Whirlpool WHES30 30,000-Grain Water Softener Review 2023

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The WHES30 30,000 grain water softener is the most popular softening unit manufactured by Whirlpool.

The system is built – that means designed, engineered and assembled – in the USA and is one of the few softeners that is actually nice to look at. So there’s no need to try and hide it in the back corner of your basement.

Whirlpool recommends its WHES30 for households of 1-4+ people.

Personally, we wouldn’t go above 3, as the service flow of 7.6 gallons per minute limits you in the number of water outlets you can use at the same time.

Whirlpool WHES30

Whirlpool WHES30

Price: $$
Flow Rate: 7.6 gpm
Capacity: 30,000 Grains
# of People: 1-3
Metered Regen:
NSF: 44

Our Rating

Whirlpool WHES30 30,000-Grain Water Softener – Key Features

The maximum level of water hardness that can be treated is 95 gpg – tested and certified against NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for hardness reduction.

In case you don’t know, 95 grains per gallon is considered exceptionally hard water.

Furthermore, the softener can also be used to remove up to 8 ppm of clear-water (ferrous) iron according to laboratory test data. Red-water (ferric) iron as well as bacterial and organic iron will not be affected.

Minimum and maximum water pressure limits are 20 – 125 psi.

WHES30 Pros

What we like most about the Whirlpool WHES30? The fact that it makes use of “salt saving technology“. In other words, the softener measures your water usage and based on your level of hardness automatically calculates how much salt and water is required for regeneration. Also, it only recharges when necessary.

In addition, the system learns your water usage patterns, which allows it to regenerate when most efficient.

As a result, no resources are being wasted and significant salt and water savings can be achieved. This is good for both the environment and your wallet.

Another benefit is the space saving single-tank design.

We already mentioned the 30,000-grain capacity. This number refers to the amount of resin in the mineral tank. As a general rule, the more resin a softener has, the more water it can treat before it needs to recharge.

An example: For a family of 4 that uses 320 gallons of moderately hard water per day, a 30,000 grain softener has to fully regenerate about every 2 weeks.

By the way, 30,000 grains equals 0.82 cubic feet.

And lastly, you get a full 1-year warranty on all parts, plus 3 years (limited) on electronics and 10 years (limited) on the tank.

Whirlpool WHES30

The Whirlpool WHES30 – learn more on amazon.com

Installation + Startup Instructions

You shouldn’t have any problems installing this unit, if you are handy around the house. In fact, all you have to be able to do is know how to use a screwdriver and turn a wrench – not exactly rocket science. Time required: A couple of hours at max.

Whirlpool ships detailed step-by-step instructions with every system and, in addition to that, you can find more helpful material online.

And don’t forget to call Whirlpool’s helpline at (866) 986-3223 if you have no idea what you are supposed to do next.

Here is a general outline of the process:

If a softener is not equipped with a bypass valve, we recommend you provide for one for ease of maintenance. Also, make sure to comply with local plumbing codes.

1. Finding the Best Location

Find a location where freezing temperatures do NOT occur to avoid damages which void the warranty. You should also avoid direct sunlight.

Choose a spot before your water heater close to the main supply inlet to ensure that all the water entering your home gets treated (except for outside outlets).

Also take into account that this softener requires electrical power to work.

The last requirement is a nearby drain. You can use a floor drain (preferred), laundry tub, sump, standpipe, or other options.

2. Setup

  1. Turn off the main water supply.
  2. Open all water outlets to drain the remaining water.
  3. Install the brine tank overflow grommet and elbow in the diameter hole at the back of the salt storage tank sidewall.
  4. Put the water softener into place. Make sure that it stands level.
  5. Grease the single bypass valve O-rings with silicone.
  6. Push the bypass valve into the softener valve as far as possible and snap the holding clips into place (large ones).
  7. Cut pipes and fittings to make a connection from the main water supply line to the softener’s inlet and outlet ports which are marked on the valve.
  8. Install the drain hose by connecting the provided drain line to the valve drain fitting. Use clamps to hold the hose in place. Then route the drain hose to the drain and secure it.
  9. Install the brine tank overflow hose by connecting the provided drain line to the overflow elbow. Secure with a hose clamp. Next, route the overflow hose to the drain.
  10. Check for leaks.

To start up the system, follows these steps:

  1. Pour about 3 gallons of water into the brine tank.
  2. Add salt.
  3. Plug in the power supply.
  4. Fully sanitize the water softener before using the water (see manual).

3. Video

Probably the best YouTube video on installing a Whirlpool water softener is the one below:

The Package (Parts)

  • All-in-one resin/brine tank, 43″x18″x19″ (HxWxD), can hold about 175 lbs of salt
  • 30,000 grain (0.82 cubic feet) resin
  • Bypass valve
  • Drain hose
  • Hose clamps
  • Clips
  • Installation adaptors
  • Adaptor elbows
  • Grommet
  • Hardness test strip

All parts required to assemble and install this water softener are included in the package.

Programming, Settings & Maintenance

All Whirlpool softeners we reviewed feature a clear digital display that’s simple to use and program. This is also the case for the WHES30.

And don’t worry, you have to make your preferred settings only once and then you can forget about it.

As far as system maintenance is concerned, there’s really not much to do either. Just check the salt level in the brine tank every once in a while and refill if needed. An indicator light will start flashing whenever you are about to run out.

Another great feature is that the Whirlpool WHES30 retains its memory after a power outage. This prevents a system reset as the amount of remaining water volume before the next regen cycle is saved.

Manual

You can find a user manual for this water softener here: Manual

WHES30 Cons

A few customers had issues with the WHES30, such as:

  • A resin tank that split
  • A leaky bypass valve
  • A broken display

It might be a good idea for you to consider purchasing an extended warranty to be on the safe side.

Whirlpool WHES30 Review: Our Verdict + Best for

The Whirlpool WHES30 works best for even for the hardest of waters. Usually, it runs for many years, even more than a decade without problems. On top of that, it uses efficient water and salt saving technology making it our favorite softener by Whirlpool. 4 out of 5 stars!

This completes our Whirlpool WHES30 review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
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Gene

Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
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