Whirlpool WHES33 33,000-Grain Water Softener Review 2023
Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Contents
show
With the WHES water softener series, Whirlpool tries to provide the perfect solution for any home with hard water problems – whether that’s well or municipal tap water.
The WHES33 model which we are going to review today has been rated “Best Buy” by a leading consumer magazine and comes with a capacity of 33,000 grains (.88 cubic feet).
Whirlpool WHES33 |
|
| Price: | $$ |
| Flow Rate: | 8 gpm |
| Capacity: | 33,000 Grains |
| # of People: | 1-4 |
| Metered Regen: | |
| NSF: | 44 |
|
Our Rating
|
|
Whirlpool WHES33 33,000-Grain Water Softener – Key Features
33,000 grains means that the system is suited for small to medium-sized families with up to 4 people and a maximum water hardness of 105 grains per gallon (gpg).
Now 105 gpg is extremely high and luckily the exception rather than the rule. The majority of people struggling with hard water usually face between 7 and 14 gpg.
Back to the WHES33.
It’s built in the U.S., it’s a single-tank system so it takes up less space in your garage or basement, and it’s WQA tested and certified to guarantee optimum performance and water safety.
- Minimum required water pressure: 20 psi.
- Service flow rate: 8 gpm.
WHES33 Pros
The Whirlpool WHES33 provides all the benefits of soft water:
- Your clothes will be brighter and feel softer.
- Your dishes will be cleaner without spots.
- And your general household cleaning will be much easier.
You should also be aware of the fact that hard water can cause scaling in your plumbing and water using appliances, such as your dish washer and water heater. More often than not, this forces them to work harder and thus consume more energy (up to 30 percent).
Another advantage is that a softener can increase the lifespan on these appliances by as much as 50 percent.
Apart from softening, the Whirlpool WHES33 can also be used to reduce iron content in water – up to 9 ppm of ferrous a.k.a. clear-water iron is feasible. Iron bacteria, organic iron and ferric (red-water iron) won’t be affected.
We also wanted to mention Whirlpool’s 6th Sense Technology here. We know, 6th Sense Technology – what does that even mean?
Basically, it allows the softener to “learn and predict your water usage“, according to Whirlpool. (Source) The system then automatically calculates when regen is most effective, how much salt is required and only uses what is necessary.
All in all, you can find similar features also in other water softeners, such as Fleck. Which does not mean that we think this technology is not good – it sure is! It helps you to save money by saving salt and water and therefore also benefits the environment.
Did we mention the full 1-year warranty covering all parts? You also get 3 years (limited) on electronics and 10 years (limited) on the tank.
Installation + Startup Instructions
First or all, the WHES33 comes with detailed instructions and everything else that’s needed to hook it up, so even if you are not a DIY guy, you can install it yourself.
Is prior plumbing experience necessary? Definitely not. How much time is required: One afternoon is usually enough.
If you are unsure about your next step(s), remember that you can always get in contact with Whirlpool’s water treatment professionals at (866) 986-3223.
Here are some step-by-step instructions:
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
Your first task is to find a suitable location where it doesn’t freeze and without direct sunlight.
Also, there has to be a power supply plus a drain nearby.
It also makes sense to go with a place in front of the water heater close to where the feed water enters your home, so all of it gets softened before being distributed.
2. Setup
- Close the main water supply valve.
- Turn on a water faucet and leave it running until your plumbing is drained.
- The brine tank overflow grommet and elbow go into the hole at the rear end of the storage tank’s sidewall.
- Place the softener tank on level ground.
- After greasing the O-rings with silicone, push the bypass valve into the softener valve until it stops.
- Snap the holding clips to secure.
- Connect the main supply line to the softener’s inlet/outlet ports – check the markings on the valve for guidance.
- Connect the included drain line to the overflow elbow to install the overflow hose for the brine tank, and use a hose clamp to secure it. Run the overflow hose to a suitable drain.
- 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.
- Verify there are no leaks.
To start the softener:
- Add around three gallons of water to the brine tank.
- Pour in some salt.
- Connect the unit to a power outlet.
- Completely sanitize the softener before turning it on for the first time – check the manual.
3. Video
The following video is the only valuable one we could find on YouTube that explains how to install a Whirlpool softener. It’s not perfect, but it’ll help you to get a basic idea of how the setup works:
The Package (Parts)
- All-in-one resin + brine tank, 43″x18″x19″ (HxWxD), can hold about 175 lbs of salt
- 33,000 grain (0.88 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 unit are included in the package.
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
All Whirlpool water softeners feature an easy to use digital display that allows for quick programming without the need for professional assistance.
Simply make your preferred settings according to the manual and never touch the console again:
- Set the current time
- Set your water hardness number
- Set regeneration time
- Set salt level
- Start a recharge
For maintenance, remember to always have a sufficient amount of salt in the brine tank. An indicator light will start flashing whenever you are running low. Also, make sure to break any salt bridges.
Manual
You can find a user manual for the Whirlpool WHES33 here: Manual
WHES33 Cons
What we don’t like? Nothing except the ordinary. Some users struggled with leaks, others with a broken display.
It might be worth considering extending your warranty – you know, just in case…
Whirlpool WHES33 Review: Our Verdict + Best for
A low price tag meets quality built. If it was not for the issues that some customers had, we would have rated this water softener with 5 stars instead of 3.5!
In our opinion, the Whirlpool WHES33 is best for people living in mid-sized homes with very high hardness levels.
More Reviews:
- If you haven’t found what you were looking for, follow this link for more reviews of Whirlpool water softeners!
- Or this link for more reviews of all water softeners.
This completes our Whirlpool WHES33 review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Gene Fitzgerald
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.