Our Top 3 Fleck Water Softeners – SXT Series Reviews

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For many experts, Fleck is the go-to brand for control valves used with residential water softeners. The brand is owned by Pentair, a multi-billion dollar company with thousands of employees that offers water solutions for residential, commercial, industrial, municipal and agricultural applications. (Source)

As far as water softening is concerned, the SXT control valve series is among the best selling on the market. On this page, we will introduce to you three different models:

Fleck Water Softener Overview

Model Details
Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener
Best for Small to Large Homes: Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener

Price: $$
Type: Ion Exchange
Water For: 1-6+ People (Up to 15 gpm)
Capacity: 24,000-80,000 Grains
Read Review: Click
Fleck 9100 SXT Water Softener
Best for Uninterrupted Water Softening: Fleck 9100 SXT Dual-Tank Water Softener

Price: $$$
Type: Ion Exchange
Water For: 1-6+ People (9-15 gpm)
Capacity: 24,000-64,000 Grains
Read Review: Click
Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener
Best for Large Homes: Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener

Price: $$$
Type: Ion Exchange
Water For: 1-7+ People (16 gpm)
Capacity: 48,000 Grains
Read Review: Click

Reviews of Fleck Water Softeners

Review Order

  1. Fleck 5600 SXT – Best Fleck Softener for Small to Large Homes
  2. Fleck 9100 SXT Dual-Tank – Best for Uninterrupted Water Flow
  3. Fleck 7000 SXT – Best for Large Homes

1. Best for Small to Large Homes: Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener

Featured in our first Fleck system review: The Fleck 5600 SXT combined with standard resin and brine tanks to keep costs at a bare minimum.

Speaking of, when it comes to water softeners the Fleck 5600 SXT is among the top low cost solution. That said, it’s not the newest option on the market and thus cannot keep up with up-to-date systems in terms of salt and water efficiency – think downflow technology.

Nevertheless, the Fleck 5600 SXT water softener uses the same ion exchange process to effectively remove hard water minerals making your water nice and soft.

This means less to no stains on your bathroom fixtures, cutlery and dishes, and your toilet and shower will stay cleaner for much longer. The softened water will also benefit the health of your hair and skin, and it will extend the longevity of all your water-using appliances and plumbing system.

The minimum required pressure for the softener to work is 20 psi, the maximum is 80 psi. You can expect a flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute (which is plenty), depending on which system size you choose. Grain capacity: 24,000-80,000.

Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener

Fleck 5600 SXT

Price: $$
Type: Salt-Based Ion Exchange
Ideal For: 1-6+ People (Up to 15 gpm)
Capacity: 24,000-80,000 Grains
NSF: 44

Our Rating

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Reliable customer support
  • Digital control valve for quick & easy setup and simplified troubleshooting
  • Metered for less water and salt usage (only regenerates when necessary)
  • 10% crosslink resin lasts much longer on city water
  • Safety float to prevent overfilling
  • Only basic plumbing skills required for DIY installation
  • 4 modes of regeneration – choose whichever you prefer
  • With backup capacitor in case of power failure

Cons

  • Lower efficiency compared to modern systems

Best for

The Fleck 5600 SXT is best for people who are looking for a time-proven salt-based water softener.

→ Read Our Full Fleck 5600 SXT Review Here

2. Best for Continuous Water Flow: Fleck 9100 SXT Dual-Tank Water Softener

Next on our list: Fleck’s 9100 SXT. It’s different from most water softeners because it’s a dual (twin) tank system. In other words: It features 2 resin tanks which allow for continuous water softening. While tank A is in service, tank B can regenerate. Once tank A has reached its capacity limit and needs to backwash, tank B fills in.

This is what makes the Fleck 9100 SXT a great choice for large households and all kinds of applications where softened water is required 24/7.

In terms of flow, the system supplies between 9 and 15 gallons of water per minute, depending on which version you choose; there are 5. The smallest setup has 24,000 grains capacity, the largest 64,000.

