DIY Install - Fleck 5600SXT...Source from the River, or a internet company or water-specialist

[IJeffG]

I am comfortable connecting/installing whatever Water Softener system I go with. I have city water in Northwest Phoenix...plan to go with something in the 48K grain size. Based on comments here, the Fleck 5600SXT seems like a no-brainer. But I don't see much in the way of pros/cons/comments on the rest of the system. Not sure why that is. Are there vendors of choice? Vendors to avoid?

If I buy any generic 48K system with a Fleck controller am I good to go? Do you all just shop around based on price once the controller is decided?

Also, Some of the internet retailers have a phone-app interface to their controller. Is this controller worth looking at? I assume its generic, and branded for each company...but haven't found the source manufacturer yet.

I was hoping this part of the new-house build would be easy, but I don't want to buy from Amaz*#^ and find out I was stupid

Thanks in advance...

 

[ditttohead]

The valve is a small part of the equation, and the plethora of counterfeit 5600 valves is impressive. I highly recommend avoiding the online companies, they are always in a desperate attempt to be the lowest priced otherwise they lose the sales... This forces these companies to buy the lowest cost/quality components. A simple high quality bottom screen that is critical for long term protection of the system and your house costs about $10-$15, the cheap Chinese garbage screens cost 25 cents... The media inside the tank can last 6 months to 20 years depending on quality... my recommendation, stay far away from the internet companies... Internet connected valves, dont bother. We have them, nobody uses the app after a month. We have thousands in the field, the information is good for me as a supplier, to the homeowner, it is simply ignored shortly after the installation. We see almost no log-ins to the web app after a month. It adds complexity and cost to an item that should be as simple and reliable as a toaster.

 

[Sponsor]

 

[IJeffG]

The valve is a small part of the equation, and the plethora of counterfeit 5600 valves is impressive. I highly recommend avoiding the online companies, they are always in a desperate attempt to be the lowest priced otherwise they lose the sales... This forces these companies to buy the lowest cost/quality components. A simple high quality bottom screen that is critical for long term protection of the system and your house costs about $10-$15, the cheap Chinese garbage screens cost 25 cents... The media inside the tank can last 6 months to 20 years depending on quality... my recommendation, stay far away from the internet companies... Internet connected valves, dont bother. We have them, nobody uses the app after a month. We have thousands in the field, the information is good for me as a supplier, to the homeowner, it is simply ignored shortly after the installation. We see almost no log-ins to the web app after a month. It adds complexity and cost to an item that should be as simple and reliable as a toaster.

So, how does one ensure getting an original Clack or Fleck? Even the local suppliers could source their stuff online, right?

 

[ditttohead]

Most local guys typically do not since they are the one that will be seeing you personally, they do not want a bad rap for selling defective junk.