2 Best Water Softeners for Drinking Water, Compared
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Finding the best water softeners for drinking water requires matching system specs to your home’s plumbing layout. We compared 2 models using only the specifications published on their listings. The On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener leads because its compact 10-inch width fits tight RV spaces. This portable design ensures clean water on the road without complex installation. Other options like the AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT offer whole-house capacity for residential use. Use this guide to decide which softener matches your specific water needs.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener Best overall | RV drinking water softening | Check price of On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener on Amazon |
| 2 | AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener Best budget | Whole-house softening with dedicated RO drinking water | Check price of AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You need a portable softener for RV drinking water On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener It is a portable unit designed specifically for RV use.
- You want a whole-house softener with a black finish AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener This model features a black color and Fleck 5600 SXT valve.
- You prioritize zero wastewater for your reverse osmosis system AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener It suits buyers who prioritize zero wastewater with a dedicated system.
Our 2 picks
On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener
Best for: RV drinking water softening
- Use
- Drinking Water (what this guide is about)
- Grain Capacity
- 16,000 Grain
- Tank Dimensions
- 10 in x 24 in
- Installation Type
- Portable/RV
- Dimensions
- 10 × 10 × 24 inches
View on Amazon: On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener Affiliate link
This portable unit is designed for RVs, not home plumbing. It offers 16,000 grains of capacity to soften water for drinking. The compact tank measures 10 by 24 inches, fitting into tight spaces. You should choose this if you need a dedicated softener for mobile living. It is not suitable for apartment or house showers.
Pros
- 16,000 grain capacity for drinking water
- Compact 10 x 24 inch tank
- Portable design for RV use
Cons
- Not for apartment, condo, or house showers
- Will not fit under kitchen sink
- Limited to RV applications
Good fit if
- You need drinking water softening for an RV
- You have limited space for a 10 by 24 inch unit
- You want a portable system for travel
Skip if
- You need a whole-home system
- You want to install it under a kitchen sink
- You live in an apartment or condo
Verdict: On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener is a specialized tool for RVers who need clean drinking water on the road. It does not work for residential plumbing or under-sink installation.
AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener
Best for: Whole-house softening with dedicated RO drinking water
- Use
- Drinking Water (what this guide is about)
- Grain Capacity
- 48,000 grains
- Household Size
- 2-5 people
- Control Valve Type
- digital metered (Fleck 5600 SXT)
- Resin Type
- 8% resin
- Tank Dimensions
- 10 in x 54 in
View on Amazon: AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener Affiliate link
This black water softener uses a Fleck 5600SXT digital meter valve and 48,000-grain resin capacity. It includes an upflow carbon filter that requires no electricity or drain line. The package also adds a 50 GPD reverse osmosis system with a 3.2-gallon tank. It measures 54 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. You get whole-house softening plus dedicated drinking water filtration in one unit.
Pros
- 48,000 grain softening capacity with 8% resin
- Upflow carbon filtration needs no electricity or drain
- Includes 50 GPD reverse osmosis drinking water system
- Fleck 5600SXT digital control valve
Cons
- Large 54-inch height requires significant vertical space
- Heavy 120-pound build needs a sturdy floor
- No app or remote control for scheduling
Good fit if
- You need dedicated drinking water filtration alongside softening
- You want a system that produces no wastewater
- You have space for a 54-inch tall unit
Skip if
- You need a portable or compact under-sink unit
- You want remote control or smartphone connectivity
- You have limited vertical clearance for tall tanks
Verdict: AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener fits homes needing whole-house softening plus a dedicated 50 GPD reverse osmosis system for drinking water. It suits buyers who prioritize zero wastewater and can accommodate a heavy, tall unit.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener | AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener |
|---|---|---|
| Grain Capacity | 16,000 Grain | 48,000 grains |
| Household Size | not stated | 2-5 people |
| Control Valve Type | not stated | digital metered (Fleck 5600 SXT) |
| Resin Type | not stated | 8% resin |
| Tank Dimensions | 10 in x 24 in | 10 in x 54 in |
| Installation Type | Portable/RV | Whole house |
| Design | Portable | not stated |
| Use | Drinking Water | Drinking Water |
| Color | not stated | Black |
| Valve Type | not stated | Fleck 5600 SXT |
| Dimensions | 10 × 10 × 24 inches | 10 × 10 × 54 inches |
| Weight | not stated | 120 pounds |
| Model | not stated | 5600sxt |
Key Specs for Choosing Softeners
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Check physical dimensions first
Measure your installation space before buying. The On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener measures 10 by 24 inches, making it suitable for tight RV compartments. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener stands 54 inches tall. This height requires a dedicated area with sufficient vertical clearance. Ensure your chosen location can accommodate the unit’s width and length without obstructing access. Verify that your plumbing layout allows for the specific footprint of your selected model.
