Are you trying to find a single system that handles both softening and carbon filtration for your home water?
Product Overview
You get two complementary technologies in one package with the Combo Package Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener and Backwashing Carbon Filter. You’ll appreciate that the system pairs a metered Fleck 5600SXT softener with a backwashing activated carbon tank so you can treat hardness, tastes, odors, and a variety of chemicals in one footprint.
What this package is meant to solve
You’ll notice softer water, fewer scale deposits, and better-tasting water when the system is sized and operated correctly. It’s aimed primarily at households with city water or well water that does not contain iron, hydrogen sulfide, or bacteria, so you’ll want to confirm those limits before buying.
What’s Included in the Package
You’ll receive a backwashing 1.5 cu ft activated carbon filter and a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered water softener with 1.5 cu ft of 10% resin in this package. The listed softener capacity is up to 48,000 grains, and both tanks are intended to work together to treat a broad set of common water issues.
Components and immediate accessories
You’ll get the carbon tank, resin/softener tank, the Fleck 5600SXT control head, and typical plumbing fittings that come with prepackaged units (check the seller’s specifics). You should also expect a distributor tube in each tank and a drain line adapter; additional plumbing supplies and a bypass valve may need to be purchased separately if not included.
Key Features
You’ll like that the carbon is backwashing, which means the media is cleaned periodically to extend its life and maintain performance. The Fleck 5600SXT is a trusted digital metered head, so regeneration happens based on actual water usage rather than on a fixed timer.
Highlights you’ll notice quickly
You’ll see reduced chlorine taste and odor, lower levels of certain organic contaminants, and softened water that helps appliances and fixtures age more slowly. The metered regeneration ensures you don’t waste salt or water by regenerating unnecessarily.
Technical Specifications
You’ll want a clear snapshot of the specs before committing, so here’s a breakdown of the main details the product description provides and a few practical notes on what to expect.
| Item | Spec (Provided) | Typical Notes / What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Softener Resin | 1.5 cu ft, 10% resin | Suitable for small-to-medium households; standard 10% crosslink resin is common for municipal hardness. |
| Softener Capacity | 48,000 grain (max) | This is the calculated maximum capacity; actual effective capacity depends on water hardness and regeneration settings. |
| Carbon Tank | 1.5 cu ft activated carbon, backwashing | Backwashable carbon extends media life and reduces channeling, improving taste and chemical removal over time. |
| Control Valve | Fleck 5600SXT digital metered | Industry-standard, programmable, user-friendly with metered regeneration based on consumption. |
| Applications | City or well water without iron/H2S/bacteria | Confirm absence or acceptable levels of iron/hydrogen sulfide/bacteria before using. |
| Regeneration | Metered (by usage) | More efficient than time-clock regeneration; avoids unnecessary cycles. |
| Typical Household Flow | Up to ~8–12 GPM (varies) | Actual flow depends on piping and pressure; suitable for most single-family homes but check peak demand needs. |
| Backwash Requirement | Yes, periodic backwash for carbon and resin | Requires a drain with adequate flow and setup to handle periodic backwash volume. |
| Maintenance | Salt addition for softener; periodic carbon monitoring | Carbon doesn’t require salt, but you’ll need to change carbon eventually based on breakthrough and capacity. |
| Limitations | Not for iron/H2S/bacteria treatment | If those contaminants are present, pre-treatment or alternative systems are needed. |
How to interpret these specifications
You’ll want to match the 48,000-grain rating to your household hardness and typical water usage to estimate how often you’ll regenerate. The metered Fleck 5600SXT makes that easier because it bases regeneration on consumption, but you still need to set hardness and capacity parameters during setup.
How the System Works
You’ll get two tanks working in sequence: carbon filtration first for taste and chemical removal, then softening for hardness reduction, or vice versa depending on plumbing layout and vendor instructions. Backwashing cycles periodically clean both media beds to remove trapped particles and prevent channeling.
The carbon filter’s role
You’ll rely on the activated carbon to adsorb chlorine, organic taste and odor compounds, and a range of chemicals that affect water aesthetics and safety. Because it’s backwashing, the carbon filter can handle some particulate loading and recondition itself to prolong life.
The softener’s role
You’ll benefit from ion exchange resin that swaps calcium and magnesium for sodium (or potassium if you choose a potassium salt), preventing scale formation and making soap and detergents work better. The Fleck 5600SXT meters your water use and regenerates when enough water has been used to require recharge.
Installing the System
You’ll want to make a plan before installation because this package requires plumbing, electrical proximity, and an appropriate drain. If you’re not comfortable with plumbing and basic electrical work, hiring a pro will save time and reduce the risk of leaks.
