AFWFilters Twin Tank Metered Water Softener Review
Product Overview
The AFWFilters 9100 SXT Twin Tank Metered On-Demand 80,000 Grains Per Tank Water Softener is designed to deliver soft water continuously without interruption. Utilizing a twin-tank setup equipped with the advanced Fleck 9100 valve, this system ensures you enjoy soft water 24/7, perfect for households that cannot go a moment without soft water. Thanks to its metered, on-demand operation, it regenerates only as needed, saving salt and reducing water usage. Installation support and a free bypass valve help make setup easier for you.
AFWFilters 9100 SXT Twin Tank Water Softener
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Key Takeaways
- Twin tanks ensure uninterrupted soft water supply 24/7—no downtime during regeneration.
- Fleck 9100 valve offers precise metered on-demand regeneration, saving resources.
- Comes with supportive customer installation help and a free bypass valve for easier setup.
- Some users mention the system requires a bit of technical know-how during installation.
Why You Might Need This Water Softener
If your household struggles with hard water issues like annoying mineral buildup on faucets, spotty dishes, or dry skin and hair, a reliable water softening solution becomes essential. This unit is especially useful if you want seamless, continuous access to soft water without worrying about water being hard while your softener regenerates. For busy families or anyone who depends on soft water around the clock for laundry, bathing, and appliances, the AFWFilters 9100 SXT Twin Tank system can bring peace of mind and convenience.
First Impressions: What to Expect
Right out of the box, you’ll notice the solid construction of both resin tanks, finished in durable fiberglass that resists corrosion. The Fleck 9100 valve sits neatly atop, designed for easy programming with an LCD screen. Included in the package is a sturdy male-threaded yoke with a free bypass valve for easier hookup—this means you won’t have to shut off your water to bypass the softener during maintenance.
You should anticipate a bit of initial setup work, as installing twin tanks involves some plumbing skills. However, AFWFilters offers excellent customer support and clear instructions, which many users have found helpful. Overall, the packaging is neat and protected well for shipping.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 80,000 grains per tank |
| Number of Tanks | 2 (twin-tank system) |
| Valve Model | Fleck 9100 |
| Regeneration Type | Metered, on-demand |
| Warranty | 5 years on valve, 10 years on tanks |
| Included Accessories | Free bypass valve with male threaded yoke |
| Continuous Soft Water | Yes, 24/7 availability |
AFWFilters Twin Tank Water Softener System
Design & Build Quality
One of the strongest points of this AFWFilters water softener is its robust twin-tank design. With two tanks working in tandem, you never have to be without softened water. This design brings a noticeable convenience difference versus single-tank models, which often cut off water softening during regeneration cycles.
Thanks to the Fleck 9100 valve, you get smooth, metered control over water use and regeneration frequency. This saves salt and water, making the system more efficient in the long run. The tanks use a solid fiberglass shell with a corrosion-resistant finish. Customer reviews highlight how well-built the unit feels and how durable it is over time.
One user shared:
“The build quality feels premium. Installation took some time, but the support was helpful. The timer and regeneration are very precise, and we’ve noticed a big difference in water feel.”
This system comes with a male-threaded yoke with a free bypass valve for easy plumbing installation or maintenance. That small addition reduces hassle when you want to service or test your unit without shutting off your water supply.
Real-World Performance
In everyday use, the AFWFilters 9100 SXT twin system really shines for those who want uninterrupted access to softened water. For instance, a family with a large household found that there was no downtime even as one tank regenerated while the other tank continued softening water.
The metered on-demand regeneration activates only after a set amount of water is used, which means the system regenerates exactly when it needs to. This tailored approach prevents unnecessary salt and water waste. Many users report noticeable reductions in scale buildup on faucets and appliances, as well as softer skin and hair since switching to this unit.
One homeowner said:
"We love that the water is always soft, even during busy mornings. Before, our single-tank softener would cut out when it regenerated, but this system never stops providing softened water. It’s impressive how well it manages the water hardness."
Continuous Soft Water Performance
What Makes It Stand Out?
