Fleck 5600 SXT Manual: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome! This guide provides homeowners with detailed instructions for care, maintenance, and understanding of the Fleck 5600 SXT water softener system․ It supplements the printed Fleck service manual included with your new system․
The Fleck 5600 SXT is a widely used and reliable water softener control valve, known for its user-friendly interface and efficient performance․ This electronic control head automates the water softening process, managing regeneration cycles based on water usage․ It replaces older, less efficient models, providing improved water quality and reduced salt consumption․
This section introduces you to the key features and benefits of the Fleck 5600 SXT․ Understanding its basic operation is crucial for proper installation, programming, and maintenance․ We will cover the essential components and how they contribute to the overall softening process․ The 5600 SXT offers various programmable settings, allowing customization to suit your specific water conditions and usage patterns․
Whether you’re a new owner or seeking to deepen your understanding, this introduction will lay the foundation for effectively utilizing your Fleck 5600 SXT water softener․
Understanding the Fleck 5600 SXT Service Manual
The Fleck 5600 SXT service manual is an invaluable resource for anyone installing, maintaining, or troubleshooting their water softener system․ This comprehensive manual provides detailed technical information, parts diagrams, and step-by-step instructions․
It’s important to note that the Fleck service manual may cover various systems beyond just water softeners, including filters․ Therefore, some information might not be directly applicable to your specific Fleck 5600 SXT unit․ Familiarize yourself with the manual’s organization and identify the sections relevant to your model․
The service manual includes exploded views of the valve assembly, aiding in parts identification and repair․ It also contains troubleshooting guides to diagnose common issues and provides detailed procedures for valve disassembly and reassembly․ While this guide offers simplified instructions, the Fleck service manual remains the definitive source for technical specifications and repair procedures․
Installation Instructions
Proper installation ensures optimal performance․ These instructions provide guidance for plumbing, electrical connections, and critical pre-installation checks․ Always consult the Fleck service manual and local plumbing codes for detailed requirements during installation․
Pre-Installation Checklist
Before commencing the plumbing and electrical connections, a thorough pre-installation checklist is vital․ First, verify that you have all necessary components, referencing the Fleck 5600SXT parts diagram․ Ensure the control valve is compatible with your system․ Check water pressure; a minimum of 20 psi (1․4 bar) is required․
Inspect for any shipping damage to the valve or tank․ Confirm you have adequate space for installation, including room for maintenance and salt replenishment․ Gather essential tools: pipe cutters, wrenches, Teflon tape, and electrical connectors․ Ensure the water supply is turned off before you begin․
Plan your drain line route, ensuring it meets local plumbing codes․ Have silicone lubricant ready for o-rings․ Finally, review the Fleck service manual and these instructions carefully․ Addressing these points beforehand will streamline installation and prevent potential issues․
Plumbing Connections for Fleck 5600SXT
Proper plumbing connections are crucial for the Fleck 5600SXT’s efficient operation․ Begin by ensuring all pipes are thoroughly cleaned and free of debris․ Apply Teflon tape to all threaded connections to prevent leaks; Connect the inlet and outlet pipes to the valve, ensuring correct flow direction as indicated on the valve body․
Be cautious not to overtighten fittings, which could damage the valve․ Support the plumbing to prevent strain on the valve connections․ Install the drain line, ensuring it has a proper air gap to prevent back-siphonage․ The drain line should run directly to a suitable drain, complying with local codes․
If soldering pipes, allow them to cool completely before attaching the plastic valve․ Secure all connections and check for leaks before proceeding․ Once connected, slowly turn on the water supply to check for any leaks․ Rectify any leaks immediately․
Electrical Requirements and Connections
The Fleck 5600SXT requires a standard electrical connection․ Ensure the voltage matches the control valve’s specifications, typically 120V AC․ Use a properly grounded outlet to prevent electrical hazards․ The control valve comes with a power cord; plug it directly into the outlet․ Avoid using extension cords, as they can cause voltage drops․
If an extension cord is absolutely necessary, use a heavy-duty cord with sufficient amperage capacity․ Protect the electrical connection from moisture and water exposure․ Never operate the system if the electrical components are wet or damaged․ In case of electrical issues, disconnect the power supply immediately․
It’s highly recommended to use a surge protector to safeguard the control valve from power surges․ Ensure the power cord is not pinched or damaged․ Follow all local electrical codes and regulations during installation․ If unsure, consult with a qualified electrician for assistance․
Start-Up Procedures
After installation, the Fleck 5600 SXT requires specific start-up steps․ These include flushing the system, setting time and date, and correctly programming the regeneration cycles to ensure optimal water softening performance․
Flushing and Conditioning the System
The initial flushing and conditioning process is crucial for optimal performance and longevity of your Fleck 5600 SXT water softener․ Begin by ensuring all plumbing connections are secure․ Position the valve to the rapid rinse position․ This step removes any debris or manufacturing residue from the resin bed and internal components․
Check the drain line flow, continuing the rinse for approximately five minutes, or until the water runs clear․ This ensures that the resin bed is clean and ready for operation․ Next, initiate a manual regeneration cycle to fully saturate the resin with sodium ions․ Allow the softener to complete the brine/rinse cycle․
