Want to stop stains, scale, and iron taste from affecting your whole house water?
What is the AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve 64,000 Grain – High Flow for Whole House Use – Removes Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Sediment, Rust
You’re looking at an all-in-one home water treatment system that combines a traditional ion-exchange water softener with iron and sediment filtration in a single unit. The AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 pairs a 64,000-grain softener capacity with a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve and is marketed to handle iron and manganese up to 6 ppm, while providing high flow for whole-house use. You’ll find this unit appealing if you want to simplify treatment and free up space that two separate tanks would otherwise occupy. It’s designed to reduce hardness, iron, manganese, sediment, and rust problems that commonly affect well and municipal water supplies.
Key Features
You should know the headline features before you decide whether this system fits your home and water chemistry. What follows highlights capabilities that most homeowners check first when choosing a whole-house softening and iron-removal system.
Combination Softener + Iron Filter
This model combines water softening and iron removal in a single tower, so you don’t need a separate iron filter and softener stack. Combining the processes saves space and often simplifies plumbing and maintenance tasks compared with running two separate systems side-by-side.
Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve
The system uses a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve to control regeneration and manage service cycles. You’ll appreciate the metered valve because it regenerates based on actual water usage, which helps conserve salt and water compared with timer-based systems.
64,000-Grain Capacity
A 64,000-grain capacity provides a substantial service life between regenerations for many households, especially if your water hardness is moderate. That capacity gives you flexibility to size the system to your household usage and expected hardness without needing very frequent regenerations.
Iron and Manganese Removal (Up to 6 ppm)
This unit is rated to remove iron and manganese up to 6 ppm, which covers many well-water situations. You should still test your water first, because higher iron levels or certain forms of iron and manganese (like ferrous vs ferric) may require pretreatment or a different approach.
High Flow for Whole-House Use
The Iron Pro 2 is built for higher flow rates than small under-sink devices, so you can run showers, washing machines, and multiple fixtures without noticing a pressure drop. You’ll want to verify pipe sizing and municipal plumbing requirements for optimal performance at peak demand.
Warranty and Support
The Fleck valve and many Iron Pro 2 systems come with a five-year warranty on the valve components, which provides your family some peace of mind after installation. You should register the product and keep documentation to speed any warranty service if that need arises.
Specifications Table
Here’s a compact overview of the key specs so you can compare quickly and see what matters most for installation and performance. The table shows the most relevant numbers that influence capacity and maintenance.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Name | AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve 64,000 Grain – High Flow |
| Grain Capacity | 64,000 grains |
| Valve Type | Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve |
| Iron Removal | Up to 6 ppm |
| Manganese Removal | Up to 6 ppm |
| Targeted Contaminants | Hardness, iron, manganese, sediment, rust |
| Application | Whole-house / high flow residential |
| Warranty | Valve-backed warranty (typically 5 years) |
| Typical Users | Single-family homes, well water users with moderate iron |
You should keep this table handy when deciding whether the Iron Pro 2 matches your household size, hardness level, and iron concentration. If you need additional manufacturer-specific numbers (like exact flow rate at X psi), check the spec sheet or contact the vendor.
Performance and Results
Performance varies with your incoming water chemistry and household usage, but this system is intended to deliver consistent improvements in water quality across the whole house. Below are practical performance areas you’ll care about and what to expect from this model.
Softening Efficiency
When the system is working properly, you should see a clear reduction in scale buildup on faucets, appliances, and inside pipes. Softened water will feel smoother on your skin and reduce the soap scum and detergent usage you experience with hard water.
Iron and Manganese Removal
The Iron Pro 2’s media is formulated to capture iron and manganese up to the rated 6 ppm, addressing staining and metallic taste problems in many homes. For persistent or higher concentrations, you may still need pre-filtration or specialized oxidation steps to prevent media fouling and ensure consistent removal.
Flow Rate and Household Demand
This unit is marketed for high flow and whole-house use, meaning it’s intended to meet the demands of multiple bathrooms and appliances running at the same time. You should verify that your plumbing and the unit’s valve size support the peak flow requirements of your household to avoid pressure losses during heavy use.
Regeneration, Salt Use, and Efficiency
Because the valve meters actual water use, regenerations occur when you’ve used your allocated grains of capacity, which tends to save salt versus timed systems. Your regeneration frequency and salt consumption will depend on your water hardness and daily water usage — you can estimate that using the 64,000-grain capacity as a baseline and calculating daily grains removed (hardness in grains per gallon x gallons per day).
Installation Overview
You’ll want to plan the installation carefully, or hire a qualified plumber or water specialist to ensure correct plumbing and backflow precautions. You’ll get the best performance when the unit is installed in a dry, level location with good access for salt replenishment and periodic servicing.