Preparation and site selection
You’ll need a firm, level floor near the main water line entry to the house and close enough to a drain for the backwash flow. Make sure the installation location is protected from freezing temperatures and has adequate room for monitoring salt level and future maintenance.
Plumbing connections and flow direction
You’ll connect the inlet to your water source and route the outlet to your house plumbing, deciding whether to place the carbon filter before the softener or after based on your water chemistry and goals. You’ll want to verify the recommended configuration in the unit’s manual, since carbon upstream of softener often protects resin from chlorine but softening first can affect some carbon performance; choose the flow order that fits your priorities.
Drain, overflow, and electrical requirements
You’ll need a drain capable of handling the combined backwash flow and an electrical outlet for the Fleck 5600SXT head. You’ll also ensure the brine tank overflow is routed safely to a floor drain or other approved termination point to avoid water damage.
Bypass and warranty considerations
You’ll likely install a bypass valve so you can isolate the system for maintenance without shutting off house water. You should also review warranty conditions, as improper installation can sometimes void coverage.
Programming the Fleck 5600SXT Controller
You’ll find the Fleck 5600SXT is programmable and fairly user-friendly for anyone comfortable with basic menus. Proper setup includes entering your water hardness, reserve capacity, and desired time-of-day for regeneration checks.
Basic setup steps you’ll follow
You’ll power up the controller, set the current time, program the hardness number in grains per gallon, and enter the system capacity and reserve settings. The metering function will track volume and initiate regeneration when the preset capacity threshold is reached, which you’ll calibrate based on household needs.
Fine-tuning regeneration and salt usage
You’ll be able to adjust the reserve (how much capacity is kept in reserve between regenerations) and the salt dosage per regen if you want to optimize between water hardness removal and salt consumption. If you reduce salt per regen to save on operating costs, you might reduce softening efficiency, so balance is key.
Performance and Water Quality
You’ll see performance depend heavily on your incoming water chemistry, water usage patterns, and installation quality. When matched correctly, the combo will improve taste, remove chlorine, and significantly reduce hardness.
Expected benefits for city water
You’ll notice reduced chlorine taste and odor and softer water that prolongs appliance life and improves soap performance. Carbon will remove many aesthetic and chemical contaminants that municipal treatment leaves behind.
Expected benefits for compatible well water
You’ll get softened water that prevents scaling and better tasting water if your well lacks iron, hydrogen sulfide, and bacteria. If any of those are present, you’ll need additional iron filters, sulfur removal, or disinfection systems before this package will be fully effective.
Limitations you should be aware of
You’ll need to confirm the absence or acceptable levels of iron, hydrogen sulfide, and bacteria because this package is not designed to reduce those contaminants safely and effectively. If iron or sulfur is present, iron can foul the resin and carbon and hydrogen sulfide can saturate carbon quickly, reducing performance.
Maintenance and Care
You’ll perform a few recurring tasks to keep both tanks performing well: add salt to the brine tank, monitor carbon effectiveness, and check the control valve and drain periodically. With a metered system, maintenance tends to be more usage-based and predictable.
Softener routine maintenance
You’ll need to check salt levels regularly and top off with compatible water softener salt or potassium chloride, keeping the brine tank clean of bridging and sediment. You should also inspect the resin periodically for degradation or fouling if your water has iron or organics.
Carbon filter maintenance
You’ll monitor the carbon for taste/odor breakthrough—if you notice the chlorine return or a return of unpleasant tastes and odors, it’s time to replace the carbon or have the media reconditioned. Because it’s a backwashing carbon, particle clogging is reduced, but the adsorptive capacity still gets used up over time.
Periodic checks you’ll do
You’ll verify the drain line is clear, check the controller for error codes, and make sure the bypass is functioning. It’s also a good idea to test water hardness and basic taste/odor periodically so you can catch issues early.
Seasonal maintenance and winterization
You’ll protect the system from freezing conditions by insulating the area or shutting off and draining the system if temperatures go below safe thresholds. If you expect long absence, like vacation, you’ll follow the manufacturer’s guidance for storage or temporary shutdown.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
You’ll likely encounter a few predictable problems over the life of the system, and many can be solved without a professional. Keep a log of issues and solutions so you can spot patterns (like more frequent regeneration or reduced flow).
If you notice reduced flow
You’ll check for clogged screens, sediment in the carbon, or pre-existing scale in pipes that can restrict flow. Also ensure inlet/outlet valves are fully open and that pressure is within the recommended range.