Let the manual regeneration continue until the brine tank is refilled with the correct amount of water․ This process properly conditions the resin, maximizing its softening capacity and ensuring efficient removal of hardness minerals from your water supply․
Setting the Time and Date
Accurately setting the time and date on your Fleck 5600 SXT control valve is essential for proper regeneration scheduling․ To begin, simultaneously press the “Up” and “Down” buttons․ This will enter the programming mode․ The display will initially show the current time setting, likely flashing the hour digits․ Use the “Up” and “Down” buttons to adjust the hour to the correct value․
Once the hour is set, press the “Extra Cycle” button to advance to the minute setting․ Again, use the “Up” and “Down” buttons to adjust the minutes․ After setting the minutes, press the “Extra Cycle” button once more to advance to the year setting․ Use the “Up” and “Down” buttons to set the correct year․ Press the “Extra Cycle” button to advance to the month, and repeat the process․
Finally, set the day․ Once the day is set, the time and date are programmed․ The valve will return to normal operation mode after a few seconds of inactivity․
Programming Regeneration Cycles
Programming regeneration cycles on your Fleck 5600 SXT is crucial for maintaining soft water․ Enter programming mode by pressing and holding both “Up” and “Down” buttons simultaneously․ The display will show the current settings․ Use the “Extra Cycle” button to navigate to the regeneration settings․ The display might show terms like “Capacity,” “Hardness,” or “Regen Day․”
First, set the water hardness․ This is usually expressed in grains per gallon (gpg)․ Consult your water test results for this value․ Use the “Up” and “Down” buttons to adjust the hardness setting․ Next, set the system capacity․ This depends on the resin volume and salt dosage․ Refer to the Fleck 5600 SXT service manual for capacity charts․ Adjust the capacity using the “Up” and “Down” buttons․
Finally, decide on the regeneration schedule: delayed or immediate․ Delayed regeneration occurs at a set time, while immediate regeneration happens after a specific water volume is used․
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
This section provides guidance on routine care to prolong your system’s life and troubleshooting steps for common issues․ Diagnostic data assists in identifying problems, ensuring smooth water treatment system operation․
Routine Care and Maintenance
Proper routine care is vital for extending the life of your Fleck 5600SXT water softener․ Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and prevents potential issues before they escalate․ Here’s a breakdown of essential tasks:
Salt Level Monitoring: Consistently check the salt level in the brine tank․ Keep it at least one-third full at all times․ Use high-quality salt designed for water softeners, avoiding rock salt which contains impurities․
Brine Tank Cleaning: Periodically clean the brine tank to remove salt buildup and sediment․ This prevents clogging and ensures efficient brine solution production․ Refer to your Fleck service manual for detailed cleaning instructions․
Injector and Drain Line Inspection: Inspect the injector and drain line regularly for any signs of blockage or damage․ Clear any obstructions promptly to maintain proper regeneration cycles․
Valve Inspection: Check the Fleck 5600SXT valve for leaks or unusual noises․ Address any issues immediately to prevent further damage․ Consult a qualified technician if needed․
Annual Professional Check-up: Schedule an annual check-up with a qualified water treatment professional․ They can assess the system’s overall condition and perform necessary maintenance․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with proper maintenance, you might encounter occasional issues with your Fleck 5600SXT water softener․ Here’s a guide to troubleshooting some common problems:
Hard Water: If you notice hard water despite regeneration cycles, check the salt level in the brine tank․ Ensure the softener is regenerating correctly by verifying the programming settings․ Inspect the injector for clogs․
Excessive Salt Usage: High salt consumption could indicate a leak in the system or an incorrect regeneration frequency․ Inspect all connections for leaks and adjust the regeneration settings based on your water hardness and usage․
No Water Softening: If the softener isn’t softening water at all, check the bypass valve to ensure it’s in the service position․ Verify the power supply to the control valve and check for any error codes displayed on the screen․
Water in Brine Tank: Excessive water in the brine tank might indicate a problem with the drain line or the fill cycle․ Inspect the drain line for blockages and check the fill cycle settings․
If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, consult a qualified technician․
Parts Diagram and Identification
Understanding the components of your Fleck 5600SXT system is crucial for maintenance and repairs․ The following section provides a visual parts diagram and a detailed identification of key components․
Control Valve Assembly: This includes the main valve body, the SXT controller, and various internal parts like pistons and seals․ The SXT controller manages the regeneration cycles based on programmed settings․
Bypass Valve: This valve allows you to isolate the softener for maintenance or repairs without interrupting the water supply to your home․ Ensure it is in the correct position for normal operation․
Brine Tank: The brine tank holds the salt solution used for regeneration․ It includes components like the brine well, air check valve, and brine float assembly․
Resin Tank: This tank contains the resin beads that remove hardness minerals from the water․ It also includes distributors and gravel underbedding․
Drain Line: The drain line carries wastewater from the softener during regeneration․ Ensure it is properly connected and free from obstructions․
Refer to the detailed parts diagram in your Fleck service manual for a complete visual reference and part numbers for ordering replacements․