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Install

InstallationInstallation costWhere to installBypass valveDrain lineAir gapSoftener loopSeptic systems

Maintain

Maintenance checklistClean the brine tankSanitizeSalt bridgesHow much saltPellets vs crystalsResin cleanerReplace the resinClean the injectorDrain and winterizeVacations

Fix

TroubleshootingIs it working?Not using saltBrine tank full of waterUsing too much saltLeaksResin beads in waterLow water pressureSmellsReset

Settings

SettingsRegeneration cycleHow often to regenerateFleck 5600SXT programmingControl valvesParts

Test

Test hardnessTest kits
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  2. Accessibility

Accessibility

Accessibility on watersoftenerguide.net means anyone, on any device or assistive technology, should be able to find a guide, follow its steps and finish the job.

Our approach

We aim for the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 at level AA. The site is built phone-first, since many readers open a guide while standing next to their softener with one hand free. Accessibility is part of how each page is built, not a check added at the end, and every page uses the same layout so the menu, steps and questions are always in the same place.

What we do

  • Clear structure. One main heading per page, section headings in order, and numbered lists for steps, so screen readers can move through a procedure one step at a time.
  • Described images. Every informative image has alt text saying what it shows; part photos name the part.
  • Keyboard access. Links, buttons and the menu work with a keyboard alone, with a visible focus outline.
  • Readable text. Text and links meet WCAG AA contrast, and pages zoom normally.
  • Plain words. Short sentences, terms like gpg and psi explained on first use, and US units throughout.
  • Tables that stack. On narrow screens, tables turn into labelled cards instead of scrolling sideways.
  • Nothing in the way. No pop-ups, autoplaying media or timed content.

Known limits

Store links open pages on softprowatersystems.com and qualitywatertreatment.com, which have their own designs and accessibility. Some procedures are long; we break them into numbered steps with the key numbers repeated in the text. We fix problems as we find them.

Related: privacy policy, terms of use and ownership disclosure.

More help: see our guide to water softener care.

Water Softener GuideWater Softener Guide

Step-by-step water softener guides: installing, maintaining, fixing, setting up and testing.

Owned by the team behind SoftPro Water Systems and Quality Water Treatment. Ownership disclosure

Install

  • Installation
  • Installation cost
  • Where to install
  • Bypass valve
  • Drain line
  • Air gap
  • Softener loop
  • Septic systems

Maintain

  • Maintenance checklist
  • Clean the brine tank
  • Sanitize
  • Salt bridges
  • How much salt
  • Pellets vs crystals
  • Resin cleaner
  • Replace the resin
  • Clean the injector
  • Drain and winterize
  • Vacations

Fix

  • Troubleshooting
  • Is it working?
  • Not using salt
  • Brine tank full of water
  • Using too much salt
  • Leaks
  • Resin beads in water
  • Low water pressure
  • Smells
  • Reset

Settings and testing

  • Settings
  • Regeneration cycle
  • How often to regenerate
  • Fleck 5600SXT programming
  • Control valves
  • Parts
  • Test hardness
  • Test kits

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