # 7257535
This rotor and seal kit are for a high-flow valve.
It fits brands such as Whirlpool, Kenmore, EcoPure, GE, Morton, and NorthStar.
Compatible with Whirlpool: WHES40, WHES42, WHES44, WHES48, WHESCS, WHESFC, and WHESHC.
Water Softener 3/4″ Rotor & Seal Kit – Part # 7238468
The rotor and seal kit is for a standard valve that is compatible with Whirlpool: WHES30, WHES33, WHELJ1, WHE-CWF, WHESLE & WHES20
Water Softener Power Supply – 24 Volt AC – Part # 7275907
The 24-volt ac power supply is compatible with Whirlpool, Kenmore, EcoPure, GE, Morton, and NorthStar.
Fits Whirlpool: WHES30, WHES33, WHELJ1, WHE-CWF, WHESLE, WHES20, WHES40, WHES42, WHES44, WHES48, WHESCS, WHESFC, and WHESHC.
Kenmore 7204362 Water Softener Venturi Gasket
The Venturi Gasket is a Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) part that is compatible with brands like Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, Ecodyne, and Whirlpool.
Water Softener 1″ Clip (4 Pack) – Part # 7337589
4-pack 1-inch clips suitable for a large valve water softener for brands like Whirlpool, Kenmore, EcoPure, GE, Morton, and NorthStar.
Fits whirlpool WHES40, WHES42, WHES44, WHES48, WHESCS, WHESFC, and WHESHC.
Water Softener 3/4″ Install Adaptor Kit – Part # 7280203
This adaptor kit is for standard-sized water softeners and not large-flow water softeners.
It has a 1-inch thread to connect your plumbing.
7085263 – Water Softener Valve Cover
The valve cover fits brands such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, GE, Morton, and Northstar.
This valve cover has 5- screw holes to attach to the standard valve body. The larger version has 8-screw holes.
7113040 – Turbine Meter and Support
The 7113040-Turbine Meter and Support Kit includes a small tube of silicone o-ring lubricant, the turbine, the turbine support, (2) o-rings, and (2) clips.
This kit is for standard-sized softeners and not high-flow.
It is ideal for Kenmore, Whirlpool, Morton, GE, Econwater, and NorthStar.
Water Softener O-Ring Seal Kit 7112963 / WS35X10001
O-ring seal kit for Kenmore, Northstar, Sears, Whirlpool, GE, and Morton Softeners.
The kit contains 3 O-rings.
Kenmore 7253808 Water Softener Nozzle and Venturi Assembly
Nozzle and venturi assembly 7253808 attaches to the valve body and controls the flow of water through the water softener during the brine cycle.
This part is compatible with brands such as Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, and Whirlpool.
Kenmore 7187065 Water Softener Nozzle and Venturi Assembly Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Part Gray and White
Kenmore 7199232 Water Softener Rotor and Disc
The Rotor and Disc Genuine is compatible with the following brands Kenmore, Whirlpool, Waterworks, and Kenmore Elite.
WS26X10008 – Cam and Gear Assembly for 1″ Water Softeners
Whirlpool W11165546 Water Inlet Valve
Kenmore 1148800 Water Softener Flow Plug Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Part Black
The flow plug for brands Kenmore, Kenmore Elite, Whirlpool, Ecodyne, and Waterworks
Kenmore 7030713 Water Softener Rotor Position Switch Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Part Black
The rotor position switch fits on the side of the cam and gear and detects the position of the rotor valve.
Compatible with brands such as Kenmore, Whirlpool, Waterworks, and Kenmore Elite.
Kenmore 7145186 Water Softener Rotor Position Switch Genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Part Black
Whirlpool Water Softener installation
Find out Whirlpool water softener troubleshooting and setting up from the brand website.
How does a whirlpool water softener work?
The Whirlpool water softener is a salt-based system.
The biggest misconceptions about salt-based water softeners People use salt to soften water.
The truth is that the resin beads in the tank are the ones that filter out all the minerals that make your water hard. Whirlpool water softeners work using the same process.
The hard water enters a tank that has resin beads.
The resin beads attract minerals that make your water hard and allow soft water to leave the tank and flow to the faucet in the house.
The salt is used to clean resin beads.
After resin beads attract minerals, they become coated, making them not soften hard water.
A strong salt and water concentration is created, which is called brine solution.
The brine solution flows through the resin tank, rinsing the resin beads.
Since brine solution is in high concentration, it attracts minerals that resin beads had attracted, leaving them clean and ready to soften your water.
The mixture of brine solution and hard water minerals are flushed out of the tank through a drain.
The process of cleaning resin beads using a brine solution is called regeneration.
Can whirlpool water softeners be installed outside/ outdoors?
Yes but you must protect using a cover from things such as rainwater.
Where is whirlpool water softeners made?
It is made in Ripley Mississippi.
Does a whirlpool water softener remove iron in the water?
Yes, it removes clear water iron, also called ferrous iron, but it does not remove red water iron.
Clean water iron or ferrous iron is noticed by reddish-brown stains in the sink, toilet, and showers.
Also, after the water has sat out, you will notice yellowish-tinged water.
What happens to a whirlpool water softener if the power goes out?
The Whirlpool water softener comes with a battery-free power interruption backup which lasts for eight hours in the event of a power outage.
For how long does whirlpool water softener take to recharge or regenerate
It takes two hours to regenerate.
How much electricity does a whirlpool water softener use?
The same as a digital alarm clock this is less than five dollars per year.
How often does a whirlpool water softener recharge or regenerate?
The Whirlpool water softener utilizes demand-initiated regeneration, so it regenerates according to your water usage.
The more water you use, the more frequently it will regenerate. The less water usage, the fewer regeneration times.
In a typical home, it will regenerate every three to seven days.
How much water does whirlpool water softeners use in each regeneration/recharge
The system uses water as much as it takes to wash a load of laundry which is four dollars a year.
How can I extend warranty coverage with a whirlpool water softener
You can extend the full parts and labor warranty up to five years or 10 years, depending on the Whirlpool water softener you have, by purchasing three bottles of whirlpool water softener cleanser every year.
10-year warranty for model WHES48, WHES60, and WHESFC model
WHES30, WHES33, WHESS40, and WHES44 have a 5-year warranty.
What type of salt should I use in whirlpool water softener
The best salt is the purest form of a salt such as evaporated salt.
Purest salt leaves less storage tank residue. Therefore, it reduces the chances of buildup, so you won’t have to clean the tank more often.
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