Fleck 7000 SXT 48,000-Grain Water Softener Review 2023

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The 7000 SXT is another digital metered water softener that is part of the Fleck family.

Compared to the highly popular 5600 SXT, the 7000 works exactly the same way but has larger internal ports for higher water flow rates.

16 gallons per minute opposed to 12 (for the 5600 SXT) make it ideal for larger applications, situations when peak flow is required and bigger homes with more bathrooms and water outlets in general (up to 8 people). Even light commercial applications are worth considering.

Eager to learn more?

Fleck 7000 SXT Review

Fleck 7000 SXT

Price: $$$
Flow Rate: 16 gpm
Capacity: 48,000 Grains
# of People: 3-8
Metered Regen:
NSF: 44

Our Rating

Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener – Key Features

The Fleck 7000 SXT is made in the USA and can solve all your hard water problems with ease – softer skin and laundry, less stains in your toilet, shower and bathroom fixtures.

The capacity is 48,000 grains at peak which equals approximately 32,000 efficient.

This means that for a family of 4 with 80 gallons of water consumption per day and person and water with 8 grains per gallon hardness, the time between two full regeneration cycles would be roughly 13 days.

Time for some math:

  • 4 family members x 80 gallons per day = 320 gallons per day water consumption
  • 320 gallons per day x 8 grains per gallon = 2560 grains per day grain use
  • 32,000 grains / 2560 grains per day = 12.5 days between regen cycles*

*assuming that there is no iron or manganese in the water

7000 SXT Pros

The Fleck 7000 SXT softens water using a process called “ion exchange“. It can handle medium to hard water with ease as long as you have sufficient pressure in your home for backwash (at least 20 psi).

The system is metered and therefore regenerates according to your level of programmed water hardness and actual water usage. The benefit of this is that neither salt nor water are wasted, which is not only good for the environment, it also helps you to save money and lowers maintenance requirements.

And this is not all. Thanks to a digital control head, you can fine tune the unit in no time. For example, you can activate double backwashing or trigger an immediate regen cycle by pressing a single button.

Last but not least, the seller provides great customer service.

Fleck 7000 SXT

The Fleck 7000 SXT – learn more on amazon.com

Installation + Startup Instructions

We get it: It can be quite intimidating to take on a project like this, trying to install a water softener all by yourself – especially if you haven’t done something comparable before.

The good news is, it’s not as difficult as you are probably thinking right now. Granted, you need some basic plumbing skills and should be handy around the house. Plus you have to have the right tools in case you have to solder etc.

How much time is required? One afternoon is usually enough.

The instructions are well written and don’t forget that there are tons of resources online. YouTube videos can be particularly helpful.

Here is what you need to do:

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. First, close the water supply to prevent a potential catastrophe.
  2. Find an indoor location – or a place outside in case it doesn’t freeze – as close to a drain as possible.
  3. Attention: You have to make sure that the softener tank is level and stands securely.
  4. Next, cut the distributor tube. It should be flush with the top of the resin tank.
  5. Lubricate the distributor O-ring seal as well as the tank O-ring seal with silicone.
  6. Place the main control valve on the tank.
  7. Now you have to make a connection between the drain and the Drain Line Flow Control fitting (DLFC). You should apply a couple of wraps of Teflon tape as sealant.
  8. Place the brine tank on level ground.
  9. Set the system in bypass mode and fill the brine tank with water to 1″ above the grid plate or to the top of the air check, if there is no grid plate.
  10. Open the main water supply and check if there are any leaks.
  11. Open a cold soft water tap nearby and let the softener flush to remove all installation debris.
  12. Close the tap.
  13. Switch from bypass into service mode. This allows the water to flow into the resin tank.
  14. When full, open the cold soft water tap one more time. This purges all the remaining air from the unit.
  15. Lastly, connect your water softener to a power outlet.

In order to start up your softener, follow these step:

  1. Switch to bypass mode.
  2. Fill the brine tank with salt according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. To remove any air, slowly open the bypass valve.
  4. Start by letting your water softener run through a backwash cycle. This charges the resin beads with sodium ions (or potassium if that’s what you are using).
  5. One last time, check for potential leaks.

On a side note: If you also plan to add a whole house filtration system to your home, make sure to place it before the softener. The pre-filter will increase your softener’s lifespan by many years, as it traps larger particles and harmful chemicals such as chlorine.

Installation Video

The Package (Parts)

  • Resin tank (blue), 10″ x 54″
  • Brine tank (blue), 18″ x 33″
  • Fleck bypass valve
  • 48,000 grain (1.5 cubic feet) high capacity resin

Programming, Settings & Maintenance

Programming the 7000 SXT can be done within minutes. You have to set it only once and can forget about it ever after.

Then all you need to do is occasionally check how much salt is left in the brine tank. Make sure to refill before you run out and that’s it!

Speaking of salt, the head module lets you choose between 4 different regen modes:

  1. Meter Immediate Control – Meter immediate control measures water usage and initiates a regen cycle as soon as the calculated system capacity is depleted.
  2. Meter Delayed Control – Meter delayed control also measures water usage, but regenerates the system at the programmed regeneration time AFTER the calculated capacity is depleted.
  3. Time Clock Delayed Control – Time clock delayed control lets your softener regenerate at certain time intervals, such as every 10 days.
  4. Day of the Week Control – Day of the Week Control regenerates the system on a weekly schedule.

The following video walks you through the programming process step by step:

7000 SXT Cons

What about drawbacks? Well, there have been a handful of cases where the softener did not supply softened water for unknown reasons. Although the seller tried to solve the problem, he didn’t succeed.

What’s more, just like the 5600 SXT, this system does not trigger an acoustic alarm when it’s about to run out of salt.

And one minor flaw: Some customers complained about missing instructions, so they had to download them somewhere.

Fleck 7000 SXT Review: Our Verdict + Best for

Smooth operation, a competitive price, great customer service with replacement parts being sent at no cost – all these are reasons why we highly recommend the Fleck 7000 SXT.

Simply put, the unit works great. You get softened water and have nothing to worry about. The Fleck 7000 SXT is ideal for all hard water levels.

More Reviews:

This completes our Fleck 7000 SXT review. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

About the Author Alexandra Uta

Alex is a content writer with an affinity for research and a methodical attention to detail. Since 2020, she has fully immersed herself into the home water treatment industry only to become an expert herself. Alex has been using water filters and similar products for years which has gained her lots of hands-on experience.
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Leave a Comment:

Charles Clemons says April 10, 2019

Every time this unit recycles, we get air in our lines. What can I check to resolve this problem? Also my unit recycles about every 4 or 5 days, we use 1757 gallons between. Large dead spot in the grass from so many recycles, can I use potassium chloride instead of salt? Thanks for you help.

Reply
    Gene says April 11, 2019

    Charles,
    There could be an air leak in one of the connections. I’d also check the brine assembly, brine line and drain line. Regarding the use of potassium chloride, good idea and generally speaking yes, although I’d check the manual or ask the manufacturer to be on the safe side.

    Reply
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