If soft water performance drops
You’ll confirm salt level in the brine tank and check the programming on the Fleck 5600SXT, including hardness setting and regeneration frequency. You’ll also test for iron or other fouling agents that can reduce resin effectiveness and consider resin cleaning if needed.
If taste and odor return
You’ll suspect carbon breakthrough and either replace the carbon or arrange media recharging. Carbon has finite adsorptive capacity, and once saturated it will no longer remove tastes or certain chemicals.
If you get frequent or failed regenerations
You’ll check for incorrect programming, leaky faucets causing unexpected water use, or a malfunctioning meter/piston in the control valve. Resetting the controller or consulting the Fleck manual often resolves basic errors.
Cost, Savings, and Value
You’ll pay an upfront price for a combined softener and carbon package, but you’ll get savings in space and potentially lower overall costs than buying two separate systems. Over time you’ll save on appliance repairs, cleaner clothes, and lower scale-related energy losses.
Operating costs you’ll face
You’ll pay for salt or potassium chloride, occasional carbon replacement, and the small additional water used during backwash cycles. Because the Fleck 5600SXT meters regeneration, you’ll generally avoid unnecessary water and salt consumption.
Long-term value considerations
You’ll get value from reduced appliance wear, fewer plumbing clogs, and improved laundry and dish results. If your water has contaminants that this package can handle, the convenience of combined treatment often outweighs separate solutions.
Pros and Cons
You’ll benefit from the efficiencies of a combined package as well as the Fleck 5600SXT’s proven control logic, but you’ll also need to acknowledge some limitations.
Pros you’ll appreciate
You’ll benefit from a compact footprint, metered regeneration that saves water and salt, and carbon that improves taste and removes many common chemicals. Backwashing carbon helps maintain media performance longer compared to non-backwashing carbon cartridges.
Cons you should weigh
You’ll need to ensure the water is free of iron/H2S/bacteria, and you’ll have to manage backwash discharge and salt use. The system is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all well water problems; if those additional contaminants exist, you’ll need extra treatment layers.
Who Should Buy This System
You’ll find this combo ideal if you have municipal or compatible well water and want a single solution that handles both hardness and many aesthetic or chemical concerns. This package suits homeowners who want fewer separate tanks and prefer metered regeneration to save on operating costs.
Best-fit scenarios
You’ll get the best results if your primary issues are hardness and chlorine/taste/odor, and your household uses a moderate volume of water. Small families, couples, or single-family homes with moderate demand often find the 48,000-grain rating and 1.5 cu ft tanks appropriate.
Scenarios to avoid
You’ll avoid this package if your water has high iron, hydrogen sulfide, or bacterial contamination; in those cases, you need specialized iron filters, sulfur removal systems, or disinfection methods before using this unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
You’ll probably have some common questions about the Combo Package Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener and Backwashing Carbon Filter; here are practical answers to the usual ones.
How often will the softener regenerate?
You’ll find that regeneration frequency depends on your water hardness and usage. Because the Fleck 5600SXT is metered, it regenerates based on consumption, so higher usage or harder water means more frequent regenerations.
How long does the carbon last?
You’ll see carbon lifespan vary widely depending on contaminant load and usage; it could be months to a few years depending on chlorine levels and organics. Monitor taste and odor; breakthrough is the clearest sign you need to replace or recharge the carbon.
Can I use potassium instead of sodium?
You’ll be able to use potassium chloride instead of sodium salt if you prefer lower-sodium softened water for dietary reasons, though it’s typically more expensive. Programming and regeneration remain the same; only the exchange ion changes.
Will this remove lead or other heavy metals?
You’ll find activated carbon can reduce certain chemicals and improve taste, but it’s not primarily designed to remove all heavy metals reliably. If lead or other metals are a concern, consider targeted filters or laboratory testing and consult treatment options designed for those contaminants.
Do I need a pre-filter?
You’ll benefit from a sediment pre-filter if your water contains visible particulates or sand, since this prolongs the life of both carbon and resin by preventing early fouling. A small sediment filter is often a wise addition to any combined system.
Final Thoughts
You’ll find that the Combo Package Fleck 5600SXT 48,000 Grain Water Softener and Backwashing Carbon Filter provides an efficient, space-saving solution for households whose water issues are primarily hardness and taste/chemical concerns. With a reputable Fleck control, backwashing carbon, and a reasonable capacity, this package gives you convenience, metered efficiency, and reliable results when matched to the right water conditions.
Your next steps
You’ll want to test your water to confirm hardness and check for iron, hydrogen sulfide, and bacteria before you buy. Once you’re confident the water chemistry matches the product’s intended use, you’ll be in a good position to install, program, and enjoy softer, better-tasting water from a single combined system.
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