Fleck 5600SXT Parts: What Fails and Where to Get Them
The Fleck 5600SXT is the most parts-supported residential softener valve in the US market. Every serviceable component has a published part number and is stocked by Fleck-authorized distributors and Amazon third-party sellers. Expected life on main components:
| Component | Part # | Typical Life | Cost (~) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piston / spacer / seal kit | 18706 | 5–10 years | $20–$35 |
| Meter assembly (Noryl turbine) | 13748 | 8–12 years | $25–$45 |
| Injector + screen kit | 60112-10 (size varies) | 3–7 years | $8–$15 |
| Brine valve + float assembly | WS15RES2 | 5–10 years | $15–$30 |
| Control board (PCB) | 12752 | 10–15 years | $75–$130 |
| Bypass valve assembly | 60011 | 15–20 years | $30–$55 |
Annual Maintenance Schedule for a Fleck System
- Check brine tank for salt bridges (hollow crust above water line). Break up with a broom handle.
- Clean brine tank with dish soap + warm water every 2–3 years; flush, dry, refill with fresh salt.
- Inspect injector screen for iron fouling. If iron is present in supply, clean annually with diluted CLR.
- Verify bypass valve moves freely (prevents valve seizure in emergencies).
- Set a manual regeneration cycle and watch the full cycle (45–70 minutes) to verify each step: backwash, brine draw, slow rinse, fast rinse, refill.
- If hardness increases (water feels harder), check salt level, injector screen, and resin for iron fouling.
Resin Replacement
Standard softener resin lasts 10–15 years in municipal water without chloramine. Chloraminated water degrades resin faster (7–10 years). Test resin capacity by hardness testing before and after the softener — if post-softener hardness exceeds 1 GPG consistently, resin replacement is needed. A cubic foot of replacement resin costs $45–$80 from AFWFilters or similar.