What You Need Before Installation
Before installation, you should have results from a comprehensive water test that includes hardness, iron, manganese, pH, and any other contaminants of concern. You’ll also need the right plumbing fittings, a brine tank location, proper drain access for regeneration waste, and a power outlet for the digital control head.
Typical Steps to Install
The main steps involve bypass valve hookup, connecting the inlet and outlet plumbing, installing the brine tank and resin tank, connecting a drain line, and setting the valve programming for your water usage and hardness. If you’re not comfortable working with water lines, hiring a pro will avoid mistakes like improper backflow prevention or incorrect valve programming.
Time and Difficulty
A skilled homeowner with plumbing experience might complete the install in a few hours, but many people prefer a professional to ensure warranty compliance and code adherence. You should factor in time for site prep, measuring, and verifying that piping and pressure meet the system’s needs.
Maintenance and Upkeep
You’ll keep the Iron Pro 2 running well with routine attention to salt levels, occasional resin care if iron fouling occurs, and basic checks on the valve programming. Regular maintenance helps extend the life of the media and maintain consistent water quality.
Regular Maintenance Tasks
You should check the brine tank salt level monthly and keep it at least a few inches above the water line to ensure proper regeneration. It’s also wise to inspect the brine tank for salt bridging and clean the tank as needed to remove sediment or sludge.
Media Care and Replacement
Over time, iron and manganese can foul the softening media, which may require you to clean or replace the media depending on iron concentrations and maintenance practices. If iron fouling becomes evident — such as frequent brown water during regen or declining softening performance — you may need a media cleaning product or consult a pro for resin replacement.
Salt and Regeneration Tips
You should use standard evaporated salt pellets recommended for water softeners, and avoid using rock salt that can introduce more insoluble minerals. Monitor your regeneration patterns through the Fleck controller; if you notice very frequent regenerations, reevaluate your hardness number input and usage assumptions to optimize salt usage.
Real-World Use Cases
You’ll find that the AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 is designed for a range of residential scenarios, particularly where space and combined treatment are priorities. Below are several situations where this unit commonly performs well.
Single-Family Home with Moderate Hardness
For a typical family home with moderate hardness (for example, 7–15 gpg), the 64,000-grain capacity can provide long intervals between deep maintenance tasks. You’ll benefit from lower soap usage, better appliance longevity, and fewer scale-related repairs.
Well Water with Iron and Manganese
If you have well water containing iron or manganese up to the rated 6 ppm, this system can handle discoloration, staining, and taste issues for many households. You should still test your water for redox conditions and coliform bacteria, and consider pre-filtration if your water has significant sediment.
High-Iron Situations and Limitations
If your iron is above 6 ppm or presents primarily as ferric (oxidized) iron, you may need a specialized oxidizing filter or pretreatment to avoid rapid media fouling. In such cases, this combination unit may still help but could require additional equipment to achieve reliable, long-term results.
Pros and Cons
You’ll want to weigh the practical advantages against the known limitations before buying. The list below provides concise points to help you decide whether this combo system suits your needs.
You’ll enjoy space savings, simplified plumbing, and a single point of maintenance for both softening and iron removal. On the flip side, very high iron or manganese levels may overwhelm a single-tank approach and require supplementary treatment.
Pros:
- Saves space by combining softening and iron removal in one tank.
- Fleck 5600SXT metered valve conserves salt and water by regenerating based on actual use.
- Good 64,000-grain capacity fits many families without constant regeneration.
- Rated to remove iron and manganese up to 6 ppm, addressing common well-water issues.
- Whole-house, high-flow capability for simultaneous fixture use.
Cons:
- May not be ideal for very high iron or manganese beyond 6 ppm without pretreatment.
- Iron fouling can reduce media life unless you perform proper maintenance.
- If you need separate physical media strategies (like greensand or catalytic carbon for certain contaminants), a single tank might be limiting.
- Some homeowners prefer separate tanks for customized maintenance cycles.
How It Compares to Alternatives
You should compare this combination unit against separate systems and competing models to determine the best fit for your house and budget. The trade-offs usually involve space, maintenance, cost, and flexibility of treatment.
Dedicated Softener + Separate Iron Filter
Two dedicated systems allow you to choose specific media and regeneration cycles optimized for each contaminant, which can be better for complex water chemistry. You’ll sacrifice space and potentially pay more up front, but separate units often deliver easier targeted maintenance and longer media life in challenging water conditions.
Competing Combination Units
Other combo units may use different valve brands, capacities, or specialized media that target specific iron types or higher flow rates. You should compare valve reliability, manufacturer support, and specific media performance, especially if you have unique well-water characteristics like very high iron or oxidized iron.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
You’ll likely encounter a few common issues during the lifetime of your system, but many are straightforward to diagnose and resolve. The Fleck 5600SXT controller includes diagnostic steps that can help you narrow down root causes quickly.