Fleck 9100 SXT Water Softener

Fleck 9100 SXT

Price: $$$
Type: Salt-Based Ion Exchange
Ideal For: 1-6+ People (9-15 gpm)
Capacity: 24,000-64,000 Grains
NSF: 44

Our Rating

Pros

  • Reliable customer support
  • Digital control valve is easy to program and monitor
  • Metered regen saves water and salt
  • Regenerates using softened water which helps keep valve and resin injectors clean
  • Saves salt due to no reserves needed
  • Shipped with 8% high-capacity resin
  • No more difficult to set up than single-tank water softeners
  • With backup capacitor in case of power failure

Cons

  • Nothing so far

Best for

The Fleck 9100 SXT is best for people who want a dual-tank water softener for uninterruted water flow.

→ Read Our Full Fleck 9100 SXT Review Here

3. Best for Large Households: Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener

Compared to the 5600 SXT, the Fleck 7000 SXT supplies you with more softened water in the same amount of time – you get as much as 16 gallons per minute which is ideal for homes with high water demand at peak times. Light commercial applications can also be considered.

Again, the required minimum pressure for the system to operate is 20 psi. The system is metered to prevent excessive salt use and water being wasted while recharging.

Above that, programming the digital head is a matter of minutes. Just set the day and time to regenerate and insert your water hardness level. You can also choose between 4 different regeneration modes and activate double backwash if you want.

When done, all you have to do for maintenance is refill the salt reservoir every once in a while and you are good to go – easy!

Grain capacity: 48,000

Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener

Fleck 7000 SXT

Price: $$$
Type: Salt-Based Ion Exchange
Ideal For: 1-7+ People (16 gpm)
Capacity: 48,000 Grains
NSF: 44

Our Rating

Pros

  • Made in the USA
  • Reliable customer support
  • Digital control valve for quick & easy setup
  • Metered for less water and salt usage (only regenerates when necessary)
  • Safety float to prevent overfilling
  • Only basic plumbing skills required for DIY installation
  • 4 modes of regeneration – choose whichever you prefer
  • With backup capacitor in case of power failure
  • Larger internal ports for higher flow rates

Cons

  • Instructions might be missing (plenty to be found online)

Best for

The Fleck 7000 SXT ion exchange water softener is best for people living in large homes.

→ Read Our Full Fleck 7000 SXT Review Here

Why Fleck?

Other than the fact that Fleck has an A+ reputation, what are the benefits of choosing a Fleck softener over any other?

  • Price – Not all but many Fleck softening systems are relatively affordable. Compared to the competition, the margin can be as much as a couple of hundred dollars per unit.
  • Certified – The 5600 SXT, the 7000 SXT, the 9100 SXT – all are tested and certified by the WQA to NSF/ANSI Standard 44 for Water Softener Performance and to Standard 372 for Lead Free Compliance. Standard 44 was specifically established for ion exchange softeners and guarantees that your system is quality, safe and performs as claimed.
  • Ease of Use – Fleck softeners are easy to program.
  • No Waste & Eco-Friendliness – Fleck softeners only go into regeneration when really necessary. This prevents water wastage and excessive salt being released into our water supply systems.
  • DIY Install – DIY installation can be done with only basic plumbing skills required.
  • Spare Parts – Spare parts are widely available online and just one click away. If you want to know where, conduct a quick Google search.
  • Warranty – Another benefit is the long warranty that you get with a Fleck control valve (usually 5 years).

If you have any questions about the Fleck 5600 SXT, the 7000 SXT, the 9100 SXT, or any other Fleck water softener really, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

And remember to revisit this page from time to time, as we are going to add new Fleck reviews occasionally.

About the Author Gene Fitzgerald

Gene Fitzgerald is one of the founders of BOS and currently head of content creation. She has 8+ years of experience as a water treatment specialist under her belt making her our senior scientist. Outside of BOS, Gene loves reading books on philosophy & social issues, making music, and hiking.
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