No matter where you live in the USA, the likelihood you have hard water is high – according to the United States Geological Survey, over 80% of households in America have hard water.
Hardness minerals can damage your plumbing, bathroom, and kitchen fixtures, as well as your expensive appliances.
A water softener can help solve the issue, but which one to buy? The Fleck 5600SXT might fit the bill. Read on to find out more about it.
Fleck Water Softener Overview
Fleck is one of the oldest and most trustworthy water softener manufacturers in the USA. The brand is owned by US Water Systems, Inc. and is located in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Perhaps the greatest advantage when buying from them is the prompt and efficient customer support. The company is easy to reach, and the operators speak both English and Spanish, catering to all consumers. Throw in excellent product quality, and you’ve got a winning formula.
Fleck manufactures a range of water softeners and water filter systems, valves, parts, and accessories. Finding replacement parts for a faulty system is easy, and most plumbers know how to install and repair Fleck systems. Last but not least, Fleck water softeners and filtration systems are easy to operate and maintain.
How Does Fleck 5600SXT Water Softener Work?
The Fleck 5600SXT is one of the most popular water softening systems from the brand. This model is essentially an updated variant of the old mechanical meter. That means few moving parts, low energy consumptions, very few problems, and straightforward maintenance.
Like most water softeners, the system uses ion exchange technology to remove hardness ions. As water passes through the resin bed, hardness ions attach to the beads (normally containing sodium, although other salts can also be used) and are trapped in a brine solution.
You will have to replace the resin bed as it gets saturated with hardness ions. Like all similar softeners, the Fleck 5600SXT produces wastewater.
Fleck 5600sxt Feature Breakdown
Build Quality & Capacity
Fleck 5600SXT is a robust water softener with excellent build quality. You can expect it to do its job for the decades to come. The installation is as straightforward as it gets, though you might want to call in a plumber if you lack basic plumbing skills.
The system we reviewed has a 48,000-grain capacity, which ensures plenty of softened water throughout your home. This system is ideal for households of up to five people, but the 5600SXT also comes in smaller and larger sizes.
Resin
One of the most important things to check when buying a water softener is the resin quality – especially if the resin bed can’t be changed.
As far as Fleck 5600SXT is concerned, the system boasts a high-capacity, 8% cross-linked resin engineered for long life. A fully programmable flow meter makes it easy to schedule regeneration cycles for maximum salt and water saving.
Programming, Settings & Maintenance
Nothing is more annoying than investing in a water softener that’s hard to set up and maintain. Luckily, that’s not the case with the Fleck 5600SXT.
The flow meter boasts an intuitive control panel that makes setting and maintaining a breeze. Four regeneration modes provide plenty of control.
A double backwash function makes this water softener a perfect choice for those living in areas with very hard water. This feature also proves to be helpful if you want to remove iron from your drinking water.
A backlit display and digital control keys also allow you to view the remaining water volume or the days to the next regeneration. Perhaps the only downside is that the system doesn’t monitor the ongoing water usage.
Water and Salt Consumption
If you’re concerned about wasting water, know that Fleck 5600SXT isn’t the most water-efficient water softener out there. The system uses around 45 gallons of water during regeneration – it can quickly drive up your utility bill if you’re using city water.
Salt consumption depends on the water hardness level. In a home with moderately hard water and moderate water consumption, you’ll have to add new salt every four to six weeks. Fleck5600SXT doesn’t monitor the salt level, so you’ll have to check it constantly.
Fleck 5600SXT Lifespan
Fleck 5600SXT is a water softener built to last. Its average lifespan is around 25-30 years, although you might have to replace the control head during this time.
Contaminant Reduction & Water Quality
Fleck 5600 SXT is not a water filtration system and doesn’t remove contaminants from water. It does remove hardness minerals, such as magnesium or calcium, preventing them from depositing on your plumbing and fixtures.
The system uses sodium salts. Thus, it may increase the sodium concentration of your drinking water. You might want to monitor this aspect if you’re on a low sodium diet.
The system improves water quality. However, suppose you’re concerned about waterborne contaminants. In that case, you should install a whole-home water filtering system before the water softener on the plumbing line.
Fleck 5600SXT Ins & Outs
Pros
- Ideal for softening all types of hard water, including well water
- Intelligent regeneration
- Easy installation and maintenance
- Safety float prevents overfilling
- Long lifespan
Cons
- No salt level monitoring
- It may reduce water efficiency in your home
Professional vs. DIY Installation Costs
You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for professional installation, in addition to the cost of the system. Drilling down to a well water source can cost around $1000. Add between $50 and $200 if you already have a water softener installed and need to remove it before installing the Fleck system
DIY installation is cheaper – you’ll only have to spend on basic plumbing materials. It shouldn’t cost you more than $200 to install the system yourself.
How to Use Fleck 5600SXT?
The Fleck 5600SXT water softener is easy to use. Once you’ve installed it and flushed the debris, switch from bypass to service mode and let the water fill the resin tank. When the tank is full, purge all air from the system by allowing cold water to run, then connect the unit to the power outlet.
All you have to do at this stage is program the regeneration cycles according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Performance Comparison: Fleck vs. DuraWater vs. Aquasure Harmony
Choosing the best water softener is often challenging. Let’s see how Fleck 5600SXT compares to DuraWater and Aquasure Harmony.
| Fleck 5600SXT | DuraWater 64k-56SXT-10 | Aquasure Harmony Series 48,000 | |
| System size | 48,000 grains | 64,000 grains | 48,000 grains |
| Household size | 4-5 people | 5-6 people | 4-5 people |
| Maximum hardness removal | 75 GPG | 75 GPG | 110 GPG |
| Water use | 45 gallons/regeneration | 60 gallons/regeneration | 50 gallons/regeneration |
| Salt type | Sodium chloride | Sodium chloride | Sodium chloride |
Fleck 5600SXT FAQ
Can I use the Fleck 5600 with well water?
Yes, according to numerous Fleck 5600SXT reviews, the system is an excellent choice for well water.
Does the Fleck 5600 system have a low-salt indicator?
An indicator light shows you when the system is low on salt. However, the Fleck 5600SXT doesn’t have audible indicators.
You’ll have to check the system constantly to make sure it doesn’t run low on salt. On average, you’ll need to add about 40lbs of salt every four to six weeks, depending on your household usage and water hardness in your area.
Is Fleck softener worth the price?
Fleck 5600SXT is a robust and efficient system. It removes hardness ions from your water, contributes to reducing the water’s iron content, and will last for decades.
Installing it is easy, and you won’t have to trouble yourself with manual regeneration. Overall, the system is worth it.
In Conclusion
Fleck 5600SXT is an excellent choice for small to medium households. It is easy to install and use, it will last for a long time, and you can even install it outdoors – as long as you live in a warmer climate area and have a safe, enclosed space where it will be protected from elements.
Even though it uses more water than other systems during regeneration, it is the most water-efficient water softener we’ve tried. With a maximum removal hardness of 75 grains per gallon, the system suits most homes.
You can use this water softener to soften city and well water alike. If you’re the “set it and forget it” type, the Fleck 5600SXT might be the best water softener for you.
