Hello and thanks for looking!
Don’t let the low price fool you (or any online seller or local plumber with an agenda tell you different). My father taught me the value of repeat business so, it’s our hope you come to us when you need other water treatment products.
Yes. This listing is for a genuine Fleck product that comes with the fleck warranty.
We need your tank diameter to get you the right size valve. In my opinion, there’s just not enough product info out there purchasing water treatment products like this valve!
On Amazon there’s no description. On the “click bait” listings with drop down menus and extra charges, they expect you to know what a “dlfc” is and which one you need. The DLFC is your drain line flow control which is determined by your tank diameter. (As is your injector size).
Fleck 5600 DLFC Flow Rates by Tank Size
DLFC Sizing by Mineral Tank Diameter (Softening Resin)
* 7" Tank Diameter: 1.5 GPM to 2.0 GPM
* 8" Tank Diameter: 2.0 GPM to 2.4 GPM
* 9" Tank Diameter: 3.0 GPM to 3.5 GPM
* 10" Tank Diameter: 4.0 GPM to 5.0 GPM
* 12" Tank Diameter: 5.0 GPM to 7.0 GPM.
The back of the Fleck 5600SXT Control Valve features the connection port where the plastic or stainless steel bypass valve (or yoke) attaches using a two-clip and O-ring assembly, flanked by the internal meter cable connection, the 3/8-inch brine line fitting for the salt tank, and the 1/2-inch NPT drain line connection.
Fleck 5600 SXT valve manual
https://www.pentair.com/content/dam/extranet/web/nam/pentair/manuals/4005293-5600sxt-softener-system-iom.pdf
Below the description, is also important info about fleck bypass valves and resins and when they require replacement too.
Key Features of the Fleck 5600 SXT
* Digital Display: Features a backlit LCD panel showing the time of day, remaining soft water capacity, and active cycles.
* Metered Control: Uses a compact turbine or paddlewheel meter to monitor whole-house water use dynamically.
* Power Backup: Includes an internal capacitor that retains time and programming for up to 48 hours during a power loss.
* Adjustable Cycles: Offers customizable programming for cycle times and operation modes (such as delayed or immediate meter regeneration).
The primary difference between the classic Fleck 5600 mechanical valve and the Fleck 5600SXT lies in their controller units. The standard 5600 uses an analog, rotating mechanical timer and gear assembly, while the SXT version mounts a digital LCD microprocessor controller on the exact same robust internal valve body. Both share the same time-tested internal piston, seals, and spacer design.
Core Differences
* Interface & Programming:
* Mechanical: Uses physical plastic dials, pins, and a timer knob to set the time of day and select regeneration frequency (e.g., fixed 7 or 12-day calendar override).
* SXT: Features a digital LCD screen and touchpad allowing precise cycle time adjustments, error code readouts, and simple capacity programming.
Regeneration Tracking:
* Mechanical: Can be configured as a time-clock (fixed days) or with a mechanical meter spinning a small wheel to trigger regeneration, which requires manual calculation of gallon capacity via small dial adjustments.
* SXT: Features electronic on-demand metering that tracks actual water consumption and remaining gallon capacity dynamically, saving salt and water efficiency.
The standard Fleck 5600SXT control valve for a water softener features 5 distinct regeneration cycles during a normal cleaning sequence.
The Fleck 5600SXT Digital Control Valve works using an electronic meter and a single internal piston. It tracks water usage with a paddlewheel meter, calculates remaining resin capacity, and automatically shifts a Teflon-coated piston through a sequence of regeneration cycles only when needed.
Daily Softening (Service Mode)
* Hard water enters the valve inlet from your home supply.
* Water flows down through the resin tank.
* Resin beads hold a negative charge, trapping positive calcium and magnesium minerals.
* Treated, soft water flows up the central riser tube and out the valve outlet.
* The electronic paddlewheel meter continuously counts every gallon used.
* The SXT digital screen subtracts used gallons from your total programmed capacity.
The Regeneration Process
When the digital memory reaches zero soft gallons remaining, the SXT controller triggers regeneration (usually set for a middle-of-the-night delayed time like 2:00 AM). A small motor rotates the single main piston to direct water through five distinct cycles:
* Backwash: Reverses water flow upward through the tank, lifting trapped dirt and re-expanding the resin bed.
* Brine Draw & Slow Rinse: Pulls concentrated saltwater from the brine tank using a venturi injector. The sodium ions swap places with the trapped hardness minerals on the resin beads, sending the hard minerals down the drain.
* Rapid Rinse: Flushes leftover brine out of the tank and packs the resin bed back down.
* Brine Tank Fill: Sends measured fresh water back into the brine tank to dissolve salt for the next regeneration cycle.
PLEASE NOTE: it’s strongly suggested to change your bypass valve when you change your valve. We only sell Fleck valves!
A standard Fleck 5600 bypass valve works with a Fleck 9100 control valve. Both the Fleck 5600 and the Fleck 9100 share the same standard port design and use identical interchange bypass valves.
When comparing Fleck plastic (Noryl) versus stainless steel bypass valves, opinions and real-world results are mixed. Plastic models match the main control body material, resist external corrosion, and often last for years without issue, while stainless steel variants offer rigid metal threads and a robust single-lever operation.
