Whirlpool WHES40 Installation And Operation Manual page 13

If water does not enter the tank, look for an obstructed nozzle, venturi, fill flow plug, brine tubing, or
brine valve riser pipe.
After observing fill, press the RECHARGE button to move the softener's valve into the brine position. A
slow flow of water to the drain will begin. Verify brine draw from the brine tank by shining a flashlight
into the brinewell and observing a noticeable drop in the liquid level. This may take 15 to 20 minutes.
NOTE: Be sure water is in contact with the salt, and not separated by a salt bridge (See "Breaking A Salt
Bridge" section).
If the water softener does not draw brine, check for (most likely to least likely):
Dirty or plugged nozzle and venturi, see "Cleaning the Nozzle and Venturi" section.
Nozzle and venturi not seated on the gasket, or gasket deformed.
Valve seals leaking (See Troubleshooting).
Restriction in valve drain, causing a back-pressure (bends, kinks, elevated too high, etc.). See "Install
Valve Drain Hose" section.
Obstruction in brine valve or brine tubing.
NOTE: If water system pressure is low, a too-long or elevated drain hose may cause back pressure,
stopping brine draw. Avoid drain hose runs longer than 30 feet. Avoid elevating the hose more than 8
feet above the floor.
Press the RECHARGE button to move the softener's valve into the backwash position. Look for a fast
flow of water from the drain hose. Check that the drain can adequately handle the flow and volume.
An obstructed flow indicates a plugged top distributor, backwash flow plug, or drain hose.
Press the RECHARGE button to move the softener's valve into the fast rinse position. Again look for a
fast drain flow. Allow the softener to rinse for a few minutes to flush out any brine that may remain in
the resin tank from the brining cycle test.
To return the softener's valve to the service position, press the RECHARGE button.
Softener Exploded View