Know more about Whirlpool® water softeners through these Frequently Asked Questions. If you have further questions, call 1-866-986-3223 or email us at info@ecodyne.org.
What does the grain capacity of a water softener mean?
The rated capacity of a softener is the maximum number of grains of water hardness the unit can remove prior to regeneration.
How is the "hardness" of water measured?
The hardness of water is measured in grains per gallon (gpg). One grain of hardness is equal to 1/7000 lb. of rock. Your municipal water supply may measure water hardness in mg/L or ppm. One grain per gallon is equal to 17.1 mg/L or 17.1 ppm.
How do I find out my water hardness?
You can call your municipality if you use city water or purchase a water test kit.
Does the salt soften my water?
No, the resin bed inside the softener is what softens the water, and over time that resin becomes coated with hardness particles. When that happens, the softener goes into its regeneration cycle and the salt in the tank is mixed with incoming water to rid the resin bed of these hardness particles. After regeneration the unit is then ready to provide a steady stream of soft water to your entire home.
What type of salt should I use?
A clean pellet or nugget style salt is recommended. Other types of salt are available for specialized applications. Whirlpool® water softeners use less salt than most competitive models.
Water
Hardness
Level†
|
| |
Number of Persons Per Home |
| |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 10 |
5 Bags |
7 Bags |
8 Bags |
| 15 |
7 Bags |
10 Bags |
13 Bags |
| 20 |
10 Bags |
14 Bags |
17 Bags |
| |
Whirlpool® Softeners
|
|
| |
Number of Persons Per Home |
| |
3 |
4 |
5 |
| 10 |
7.5 Bags |
10.5 Bags |
12 Bags |
| 15 |
10.5 Bags |
15 Bags |
19.5 Bags |
| 20 |
15 Bags |
21 Bags |
25.5 Bags |
| |
Competitive Models
|
|
† To determine your water hardness level, contact your municipal water supplier.
All consumption levels are based on 40 lb. bags of NaCl and water usage of 75 gallons per person per day.
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What if I’m on a sodium-restricted diet?
Water softeners using sodium chloride (salt) for regeneration add a minor amount of sodium to the water. Persons on sodium-restricted diets should consider the added sodium as part of their overall intake. The same holds true for persons on a potassium-restricted diet with water softeners using potassium chloride (salt) for regeneration.
Chart: Amounts of Sodium (NaCl) and Potassium (KCl) in soft water
| Initial Water Hardness |
Sodium Added by Cation Exchange Softening of Water* |
Potassium Added by Cation Exchange Softening of Water** |
| 1 grains per gallon |
7.5 milligrams of sodium/quart |
12.75 milligrams of potassium/quart |
| 5 |
37 |
62.9 |
| 6 |
44 |
74.8 |
| 7 |
52 |
88.4 |
| 8 |
60 |
102.0 |
| 9 |
68 |
115.6 |
| 10 |
75 |
127.5 |
| 15 |
112 |
190.4 |
| 20 |
150 |
255.0 |
| 30 |
225 |
382.5 |
| 40 |
300 |
510.0 |
*If your water supply is 15 grains hard and you drank 3 quarts of softened water, you would consume 336 milligrams of sodium. That is equivalent to eating 2-1/2 slices of white bread.
**One large banana, about 9 inches in length, has approximately 600 milligrams of potassium.
Why does a softener need to recharge?
It needs to rid itself of mineral particles that it collects as water is processed through it.
How much water does each recharge use?
About as much water as it takes to wash a load of laundry.
How much electricity does a water softener use?
As much as a digital alarm clock.
How often does my water softener recharge?
In a typical household, it will regenerate every two to seven days. All Whirlpool® water softeners feature Demand Initiated Regeneration and regenerate only when needed, saving water and energy.
How long does a water softener take to recharge?
About two hours. Whirlpool® water softeners come pre-programmed to regenerate at 2:00 a.m., and can be reprogrammed to regenerate at any desired time.
What happens if the power goes out?
Whirlpool® water softeners come with a battery-free power interruption backup feature that will maintain the clock settings for eight hours in the event of a brief power outage. In the event of a longer power outage, the clock may need to be reset but all other settings are retained.
Does the recharge water from the softener harm my septic system?
No. Water softener recharge water will not affect septic system operation or drain field soil percolation.
Can I install it myself?
Whirlpool® water softeners come with detailed instructions and everything you need to install the unit, including a bypass valve.
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