Stainless steel
3/4” https://ebay.io/m/ADVPN5
Stainless 1” https://ebay.io/m/PM8z6I
Plastic bypass
Fits 3/4” or 1” https://ebay.io/m/QSdFdX
PLEASE NOTE: the quality of resin in your water softener tank is as important as the valve. We only use quality resin such as Indion and Valdex.
10% crosslink resin is a highly durable, premium-grade ion-exchange media used in water softeners.
A 10% crosslink resin can last up to 15–20+ years, offering a much longer service life.
INDION resins are highly regarded, high-capacity ion exchange media (often 8% or 10% cross-linked) used to replace depleted beads inside water softener tanks. When paired with a reliable Fleck 5600 SXT or similar control valve, you get an industry-standard system that reliably removes calcium and magnesium.
An 8% crosslink resin is the industry-standard ion exchange media used in residential and commercial water softeners. It consists of tiny polystyrene beads where 8% of the molecular structure is crosslinked with divinylbenzene (DVB), creating a durable, sponge-like structure that removes hard minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Lifespan: An 8% resin bed typically lasts 8–10 years. A 10% crosslink resin can last up to 15–20+ years, offering a much longer service life.
10%
0.5 CU https://ebay.io/m/fffaDu
1.0 CU https://ebay.io/m/fATT1C
1.5 CU https://ebay.io/m/IyopgY
2.0 CU https://ebay.io/m/i8sw5h
8%
0.5 CU https://ebay.io/m/pqqOdN
1.0 CU https://ebay.io/m/FEsRkH
1.5 CU https://ebay.io/m/Q9kR8b
2.0 CU https://ebay.io/m/t0EZM6
Here is a “glance” into programming the new softener valve:
To program a Fleck 5600 SXT digital control valve, set the clock to 12:01 PM using the Up/Down arrows. Press the Cycle button once, then press and hold both the Up and Down arrows simultaneously until the screen changes to the master programming menu. Use the Cycle button to advance settings and arrows to change values.
Master Programming Settings
* DF (Display Format): Set to GAL (Gallons) for the United States.’
* VT (Valve Type): Set to dF1b (Downflow Single Backwash) for standard softeners.
* CT (Control Type): Set to Fd (Metered Flow Delayed) so it regenerates based on gallon usage at night.
* NT (Number of Tanks): Set to 1.
* C (Capacity): Set the grain capacity matching your resin tank size in thousands (e.g., 32 for 32,000 grains, 48 for 48,000 grains).
* CD (Current Day / Hardness): Enter your compensated water hardness in Grains Per Gallon (GPG). If you have iron, add 5 GPG for every 1 ppm of iron.
* DO (Day Override): Set safety override frequency (typically 7 to 14 days, or OFF).
* RT (Regeneration Time): Set to 2:00 AM or a time when water is not actively used in the home.
Here is a resource the pros use. Pentair university YouTube channel. If the link doesn’t post, just copy and paste in your search: https://youtube.com/@pentairpool?si=81M86hFWZJQSJlUR
Papa (Richard Ricci) was in the water treatment industry for over 50 years.
He NEVER retired because he loved it so much.
As he got older with less energy, he maintained his business with his repeat customers with his charisma and fairness!!
We have our own relationship with his supplier/dealer that he partnered with for over 50 years!
More info about this product:
A Fleck 5600SXT can directly replace other Fleck 5600 series valves, as well as some older or similar valves from brands like Autotrol, Rainsoft, and Clack, provided the plumbing and tank are compatible. For a successful replacement, the main considerations are ensuring the tank size is compatible with the valve's flow controls and, if upgrading from a different brand or a mechanical Fleck valve, checking that the existing bypass or piping yoke can be re-attached or replaced.
Direct replacements
* Fleck 5600 series: The 5600SXT is a direct digital, metered replacement for older mechanical Fleck 5600 valves like the Econominder, 12 Day, and other styles.
* Fleck 5000: It can replace a Fleck 5000 control valve.
* Fleck 2510: It can replace a Fleck 2510 control valve.
Other potential replacements.
* Autotrol: It can replace some Autotrol models, such as the 155, 163, and 168, if the tank dimensions and flow rates are comparable.
* Rainsoft Noryl: It can replace older Rainsoft Noryl plastic body valves.
* Clack WS1: It can replace a Clack WS1 metered valve, though a direct swap may require changing the bypass or yoke depending on the specific valve model.
* Tectonic Metered Valve: It can replace a Tectonic Metered Valve.
* GE Smart Water, Whirlpool, North Star: It can potentially replace valves from brands like GE, Whirlpool, and North Star, as these are often made by Ecowater and have similar designs.
* Sears (Kenmore): Similar to GE, Whirlpool, and North Star, it may be compatible with some Kenmore models.
Important considerations for all replacements
* Plumbing connection: Check if the new valve's bypass or piping yoke is compatible with your existing plumbing. Some valves may require purchasing an optional bypass, while others will have a yoke that clips on directly.
* Tank size: The 5600SXT comes with different drain line flow controllers (DLFC) and injectors depending on the resin tank diameter. Be sure to get the correct one for your tank to ensure proper function.
Thanks
Randy Ricci