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Match design to your use
Select a design that fits your living situation. The On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener is built for portable use in RVs. It is not designed for residential plumbing or under-sink installation. If you need a permanent solution for a home, look for a whole-house system. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener fits homes needing whole-house softening. Ensure the design type aligns with your specific water needs and installation constraints.
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Consider weight for placement
Heavier units require sturdy flooring and careful handling. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener weighs 120 pounds. This weight necessitates a solid, level surface to support the unit safely. Portable models like the On The Go 16,000 Grain Softener are lighter and easier to move. Check the weight specification to determine if you need additional support structures. Ensure your installation site can bear the load of the softener when filled with water and resin.
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Verify valve type compatibility
The control valve determines how the system operates. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener uses a Fleck 5600 SXT valve. This specific valve type affects regeneration cycles and water usage. Ensure your plumbing can interface with this valve type. Portable units may have different control mechanisms suited for mobile use. Check the valve specifications to ensure compatibility with your existing setup. The right valve type ensures efficient operation and proper water softening for your drinking water needs.
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Plan for dedicated RO use
Some softeners are paired with reverse osmosis systems for drinking water. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener suits buyers who prioritize zero wastewater. It works with a dedicated 50 GPD reverse osmosis system. Ensure your softener can handle the flow rate required by your RO unit. Portable units like the On The Go 16,000 Grain Softener are for RVs and do not support this setup. Match the softener capacity to your RO system’s demands for clean drinking water.
Frequently asked questions
Can I install a water softener under my sink for drinking water?
Most listed softeners are not designed for under-sink use. The On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener is built for RV compartments, not residential plumbing. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener is a large, heavy unit intended for whole-house installation. You need a dedicated reverse osmosis system for under-sink drinking water purification.
What is the smallest water softener for RV drinking water?
The On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener is the most compact option. It measures 10 inches wide and 24 inches tall. This small footprint allows it to fit into tight RV spaces. It is specifically designed to provide soft water for drinking and cooking while you are on the road.
Do I need a whole-house softener for drinking water?
You do not strictly need one, but it protects your plumbing. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener treats water for the entire home. It works well if you pair it with a dedicated reverse osmosis system for your drinking water needs. This setup ensures your pipes are protected and your tap water is pure.
How heavy is a residential water softener?
Residential units are quite heavy. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener weighs 120 pounds. You must ensure your installation floor can support this weight. Portable units like the On The Go model are lighter and easier to move, but they are not suitable for permanent home plumbing.
What valve type is best for a home softener?
The Fleck 5600 SXT is a common and reliable choice. The AFWFilters model uses this specific valve type for its regeneration cycles. This valve controls the softening process for whole-house systems. It is a standard component in many residential softeners designed to handle high water usage.
Can a portable softener work in a house?
No, portable softeners are not designed for residential plumbing. The On The Go 16,000 Grain Portable Softener is made for RVs. It cannot connect to your home’s pipes. For a house, you need a permanent unit like the AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener, which is built for fixed installation.
What color options are available for water softeners?
Color is a cosmetic choice that does not affect performance. The AFWFilters Fleck 5600SXT Black Softener comes in a black finish. This option is available for buyers who prefer a specific look for their utility space. The On The Go portable unit is designed for utility use in RVs.