The AFWFilters 9100 SXT system stands out compared to many typical residential water softeners due to its twin-tank operation combined with a sophisticated metered on-demand valve. Many softeners regenerate on a fixed timer regardless of actual water use, which can lead to wasted salt and water during low-use periods. This system regenerates only when needed, increasing efficiency without sacrificing performance.
When compared to competitors like the Fleck 5600SXT single-tank model or general-purpose single-tank softeners, the AFWFilters unit provides continuous soft water, which is highly beneficial for large families or households with high water demand. Some competitors require manual bypass or turning off water during regeneration cycles, which this twin tank softener eliminates.
Another competitor, the Whirlpool WHES40, is a single-tank system and lacks the metered regeneration finesse. The AFWFilters system’s advanced Fleck 9100 valve improves control and water-saving features beyond that.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| Strengths | Trade-Offs |
|---|---|
| ✅ Continuous 24/7 soft water thanks to twin-tank system | ❌ Installation requires moderate plumbing skills |
| ✅ 5-year valve and 10-year tank warranty for peace of mind | ❌ Some users find initial programming tricky |
| ✅ Metered on-demand regeneration saves salt and water | |
| ✅ Includes free bypass valve with male threaded yoke | |
| ✅ Excellent customer support during installation |
Twin Tank Softener Strengths & Trade-Offs
Who Is It For?
This twin tank water softener is ideal for:
- Large families or heavy water users: If your household demands frequent and high volumes of softened water, this system ensures you never lose soft water access.
- People wanting efficiency: The metered on-demand regeneration saves water and salt by only regenerating the amount necessary.
- Homeowners comfortable with moderate DIY or professional plumbing help: Installation involves some pipe-fitting skills but excellent support is available.
- Those prioritizing long-term reliability: With a solid 5-year valve and 10-year tank warranty, this model brings durability for years of trouble-free use.
If you want convenience, nonstop soft water, and modern regeneration technology, this is a fitting system.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the best results from your AFWFilters 9100 SXT Twin Tank Water Softener:
- Place the system in an accessible area to simplify maintenance trips.
- Use the included bypass valve during maintenance to avoid shutting off your whole water supply.
- Adjust the Fleck 9100 valve programming carefully to fit your household water usage patterns for optimal regeneration timing.
- Regularly check salt levels and refill with high-quality water softener salt to prevent salt bridging or depletion.
- Conduct routine inspections to look for leaks or wear on connections and valve seals to avoid performance drops.
Following these tips will help you maintain smooth, continuous soft water and prolong the life of your system.
Maximize Your Water Softener’s Performance
FAQ
Q1: How does the twin-tank system work?
The system uses two resin tanks that alternate softening water. While one tank regenerates, the other continues providing softened water, ensuring there is never a downtime without soft water.
Q2: What is the grain capacity per tank?
Each tank handles up to 80,000 grains, making the system suitable for homes with higher hardness or water usage.
Q3: How does the Fleck 9100 valve improve efficiency?
This valve meters actual water use and regenerates only when necessary, lowering salt and water waste compared to timer-based systems.
Q4: Is installation difficult?
Some plumbing experience is helpful. The system includes a free bypass valve and male-threaded yoke for easier hookup, plus AFWFilters offers helpful installation support.
Q5: What is the warranty coverage?
The valve has a 5-year warranty, and the tanks have a 10-year warranty, which covers defects and gives you peace of mind.
Q6: Can I bypass the softener easily?
Yes, the included bypass valve allows you to route water around the softener for maintenance without shutting off the main supply.
Q7: How often does the system regenerate?
Regeneration frequency depends on your water usage and hardness level, as the metered valve triggers regeneration only when needed.
Verdict
The AFWFilters 9100 SXT Twin Tank Metered Water Softener is an excellent choice for those needing continuous soft water without interruption. Its twin-tank design combined with efficient, on-demand regeneration delivers reliable, sustainable performance. Built to last with solid warranty coverage, this system suits busy households wanting hassle-free soft water 24/7.
