How to Reset a Water Softener: All Brands (2026)

Quick Answer

To reset a water softener: (1) Press and hold the "Regen" or "Reset" button for 5-10 seconds until display flashes, (2) Set current time using arrow buttons, (3) Set water hardness in GPG (check local report or test), (4) Set regeneration time (2 AM recommended), (5) Press "Enter" or "Done" to save. For Fleck 5600SXT: press clock icon, set time, set hardness, exit. For electronic models: unplug for 30 seconds to factory reset.

📅 Last Updated: July 16, 2026

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Published January 2026 | Written by Filter Tested Editorial Team | Last updated: July 11, 2026 | Read our methodology

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Step-by-step reset instructions for Fleck 5600SXT, Whirlpool, GE, Morton, and Culligan. Includes programming parameters, troubleshooting, and post-reset verification tests.

Table of Contents

  1. When and Why to Reset Your Water Softener
  2. Generic Reset Steps (All Brands)
  3. Fleck 5600SXT Reset Procedure
  4. Whirlpool Reset Procedure
  5. GE Reset Procedure
  6. Morton Reset Procedure
  7. Culligan Reset Procedure
  8. Programming Parameters Explained
  9. Post-Reset Verification
  10. Troubleshooting: Still Not Soft?
  11. Frequently Asked Questions
  12. Recommended Products

When and Why to Reset Your Water Softener

A water softener is essentially a computer-controlled ion exchange system. Its control head tracks water usage, calculates remaining capacity, and triggers regeneration cycles based on your programmed settings. When these settings are lost or corrupted, the system can't function correctly. You need to reset your softener after:

Generic Reset Steps (All Brands)

Before brand-specific instructions, follow these universal preparation steps. Skipping them increases the chance of incorrect reconfiguration.

Step 1: Locate your owner's manual. If you don't have the physical copy, search "[brand] [model] owner's manual PDF" online. Every manufacturer publishes free PDF manuals.

Step 2: Document current settings before changing anything. Write down the current time, water hardness (gpg), regeneration time, capacity, and salt dose. Even if these settings are wrong, having a record prevents total data loss.

Step 3: Check the display for error codes. Common codes include:

Step 4: Verify salt level. Before any reset, ensure the brine tank has at least 1/4 tank of salt (pellets or crystals) and that water is visible at the bottom of the tank. No salt means no regeneration regardless of programming.

Step 5: Put the system in bypass mode. Turn the bypass valve to "bypass" so your home has water during the reset process. The bypass valve is typically a twin-knob or push-pull assembly on the back of the control head.

Fleck 5600SXT Reset Procedure

The Fleck 5600SXT is the most common residential water softener control valve, found on systems by AFWFilters, Pentair, ABCwaters, and dozens of private-label brands. Its digital metered head provides the most control but requires the most detailed programming.

Factory Reset Steps:

  1. Press and hold the Extra Cycle and Up arrow buttons simultaneously for 5 seconds.
  2. The display will show "Code" and "01" - this is the master programming menu.
  3. Press the Up arrow until the display shows "Code 05" (factory reset option).
  4. Press Extra Cycle to select. The display will flash "rES" and then return to the time-of-day screen showing "12:00 PM" blinking.
  5. The softener is now factory reset. All parameters are cleared.

Reprogramming the Fleck 5600SXT:

  1. Set time of day: Press Up or Down to adjust the hour, then press Extra Cycle to move to minutes. Press Extra Cycle again to save.
  2. Enter programming mode: Press and hold Up and Down for 5 seconds until "Code 01" appears.
  3. Code 01 - Regeneration Type: Set to "Fd" (metered delayed) for efficiency. Press Extra Cycle to advance.
  4. Code 02 - Regeneration Day Override: Set to "7" (regenerate every 7 days at minimum). Press Extra Cycle.
  5. Code 03 - Water Hardness (gpg): Enter your water hardness in grains per gallon. If your report shows ppm or mg/L, divide by 17.1 to convert to gpg. Example: 171 ppm / 17.1 = 10 gpg. If you have iron, add 3 gpg per 1 ppm of iron. Example: 10 gpg hardness 2 ppm iron (add 6) = 16 gpg programmed value.
  6. Code 04 - Regeneration Time: Set to 2:00 AM (standard recommendation). This is when the system performs its 90-120 minute regeneration cycle.
  7. Code 05 - Capacity (grains): Enter the total grain capacity of your resin tank. Common values: 24,000 grains (0.75 cu ft resin), 32,000 grains (1.0 cu ft), 48,000 grains (1.5 cu ft), 64,000 grains (2.0 cu ft). Check your system manual or the sticker on the tank.
  8. Code 06 - Salt Dose (lbs): Enter the pounds of salt per regeneration. For efficiency, use 6 lbs per cubic foot of resin. A 1.0 cu ft system (32,000 grains) uses 8 lbs of salt per regeneration.
  9. Code 07 - Backwash (minutes): Set to 10 minutes standard. Increase to 12 minutes if your water has high sediment or iron.
  10. Code 08 - Brine Draw (minutes): Set to 60 minutes. This allows sufficient time for the salt solution to exchange with the resin.
  11. Code 09 - Rapid Rinse (minutes): Set to 10 minutes.
  12. Code 10 - Brine Fill (minutes): Set based on your salt dose. The brine fill rate is approximately 0.5 gallons per minute, and it takes 3 lbs of salt per gallon of water. For 8 lbs: 8 / 3 / 0.5 = 5.3 minutes. Round to 5 or 6 minutes.
  13. Press Extra Cycle to exit programming. The display returns to normal operation.

