DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener Review
Product Overview
The DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Whole House Water Softener is designed to tackle hard water issues efficiently for your entire home. Featuring a robust 48,000-grain capacity and shipped loaded with resin inside a black USA mineral tank, this system promises cleaner, softer water from every tap. Its digital meter is on-demand and metered to regenerate only when necessary, helping you save time and effort. With a pre-loaded resin tank and an included brine tank with a safety float, setup is straightforward. Whether you’re dealing with hard water spots, appliance buildup, or dry skin from mineral-rich water, this water softener is built to bring noticeable improvements.
DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Whole House Water Softener 48,000 Grains
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Key Takeaways
- Effective 48,000-grain capacity suited for whole-house hard water treatment.
- Ships with pre-loaded resin tank and a brine tank equipped with a safety float for ease of use.
- Digital Fleck 5600 SXT control valve offers metered, on-demand regeneration to save water.
- Some users find installation challenging without prior plumbing experience.
- System size requires adequate space for setup.
Why You Might Need a DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener
If your home suffers from hard water problems, you know the nuisance: mineral buildup on faucets and appliances, dingy laundry, dry skin, or even reduced appliance lifespan. You want a solution that treats all the water entering your home and does it reliably without constant maintenance. A whole-house system like this ensures every tap flows with softened water, improving household comfort and protecting plumbing fixtures. Whether you have well water or city water with high mineral content, this system can help you achieve better water quality throughout your home.
First Impressions: What to Expect
Unboxing the DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT reveals a solid black mineral tank already filled with a high-capacity resin bed. This means you avoid the common setup step of adding resin. The system also arrives with a brine tank, which includes a safety float to prevent overflow during regeneration. Installation accessories, like a 1-inch Noryl plastic bypass valve, come standard, aiding direct integration into your plumbing. The digital control valve is compact, with a clear display and simple programming buttons. Overall, the package feels complete, aiming to reduce setup hassle and get your system running efficiently ASAP.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 48,000 grains |
| Resin Volume | 1.5 cubic feet |
| Tank Color | Black |
| Control Valve | Fleck 5600 SXT digital metered |
| Includes | Brine tank with safety float |
| Bypass Valve Included | 1-inch Noryl plastic |
| Regeneration Type | On-demand, metered |
| Warranty | Support via toll-free number |
DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT: High-Capacity Components
Design & Build Quality
The DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT stands out with its robust construction and thoughtful design. The black mineral tank is made in the USA and pre-loaded with 1.5 cubic feet of high-quality resin, so you don’t have to mess with resin refilling. The resin choice is crucial; it exchanges calcium and magnesium ions efficiently, tackling hard water at its source. The digital control valve features straightforward programming buttons and an easy-to-read display to set regeneration intervals according to your household’s water usage.
One customer review highlights the tangible quality: "The system feels solid and well-made. The resin tank arrived ready to use, which was a big plus for me. Installation instructions were clear, and the digital meter is responsive." The included brine tank comes with a safety float to prevent any overflow mess during system regeneration, an often overlooked but very helpful feature.
Accessories like the included 1-inch Noryl plastic bypass allow for easy plumbing integration and maintenance without removing the entire system. While the overall design targets durability and long-term use, the unit is sizable and will need adequate space near your main water line.
DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Digital Control Valve
Real-World Performance
In daily use, the DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT impresses with its smart regeneration cycle managed by the digital meter. Unlike older timers, it only regenerates when water consumption reaches a set level, saving salt and water. Users frequently mention the noticeable difference in water softness throughout their homes—from kitchen and bathroom taps to showerheads.
One homeowner shared how the hard water stains on their fixtures and appliances faded within weeks of installation. Laundry became softer and cleaner, and their skin stopped feeling dry after showers. The automatic regeneration means you don’t have to babysit the system or guess salt levels; the built-in safety float on the brine tank ensures no overflow issues.
This system’s resin capacity and metered operation make it suitable even for larger families or homes with heavier water use. The bypass valve allows easy occasional maintenance without shutting down water flow entirely. Some users note the initial setup may require plumber help, but once running, it’s largely hands-off and reliable.
Brine Tank with Safety Float for Safe Regeneration
What Makes It Stand Out?
Compared to other whole-house water softeners like the Whirlpool WHES40 or the GE GXSH40V, the DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT offers some standout features. The Fleck 5600 digital meter control valve is renowned for its reliability and precise regeneration, a step above some timer-based or less intuitive systems.
