US
AFWFilters

AFWFilters Fleck 5600 SXT Water Softener 48K Grain

  • Purification Method: Ion Exchange
  • Installation Type: Freestanding
  • Power Source: Corded Electric
  • Material Type: Polyethylene

Last refreshed Sep 11, 2026 · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A capable metered softener for whole-house use, built around a well-known Fleck valve, provided the utility space can fit a 62 in tall tank and a separate 250 lb-capacity brine tank.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. ProductDome earns a commission when you buy through links on this page.

ASIN: B00YFOTWZGModel: Fleck 5600 SXTCategory: Water Softeners

Overview

The WS48-56SXT-10 is a 48,000-grain whole-house water softener built around a Fleck 5600SXT digital metered valve, so it regenerates based on actual water use rather than a fixed timer. It ships as a complete system: mineral tank, brine tank, resin, bypass, and drain fittings.

The resin is a 10 percent crosslink blend, which AFWFilters positions as more chlorine-resistant than standard resin, aimed at extending the media's working life on chlorinated municipal supplies. The mineral tank measures 10 in diameter by 54 in, about 62 in once the valve is installed, alongside a 14 in by 36 in brine tank holding up to 250 lb of salt, so it needs a dedicated utility space with floor clearance and a drain nearby.

  • Fleck 5600SXT digital metered control valve
  • 48,000-grain capacity, 1.5 cu ft crosslink resin
  • Brine tank holds up to 250 lb of salt
  • Bypass and drain fittings included in the box

Who it's for

Homeowners softening a full house on standard 1 in NPT plumbing who want metered, on-demand regeneration instead of a basic timer softener. It fits typical residential layouts rather than tight utility closets, given the tank height.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Metered regeneration triggers on actual use, not a fixed schedule
  • 10 percent crosslink resin aimed at better chlorine resistance
  • Ships complete with bypass and drain fittings included
  • 1 in NPT inlet/outlet suits standard residential plumbing
Cons
  • Tall footprint at 62 in installed height needs real floor clearance
  • Brine tank alone needs a 14 in by 36 in footprint

Performance notes

Because regeneration is metered rather than timed, the system tracks actual water passed through the resin and only regenerates when the 1.5 cu ft of crosslink resin nears exhaustion, which should use less salt and water over time than a clock-based softener on variable household usage.

Specifications

BrandAFWFilters
ModelFleck 5600 SXT
Dimensions & fit
Item Weight130 pounds
Item Dimensions L X W X H10 × 10 × 62 inches
Capacity & performance
Capacity11.2 gallons
Maximum Flow Rate14 gpm
Power & efficiency
Power SourceCorded Electric
Construction & materials
Material TypePolyethylene
Compatibility & installation
Installation TypeFreestanding
Included components
Unit Count1
Number Of Packs1
Included ComponentsComplete system
Warranty & support
Warranty Description5 years
Other details
Purification MethodIon Exchange
Container Type['Structural Mineral Tank', 'Brine Tank']
Number Of Items1
Part Number5600sxt-48k-10
Other Special Features Of The ProductAFWFilters Premium Softener
Item Type NameWater Softener
Item HighlightComplete System: 48K Grain, Metered On-Demand Control, Chlorine-Resistant, Brine Tank & Bypass Included, Whole House Ready

Frequently asked questions

What size household is the WS48-56SXT-10 built for?

It's a 48,000-grain whole-house unit with 1.5 cu ft of resin, sized for whole-house softening rather than a single fixture.

Does the AFWFilters WS48-56SXT-10 include everything needed to install it?

Yes, per the listing it includes the mineral tank, brine tank, Fleck 5600SXT valve, resin, bypass, and drain fittings.

What makes the resin in this unit different from a standard softener resin?

It's a 10 percent crosslink resin, which AFWFilters describes as more resistant to chlorine breakdown than standard softening resin.