Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener Review 2023
Written by: Alexandra Uta // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
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The Fleck 5600 SXT digital metered water softener – made in the USA – is among our top choices when it comes to the removal of calcium and other hardness minerals from water.
The system is ideal for small to large households with up to 6+ people. Is that you? Well, then you better keep on reading!
Fleck 5600 SXT |
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| Price: | $$ |
| Flow Rate: | Up to 15 gpm |
| Capacity: | 24,000-80,000 Grains |
| # of People: | 1-6+ |
| Metered Regen: | |
| NSF: | 44 |
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Our Rating
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Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener – Key Features
This Fleck 5600 SXT setup comes with a standard resin tank as well as a standard brine tank. Both keep cost at a bare minimum without affecting system performance.
In fact, the Fleck 5600 SXT water softener is among our top choices for people on a very tight budget. However, it’s also not the most up-to-date model which is why it cannot keep up with modern systems as far as salt and water efficiency are concerned.
Still, the Fleck 5600 SXT uses the same ion exchange technology in order to remove calcium and other hard water minerals.
The result is no more scale buildup in your home’s plumbing for a longer service life of pipes, fixtures, and appliances, and much less hard water staining on taps, toilets, showers, etc. Your hair and skin may benefit, too!
With adequate water pressure (20 to 80 psi), you can expect a flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute, depending on which system size you choose (24,000 to 80,000 grains). Around 10-12 gpm is enough for most homes with multiple bathrooms.
5600 SXT Pros
First of all, the Fleck 5600 SXT is ideal for medium to very hard water.
It’s a metered on demand device, meaning that the system measures your water usage and runs regeneration cycles as needed (or programmed). This reduces salt and water wastage while you never run out of softened water. Is there a better way to save money?
The digital head gives you full control over all settings and allows for a quick & easy setup. What’s more, the LCD display shows the current system status and potential error codes which makes troubleshooting a lot easier.
During regeneration, a safety float and overflow drain in the brine tank prevent overfilling for ease of mind.
We also like that the seller provides reliable customer support – one more reasons why this product is among the bestselling and backed by literally dozens of positive customer ratings.
Did we mention the 10% crosslink resin which lasts longer when used with city water compared to regular resin?
The Fleck 5600 SXT – learn more on amazon.com
Installation + Startup Instructions
In order to successfully install the Fleck 5600 SXT water softener as a homeowner, all you need are some basic plumbing skills. We wouldn’t say that the setup is super easy, but at the same time, there’s also not much you have to worry about. Required time: A couple of hours.
The instructions provided are fairly easy to read. If you get stuck, we recommend you check out some helpful videos on YouTube (or see below).
Also, don’t hesitate to reach out to the seller. Usually, you get a prompt reply.
Here is what you need to do:
If a water 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.
- Turn off the water supply.
- Find an indoor/warm location close to a drain to prevent air breaks and backflow.
- Make sure that the softener tank is level and stands securely.
- Cut the distributor tube flush with the top of the tank.
- Lubricate the distributor and tank O-ring seals with silicone. Place the main control valve on tank.
- Connect the Drain Line Flow Control fitting (DLFC) to the drain. Use nothing but Teflon tape as sealant.
- Make sure that the brine tank is level and stands securely.
- Add 1″ of water above the grid plate or fill to the top of the air check if no grid plate is used.
- Set unit in bypass mode.
- Turn on the main water supply. Check for leaks.
- Open a cold water outlet nearby and let the system flush all debris.
- Close the outlet.
- Slowly switch from bypass to service mode to let the water flow into the resin tank.
- Once full, re-open the cold water outlet to purge all air from the system.
- Connect unit to power outlet.
Now it’s time for the system startup:
- Set softener into bypass mode.
- Fill salt into brine tank (follow instructions provided by manufacturer).
- Slowly open the bypass valve. Let all remaining air run down the drain line.
- Let the system run through a full backwash cycle. Check for leaks.
Video
The Package (Parts)
- Resin tank (black, blue, or almond)
- Brine tank (black, blue, or almond) with safety float
- Fleck control valve
- Bypass valve
- Brine tank assembly
- Brine safety float overflow assembly
- Control valve to brine tank tubing
- 10% crosslink resin
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
Thanks to a user-friendly digital controller with quick and intuitive programming, setting and maintaining the Fleck 5600 SXT is a breeze. Add new salt every once in a while – and the rest is set and forget.
You can not only choose from 4 modes of regeneration (immediate, delayed meter, delayed time, or day of week), you can also choose to double backwash, which is a helpful feature if your water is extremely hard or has high iron content.
The display alternates between time of day, water volume remaining and days to next regeneration.
In the event of a power failure, the display has a built-in backup capacitor for a minimum of 48 hours of internal power. While ongoing water usage is not being monitored, the remaining water volume at the time of failure is stored to prevent a full cycle reset.
Check out this video which walks you through every step of the programming process:
Manual
Link to the manual.
5600 SXT Cons
- Our only real issue – we’ve mentioned this before – is reduced salt and water efficiency due to the fact that the Fleck 5600 SXT is not exactly new.
- One minor thing: The system does not trigger an audible alarm when running low on salt. There is a warning light, however. The good thing is that a family of four might use about 1 bag of salt per month on average. Since the brine tank can hold up to 4 bags, you should be fine checking the salt level every couple of months.
Fleck 5600 SXT Review: Our Verdict + Best for
The Fleck 5600 SXT water softener is best for people struggling with medium to high levels of water hardness and who have a limited budget.
The package provides everything you need. DIY installation and configuration are manageable. Plus the majority of customers is very happy with their purchase. Great customer service adds the finishing touch!
More Reviews:
- Pst. You can find more Fleck water softener reviews right here!
- For all kinds of water softener brands check out our water softener review guide.
This completes our Fleck 5600 SXT review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!
About the Author Alexandra Uta
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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