The pre-loaded resin tank sets this model apart from many competitors that require users to add resin manually. This reduces setup complexity and potential user error. Meanwhile, the black USA mineral tank adds durability and a sleek look that fits modern utility spaces. Its included 1-inch Noryl bypass valve provides convenience for maintenance, often sold separately with other brands.
While competitors might provide different grain capacities or tank sizes, the balance of resin volume and regeneration efficiency with the Fleck 5600 technology offers a smart approach to long-term hard water management. Furthermore, the brand’s customer support, reachable via toll-free number, adds an extra layer of assurance not always available with lower-tier models.
Strengths vs. Trade-Offs
| Strengths (✅) | Trade-Offs (❌) |
|---|---|
| High capacity 48,000-grain resin system ready to use out of box | Installation may require plumbing experience |
| Digital Fleck 5600 SXT control valve offers on-demand regeneration | Larger footprint requires dedicated space |
| Includes brine tank with safety float to prevent overflow | Programming may need some familiarization |
| Comes with 1-inch Noryl plastic bypass valve for easy maintenance | Resin tank and brine tank are separate components |
| US-made mineral tank and resin assure build quality | Requires periodic salt refills for ongoing softening |
Full System and Components Overview
Who Is It For?
This water softener fits well if you:
- Are a homeowner seeking whole-house protection from hard water minerals. It’s ideal if you want to reduce scale buildup in pipes, extend appliance life, and enjoy softer skin and laundry results.
- Have a medium to large household with consistent water usage that benefits from the Fleck 5600 SXT’s metered regeneration, ensuring efficiency based on your unique daily water consumption.
- Prefer a low-maintenance system ready to install, with resin already in the tank and safety features like the brine tank’s float to prevent overflow. You should be comfortable with moderately complex installation or able to access professional help.
If you value automatic, demand-based regeneration technology and durable American-made components, this system suits your needs. It’s also for those who want clear digital system control and good manufacturer support for peace of mind.
Expert Advice to Maximize Results
To get the most from this water softener, consider these tips:
- Carefully follow installation instructions or hire a professional plumber, especially to integrate the bypass valve and digital control valve correctly. Proper setup impacts system longevity and performance.
- Regularly check salt levels in the brine tank to ensure consistent regeneration. Use high-purity salt to avoid mineral clogging or buildup inside your system.
- Program the digital control valve to match your household’s water usage. Adjust regeneration cycles based on seasonal water demand changes for optimal salt and water conservation.
- Periodically clean the brine tank and inspect the safety float to avoid malfunctions and overflow during regeneration.
- Monitor water softness in your home periodically with test strips to ensure the system is working efficiently and regenerate if necessary.
Maintenance Tips for Optimal Performance
FAQ
Q1: How easy is the installation process?
A1: The system comes with pre-loaded resin and necessary bypass valves, simplifying installation. However, hooking into your main water line may require plumbing skills. Hiring a professional is recommended if you’re unfamiliar with plumbing.
Q2: How does the Fleck 5600 SXT digital meter work?
A2: It measures your household water use and only triggers regeneration when the set amount of soft water has been used. This on-demand approach saves water and salt compared to timer-based regeneration.
Q3: What maintenance does the system require?
A3: Primarily, maintain salt levels in the brine tank, periodically clean the tank, and check the safety float. The resin bed should last several years before replacement is needed.
Q4: Can this system handle well water?
A4: Yes, it is well-suited for well water with hard mineral content, improving water softness for the entire home and preventing scale buildup.
Q5: How big is the system? Will it fit in small spaces?
A5: The unit requires a reasonable amount of space near the main water line. Measuring your installation area is advised to ensure a good fit.
Q6: Is there customer support available?
A6: Yes, DURAWATER offers toll-free support to assist with installation guidance and troubleshooting.
Q7: What if the system overflows during regeneration?
A7: The brine tank’s safety float is designed to stop overflow by halting saltwater flow if the water rises too high, adding a layer of protection.
Verdict
The DURAWATER Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener provides a smart whole-house solution for hard water problems. Its high grain capacity, pre-loaded resin tank, and digital metered regeneration make it a strong contender for lasting home comfort and appliance protection. Expect cleaner water, less scale buildup, and easier maintenance with this system’s intuitive features and durable design.
