An unexpected salty taste after recharge needs investigation; it is not automatically the usual sodium added by ion exchange. Confirm the actual model, whether the unit was just installed or serviced, and whether its brine-rinse sequence and drainage completed. Use an alternative drinking supply while suspect water is evaluated rather than tasting it repeatedly.
Establish which rinse should have occurred
GE describes brining followed by a brine rinse that carries hardness minerals and brine to the drain. The Fleck 5600SXT Downflow startup instructions separately verify brine draw, rapid rinse and tank fill. These are model-specific operating sequences, not interchangeable button instructions.
A technician should confirm the actual controller completed the appropriate phases and returned to service. Do not skip through the steps, perform a factory reset or add a chemical to the salt tank to disguise the taste.
For flow that persists after the expected cycle, see continuous softener drainage. If the salt tank's level is unusual, compare it with the expected brine-tank behavior, rather than assuming every amount of visible water is a fault.
Keep first-installation advice within its scope
The GXSF30V troubleshooting table has an entry specifically for salty or brown/yellow water after installation. It points to completion of its sanitization/recharge instructions, inlet conditions and a restricted drain hose. That entry does not prove that a recurring salty-water complaint has the same cause.
A restricted receiving drain or hose can interfere with the prescribed process. If the drain itself rises during recharge, use the regeneration drain-backup guide. If water escapes the tank, use the brine-overflow guide. Do not run another forced cycle into an overflowing drain.
What you can check without dismantling the unit
Record the model and serial number, displayed phase, recent work, and whether the unexpected water is confined to taps supplied by the softener. Photograph exposed hose routing and note any kinks. Leave internal valve, venturi and pressure-sensitive connections to the maker's service procedure.
Use an alternative known-safe supply for drinking and cooking while unexpected water is evaluated. If there is a utility notice or similar change at untreated taps, contact the provider as well; a softener is not a general disinfection system.
After the fault is corrected, have the actual rinse and return-to-service behavior confirmed. A hardness test can assess softening performance, but it does not by itself identify sodium, clear an unusual taste, or verify every drinking-water contaminant.