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Fleck Water Softener Installation Guide

Fleck 5600SXT Installation: What to ExpectA Fleck 5600SXT residential system typically installs in 2–4 hours with basic plumbing skills. The system ships as a pre-assembled mineral tank (valve on to

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Updated Aug 2026 · Fleck Water Softeners

Fleck 5600SXT Installation: What to Expect

A Fleck 5600SXT residential system typically installs in 2–4 hours with basic plumbing skills. The system ships as a pre-assembled mineral tank (valve on top, resin inside), a separate brine tank, and a brine line/float assembly. Professional installation adds $150–$300 for a plumber's 2-hour visit.

Pre-Installation Requirements

  • Main water shutoff access and location of softener bypass point
  • Drain within 8 feet (gravity drain preferred; pump needed if run exceeds 20 feet or must lift)
  • 110V outlet within 6 feet for the 5600SXT controller
  • Floor space: 12"×12" mineral tank footprint + 18"×18" brine tank (12" clearance overhead required for brine tank lid removal)
  • Pre-filter recommended if iron exceeds 1 PPM or sediment is visible

Installation Sequence

  1. Shut off main water supply at the main shutoff or meter.
  2. Identify installation point — ideally after the pressure reducing valve (PRV) but before the water heater. Never install downstream of a water heater.
  3. Install bypass valve (included). Solder or use push-fit connections to the inlet/outlet ports.
  4. Connect brine line from brine tank to the valve's brine port. Insert the safety float into the brine tank.
  5. Add bedding (if supplied) to brine tank, then 40–80 lbs of solar salt or pellet salt.
  6. Add 3–4 gallons of water to brine tank to create initial brine solution.
  7. Plug in the 5600SXT controller. Set time of day. Set hardness, capacity, and salt dose per sizing calculation.
  8. Slowly open bypass to service position. Check all connections for leaks.
  9. Initiate a manual regeneration cycle to flush resin shipping preservative.
  10. Set regeneration time to 2:00 AM or lowest-use period.

Post-Installation Fleck 5600SXT Settings

The key programmer settings on the 5600SXT are: (A) hardness in GPG, (B) capacity in grains before regeneration, (C) salt dose in pounds, and (D) day override (maximum days between regenerations regardless of gallons). A common residential setup for 20 GPG hardness: A=20, B=45,000, C=9 lbs, D=14 days.