Whirlpool Reset Procedure

Whirlpool softeners (models WHES30, WHES33, WHES40, WHES44, WHES48, and newer WiFi-enabled models) use a simplified interface designed for homeowner programming without a manual.

Basic Reset (Most Models):

  1. Unplug the softener from the electrical outlet.
  2. Wait exactly 30 seconds. This allows the internal capacitor to fully discharge.
  3. Plug the softener back in.
  4. The display will show "12:00" blinking. Use the Up and Down arrows to set the correct time of day.
  5. Press the Recharge button once to save the time.

Full Factory Reset:

  1. Press and hold the Recharge button for 3 seconds until "Recharge Now" or "Recharge Tonight" appears.
  2. Press and hold the Up arrow for 5 seconds until the display shows "Hardness."
  3. Use Up and Down arrows to enter your water hardness in grains per gallon (gpg). Include iron compensation: add 3 gpg per 1 ppm of iron.
  4. Press Recharge to save the hardness setting.
  5. The display advances to "Recharge Time." Set to 2:00 AM using the arrows. Press Recharge to save.
  6. For models with a "Days Between Recharge" setting, set to "Auto" for metered operation, or "7" for time-clock operation.
  7. Press Recharge to exit programming mode.

WiFi Models (WHESFW, WHEWSC):

After the physical reset, open the Whirlpool app and remove/re-add the device. The softener must be reconnected to your home WiFi network after any factory reset.

GE Reset Procedure

GE softeners ( GXSH40V, GXSH45V, GXSF30V, GXSF18V, and SmartWater series) use a menu-driven programming system accessed through the Select button.

Factory Reset:

  1. Press and hold the Select button for 3 seconds until the settings menu appears.
  2. Use the Select button to scroll through menu options until you reach "Reset to Factory Defaults."
  3. Press the Down arrow to select "Yes."
  4. The display will flash "Reset" and then show "12:00 PM" blinking.
  5. The softener is now at factory defaults.

Reprogramming the GE Softener:

  1. Set time: With the time blinking, use Up and Down arrows to set the correct time. Press Select to save.
  2. Enter hardness: Press Select to enter the main menu. Scroll to "Hardness." Enter your water hardness in gpg (divide ppm by 17.1). Add 3 gpg per 1 ppm of iron. Press Select to save.
  3. Set regeneration time: Scroll to "Recharge Time." Set to 2:00 AM. Press Select to save.
  4. Set salt type: Scroll to "Salt Type." Choose "NaCl" (sodium chloride) for standard operation or "KCl" (potassium chloride) if you're on a sodium-restricted diet. Note: KCl is 20% less efficient - increase salt dose by 20%.
  5. Set capacity (on select models): Scroll to "Capacity." Enter your system's grain rating: 30,000, 40,000, or 45,000 grains. Check the sticker on the resin tank if unsure.
  6. Press Select repeatedly until the display returns to the home screen.

Morton Reset Procedure

Morton softeners (M20, M27, M30, M34, MC30, and System Saver series) are sold primarily through big-box retailers and use straightforward programming.

Factory Reset:

  1. Unplug the softener from the wall outlet.
  2. Open the battery compartment on the front of the control head (if present) and remove the battery backup.
  3. Wait 1 full minute. This is longer than other brands because Morton systems retain memory longer.
  4. Reinsert the battery backup.
  5. Plug the softener back into the outlet.
  6. The display will flash "12:00" and show all segments briefly, indicating a complete reset.

Reprogramming the Morton System:

  1. Set time: Press the Set button. The hour flashes. Use + and - to adjust. Press Set to move to minutes. Adjust and press Set to save.
  2. Set hardness: Press and hold Set for 3 seconds. The hardness value flashes. Enter your gpg value (ppm / 17.1, plus iron compensation). Press Set to save.
  3. Set regeneration time: Press Set again after hardness. The recharge time flashes. Set to 2:00 AM. Press Set to save.
  4. Set salt efficiency mode (optional): On M30 and newer models, press Set to access "Efficiency" mode. "On" uses less salt but regenerates more frequently. "Off" uses standard salt dosing. We recommend "On" for most households.
  5. Press Set to return to the home display.

Culligan Reset Procedure

Culligan takes a different approach from other manufacturers. The High-Efficiency (HE) series control valves use proprietary software and require a dealer reset code for factory resets. This is intentional - Culligan wants dealer involvement for warranty support and service calls.

