Premium Fleck 5600 SXT Meter Demand Water Softener - 48,000 Grain Capacity with 10% Long Life Crosslink Resin

Had a great deal on Amazon for this system and purchased. I have read the reviews and decided even though it was easy to self install that I would use a plumber. I was charged $400 for the install but they did a fantastic job and installed extra shutoff values while they were at it. Well worth the money as they had all the tools and the knowledge to handle any issues that came up. When the product arrived, I placed the two boxes downstairs where the softener would be placed, but did not check the contents. The plumbers informed me that a 3/8" hose that runs into the brine tank was missing and I would need to complete the job. I called ABC Waters and spoke with Joe, who had the hose shipped to me in 3 days. Thanks Joe! I was so glad that the plumbers installed the device. I have hot water heat in the front half of my house (8 rooms). The plumbers advised placing the softener after the split for the water going to heating system due to salt content of water. They also advised that I would need to connect my outside faucets before the softener or I would be watering my garden and plants with salt water. I had never thought about these issues when making the purchase. They really saved the day and confirmed my belief that hiring this job out was the right way to go. Our water tested at a hardest level of 10+. We use a Zero Water filter pitcher for our coffee. Before the install the tester that comes with the Zero Water showed that our water had 238 PPM, after the install, that number went down to 159 PPM before filtering. I was amazed at that. Our softener install was completed on Jan 26. Since then, I have noticed that the shower stays much cleaner. The water feels much nicer, soap really lathers up quickly, so we use less. Our clothes seem to be cleaned from the laundry. As I write this, it has been bitter cold here in the East. During the winter, my skin gets very dry and I will have cracks at my finger tips, even with putting lotion on. Since the softener has been installed, my skin is much softer and does not seem to have as much dryness. Other than using bottled water for the inside plants, I really love having the softener. I would whole heartily recommend this softener to anyone considering installing one. When I checked local stores and plumbing supply stores in my area, the softeners were all in the $1,000 range without installation. I saved a lot by buying this item on Amazon and having the plumber install it worry free. Thanks again to ABC Water.

This shipped quickly and was as described. I had no problems connecting everything and really went together uneventfully. The shipment came as two boxes, which arrived on different days. The resin came pre-loaded from ABC Water, they also e-mailed the instructions, setup and programming ahead of time. There are also good videos on programming the Fleck valve -- but it's pretty easy. The instructions were clear and in all it was a straightforward install. I have plumbing experience and had set things up ahead of time -- but I'd never set up a softener before. A couple of minor notes: I had already installed a 3 valve bypass using ball valves, I didn't need the bypass that came with the unit -- It's modular, so you can leave the bypass off if you have a similar situation. The unit comes with 1" Male pipe thread connections - but if you need something else check with the seller to see if they can substitute. ABCWater seems to be accommodating.That piece is modular as well, so they can swap out that part pretty easily. You do have to install these with an air gap - you can't install a softener and just stick the drain hose into the drain. I picked up an air gap that fits into the 1.5-2" drain line along with the washing machine drain at big box hardware. You do need to test your water to set things up properly (or even know if this is the right product for you). If you are on City water and don't have an Iron issue, then buy a reliable test kit (I used the Hach 145300 Total Hardness kit). If you have Iron or any other issues get your water tested by a reputable testing company (not someone selling you a water softener). Update 4 years later: Works great I'm still very happy with this choice.

So, I'm not one to write reviews, but I thought this product was worth the time. Save your money...don't buy from a culligan dealer. Culligan quoted me at $1500 for a new system, and this one was a third of the price. I did plenty of research on soft water systems, and this one seemed like the best bang for the buck, especially with the 10% resin. Now if your house doesn't already have a system installed, you may want to look into having someone put it in. Most people including myself don't want to waste softened water on the yard or don't enjoy the taste of soft water. So you may need to run some separate lines for these places. Installation of this system was easy as can be. The tank comes full of resin, and it's a matter of turning a couple screws to get the system ready for water. Now most houses have 3/4" water lines, which I wish I would of contacted the company to get a 3/4" bypass, mainly because no one in my town had 1" shark bites. But a quick trip to Menards and I was able to purchase 1" threaded to 3/4" shark bite connections. Screwed them to the bypass and was ready for the water connection. In my case I was replacing an old system so shut off the water, cut the two copper lines from the old system, put a 3/4" shark bite on both and ran a short piece of pex to the softner. Snap/snap...done. You don't need to be an experienced plumber to hook this up! And I didn't mention, this unit comes with a zip drive that walks you through step by step on how to put it together. Very nice! I was a little concerned about the programming when purchasing also, but it's all on the zip drive. Walks you right through it. So if you're hesitant on buying this online, I totally get it, I was too, but so far so good. No more white spots on the dishes, evidently everyone's hair is softer (wish I had hair), and you get that soft feeling after a shower. I've only had it hooked up a week and haven't tested the hardness of the water after the install yet as you can tell the softness is getting better and better daily. I'll check it after it goes through a cycle, but I can already tell it's better. So overall, all great so far. 3 day free shipping, step by step directions, and easy to install. Save your money and purchase this softner!

So easy to install, works fantastic, no complaints and have had it for about 4 or 5 months now.

Package finally arrived, and in good condition. Installation was easy and set up was also quite simple. Have been using it for about a week now and it still has a slow leak on the inlet side of the bypass valve. I thought it might seal itself up but it's still leaking. I have to keep a pail underneath it. A little bit disappointed with the leak. Also didn't come with any silicone sealant so I had to go get some but not a huge deal, just wish the bypass didn't leak.