Low Flow or Pressure Drop
If you notice reduced flow after installation, confirm that plumbing and valve sizing match your household demand and that there are no closed bypass valves or partially obstructed supply lines. You should also check for excessive sediment in the media or inlet screens that may restrict flow and resolve these by adding a pre-filter if needed.
Iron Breakthrough or Brown Water
Brown water during service or after regeneration can indicate iron breakthrough or media exhaustion/fouling. You’ll want to run a regeneration cycle, inspect for a salt bridge, and consider media cleaning with an iron-cleaning product; if problems persist, test iron concentration and consult a pro for possible media replacement.
Valve Errors and Control Issues
The Fleck 5600SXT will display error codes or unusual behavior if programming or meter signals are inconsistent. Resetting the controller to its base settings (after noting your custom programming), checking the power supply, and ensuring the meter pickup is clean often resolves these issues, but persistent errors may require vendor support.
Buying Advice and Who Should Choose This
You’ll get the most value from this system if your water test indicates moderate hardness and iron/manganese levels within the product’s ratings. This is especially true if you prefer a compact, space-saving solution and want meter-based efficiency.
Who Should Buy
You should consider this model if you have a single-family home, well water with iron and manganese up to 6 ppm, or moderate hardness that you want to address across the whole house. It’s a strong option if you prefer a single combined unit and want the simplicity of one maintenance routine.
What to Consider Before You Buy
You must test your water first to confirm hardness, iron, manganese, pH, and other contaminants, because those results directly affect media performance and regeneration frequency. You’ll also want to plan for routine maintenance and have an installer check pipe sizing, drain access, and any required local code or backflow protection.
FAQ
This section answers the most common questions you’re likely to have so you can make an informed decision before or after purchase. Each answer is concise and aimed at practical use.
How often will the system regenerate?
Regeneration frequency depends on water hardness, daily consumption, and the 64,000-grain capacity: for example, with 10 gpg hardness and 300 gallons/day use, you’d use roughly 3,000 grains per day and expect regeneration roughly every 21 days. Your Fleck 5600SXT will meter actual usage and adjust, so the real-world schedule could differ from this estimate.
What type of salt should you use?
You should use high-purity softener salt, such as evaporated salt pellets, to minimize insoluble matter and reduce bridging in the brine tank. Avoid using raw or rock salt if possible, as it can introduce impurities that accumulate in the tank.
Can this system handle bacterial contamination?
No, this is not a sterilization or disinfection unit. If you have bacterial contamination in well water, you should address it with appropriate disinfection such as chlorination, UV treatment, or other microbiological treatments before relying on a softener for overall water safety.
How long does the media last?
Media lifespan varies with iron levels, water quality, and maintenance; with typical conditions and proper maintenance, you can expect many years of service. If iron fouling becomes severe, resin may need cleaning or replacement earlier than expected.
Will softened water affect my garden?
Water softened via ion exchange replaces calcium and magnesium ions with sodium (or potassium if you use potassium chloride). For general garden use, diluted softened water is often acceptable, but you should avoid prolonged irrigation with heavily softened water for salt-sensitive plants. Consider a bypass or separate tap for irrigation if this is a concern.
What if my iron is higher than 6 ppm?
If your iron exceeds the rated 6 ppm, you should consult a water treatment professional for pretreatment solutions like oxidation filters, aeration, or specialized media that handle high iron loads. Using the combination unit alone at very high iron concentrations can lead to frequent maintenance and premature media failure.
Troubleshooting Checklist You Can Use
You’ll find it helpful to follow a quick checklist when you encounter common symptoms. These steps often solve issues before a service call is needed.
- Confirm the bypass valve is fully open and installed correctly. You should verify plumbing connections and that no valves restrict flow.
- Check the brine tank for salt bridging and salt mush, then clean if needed. A solid crust can prevent proper brine draw and cause performance issues.
- Run a manual regeneration and observe the cycles for abnormalities. You should note any unusually colored backwash or repeated cycles that indicate problems.
- Test your water to verify current hardness and iron levels. If water chemistry has changed, update the controller settings to match.
Final Verdict
You should view the AFWFilters Iron Pro 2 Combination Water Softener Iron Filter Fleck 5600SXT Digital Metered Valve 64,000 Grain – High Flow for Whole House Use – Removes Hardness, Iron, Manganese, Sediment, Rust as a strong, space-saving option for many single-family homes facing hard water and moderate iron or manganese. If your well water tests within the recommended iron levels and you want a single, meter-controlled system to serve the entire house efficiently, this unit is a practical choice; however, if you have very high iron or specialized contaminants, you should consider additional pretreatment or a separate system configuration.
If you want, I can help you calculate expected regeneration intervals and salt usage for your specific hardness and household usage, or help you prepare a checklist to share with an installer.
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