Introduction

Homeowners increasingly seek reliable solutions for hard water and iron‑laden supplies. This guide explains how to install a AFWFilters Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener together with a backwashing GreensandPlus iron filter, specifically the DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Filter. By following each step, one will achieve softer skin, shinier hair, and crystal‑clear water while protecting plumbing and appliances from mineral buildup.

What You'll Need

• AFWFilters Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener (10% cross‑link resin, 1.5 cu ft tank)
• DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Filter (air‑injection GreensandPlus media)
• 1‑inch NPT pipe and fittings (copper or PEX)
• Bypass valve kit (included with both units)
• Adjustable wrenches, pipe cutter, and Teflon tape
• Water hardness test strips (provided with softener)
• Drain hose, bucket, and safety gloves
• Electric outlet within 3 ft of the control valve

Step 1: Assess Water Quality and Plan Placement

Before any hardware is moved, measure the current hardness and iron concentration using the supplied test strips. Record the grains per gallon (gpg) value; this figure determines the initial programming of the Fleck 5600SXT valve. Choose a location that is level, near the main water line, and provides a convenient drain for the brine tank. The softener’s mineral tank (10" diameter × 54" height) and the iron filter’s 10" × 54" tank both require at least 12 inches of clearance on all sides for maintenance.

Step 2: Gather Tools and Verify Parts

Open each box and confirm that all components are present. The softener arrives in two boxes: the heavy resin tank and the brine tank with fittings. The iron filter includes a 1.5 cu ft catalytic carbon media cartridge and a plastic bypass. Verify that the 1" NPT inlet/outlet connections are included; if your home uses 3/4" plumbing, purchase an adapter (commonly supplied but double‑check). Having a wheeled cart or a second person to maneuver the 250‑lb resin tank simplifies the process.

Step 3: Shut Off Water and Prepare the Site

Turn off the main water supply and open a downstream faucet to relieve pressure. Drain any residual water from the lines into a bucket. Clean the installation area, ensuring the floor is level and the surface can support the combined weight of both tanks (approximately 350 lb). Install a drip pan beneath the brine tank to catch overflow during regeneration cycles.

Step 4: Install the Bypass Valve

The bypass valve allows the system to be isolated for maintenance without disrupting household water. Connect the inlet side of the bypass to the incoming main line using 1" NPT pipe and Teflon tape. Attach the outlet side to the downstream line. Ensure the valve is oriented correctly (flow direction arrow pointing toward the house). This step is identical for both the softener and the iron filter, as each includes a dedicated bypass assembly.

Step 5: Position and Connect the Softener Tank

Slide the mineral tank of the AFWFilters Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener into its final location. The tank’s 10% cross‑link resin provides superior chlorine resistance, extending resin life compared with standard 8% media. Connect the 1" inlet to the bypass outlet using a short length of pipe, then attach the 1" outlet to the line that leads to the house. Secure all joints with a wrench, checking for leaks.

Step 6: Install the Brine Tank and Salt Reservoir

The brine tank (14" × 36") holds up to 250 lb of salt and includes a safety float to prevent overflow. Position it beside the mineral tank, ensuring the drain line can reach a floor drain or utility sink. Connect the brine tank’s 1" NPT line to the softener’s brine inlet port. Fill the tank with high‑purity salt pellets; avoid rock salt, which can leave residues.

Step 7: Install the GreensandPlus Iron Filter

Place the DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT Iron Filter downstream of the softener but before any point‑of‑use fixtures. The air‑injection technology creates microscopic air pockets that oxidize dissolved iron, allowing the catalytic carbon media to capture particles efficiently. Connect the filter’s inlet to the softener’s outlet and its outlet to the house’s main line, using the same 1" NPT fittings. Verify that the built‑in backwash valve is oriented upward to allow gravity‑assisted drainage.

Step 8: Program the Fleck 5600SXT Control Valve

Power the valve with a standard 120 V outlet. The digital interface displays menu options for hardness, grain capacity, and regeneration schedule. Input the measured hardness (e.g., 12 gpg) and select the 48,000‑grain capacity of the softener (the unit’s resin can handle up to 48,000 grains). The on‑demand metered system regenerates based on actual water usage rather than a fixed timer, conserving salt and water. The iron filter shares the same control valve; set its backwash cycle to run after each regeneration for optimal iron removal.

Step 9: Test the System and Flush the Lines

Turn the main water supply back on slowly, watching for leaks at every connection. Allow the system to fill both tanks; the softener’s fast fill may overshoot, so adjust the fill flow rate in the valve menu if necessary. Open a faucet at the farthest point in the house and let water run for several minutes to purge air and residual hardness. Use the provided test strips to verify that hardness has dropped to near‑zero levels. Inspect the iron filter’s effluent for clarity; a noticeable reduction in staining indicates successful oxidation and filtration.

Step 10: Establish a Maintenance Routine

Schedule a monthly check of salt levels in the brine tank, topping up as needed. Replace the catalytic carbon media in the iron filter every 5–7 years, or sooner if iron concentrations rise. Perform a manual regeneration after a heavy water‑use event (e.g., large gatherings) to ensure the resin remains saturated. Record all settings and observations in a maintenance log for future reference.

Tips & Pro Tips

• Use a wheeled cart or enlist a helper when moving the 250‑lb resin tank to prevent injury.
• Apply Teflon tape clockwise on all NPT threads to ensure a watertight seal.
• When the home uses 3/4" plumbing, install a 1" → 3/4" adapter before the softener; this avoids the need for cutting new pipe later.
• Program the control valve with a slightly oversized grain capacity (e.g., 48,000 grains) but set the regeneration size to match actual household demand; this improves efficiency without sacrificing performance.
• Run a short backwash cycle on the iron filter after each softener regeneration to clear accumulated iron particles.
• Keep a spare set of test strips on hand to monitor hardness and iron levels quarterly.

Troubleshooting

• No water after installation: Verify that the bypass valve is in the “service” position and that the control valve power is on.
• Soft water taste is salty: Check the brine tank for over‑salted solution; reduce the brine concentration in the valve settings.
• Iron staining persists: Ensure the air‑injection pump is receiving power and that the backwash valve is not clogged.
• Regeneration runs too frequently: Re‑measure hardness and adjust the “grains per regeneration” setting to a higher value.

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive guide, one can successfully install a Fleck 5600SXT water softener together with a backwashing GreensandPlus iron filter, achieving soft, clear water throughout the home. The combination of 10% cross‑link resin, on‑demand digital metering, and air‑injection iron removal offers long‑term reliability, reduced maintenance costs, and improved appliance lifespan. Homeowners are encouraged to monitor performance regularly and enjoy the benefits of healthier skin, shinier hair, and spotless fixtures.

Products Mentioned in This Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step when installing a Fleck 5600 SXT softener with a GreensandPlus iron filter?

Turn off the main water supply, drain the system, and position both units so the softener inlet is upstream of the iron filter.

Do I need a separate electrical outlet for the Fleck 5600 SXT control valve?

Yes, the valve requires a 120 V outlet within 3 ft, protected by a GFCI circuit.

What type of pipe and fittings are recommended for connecting the softener and iron filter?

Use 1‑inch NPT copper or PEX pipe with appropriate fittings and Teflon tape to ensure leak‑free joints.

How do I set the regeneration schedule on the Fleck 5600 SXT?

Program the desired time of day and frequency using the digital keypad, then confirm the settings before restarting water flow.

Is a bypass valve necessary for both the softener and the iron filter?

Yes, the included bypass kits allow you to isolate each unit for maintenance without shutting off the entire house water supply.