Written by: Gene Fitzgerald // Expert Fact-Checking: Buddhini Dolapihilla, MBSS // Last Updated: Aug 4, 2023
This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy a product or service through such a link we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
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:
Model | Details | |
---|---|---|
Best for Small to Large Homes: Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener |
|
Price: $$ Type: Ion Exchange Water For: 1-6+ People (Up to 15 gpm) Capacity: 24,000-80,000 Grains Read Review: Click |
Best for Uninterrupted Water Softening: Fleck 9100 SXT Dual-Tank Water Softener |
|
Price: $$$ Type: Ion Exchange Water For: 1-6+ People (9-15 gpm) Capacity: 24,000-64,000 Grains Read Review: Click |
Best for Large Homes: Fleck 7000 SXT Water Softener |
|
Price: $$$ Type: Ion Exchange Water For: 1-7+ People (16 gpm) Capacity: 48,000 Grains Read Review: Click |
Review Order
Featured in our first Fleck system review: The Fleck 5600 SXT combined with standard resin and brine tanks to keep costs at a bare minimum.
Speaking of, when it comes to water softeners the Fleck 5600 SXT is among the top low cost solution. That said, it’s not the newest option on the market and thus cannot keep up with up-to-date systems in terms of salt and water efficiency – think downflow technology.
Nevertheless, the Fleck 5600 SXT water softener uses the same ion exchange process to effectively remove hard water minerals making your water nice and soft.
This means less to no stains on your bathroom fixtures, cutlery and dishes, and your toilet and shower will stay cleaner for much longer. The softened water will also benefit the health of your hair and skin, and it will extend the longevity of all your water-using appliances and plumbing system.
The minimum required pressure for the softener to work is 20 psi, the maximum is 80 psi. You can expect a flow rate of up to 15 gallons per minute (which is plenty), depending on which system size you choose. Grain capacity: 24,000-80,000.
Fleck 5600 SXT |
|
Price: | $$ |
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
Cons
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
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 |
|
Price: | $$$ |
Type: | Salt-Based Ion Exchange |
Ideal For: | 1-6+ People (9-15 gpm) |
Capacity: | 24,000-64,000 Grains |
NSF: | 44 |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
Best for
The Fleck 9100 SXT is best for people who want a dual-tank water softener for uninterruted water flow.
→ Read Our Full Fleck 9100 SXT Review Here
Compared to the 5600 SXT, the Fleck 7000 SXT supplies you with more softened water in the same amount of time – you get as much as 16 gallons per minute which is ideal for homes with high water demand at peak times. Light commercial applications can also be considered.
Again, the required minimum pressure for the system to operate is 20 psi. The system is metered to prevent excessive salt use and water being wasted while recharging.
Above that, programming the digital head is a matter of minutes. Just set the day and time to regenerate and insert your water hardness level. You can also choose between 4 different regeneration modes and activate double backwash if you want.
When done, all you have to do for maintenance is refill the salt reservoir every once in a while and you are good to go – easy!
Grain capacity: 48,000
Fleck 7000 SXT |
|
Price: | $$$ |
Type: | Salt-Based Ion Exchange |
Ideal For: | 1-7+ People (16 gpm) |
Capacity: | 48,000 Grains |
NSF: | 44 |
Our Rating
|
Pros
Cons
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
Other than the fact that Fleck has an A+ reputation, what are the benefits of choosing a Fleck softener over any other?
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.
Information provided on BOS is for educational purposes only. The products and services we review may not be right for your individual circumstances.
We adhere to strict editorial guidelines. Rest assured, the opinions expressed have not been provided, reviewed, or otherwise endorsed by our partners – they are unbiased, independent, and the author’s alone. Our licensed experts fact-check all content for accuracy. It is accurate as of the date posted and to the best of our knowledge.