The short answer
Replace the head when the body is cracked or the electronics have failed on an old valve; it must match the tank thread, distributor and injector.
Rebuild or replace
- Leaks to drain, hard water: usually a rebuild kit.
- Cracked body, failed board on an old valve: often a new head.
- Changing timer to metered: a new head.
What has to match
- Tank thread (most residential tanks use 2.5-inch 8-thread).
- Distributor tube diameter.
- Injector size for the tank diameter.
- Programming for your resin volume and hardness.
Heads we cover
Fleck 5600 Metered Control Valve, Fleck 5600SXT Metered Control Valve, AFWFilters Fleck 5600 Timer Control Valve. See all control heads.
Products mentioned
Metered control valve · Fleck
Fleck 5600 Metered Control Valve
Metered control valve · Fleck 5600
Metered control valve · Fleck
Fleck 5600SXT Metered Control Valve
Metered control valve · Fleck 5600 SXT
Timer control valve · AFWFilters
AFWFilters Fleck 5600 Timer Control Valve
Timer control valve · Fleck 5600
Questions readers ask
How much does it cost to replace a softener head?
Prices vary by valve; a rebuild kit costs much less if the body is sound.
Can I upgrade my softener to a metered valve?
Yes, with a metered head that fits your tank.