Options for Culligan Softeners:

  1. Call your Culligan dealer: Provide your model number and serial number. They can generate a reset code over the phone or schedule a service visit ($75-$150 typical service call).
  2. Check your original paperwork: Some dealers write the master reset code on the installation invoice.
  3. Basic settings adjustment (no reset needed): Press the Status/Enter button to access the menu. Scroll to "Hardness," "Recharge Time," and "Salt Level" using the directional arrows. Adjust these without a full factory reset.
  4. Power cycle: Unplug for 60 seconds and plug back in. This clears temporary errors without erasing programmed settings. If the display shows "No Power" after restoration, the battery backup needs replacement.

Note: Attempting to force a factory reset without dealer codes on HE-series models can lock the control head, requiring replacement ($200-$400 part). For older Culligan Gold Series or Medalist models, hold Regen and Enter for 10 seconds to access the service menu.

Programming Parameters Explained

ParameterWhat It ControlsTypical ValuesHow to Determine
Water Hardness (gpg)How often the system regenerates5-50 gpgWater test: ppm / 17.1. Add 3 gpg per 1 ppm iron.
Regeneration TimeWhen regeneration starts2:00 AM (standard)Choose when water usage is lowest. Avoid 12-5 AM if you have night-shift household members.
Grain CapacityTotal softening ability of resin bed24K, 32K, 48K, 64KTank size sticker or manual. 1 cu ft = 32,000 grains nominal.
Salt Dose (lbs)How much salt per regeneration6-15 lbs6 lbs per cu ft for efficiency. 15 lbs per cu ft for maximum capacity.
Backwash DurationHow long water flows upward to clean resin8-12 minutes10 min standard. 12 min for high-sediment water.
Brine Draw DurationHow long salt solution contacts resin45-70 minutes60 min standard. Longer for larger tanks.
Rapid Rinse DurationFinal rinse to remove excess salt8-12 minutes10 min standard.
Brine Fill DurationHow long water enters brine tank to make salt solution4-12 minutesBased on salt dose: lbs / 3 / 0.5 GPM fill rate.

Post-Reset Verification

After resetting and reprogramming, verify the system is working correctly:

  1. Initiate a manual regeneration: Press the Recharge/Regen button and select "Recharge Now." The cycle takes 90-120 minutes. Stay awake to confirm it completes - if it stops mid-cycle, check for error codes.
  2. Listen for proper cycle sequence: Backwash (water flows rapidly to drain for 10 min) - Brine Draw (slow flow, you may hear sucking for 60 min) - Rapid Rinse (fast flow for 10 min) - Brine Fill (slow trickle into brine tank for 5-10 min).
  3. Check the brine tank after regeneration: There should be approximately 2-4 inches of water at the bottom (this is normal - it's the pre-charge for next cycle). The salt level should be visibly reduced.
  4. Test output hardness: Wait 2 hours after regeneration completes, then run cold water from a softened faucet for 2 minutes. Test with a hardness test strip or titration kit. Result should read 0 grains per gallon (or 1 gpg maximum). If above 1 gpg, verify your hardness programming and salt dose.
  5. Check for salt bridging: After the first regeneration, push a broom handle into the brine tank. If it hits solid salt 6 inches down, you have a salt bridge. Break it up and add warm water to dissolve.

Troubleshooting: Still Not Soft?

If your water is still hard after a reset and regeneration, work through this diagnostic checklist:

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I reset my water softener?

You should only reset when there's a specific reason: power outage, incorrect settings, error codes, or after maintenance. A properly functioning softener with a working battery backup can maintain settings for years without intervention. If you find yourself resetting monthly, there's an underlying electrical or battery issue.

Will resetting my softener erase my settings?

Yes. A factory reset returns all parameters to default values. That's why documenting current settings before resetting is critical. Write down time, hardness, capacity, salt dose, and regeneration time. Photograph the display with your phone for a visual record.

How do I know my water hardness in gpg?

Check your municipal water report (divide mg/L or ppm by 17.1), use a hardness test strip ($10 for 50 tests), or use a titration drop kit ($15). For well water, use a certified lab test or a comprehensive home test kit. Remember to add 3 gpg per 1 ppm of iron to your hardness setting.

My softener shows an error code after reset. What do I do?

First, unplug the unit for 60 seconds and plug back in. If the error persists, check the owner's manual for the specific code definition. Common post-reset errors include "Motor Failure" (cam drive not aligned - manually advance the cam), "No Brine Draw" (injector clogged or brine line blocked), and "Clock Error" (time not set - re-enter time of day).

Can I use potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride?

Yes, potassium chloride (KCl) works in any softener but is approximately 20% less efficient. Increase your salt dose programming by 20% when switching to KCl. KCl costs 2-3x more than NaCl but adds potassium instead of sodium to your water, which matters for people on strict sodium-restricted diets. For most healthy adults, the sodium added by softening is negligible (less than 5% of daily intake).

Why is 2:00 AM the recommended regeneration time?

2:00 AM balances two factors: household water demand is typically at its lowest, ensuring minimal disruption, and it's early enough that the cycle completes before morning routines begin (most cycles finish by 4:00 AM). If you have overnight workers or frequent midnight bathroom users, shift to 3:00 AM or 4:00 AM.

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