DuraWater Fleck 5600SXT
Score: 88/100
Kind Water E-3000
Score: 78/100Rankings
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 Kind E-3000 is a compact, whole-house water filtration system that combines three stages of filtration with salt-free softening technology for municipal water systems. It removes over 155 contaminants while preventing scale buildup through Template Assisted Crystallization, requiring no electricity, salt, or complex maintenance. Best suited for municipal water users with low-to-medium hardness levels seeking contaminant reduction.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
48,000 grainsbest | 75 grains | |
13 GPM | 15 GPMbest | |
1.5 gallonsbest | — | |
4 persons | 6 personsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 62 inches | 29 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 28 inches | 9 inchesbest |
| ↓ lower better | 15 inchesbest | 25 inches |
10 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Build & Durability(2) | ||
Tank Material | Fiberglass | N/A |
Warranty Length (years) | 10 years | Lifetime years |
Power & Compliance(2) | ||
Power Source | Electric | None |
Certifications | None Listed | NSF/ANSI 42, 61, 372 |
Performance & Capacity(5) | ||
Grain Capacity (grains) | 48000 grains | 75 grains |
Service Flow Rate (GPM) | 13 GPM | 15 GPM |
Resin Volume (gallons) | 1.5 gallons | N/A gallons |
Recommended Household Size (persons) | 4 persons | 6 persons |
Operating Pressure (PSI) | Unknown PSI | 25-120 PSI |
System & Control(4) | ||
Regeneration Control Type | Digital Metered | None |
System Type | Single-Tank | Salt-Free Filter |
Salt Requirement | Standard Salt | None |
Display Type | Digital | None |
Physical & Installation(5) | ||
Height (inches) | 62 inches | 29.0 inches |
Width (inches) | 28 inches | 9.0 inches |
Depth (inches) | 15 inches | 25.0 inches |
Installation Type | DIY | Built-in |
Weight (lbs) | 53 lbs | N/A 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.
Professional reviewers acknowledge the E-3000's strong contaminant reduction capabilities and ease of installation for DIY users. However, experts explicitly clarify that the system is not a true water softener because it conditions water rather than removing hardness minerals. While limescale still forms, reviewers note that it is significantly easier to clean and lacks the abrasive quality of untreated hard water deposits.
Consumer sentiment is generally positive, reflected in a 4.5-star rating and active engagement in Q&A sections. Users appreciate the convenience of a system that requires no salt or electricity, along with the ease of installation. Common praise includes noticeable improvements in water taste and feel, while recurring concerns focus on the persistence of limescale and the lack of the slippery sensation associated with traditional softeners.
