FL24117 - Fleck 5600 Valve Standard Piston Range Grey Cap - Low Waste Water

The FL24117 is the standard range control piston for the Fleck 5600 valve, fitted with the grey cap that identifies it as a low waste (economy) water setting piston. As the part that physically directs water through every stage of the softening and regeneration cycle inside the valve body, it is one of the most common wear items WrekinWater supplies to keep 5600-based water softeners running efficiently and without leaks.

Technical specifications

Symptoms that mean you need this part

• Water trickling or running continuously to drain even outside a regeneration cycle
• The valve stalls or fails to move cleanly through backwash, brine draw and rinse
• Softened water suddenly tastes or tests hard even though salt and resin levels are fine
• The old piston shows visible scoring, pitting or a swollen, sticky seal stack when removed

Why it fails / why it matters

The control piston slides back and forth inside the valve body on every regen, and its rubber seals ride directly over the water ports that route flow to the resin bed, drain and brine line. Years of mineral grit, chlorine exposure and simple friction wear down the seal stack and roughen the piston surface, so it stops sealing each port cleanly - the result is cross-flow, drips to drain, or a valve that hesitates and jams part-way through a cycle.

Why buy this from WrekinWater

WrekinWater has served more than 50,000 customers over 15 years and stocks Pentair Fleck, Autotrol, Clack, Kinetico and other major brands, so the FL24117 you receive is a genuine fit for your 5600 valve rather than a generic substitute. As a family run company based in Bettisfield, Shropshire rated Excellent on Trustpilot, we're on hand if you need help identifying the right piston before you order.

How to fit it

1. Turn off the water supply to the softener and run a manual regeneration to relieve pressure in the valve.
2. Undo the screws or bayonet fitting holding the valve cap in place and lift the cap away.
3. Withdraw the old piston assembly from the valve body bore, noting which way round it sits.
4. Inspect the bore for scale or grit and wipe it clean before fitting the new FL24117.
5. Slide the new grey cap piston into the bore in the same orientation as the original, then refit and secure the valve cap.
6. Restore the water supply and run a manual regeneration cycle to confirm smooth movement and no leaks.