DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100
EcoPure EP31
Score: 75/100Rankings
The DuraWater Fleck 5600 SXT is a whole-house water softener featuring a 48,000-grain capacity resin tank and the industry-standard Fleck 5600 control valve. It utilizes meter-based regeneration to adjust cleaning cycles based on actual water usage, offering improved efficiency over traditional time-based systems. It is best suited for whole-house applications requiring comprehensive hard water treatment with a focus on reliability and efficiency.
The EcoPure EP31 is a demand-initiated regeneration water softener designed for households of 1-4+ people, utilizing predictive technology to minimize salt and water consumption. It is NSF-certified against Standard 44 for hardness reduction and efficiency, and compatible with both municipal and private well water systems. However, its limited iron capacity and specific salt requirements may be drawbacks for some users.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
48,000 grainsbest | 31,000 grains | |
13 GPMbest | — | |
1.5 gallonsbest | — | |
4 personsbest | 4 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 62 inches | 48 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 28 inches | 15 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15 inchesbest | 20.5 inches |
10 yearsbest | 10 yearsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(1) | ||
Tank Material | Fiberglass | |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Electric | Electric (24V DC) |
Certifications | None Listed | NSF/ANSI 44, 372, CSA |
Performance & Capacity(4) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 48000 grains | 31000 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 13 GPM | GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | 1.5 gallons | gallons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | Unknown PSI | 125 PSI |
System & Control(4) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Digital Metered | Demand-initiated |
System Type | Single-Tank | Single Tank |
Salt Requirement | Standard Salt | Low |
Display Type | Digital | LCD |
Physical & Installation(4) | ||
Height (inches) | 62 inches | 48 inches |
Width (inches) | 28 inches | 15 inches |
Depth (inches) | 15 inches | 20.5 inches |
Weight (lbs) | 53 lbs | 82 lbs |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and industry guides widely recognize the Fleck 5600 SXT as a standard in the water softener industry. Experts highlight the valve's market dominance, attributed to its rigid Noryl construction, low power consumption, and efficient meter-based regeneration. The system's engineering simplicity, featuring only one internal moving part in the water stream, is cited as a key advantage for reliability. Documentation and service manuals are noted as comprehensive, supporting straightforward installation and maintenance.
Consumer feedback indicates strong satisfaction with the Fleck 5600 platform, driven by its reputation as the most popular control valve globally. Users commonly praise the system's ability to protect plumbing and appliances from hard water scale. The meter-based regeneration feature is frequently appreciated by cost-conscious consumers for its efficiency in reducing salt and water consumption compared to older time-clock systems.
